Sara Muldoon didn’t grow up in central Pennsylvania. She grew up in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada—where her first golf job was in the bag room and golf shop at Galt Country Club, and where a junior membership turned into a lifelong love for the game. That early exposure to the rhythms of a club—early mornings, perfectly folded towels, the steady cadence of tee times—helped shape a career built around welcoming others into golf.

     Muldoon attended Methodist College in Fayetteville from 1989 to 1992—at the time, one of only five schools in the country offering a Professional Golf Management program. She also competed on the Methodist College Monarchs golf team and was part of a Division III National Championship season.

     Earning membership in the PGA of America was a long-term goal—one she completed through the program’s levels and the player’s ability test to become a member in February 2001. In February 2026, she marked another milestone as a PGA Quarter Century Member. Along the way, she was also honored with the 2019 PGA of America Merchandiser of the Year award (Resort Category).

     Her professional path brought her to Pennsylvania in April 1993 as an Assistant Golf Professional at Bent Creek Country Club in Lancaster. Two years later, she joined Hershey Country Club—quickly coming to see the area not just as a place to work, but as a place to build a life. She married in 1998, and she and her husband welcomed their son in 2005.

Muldoon’s career at Hershey Country Club began in 1995, when she was hired as an Assistant Golf Professional. Over time, she progressed to Head Golf Professional, and in 2016 she was named Director of Golf. Today, she oversees all facets of golf operations—including the professional and shop staff, course advisors, and outside operations such as cart attendants—while leading the execution of tournaments, leagues, and lessons designed to deliver an exceptional member experience.

“That’ll play.”
 A phrase from a college teammate that still guides her: whatever happened on the last shot, find the ball and focus on the next one.

Being a woman in the golf industry has influenced Muldoon’s leadership style in practical, everyday ways. Her focus, she says, is simple: make sure all golfers feel welcome, and build a club environment where people feel they belong—whether they’re seasoned players, beginners, or guests discovering the game for the first time.

     That commitment has been tested. She has encountered moments when peers discounted her abilities and knowledge. Rather than letting those experiences narrow her, she used them as motivation—doubling down on work ethic, continuing to learn, and letting results speak. Recognition like the PGA Merchandiser of the Year award, she notes, reinforced her confidence and the value of trusting her own experience.

Inclusivity also shows up in the details. She encourages her staff to be mindful in how they address groups—using “ladies and gentlemen,” for example, instead of “guys.” And she emphasizes that the course does not label tee boxes as “women’s tees.” Instead, the club uses a color-coded system so every player can choose the tees that fit their game, comfortably and without assumptions.

One of the clearest ways Muldoon has seen positive momentum is in the increasing number of women playing golf at Hershey Country Club. Early in her time at the club, there were two women’s leagues: a Tuesday morning 9-hole league (the 9 Hole Bunker Club) and a Wednesday morning 18-hole league (the 18-Hole Bunker Club). As schedules changed and more women worked, the club added a Thursday evening league. At the time, the three leagues totaled around 60 players.

     In 2019, those leagues merged to form the Women’s Golf League (WGL). Today, participation stands at 145 women, with options designed to meet golfers where they are: Tuesday 9-hole rounds; Wednesday 9-hole rounds; Wednesday 18-hole rounds; Thursday 9-hole rounds; and Thursday 4-hole rounds. The 4-hole format, Muldoon explains, was created as an introductory group—an on-ramp where beginners can learn the game in a welcoming setting.

For Muldoon, the club’s impact extends beyond the course. She points to the organization’s broader mission—supporting Milton Hershey School—as part of what makes the work meaningful. And she’s keenly aware of the history woven into the property and profession: Milton S. Hershey’s role in starting the club, the presence of golf legends like Ben Hogan and Henry Picard as professionals, and the many tournaments hosted over the years. “This is a special place to work,” she says.

Looking ahead

Asked what she hopes for the club and the industry, Muldoon returns to people. She wants to pass on what she’s learned to her staff—and to keep building a team culture where colleagues support each other and enjoy the work. She also hopes more golfers continue to fall in love with the sport. It’s a lifetime game, she says, and whether someone shoots 65 or 165, the point is to enjoy the time on the course and the company you’re with—while the country club continues adding to its history.

Learn more: hersheycountryclub.com (Social: @hersheycountryclub)