Announcement

Meet the Team: Matt Ruggiere

Tuesday, January 6, 2026

The following appeared in the winter 2026 Ocean Pines Report quarterly newsletter: www.oceanpines.org/web/pages/quarterly-newsletters

Matt Ruggiere was born in New York but raised in Ocean Pines, making him no stranger to the area. A lifelong golf enthusiast, he spent his childhood participating in summer camps and golf programs offered throughout the community.

After graduating from Stephen Decatur High School in 2014, Ruggiere moved to Florida, where he spent several years as an Assistant Golf Professional at LPGA International. During that time, he also competed in several professional golf tours, including the Florida Professional Tour and the West Coast Professional Tour.

In 2021, Ruggiere relocated to Colorado and served as an Assistant Golf Professional at Indian Peaks Golf Course. However, it wasn’t long before he returned to his roots in 2023.

“I moved back to the Eastern Shore after reaching out to John Viola about launching a local golf academy,” he said.

That vision soon became the Ruggiere Golf Academy, which offers private lessons, junior golf programs, and adult golf programs. Ruggiere says the academy is more than just a training facility—it serves as a hub for golf education and community engagement.

In December 2025, Ruggiere was officially welcomed to the Ocean Pines team as the new Director of Golf, an opportunity he says he is eager to embrace.

“I’ve been playing golf in Ocean Pines for more than two decades, and I’m really excited to help it grow and to be an asset to the members and residents,” he said.

When he’s not on the course, Ruggiere enjoys spending time with his family, including his wife, Lindsey, who he says has always been supportive of his golf career. Together, they have an eight-month-old son, Dane, and a beloved dog named Russell.

“We love being outdoors,” Ruggiere said. “In addition to golf, I enjoy hiking and surfing, as well as spending time at the beach. We also enjoy traveling and have visited several places, including Mexico and the Philippines.”

For more information on the Ocean Pines Golf Club, click here www.oceanpinesgolf.org

Announcement

Meet the Team: Matt Ruggiere

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