Ryan Snyder Elevates Shangri-La Resort with 2025 PGA Merchandiser of the Year Award for Resort Category

Ryan Snyder, the PGA Director of Golf at Shangri-La Resort + Golf Club in Oklahoma, has been recognized as the 2025 PGA Merchandiser of the Year for the Resort category in the South Central PGA Section. This prestigious accolade celebrates Snyder’s exceptional work in creating a world-class golf retail experience at Shangri-La Resort, a premier destination nestled on the shores of Grand Lake.

“I’m honored to receive the award,” said Snyder. “I couldn’t have done it without my amazing staff, including head pro Brice Long, assistant pros Mateo Villegas and Chad Dalton, as well as our inside staff and clerks like Mike Jacobs and Mike Haney who have done an excellent job providing a high-value purchasing experience for our members and guests. This is a great place, it’s down-to-earth, and we really love what we do. Rolling into 2026, we’re going to try to win it again.”

Shangri-La boosted its rounds played in 2025, which in turn increased greens fees sales and merchandise sales. The shop sells apparel labels like Donald Ross, Peter Millar and Under Armour, and club brands like PXG, Callaway, and Titleist. “This isn’t a normal spot,” says Snyder. “It’s relaxed, laid back where you come in and have a good time, let your hair down, and enjoy. We say, ‘Hi and how are you?’ and I think everybody appreciates the friendliness. We’re very service-oriented, help people out, and put forth gestures that make everybody feel at home.”

Snyder says Shangri-La’s golf merchandising philosophy is rooted in a simple belief: the golf shop is the heartbeat of the club experience. “It’s the first impression, the service hub, and a reflection of the values we uphold on and off the course,” he says. “We strive to create an environment that’s welcoming, professional and inspiring, where golfers of all levels feel valued, informed and excited about the game.”

Known for its spectacular views and outstanding golf facilities, Shangri-La Resort has become a favorite among golfers, with the golf shop under Snyder’s leadership standing as a key feature of the resort’s appeal. Snyder has dedicated himself to curating a collection of golf products that go beyond the ordinary, offering members and guests an assortment of equipment, apparel, and accessories that enhance both performance and comfort. Every item is selected with the goal of elevating the golfer’s experience, whether by offering high-performing equipment, stylish apparel, or accessories that honor the sport’s rich traditions.

What truly distinguishes Snyder is his emphasis on creating an exceptional shopping experience. He believes that providing great products is only part of the equation; delivering personalized service that caters to each guest’s individual needs is what sets Shangri-La’s golf shop apart. From custom club fittings to personalized recommendations, Snyder ensures that his team provides an unmatched level of service. By fostering relationships with guests, his staff members are able to understand their preferences and anticipate their needs, transforming every transaction into an opportunity to exceed expectations.

This commitment to personalized service is evident in the way Snyder’s team engages with customers. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, the staff is trained to offer tailored advice and assistance based on each individual’s goals and playing style. Whether it’s helping a beginner select the right set of clubs or providing expert advice on the latest apparel, the team at Shangri-La Resort ensures that every guest feels valued and well cared for.

In addition to the personalized service, Snyder’s golf shop features a diverse selection of top-tier products, from industry-leading brands to innovative newcomers. This blend of trusted names and cutting-edge brands ensures that guests have access to the latest and greatest in golf equipment, catering to every need, from advanced performance gear to stylish and functional apparel.

Snyder’s ability to combine product excellence with a focus on service has made Shangri-La Resort’s golf shop a standout destination for golfers seeking both quality products and a memorable experience. His vision for the golf shop is to make it not just a place to purchase gear, but a space where golfers can engage with the sport on a deeper level and receive the support they need to enjoy their game to the fullest.

“Our philosophy emphasizes seasonal planning and strategic storytelling,” adds Snyder. “Merchandising is not just displaying products — it’s presenting solutions, guiding purchasing decisions, and creating emotional connections. We use cohesive color stories, purposeful layout, and modern visual standards to keep the shop fresh, dynamic, and aligned with member expectations. Each display looks exceptional but also improves product accessibility and drives engagement.”

The 2025 PGA Merchandiser of the Year award is a fitting recognition of Snyder’s dedication to both the products he offers and the relationships he builds with guests. Under his leadership, Shangri-La Resort’s golf shop has set a new standard for golf retail, combining exceptional products with outstanding customer service to create a truly unique experience for golfers of all levels.

Snyder says staffers manage inventory with discipline, analyze sales performance regularly, and make data-driven adjustments to ensure profitability and long-term sustainability. “Ultimately, our merchandising philosophy reflects our mission: to enrich the golfer’s experience through excellence, creativity, and unwavering attention to detail,” he says. “People and culture come first.”

As Snyder looks to the future, his focus remains on maintaining the high standards that have made Shangri-La Resort a preferred destination for golf enthusiasts. With his unwavering commitment to excellence, Ryan Snyder will continue to elevate the guest experience at Shangri-La Resort, ensuring that every visit is one to remember.

Ryan Snyder’s well-deserved recognition as the 2025 PGA Merchandiser of the Year exemplifies his expertise in crafting an exceptional golf retail experience that blends the best in products with personalized, attentive service at Shangri-La Resort.

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