WHO WE ARE

Ariel Caro
Director of Instruction
LPGA Class B Professional 

Ariel Caro has been a competitive golfer since age eleven. Ariel grew up in Yountville, California and attended school in Napa. While a freshman at Napa High School, playing on the Girls’ Varsity Golf Team, Ariel gained local celebrity for being awarded the first Silverado Country Club Women’s Club Golf Scholarship for College Bound Women Golfers. Ariel went on to attend California State University East Bay as a student-athlete, and later attended the Gary Gilchrist Golf Academy.

Ariel is in the process of becoming a Ladies Professional Golf Association Class A Teaching Professional. Ariel brings the experience of having been an elite competitor at the university level. She is especially interested in working with developing golfers in helping them understand the skills of competitive golf. From the beginning to most advanced golfers, Ariel brings her passion, humor and skill to creating an enjoyable and fun environment for all of her students. acaro@kempersports.com

Daryl Parenteau, PGA
Head Golf Professional Rancho Solano

Daryl Parenteau, a veteran of the United States Navy, has been with Rancho Solano and Paradise Valley for 30 years and assisted with the grand opening of both golf courses. He is currently based at Rancho Solano but does much of his teaching at Paradise Valley as well. Daryl’s passion for the game carries over to his love of teaching the game.

As a member of the Professional Golfers Association for over 20 years, Daryl has developed teaching skills to meet the requirements of golfers of all abilities. His philosophy is to create a learning experience tailored to each golfer. “Everyone learns in a different way and at a different pace. As an instructor, it is my job to work within the scope of each golfer and assess their understanding and make adjustments in my teaching to ensure they have complete understanding of the fundamentals of the golf swing.” dparenteau@kempersports.com

Sam Smit, PGA
Head Golf Professional 

Sam is the PGA Director of Instruction for both Rancho Solano and Paradise Valley Golf Courses. He specializes all types of lessons including individual, groups, and camps. He has been a PGA Professional for the past 10 years obtaining certifications in Teaching & Coaching, General  Management, and Golf Operations. In addition, Sam helps students by teaching golf in a simple and attainable way. Sam is also an avid runner and bicyclist who likes to focus on the fitness part of golf as well. 

Please email Sam at ssmit@kempersports.com for more information.

 

Jarrett Hill
Apprentice

Jarrett Hill is part of the teaching team at Paradise Valley Golf Course. He is native to the area and has practically grown up at Paradise Valley Golf Course.  Jarrett has successfully competed in tournaments for the past 10 years and was named All-Conference Player for two years while attending Napa Valley College. “My personal mission is to help my students achieve their playing goals whether they are advanced or just beginning. I am very excited to be part of the Fairfield Golf Academy and look forward to sharing my knowledge with each of my students.” jhill@kempersports.com 

Karl F. Williams

Karl is a graduate of San Diego Golf Academy and San Francisco State University. He is knowledgeable and passionate golf professional with over twenty years of experience in golf instruction and management. As a competitor, he played for the Monterey Peninsula College golf team and the Napa Valley College golf team. Professionally, Karl has held positions at numerous golf facilities, starting with Poppy Hills Golf Course, home of the Northern California Golf association, as an attendant, caddie and assistant for the Pebble Beach Golf Clinic. After attending the Academy, he became the Director of Instruction at the Orchard Golf and Country Club in the Philippines. He then furthered his knowledge as an Assistant Golf Professional at Buchanan Fields Golf Course, Presidio Golf Course, and Blue Rock Springs Golf Course. Karl has recently joined the team of golf professionals at Rancho Solano and Kemper Sports. “I believe everyone has a golf swing of their own. Together we will find it.” Karl welcomes all new and seasoned golfers wanting to realize their potential. Karl_F_williams@hotmail.com

Ryan Thomas

Ryan Thomas has played golf since high school but decided to put golf on hold in order to obtain a master’s degree from Penn State in software engineering. In 2012, Ryan moved to California to work in the software engineering field, but his passion for golf, teaching, and club-fitting led him to change career fields. Ryan began working in the golf industry in 2017 and has worked at both private and public facilities. He is a PGA Associate working towards completing his PGA Class A Membership. Ryan’s long-term goal is to teach full-time and eventually have his own teaching academy. ryanthomas@kempersports.com