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Steve Carter’s path in golf did not begin with a country club membership or a family steeped in the game. It began, instead, with proximity, opportunity, and a PGA Professional who believed in opening doors.
Growing up in Connecticut, Steven lived just up the hill from a public nine-hole golf course in Canton. At an early age, he and his brothers were drawn to the course simply because it was there. Neither of his parents played golf at the time, but the course’s longtime professional, Walter Lowell, quickly became a formative influence. Mr. Lowell — who would later be named PGA of America Golf Professional of the Year in 1975 and inducted into the PGA of America Hall of Fame in 2005 — struck a deal with the Carter boys: if they came down the hill at 5 p.m. to 7th hole and collected the range balls, he would pay them five dollars, give them lessons, let them hit some balls, and allow them to play for free.
Walter didn’t stop there. He helped the boys get their first sets of clubs, took them to pro-ams, and let them caddie in local events. Carter stayed at the course through high school, mowing greens and fairways and helping move irrigation hoses before automatic systems existed — often because he lived close enough to do so.
That early exposure to the game — and to what it meant to be a PGA Professional — planted a seed.
Building a Career in the Game
After graduating from Canton High School in Connecticut in 1985, Carter went on to study management at Northeastern University, which at the time offered one of the country’s few cooperative education programs. At different times each year, students completed internships, giving Carter exposure to real-world work before graduation.
Steven graduated in 1990 with multiple job offers in the business world. Instead of immediately pursuing them, he decided to take one summer off — working at a golf course and playing as much golf as possible. That summer turned into a career.
In 1991–92, Carter worked at Beverly Golf & Country Club in Massachusetts, gaining valuable early experience in the profession. Although fellow NOPGA Professional, Dan Dauk, had served as an assistant professional at Beverly the summer prior to Carter’s arrival, the two would not cross paths until years later, after Carter moved to Ohio — a connection that grew into a lifelong friendship. From there, Carter joined Ipswich Country Club, serving as an assistant professional from 1993 to 1996 before being promoted to Head Professional in 1996. He remained in that role until the end of 2007 guiding the club through more than a decade of growth.
Steve earned his PGA of America Membership in 1994, a milestone he still views as one of the most meaningful achievements of his career.
In 2008, he moved to Ohio to become Director of Golf at Firestone Country Club, a role he held until 2015, before being promoted to General Manager, when his current PGA General Manager, Mark Gore, moved into a national role at ClubCorp. He remained at Firestone through 2017, when he accepted the position of General Manager at the Pepper Pike Club, where he continues to serve today.
Mentors, Professionalism, and Paying It Forward
Throughout his career, Carter has been shaped by mentors who emphasized both performance and professionalism. Paul Barkhouse, a standout player in the New England Section, had a profound influence on Carter during his time at Ipswich. “He taught me how to play golf, how to manage people, and how to be a good person who works well with members,” Carter says. Barky often reminded him that the first letter in PGA stands for Professional — and that professionalism should guide everything you do.
Carter also credits Steve Parker and Firestone Board Chair Don Misheff as trusted mentors, with Misheff serving as a steady sounding board throughout his career. When it comes to mentorship, however, Carter believes it is a two-way street. “I’ve learned just as much from people on the Associate Jumpstart Committee as they’ve learned from me,” he says. “You mentor each other.”
That philosophy extends to his close relationship with Pepper’s Head Golf Professional, Rob Moss, whom Carter describes as one of his most trusted colleagues and top PGA Golf Professionals. “We help each other,” he says simply.
Service to the Northern Ohio PGA
Steven’s involvement in PGA leadership began by serving on a committee in the New England Section, but his move to Ohio — and his time at Firestone — deepened those ties. Firestone’s longstanding partnership with the Northern Ohio PGA introduced him to a broad network of professionals across the Section. Encouraged by Steve Parker, Carter ran for Section Secretary, beginning a leadership journey that culminated in his recent term as Northern Ohio PGA President.
Reflecting on his presidency, Steve does not point first to programs or initiatives. Instead, he points to people. “I’m most proud of the people I’ve met and learned from over the years,” he says. “I hit the lottery from a family perspective, and certainly with the people I work with.”
A Bigger Platter
One moment that continues to resonate with Carter came early in his time at Firestone. While speaking with Renee Powell, a trailblazer in the game and a leader in PGA HOPE programming in Northern Ohio, Steven admitted that his plate already felt full and asked how she managed the amazing number of different things she did every day. Powell’s response was simple and powerful: Just get a bigger platter.
“If she can do it,” Carter recalls thinking, “how can I not do it?”
That mindset — embracing opportunity, service, and growth — has defined his career.
Family, Perspective, and the Game
Steven and his wife Marian were together through college and married in 1998. Together, they’ve raised two amazing daughters: Jillian (26) and Jordan (23). Marian has been a steady influence and key supporter, playing a significant role in his professional success. She constantly encourages Steven to see the world beyond golf — including convincing him to take part in a mission trip to Haiti while in college. With a sister-in-law serving as a global diplomat for the past 30 years, travel and perspective have always been a large part of their family story.
Advice for the Next Generation
For those considering a career in golf, Carter’s advice is simple and sincere. “Do it,” he says. “If you enjoy being around people and you want to do something that’s really fun, this is a heck of a way to live a life.”
He pauses, then adds the quote that has guided him for decades: Find a job that you love, and you will never work a day in your life.
For Steve Carter, golf has been exactly that — and his legacy within the Northern Ohio PGA reflects a career built on gratitude, mentorship, and a willingness to always reach for a bigger platter.
