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Jeff Von Eschen, Senior Manager of Golf Operations
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Jeff has been at Duran since July 2004, and has been involved in the project since the construction and grow-in. Prior to employment at Duran; Jeff spent 15 years at various clubs in Florida and New York. Jeff attended State University of New York in Morrisville where he studied horticulture and landscape architecture before locating to Florida in 1997. His duties include direction of the Management Team, overall operational and fiscal responsibility for the Duran Golf Club, and to develop and ensure the club standards of service that will assure maximum customer satisfaction. Should you have any questions or comments that pertain to the golf course maintenance operations please feel free to contact Jeff at Call Jeff Von Eschen at (321) 504-7776, ext. 7412 or email him at jpv@durangolf.com.
Jeff Turner, Head Golf Professional
Jeff can be contacted at Call Kevin Cunningham at (321) 504-7776, ext. 7340 or email at jdt@durangolf.com.
Justin Blazer, Director of Instruction
Originally from Yorktown, Virginia, Justin Blazer developed an interest in teaching golfers through the development of his own game. While Justin's golfing journey began as a teenager, it always took a backseat to other sports. As a standout basketball player through college, Justin's competitive spirit was fueled once again when he started regularly joining his college golf team practices. This led to Justin's interest in golf instruction and, backed by the same competitive spirit that drove him in sports, he eventually became a PGA Class A Teaching Professional. Today, as part of his journey in the golf industry, Justin actively plays in PGA sectional events, with a dream to qualify for the PGA Professional National Championship. Justin's true passion, however, lies in working with juniors and the growth of junior golf. As Director of Instruction at the Duran Academy of Golf, Justin has established a breadth of junior programs for newcomers and competitive players. Many of his juniors have had tremendous success and currently compete at an elite level such as the U.S. Kids World Championships and other premier junior golf championships. This work has not gone unnoticed, as Justin has been awarded a two-time U.S. Kids Golf Top 50 Teacher, which recognizes the top junior golf instructors in the country. Justin can be reached at Call Justin Blazer at (321) 504-7776, ext. 7460 or email at jkb@durangolf.com.
Abigale Schepperle, Lead Instructor
2012-2015' Steel Canyon Golf Club', Player Development Director 2015-2019 Fox Creek Golf Club, Lead Instructor of Juniors/ Women Programs Abigale was born and raised in Birmingham', Alabama where she spent the majority of her golfing career. She has been around the game of golf since she was two as her father is a fellow golf instructor and her sister spent time playing in the LPGA Tour and teaching as well.
Abigale spent 2010-2011 working with UAB's Women Golf Team ' before she moved to Atlanta to pursue her passion for teaching in 2012. In 2015, she was promoted to Player Development Director at Steel Canyon Golf Club in which she ran classes for women and juniors along with other responsibilities to help the golf course flourish. She is a graduate from Auburn University with a B.S in Communications. While there, she was part of a Top-5 nationally ranked Auburn Women's Golf Team who captured 2- SEC Championships, a NCAA Regional Championship, and multiple top 10 finishes. Abigale' is an LPGA T&CP member , an Top 50 US Kids Certified Instructor, and positive alliance coach. Abigale will bring her passion for teaching the game to Duran Academy of Golf. Her focus will be on building fun, engaging ladies programs and overseeing the after-school junior golf program. Abigale can be reached at Call Abigale Schepperle at (321) 504-7776, ext. 7460 or email at aps@durangolf.com.
Drew Norman, Superintendent
Drew has been with Duran Golf Club since September 2004, being a part of the construction and grow in of the course. Graduating locally from Rockledge High School, Drew obtained his Associate of Arts degree from Brevard Community College while working on the course as 2nd Assistant Superintendent. In 2008, Drew graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor's Degree in Sports Management, and a Minor in Business Administration. In 2011, after spending 3 years as the Sports Director for a local YMCA, Drew followed his love of golf back to Duran Golf Club and rejoined the Duran staff as 1st Assistant Superintendent. Drew has over 16 plus years of experience on a golf course. Drew's responsibilities at Duran are all turf related, all native areas, common areas, as well as both clubhouses. Should you have any questions or comments that pertain to the golf course maintenance operations please feel free to contact Drew at Call Drew Norman at (321) 504-7776, ext. 7410 or email him at amn@durangolf.com.
Brenda Pannell, Office Administrator
Brenda has been with Duran since February 2005. Prior to Duran, Brenda served for 6 years as the accountant for Viera East Golf Course totaling over 30 years of accounting experience before coming to Duran. She has her B.S. in Finance and Business Administration from the University of Central Florida and is a life long resident of Brevard County. Her responsibilities at Duran range from Human Resources, Payroll, Safety and Accounting. If you have any questions or comments regarding any of these departments, please contact Brenda at Call Brenda Pannell at (321) 504-7776, ext. 7312 or email at bep@durangolf.com.
Nicole Latner, Marketing and Events Coordinator
Nicole Latner joined the Duran Staff in February of 2020. Prior to Duran, Nicole’s background includes marketing and special event management at Urban Air Adventure Park. Nicole graduated from the University of North Florida in 2013 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and International Business. After having lived in Jacksonville, FL for 9 years, she relocated back home to Viera with her husband and 3 children in 2017. Nicole will be responsible for marketing and coordinating all wedding, banquet and special events at Duran, as well as developing new relationships in the community. You can contact Nicole at Call Nicole Latner at (321) 504-7776, ext. 7300 or via email at ngl@durangolf.com.
Christy Helton, Administrative Assistant
Christy Helton joined the Duran Staff in March 2012. Prior to Duran, Christy's background includes marketing for the home building industry and sports marketing for NASCAR. Christy graduated from Salisbury State University in Salisbury, Maryland, with a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, and happily calls Viera her home. She is responsible for assisting Duran's championship golf facilities and restaurant, along with the coordination of all the membership maintenance. You can contact Christy at Call Christy Helton at (321) 504-7776, ext. 7314 or via email at cch@durangolf.com.
Joy Gaskin, Chef Call Joy Gaskin at (321) 504-7776, ext. 7371 or via email at jjg@durangolf.com.
John Madden, Development Center Lead
John joined the staff at Duran in June 2020. He was born in New Fairfield, CT, and currently living in Bayside Lakes. He attended Melbourne High School and Brevard Community College, then played some tournaments on the Florida mini tour. He left golf and worked for Publix for 27 years as the meat manager but decided golf was his passion. He pursued a career in golf where he worked at a private club in Vero Beach, FL, prior coming to Duran. John is married with 4 kids and 3 grandkids. John is responsible for the daily activities at the Development Center. He also compled the Callaway University program gaining a certificate as a certified club fitter. He has hopes of joining the golf university program and gaining PGA status. You can contact John at Call John Madden at (321) 504-7776, ext. 7470 or via email at jsm@durangolf.com.