Hard to believe, but Rio Verde Country Club’s boyish head golf professional Darryl Janisse is into his 20th season at the club.

Darryl started at Rio Verde in November 1993 as an assistant pro for then head pro Jay Critcher.

Halloween 1993 is a day Darryl remembers well, -- he was starting a new job and he met his future wife managing the apartment complex where he was renting.

Darryl got his start in golf where he grew up in Gaylord, Mich. in 1984. He was introduced to the business of golf and found it very intriguing.

“I fell in love with the business side,” Darryl says. “I discovered it was much more than assigning rounds of golf.”

When he first started at Rio Verde Darryl was working the season only, but in 1996 he was asked if he would stay on for the summer, and he has never looked back.

Darryl received his PGA Class A rating at Rio Verde and in 1998 he became head pro when Critcher moved on to become the club’s general manager. Darryl eventually bought out the golf shop. He has begun the educational track of the Club Managers’ Association of America.

Under his leadership the golf club has won the GEM (Golf Endorsed by Members) Award from the Women’s Golf Association for back-to-back years. They have also received a nomination for Merchandiser of the Year.

“I love the community and the people here,” Darryl said. “They have kept me going here for 20 years and I hope to go for another 20 years.

“I want to continue to have a part in making Rio Verde a special place.”

Darryl said he has a close relationship with the membership at Rio Verde, noting they are mostly from the Midwest where he grew up.

“(The members) have nurtured my career,” he said. “I have a hard time imagining myself anywhere else.

“I say thanks to all of the members and Jay (Critcher). They helped shape my career.”

Darryl and his wife Flynnann have a daughter, Quincy.

“She (Quincy) is the center of my life,” Darryl said. “She is a talented singer and actress.”

Darryl and his family live in the North Phoenix area.

Caption:

Rio Verde Country Club Head Golf Professional Darryl Janisse has been at the club for 20 years.