Kristine (Kris) Schoonover

Kristine (Kris) Schoonover, Ph.D., is a Professor in the School of Management at the University of Wisconsin Stout and program director for the Golf Enterprise Management bachelor’s degree. Kris is also a practitioner, having served over 25 years in the golf industry through coaching, teaching, and working in golf operations. Since 2007, Kris has simultaneously worked at Erin Hills Golf Course as Director of Operations/Assistant Competition Director. She worked closely with the USGA to host championships at Erin Hills, including the 2008 U.S. Women's Amateur Public Links, the 2011 U.S. Amateur, the 2017 U.S. Open, the 2022 U.S. Mid-Amateur and is currently preparing for the 2025 U.S. Women's Open.

A scholar-practitioner, Kris passionately studies the guest lifecycle at golf facilities with particular interest in customer experience management, human capital development, and training practices. Within the rapidly evolving golf industry, facility leaders face increased pressure from guests, players, and members to exceed expectations by creating a memorable experience at each touchpoint within a golfer's journey. As a strong advocate of smaller golf courses, Kris helps owners maximize revenues, retain excellent staff, and stay current with best practices. Kris regularly speaks at national and international conferences and shares her expertise on various industry advisory boards.