Matt Hibbs, PGA
Director of Golf
Matt Hibbs, Director of Golf at On Top of the World Communities, LLC, has been with the company since 2009. Matt was born in Flint, Michigan and relocated to Florida in 2005 when he joined the Walt Disney World Golf Team. He attended Ferris State University and graduated with a degree in Professional Golf Management. There, Matt worked his way through the ranks from a golf apprentice to a Class A Golf Professional and Manager within one year. In 2009, Matt left Disney to become the Head Golf Professional at Candler Hills Golf Club and in 2012, his hard work paid off when he became the On Top of the World Director of Golf. “To me, On Top of the World is family, customer service, great principles and education,” he said. After all his years of service, Matt would like to be remembered as a person that was very helpful to others. “I want the golf department’s legacy, under my leadership, to be known as a staff who had a genuine concern for our residents and who always went above and beyond to help others,” he said with a smile.
OUR TEAM
Denise Mullen, LPGA
Head Golf Professional, Candler Hills Golf Club
Denise joined On Top of the World in 2010, working in both On Top of the World and Candler Hills Golf Operations. Since 2010, she has promoted league participation for both Men’s Golf Association (MGA) and Ladies Golf Association (LGA). Denise organized a Ladies Only Clinic that is held every other week and was instrumental in fostering a relationship with The First Tee of Greater Ocala. Candler Hills Golf Club is now officially a recognized site for hosting LPGA-USGA Girls Golf Classes where Denise is the Site Director for the program. In her spare time, Denise is a member of the Talk of the World Toastmasters group. “I love people and providing the best possible experience for the customer; golf has been my passion for 50 years,” says Denise. We are all about making “magic moments” for our members, residents and guests!
Russ Smith, PGA
Head Golf Professional, OTOW Golf Club
Russ Smith, Is a Class A PGA Golf Professional and The Head Golf Professional at On Top of the World Communities, LLC, he has been with the company since 2007. Russ was born in Ocala, Florida and grew up in the small town of Crystal River. He graduated high school in 2007 and while attending the College of Central Florida he joined the Candler Hills Golf Club staff at the age of 18. There, he worked his way through the ranks from a Shop Attendant to Assistant Golf Professional at Candler Hills Golf Club and then was promoted again to be the Head Golf Professional for On Top of the World Golf Club where he has worked since then. “It means a lot to be part of this family and a family is what On Top of the World is. We all have a part to play to make it a success and by helping your family, you show them you care,” says Russ. When he’s ready to take the next step in life, Russ would like to leave a legacy of FUN. “I would like to be remembered as the guy who always came to work with a smile on my face, a great attitude and always found a way to have fun no matter what we were doing,” adds Russ.
Josh Wilson
Assistant Golf Professional, Candler Hills Golf Club
Josh was born and raised in Ocala, Florida, and has been passionate about the game of golf from a young age. A dedicated tournament player, he enjoys spending his free time on the course and sharing his love for the game with others. He graduated from Florida State University in 2024 with a degree in Business Management. While attending FSU, Josh worked at The Golf Club at Summerbrooke, where his passion for a career in golf began. After graduation, he returned to Ocala and joined Golf Galaxy as a club fitter, gaining valuable experience helping golfers improve their performance through equipment fitting and instruction. Josh is eager to see Candler reopen and looks forward to meeting and working with all of you. Please join us in welcoming him to the team—we’re excited for the knowledge, enthusiasm, and energy he brings to Candler Hills Golf Club.