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Mr. Tom Wallace III, ECM


Country/Golf Club with less than 600 Full-Privilege Members.


Mr. Tom Wallace III, ECM
Oakmont Country Club
Oakmont, Pennsylvania

Tom Wallace has risen rapidly through the ranks of club management to become General Manager of Oakmont Country Club, one of the most prestigious in the nation with a growing international reputation.

Tom joined Oakmont Country Club in 2002, taking over the club at a critical time when it was faced with management and financial challenges and a looming U.S. Open Championship.

From the beginning, Tom applied his "management by example" philosophy to inspire the staff and bring the quality of operations up to premiere status. Retaining largely the same staff he inherited, Tom made quality the number one issue with superb results. As general manager, he is involved in every aspect of club operations and is "hands on" from the locker room to the kitchen, where the staff, with Tom's guidance and support, has turned into an award-winning team.

Tom works closely with the Board of Governors on long-range strategies as well as day-to-day operations. He meets with virtually every board committee on a regular basis and was a key advisor in the successful $17.5 million capital improvement program that saw the renovation of the clubhouse that retained the club's history and tradition in an elegant fashion.

The recent U.S. Open Championship, regarded by the U.S.G.A. as a model for the modern era, was a complete success from the club's standpoint, and Tom was involved in every aspect of the operation. His interpersonal skills and 24-hour attention to detail helped make it one of the best U.S. Open Championships for members, spectators and players.

Tom’s member orientation drives much of his management, and his tenure has seen usage of the pool, tennis and paddle tennis facilities more than double under his direction.

Tom came to Oakmont from The Country Club in Pepper Pike, Ohio, where he served as the Interim General Manager and Assistant General Manager. It was there, Tom says that he recognized that the bedrock of club management is that "you must have a passion for excellence to enjoy and flourish in the hospitality industry."

Prior to joining Oakmont, Tom attended Cuyahoga College where he studied Hospitality Management. He is a firm believer in continuing education, both for the staff and for himself, and he was instrumental in including all employees in Oakmont's highly respected college tuition reimbursement program.

As the face of Oakmont to the outside world, Tom is involved in many activities and organizations. He is an active member of Oakmont Chamber of Commerce, Visit Pittsburgh, The Court of Master Sommeliers, American Hotel and Lodging Association, The Great Country Club's Annual Symposium, Regional Council for the National Club Association, National Restaurant Association, Distinguished Golf Club Forum and the United States Golf Association. Tom also sits on the boards of the Pittsburgh chapter of the Club Managers Association of America and the Pennsylvania Culinary Institute Advisory Board.

Tom is an Oakmont resident with his wife Kristina of 10 years. Kristina's full-time career is now their two beautiful children Thomas Blair (6) and Bailey Ann (3). Tom enjoys spending time with his family as well as playing sports. He is an active member of the United States Flag and Touch Football League as well as captain of the Club's flag football team.