We are proud of our history of distinguished golf professionals that have included “Lighthorse” Harry Cooper, Paul “Little Poison” Runyon and Jack “Jackie” Burke, all of whom are in the World Golf Hall of Fame, as well as Gene Borek, our long-time head pro who was a nationally recognized teacher and player. Our current professional staff continues this great tradition.
Craig Thomas, who joined Metropolis as its Head Golf Professional in 2007, is an accomplished teacher as well as being one of the finest players in the Met Section. Craig was born in New York City and grew up in nearby New Fairfield, CT.
Craig's professional golf career began in 1988 immediately after his four year enlistment in the United States Marine Corps concluded. As an assistant golf professional Craig worked at both Ardsley Country Club and a Club in Greenwich, after which he moved on to Lawrence Village Country Club on Long Island as Head Golf Professional. He stayed there for 11 seasons from 1994 to 2004. He then moved to The Muttontown Club for two seasons before joining Metropolis, about which he said “This is where I want to be. I’ve had the privilege of knowing Gene Borek for a long time. Gene is the consummate Professional and teacher, and I feel extremely fortunate to be able to follow Gene as Head Professional at Metropolis”.
Craig broke the 71-year-old competitive course record at Bethpage Black with a 64 in the second round of the 2007 New York State Open. Some of his many playing achievements are: 2015 Cooperstown Otesaga Senior Open Champion; 2017 & 2014 Met PGA Senior Player of the Year; 2014 Met PGA Senior Champion; 2015, 2014 Met PGA Senior Match Play Champion; 2018, 2017 Met PGA Senior Head Professional Champion; 2017, 2016, 2014, 2013 Met PGA Trieber Memorial Senior Division Champion; Low Club Professional in the 2014 Senior PGA Championship; 2013 Senior Met Open Champion; 2009 Westchester Open Champion; Represented the United States as a member of the 2009 PGA Cup team, Loch Lomond, Scotland, match play record of 3-1; 2005 Met PGA Head Professional Champion; 2004 Met PGA Player of the Year; 2004 NY State PGA Champion; 2004 Regional Club Professional Champion; 2001 Met PGA Club Professional Champion. Craig has also competed in 4 PGA Championships, 4 Senior PGA Championships, the 2022 Senior US Open, and various other PGA Tour and Champions Tour events.
Led by Craig, Metropolis has what is considered by many to be as fine a teaching and playing staff as exists at any private club in the country. Teaching Professional John Reeves is one of the more well known teaching professionals in the NY metropolitan area. The final member of the professional team is Jack Shipman who helps run the golf shop and golf outings, while also giving lessons to many of our members.
Our golf program offers something for everyone. Our members rave about the teaching of each of our pros and feel comfortable taking lessons from more than one pro, if desired. Individual lessons are geared to players of every level and age, and group clinics are also offered at times during the season. We have a full tournament schedule that accommodates all levels of play including individual and team tournaments, weekly women’s golf programs, couples events, “inter club tournaments” and our one and two day member guest events. The golf experience at Metropolis is designed to accommodate each members’ needs and goals.