Carson Kristich: Finding His Fairway

Finding His Fairway: Carson Kristich’s Rise at the Incline Village Golf Courses

The new 1st Assistant Golf Professional for the Incline Village Golf Courses, Carson Kristich’s obsession with golf began during the Covid quarantine.

As a kid growing up in Las Vegas, Kristich found himself looking for a new competitive outlet in high school after stepping away from the baseball diamond. Golf quickly filled that space – and eventually became a career path that led him from cart barn duties in the desert to the fairways of Lake Tahoe.

Now entering his third season with the Incline Village Golf Courses, Kristich has become a familiar face to residents, tournament players and visiting golfers alike, bringing youthful energy, instructional passion and a deep appreciation for the mountain golf experience.

From desert sands to mountain greens

Kristich first entered the golf industry working at Painted Desert Golf Club while attending high school and later pursuing studies through the Professional Golf Management program at University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

The program combines hospitality business management with PGA training and prepares students for careers in golf operations, instruction and management.

“It’s a really well-rounded program,” Kristich said. “You learn budgeting, customer service, operations, hospitality and everything that goes into running a golf course.”

More importantly, he says, the PGA structure surrounds students with mentors and hands-on learning opportunities.

“You’re constantly learning from people who’ve already been in your shoes,” he said.

That mentorship continues to shape Kristich today.

Discovering Incline Village

Kristich first arrived in Incline Village through a PGA internship opportunity in the summer of 2024. What started as a temporary position quickly became something more permanent.

“I love Tahoe,” he said. “I grew up in Vegas, so coming here and experiencing the small-town atmosphere, the scenery, and the community – it’s just completely different.”

While the mountain views and cool summers certainly helped, Kristich says it was the people who ultimately convinced him to stay.

“Guys like Rob [Bruce] and Greg [Merritt] have really helped me take the next steps in my career,” he said. “I’ve learned more here than anywhere else.”

That supportive team environment, combined with the area’s outdoor lifestyle, made Incline Village feel like home.

Diving into the Tahoe lifestyle

Outside the golf course, Kristich is beginning to embrace the Tahoe lifestyle more fully since moving to Incline Village this summer.

A surfer during his high school years, he now spends much of his non-golf-related free time hiking, cliff jumping, exploring the lake and simply driving through the Sierra scenery.

“I love driving around the lake,” he said. “You just can’t find scenery like this anywhere else.”

Next on his Tahoe bucket list? Learning to snowboard.

“I grew up in the desert,” he joked. “So we’re going to have to figure that one out this year.”

A passion for the game – and for teaching It

Kristich’s enthusiasm for golf extends far beyond his own game.

One of the areas he is most passionate about is instruction, especially junior golf development.

“I just love helping people get better and enjoy the game,” he said.

He credits much of his own growth to influential instructors and mentors, including Las Vegas coach Rustin Smith and UNLV instructor Hoon Lee, both of whom helped shape his understanding of teaching and player development.

At Incline Village, Kristich says even informal practice rounds with coworkers become learning opportunities.

“Me and Rob do a lot of learning sessions together,” he said. “It’s great having another perspective.”

The challenge – and beauty – of Tahoe golf

For golfers new to the area, Kristich says mountain golf requires a different mindset.

Unlike many desert courses where distance dominates, Tahoe golf rewards precision, course management and creativity.

“You can’t overpower the golf course here,” he explained. “You have to shape shots, work with the terrain, and really think your way around.”

That strategic challenge is one reason Kristich loves the Incline Village Championship Course so much.

“You need every shot in your bag out here,” he said. “That’s why I never get tired of playing it.”

He also believes the Incline Village Mountain Golf Course deserves more credit for its difficulty.

“A lot of people think the Mountain Course is easier, but honestly, it’s really challenging,” he said. “There are holes out there that absolutely eat me alive.”

Building community through golf

For Kristich, golf is about more than scores and tournaments – it’s about relationships.

Some of his favorite events each year are the charity tournaments hosted at the courses, where residents, visitors and community groups come together for a shared cause.

“Those are the most fun,” he said. “You meet so many different people and get to give back at the same time.”

He also encourages new residents to embrace the social side of the game by joining local golf clubs, participating in events and being willing to meet new playing partners.

“The biggest thing is just being open to playing with new people,” he said.

Advice for future golf professionals

Although still early in his career, Kristich already has advice for anyone considering a future in golf.

“Just find a way in,” he said. “Don’t worry about where you start.”

Whether beginning in maintenance, the cart barn or golf operations, he believes success comes from curiosity, openness to learning and a willingness to embrace new experiences.

“The more involved I got, the more I fell in love with it,” he said.

A bright future in Incline Village

With a strong work ethic, growing professional experience and clear passion for the game, Kristich represents a new generation of golf professionals helping shape the future of the Incline Village Golf Courses.

And while he’s already achieved milestones like a hole-in-one and memorable eagles on the Championship Course, he says the best moments are still ahead.

“I wouldn’t want to leave this place,” he said. “It’s the community more than anything.”