The Club at Margaritaville Lake Conroe

Ralph Smith

DIRECTOR OF GOLF, PGA

Ralph Smith, PGA, began his career in 2004 with ClubCorp, where he quickly discovered that golf was his passion. A short four years later, he earned his PGA Membership. While employed at Deerwood Country Club as the First Assistant Golf Professional Ralph served as a rule's official for the second stage of PGA Q School. Ralph also holds many certifications in club fitting and repair as well as teaching.

Following his tenure at Deerwood Country Club, Ralph joined the Golf Galaxy team as Director of Instruction for four years before moving to La Torretta Resort & Spa as Director of Golf in April of 2015. Ralph was excited to stay on with the resort as it underwent a multi-million-dollar transformation beginning in 2019 to become a new Margaritaville Lake Resort.

Ralph's passion to help others play better golf comes from his own experiences with golf instruction as a junior and high school player. He is an ambitious PGA Member that enjoys growing others' love for the game of golf.

Chad Dempsay

ASSISTANT GOLF PROFESSIONAL, PGA

Chad Dempsay started his golf career in Dallas, TX, working as a golf assistant and outside supervisor at the Bent Tree Country Club. In 2006, Chad moved to McKinney, TX to become the Assistant Golf Professional at Eldorado Country Club, where he discovered his passion for teaching the game to young and old alike. It was here that Chad's teaching and golf career blossomed, and he was made the Head Teaching Professional in 2008.

In 2012, Chad moved to Houston to be closer to family and accepted the Assistant Golf Professional position at the former La Torretta Lake Resort & Spa. In addition to being the assistant golf pro, Chad was also the Head Teaching Professional and was in charge of private and group lessons, as well as running group and junior golf clinics. One of Chad's favorite parts of his job is teaching his club members and students, and he has immensely enjoyed watching them grow in the game of golf over the years. In 2019, Chad decided to stay on with the resort as it began its transition to Margaritaville he is excited about all the upgrades and amenities that the members and public will get to enjoy, on and off the golf course!

Jennifer Mentzer

DIRECTOR OF ST. SOMEWHERE SPA

Jennifer has been working at St. Somewhere Spa for over 15 years and was the lead esthetician prior to becoming spa director. Although facials are her main specialty, she is also a licensed cosmetologist and performs nail and hair services. Accommodating people and making them feel special is a true passion of hers and she is excited to greet every member when they come through the door.

Erika De La Cruz

DIRECTOR OF FOOD & BEVERAGE

With over two decades in the hospitality industry, DeLaCruz is passionate about delivering memorable guest experiences.Since the resort's opening in June 2020, DeLaCruz has been instrumental in launching six unique dining concepts, driving profitability, and enhancing guest satisfaction.Before joining Margaritaville Lake Resort, DeLaCruz served as restaurant manager at the Seminole Hard Rock Resort & Casino in Tampa, Florida. She also has experience working for the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee, Florida, and the Ritz-Carlton in New Orleans.She holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration with a minor in hospitality management and human resources from the University of New Orleans. Fluent in English and Spanish, she is known for her hands-on approach and commitment to the philosophy of "laissez les bon temps rouler," ensuring each guest at Margaritaville Lake Resort has a wonderful time.