Russ Olsen was named Head Golf Coach on July 7th, 2023.

Russ Olsen has been part of the South Sound Golf Community for over 30 years.  Russ played locally for North Thurston High School and was recruited to play for Saint Martin’s College.  Russ played for and then graduated from Saint Martin’s in 1997.  After graduating, Russ worked for American Golf Corporation as General Manager at Capitol City Golf Course in Olympia and the Classic Golf Club in Tacoma.   In 2005, Russ earned his Master's Degree in Public Administration from Seattle University. 

In 2013, Russ was hired as the operations supervisor at Tumwater Valley Golf Club.  In 2016, Russ founded the Valley Golf Academy, which provides private golf instruction, and has established partnerships and provides golf instruction through Tumwater Parks and Recreation, Olympia Parks and Recreation,  Longview Parks and Recreation, Thurston County Special Olympics, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Thurston County, and First Tee of South Puget Sound.  Russ also coached the Black Hills High School boys team during the 2022-2023 season, with an individual placing 22^nd at the WA State 2A tournament.

Russ is a Titleist Performance Institute certified coach, Operation 36 certified coach, and PGA Associate.

Outside of golf, Russ enjoys spending time with his family and spending time outdoors.