Meet Our Staff

Brian Bechtold
General Manager / Head Golf Professional

bbechtold@heparks.org

(847)781-3679

"Providing guests with enjoyable and memorable experiences is our Job No. 1. This results from our friendly, personable service and tournament-ready golf-course conditions. We promote happiness."

Responsible for daily golf operations of the club, he oversees the Bridges of Poplar Creek friendly and helpful staff, instruction programs, event programming, outing production and other services. Prior to this role, Bechtold headed the service team at Whisper Creek Golf Club in suburban Chicago.

Jonathan Vermeer

Assistant Golf Professional

jvermeer@heparks.org

(847)781-3660

"Giving exceptional service to our guests is the main goal to provide a first class experience from the moment customers pull up. We want everyone to feel welcome and enjoy a special day."

Responsible for several aspects regarding day-to-day operations and supervision of golf related employees. He provides private individual and group golf instructions, runs the Jr. development programs as well as adult programs. Prior to joining the Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club. Vermeer was the First Assistant Golf pro at Bos Landen Golf Club in Pella, Iowa.

Alyssa Riemenschneider

Assistant Golf Professional

ariemenschneider@heparks.org

(847)781-3680

Responsible for daily operations and supervision of Beverage Cart & Halfway House employees. She provides private individual golf lessons, and runs the Junior Development program.

Dustin Hugen
Golf Course Superintendent (GCSAA)

dhugen@billycaspergolf.com

(773)653-9424

"Pristine conditions define a golf course, as does an ideal mix of playability and challenge. This ensures golfers’ enjoyment time and again."

As leader of a talented agronomic and maintenance staff, Bridges of Poplar Creek consistently presents turf worthy of professional tournament play. Hugen managed the major renovation of the golf course and is driving eco-friendly practices to soon become certified by Audubon International. He honed his skills at the private Indian Hill Club in Winnetka, after training stints at Osage National Golf Club (Lake of the Ozarks, MO) and Glen Oaks Country Club (West Des Moines, IA), home of the Champions Tour’s Allianz Championship.

Pete Kovac

Food & Beverage Manager

pkovac@heparks.org

(847)781-3659

“Exceptional Guest Service is my #1 priority! You may enter as a stranger but my goal is that you leave as a member of Bridges of Poplar Creek’s family. We create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere throughout our facility and are willing to attend to all your needs of the day; come discover the difference we create!”

Jennifer Fuller
Events and Catering Supervisor

jfuller@heparks.org

(847)781-3658

"The operative word is ‘special.’ We succeed in making event organizers and event celebrators feel like they’re on Cloud 9, exceeding expectations. That’s why our references are an open book.”

From event start to finish, Fuller is lauded for her perfectionist ways. She plans and executes every intricate detail from menus, decorations, service standards and more. In other words, she’s a trusted consultant to event planners like it’s her very own event. Fuller is a graduate of The Culinary School of Kendall College.

Support Team

From your first touch point and throughout your journey at Bridges of Poplar Creek, friendliness abounds. "How may I help you?" is what drives us. This applies to our professionally-trained front-line and back-of-the-house team. We succeed in making it easy and enjoyable for you.