Mill’s Santor headed to Cleveland

Andy Santor has been a fixture around Youngstown golf for four decades, and that will take a break in 2020 when Santor starts working in Cleveland. “Leaving Mill Creek was difficult. I’ve been there for 20 years. This change was a chance to grow,” said Santor. Andy is now working out of The Country Club in Cleveland — one of the most prestigious clubs in the region. In going there, he joins longtime friend Steve Bordner. Among his tasks, he’ll be managing play and the shop as well as teach golf. “I just turned 55. You get to an age that you’re closer to the end than the beginning. Lots of private clubs are struggling. If I was to go to a private club, it would be tough to do in our market.” The Country Club has a celebrated history. From its webpage: “Founded in 1889, The Country Club’s was founded by Cleveland industrialist and philanthropist Samuel Mather, who envisioned a clubhouse in the country suitable for picnics, parties and weekly horseback excursions into the countryside. Although golf was not a part of the original plans for the Club, it did not take long for golf fever to take hold. In the spring of 1895, Mather visited New Jersey, and was invited to play golf at St. Andrews Club. To the rest of the golfing world, the most momentous moment of The Country Club’s history was a member’s creation of the first rubber-cored, rubber-wound golf ball.” The Santor golf history in Youngstown is equally notable. Andy’s dad, Bill, was golfing royalty in the city and the state, as were other Santors. Andy followed suit — playing at Kent State through 1988. After working gigs at Youngstown, Tippecanoe, Fairlawn and Hudson country clubs, he started at Mill Creek in 1996. He’s worked golf for many winters in Florida. A 2002 inductee into the Cardinal Mooney Hall of Fame, his resume also includes: PGA of America, Northers Ohio PGA Teacher of the Year Award Winner, 2018; PGA of America National Teacher of the Year Nominee 2019; and Friend of Stambaugh Golf Course Committee, 2013-2017 He laughed about his Mill memories, saying he’ll miss the Freddies and the Franks. He’s proud of what he’s been able to be part of at the course. “The growth that was accomplished was fun to see,” he said. “Before, there was no alcohol. So we had few events. Alcohol was added and events boomed. We added the driving range. Even being part of the launch of Greatest Golfer was special. From when I started to when I left, the place has had a complete facelift and it’s been special to be part of that. ”The place is in great hands and I’m excited for them.”