OUR TEAM

Chris Koch, PGA

Owner - Director of Instruction

Chris is a PNW native, born and raised in Lacey, WA. After graduating from Western Washington University with a Bachelors degree in Recreation, he spent 5 years living in Oahu, Hawaii. He gained invaluable experience working at one of Hawaii's best golf courses, Ko Olina Golf Club. Starting there as an Assistant Golf Professional, he worked his way through the Professional Golf Management program and achieved Class A membership with the PGA of America. During this time, Chris also developed his passion and expertise for golf instruction. He provided countless individual golf lessons to locals and tourists, while also leading a junior golf program for underprivileged youth.

Chris returned home to Olympia in 2011 to open Salish Cliffs Golf Club in Shelton, WA. During his 10 years at Salish Cliffs, Chris helped them achieve Top 100 Public Course accolades and worked as Head Golf Professional for the last 3 years of his time there. His proudest accomplishments include developing a junior golf program for Tribal youth, mentoring new PGA professionals, winning Merchandiser of the Year, running numerous events to support Tribal entities, and developing close relationships within the golf community. In the Fall of 2021, Chris seized the opportunity to create and open The Golf Loft, allowing him to pursue his passion for sharing and teaching the game of golf!

In his free time, you can find Chris doing house projects, restoring cars, and helping his wife chase after their 3 young kids. He is excited to be a new small business owner and connect with the Tumwater community!

Teaching Philosophy
Chris has provided golf instruction for over 16 years. He has learned teaching techniques from renowned golf instructors including Jim Flick, Stan Utley, putting guru Marius Filmalter, and PGA of America’s 2011 Teacher of the Year, Mike Malaska. Through incorporation of your existing knowledge and skills, Chris will help you achieve your goals. He regards his teaching style as "keeping it simple" with a goal for learners to walk away from a lesson knowing cause and effect. He intends for you to be able to work on your own swing and continue to see improvement in your golf game. Through use of state-of-the-art technology and Chris's expertise in golf instruction, he hopes that you will learn, grow confidence, and have fun as you play!

Playing Accomplishments

Career Low – 63 at The Home Course
Top 35 2016 PNW PGA Section Championship at Astoria G&CC
Qualified for 2015 PGA Professional National Championship at Philadelphia Cricket Club
Top 10 2014 PNW PGA Section Championship at Salish Cliffs Golf Club
Top 25 2013 PNW PGA Section Championship at Meadow Springs CC
1st Place 2013 WWCPGA Patriot Day Event at Eagles Pride Golf Course
2012-13 WWC Assistant’s Match Play Champion

Gavin Sutherland

PGA Associate Professional

Having grown up in the Tumwater area for the majority of his life, Gavin recently left the automotive industry after 7 years to get back to following his passion for golf. He spent the majority of his adolescence at Olympia Country & Golf Club working under GCSAA member Matt Schultz maintaining the course as well as learning the hospitality side of the club business. This experience provided Gavin the opportunity to transition to the Food & Beverage industry working under Arnold Ball and becoming Chef of his family restaurant before joining the team at Tacoma Country & Golf Club under Chef Jamie Blisle. After 6 years with TC&GC, Gavin looked or another challenge and entered the automotive world as a sales consultant. Throughout each position Gavin has held, golf was played a major role in his life. His passion for the game has inspired him to now take on the path to earning his Class-A PGA membership.

On his journey to earning is PGA membership, Gavin will do so with the support of Cassie, his wife of 11 years, and their 5 year old son who loves hanging out with Dad at the golf course. Gavin believes that with his life long experience of working in the golf industry and belonging to some of the best courses in the PNW, he can bring the perfect balance of local and professional knowledge to your experience at The Golf Loft.