Learn From The Best

The Links at Stono Ferry prides itself on providing the best game improvement approach in the Charleston area through the help of our PGA Professional teaching staff.  Each brings a unique set of skills to our overall teaching environment which translates to lower scores for all students.

Pete Skirpstas

Golf Operations Manager
Pete Skirpstas joined the Golf staff at Stono Ferry in July, 2021. He brings twenty years of golf experience to Stono. Pete grew up in Medina, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland (Go Browns) where he worked at numerous public and private courses. Pete brings a heart of passion for Golf and with-it standards of excellence. 
He has competed in professional Golf tournaments since 2015. He qualified and competed on the PGA Tour Latino America in 2015 and has since won over 20 professional events with his latest success qualifying for Final Qualifying Round of 23 US Open.
Pete has tremendous ambition to create the ultimate customer experience. He is also striving to complete his education with the PGA of America and receive his Class A Membership. Golf has made such a large impact on his life and played a major part in molding him into the person he is today. Contact Pete at pskirpstas@stonoferrygolf 8437631817, ext 3

Chris Cobb

Assistant Professional/ Merchandise Manager/ Teaching Professional
Chris Cobb, a 20-year Air Force veteran, found his calling on the golf course after his military service. He transitioned to become a skilled golf assistant and instructor, sharing his passion for the game with others, guiding them to improve their skills. Chris’s dedication extends beyond golf, as he actively supports fellow veterans in their journey to civilian life through charitable endeavors in programs like PGA Hope.  Additionally, he is Stono Ferry’s merchandising manager, coordinating with dozens of vendors to ensure only the best brands are represented in the Golf Shop. 
Contact Chris at Ccobb@stonoferrygolf.com

Duncan Brandel

Assistant Professional/ Teaching Professional
Duncan Brandel started playing golf at the age of six with his father. Golf became an instant passion for him. Being a part of his student’s golf journeys is one of his greatest joys in life.
Duncan has an extensive knowledge of the mechanics of the golf swing, as well as the psychology behind making lasting improvements to improve your game in all phases from tee to green. He has spent countless hours studying the game on his own and under other top instructors in the area. 
Contact Duncan at dbrandel@stonoferrygolf.com

Jake Miron

Assistant Professional/Teaching Professional
Jake’s love and passion for the game started in High School where he became a leader and one of the prominent players for his team. Jake gained the fundamental knowledge of the game and what it meant to be a leader of a team. Jakes career in the golf business began at Legend Oaks Golf and Tennis Club in South Carolina. He worked there for two years as an Assistant Professional where he assisted in all facets of the Golf Operations. Jake also ran weekly Junior Camps where he introduced the game to numerous Junior Golfers. Jake is working towards becoming a PGA Associate with the goal of becoming a PGA Member. Contact Jake at JakeMironGolf03@gmail.com

Victoria Balyasnikova

Food and Beverage Manager
Victoria was born in St. Petersburg, Russia and raised here in the Low Country.  Starting at age 16, Victoria started working for Outback Steakhouse and quickly took to the hospitality industry. Over the next decade she traveled and worked at various restaurants where she gained in depth knowledge of front and back of the house operations.
With her hospitality background of 15 years and working in restaurants all over the country, Victoria found her home at Stono Ferry in the summer of 2021.  Victoria’s passion for the industry, her attention to detail, and relentless pursuit of perfection in hospitality has been a key to her success here at The Links.

Michael Eargle

Golf Course Superintendent
Michael Eargle has been The Links at Stono Ferry’s Golf Course Superintendent for over the past two decades.  He received his Bachelor of Science in Agronomy at Mississippi State University and shortly after accepted the role of Assistant Superintendent at the famous Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, TX. Colonial Country Club is famous for annually hosting “The Colonial National Invitational” a long running PGA Tour Event where the best players in the world routinely visit.
In 1998, Michael found his way to Stono Ferry, and under his leadership has helped transform the Links at Stono Ferry into one of the best golf courses the Low Country has to offer. He desires for perfection gives him the drive to constantly improve his agronomical skills in order to provide consistent and always improving playing conditions that the Stono Ferry members and guests have come to expect.