BREAKING NEW GROUND AT FALLEN OAK
An Interview With General Manager Lydia Kim
By Lisa Robertson-Dziedzic
When Lydia Kim stepped into the role of general manager at Beau Rivage’s Fallen Oak golf course in August 2024, she brought with her a rare blend of competitive golf experience, sports management savvy and a fresh vision for growth. Hailing from Spokane, WA, Lydia’s journey began on the greens at just 12 years old, quickly evolving into a successful competitive career on prestigious junior tours and later as a standout Division 1 athlete at St. John’s University.
Her deep understanding of the game, coupled with a career shaped by meaningful internships and leadership roles in sports sponsorship and hospitality, uniquely positions her to elevate Fallen Oak’s presence in the luxury golf and resort market. From managing PGA and LPGA partnerships at MGM to crafting unforgettable hospitality experiences for elite guests, Lydia is redefining what it means to lead a top-tier golf destination.
Casino Player recently had the chance to sit down with Lydia to learn more about her role as the new GM of Fallen Oak. In this interview, she offers a behind-the-scenes look at how her unique background has shaped her leadership style and her commitment to building community through the sport she loves. Join us as we explore how she’s guiding Fallen Oak into an exciting new chapter—ensuring it fits seamlessly into the luxury experience of Beau Rivage.
You’ve been a player, golf marketer and now GM of Fallen Oak—all at a young age. How have these experiences prepared you to lead such an iconic golf course?
I’ve been fortunate to experience the game from multiple perspectives: as a player, a golf marketer and now as a general manager. Each role has definitely contributed and shaped how I lead Fallen Oak today. Playing competitively taught me discipline and a deep respect for the game, which resonates with our members and guests. My time in golf marketing helped me understand brand value, guest perception and the power of storytelling—all of which are critical when stewarding a property as iconic as this one.
As general manager, I draw from all of that to deliver an experience that’s authentic, consistent and exceptional. Fallen Oak isn’t just a golf course—it’s a destination, a brand and a legacy. Leading it means preserving its prestige while constantly innovating to exceed expectations. It’s an honor, and one I approach with both humility and drive.
How has your background as a player influenced your leadership style and your vision for integrating golf into the overall Beau Rivage luxury experience?
My background as a player deeply influences how I lead and how I view the guest experience. Competing in junior golf and Division I taught me the importance of preparation, mental discipline and respect—not just for the game, but for everyone involved in it. I carry that mindset into leadership by being detail-oriented, calm under pressure and always focused on long-term development—whether it’s for the course, the staff or the guest experience.
When it comes to integrating golf into the Beau Rivage luxury experience, I see golf as more than a sport—it’s a lifestyle pillar. Guests at Beau Rivage expect seamless luxury, and that means ensuring every touchpoint—from the greeting at the bag drop to the post-round drink—reflects the same standard of excellence they’d find at a five-star resort. My vision is to elevate golf as a core part of Beau Rivage’s identity: not just a world-class amenity, but a driver of loyalty, storytelling and brand prestige.
Fallen Oak was recently ranked the No. 2 casino golf course in the U.S. by Golfweek magazine—just behind MGM’s Shadow Creek. What does that recognition mean to you and your team, and how do you plan to build on that success?
That recognition from Golfweek is a tremendous honor and a testament to the entire team’s dedication—from groundskeepers and golf professionals to hospitality staff and resort partners. Fallen Oak has always had an elite reputation, but to be ranked just behind Shadow Creek validates the work we’re doing and motivates us to keep pushing.
For me and the team, it’s not just about being top-ranked—it’s about earning that position every day. We plan to build on this momentum by continuing to elevate the guest experience through personalized service, strategic capital improvements and deeper integration with the luxury Beau Rivage brand. We’re also investing in staff development and exploring ways to attract high-profile events and players that will further cement Fallen Oak’s status as a premier golf destination. Rankings are great, but consistent excellence and unforgettable guest experiences are what truly sustain a top-tier reputation.
What do you believe sets Fallen Oak apart— both in terms of its championship course design and its overall guest experience?
Fallen Oak is truly one-of-a-kind because it delivers championship-level golf within a luxury resort setting—something few properties execute at this level. From a design standpoint, Tom Fazio created a course that’s visually stunning, strategically demanding and impeccably maintained thanks to our Director of Grounds Matt Hughes, who has been here since day 1. It challenges serious players with its length, undulation and shot values, yet it’s also incredibly fair and playable for leisure guests, thanks to multiple tee boxes and wide landing areas.
What really sets us apart, though, is the full experience. From the moment a guest arrives at the private gate to the personalized locker room service, we make them feel like a VIP—whether they’re a low-handicap player or picking up a club for the first time. We train our staff to read the guest, anticipate their needs and adapt the experience accordingly. At Fallen Oak, it’s not just about playing a great course—it’s about how you feel from start to finish.
Beau Rivage is renowned for its world-class casino, fine dining and entertainment. How do you create synergy between Fallen Oak and the broader resort experience to attract a wide range of guests?
Creating synergy between Fallen Oak and Beau Rivage is a key part of my role, and it starts with viewing golf not just as a sport, but as a luxury experience that complements the resort’s broader offerings. We work closely with the casino, hotel and F&B teams to design tailored experiences that appeal to a wide range of guests—from high rollers and corporate groups to leisure travelers and golf enthusiasts.
For example, we’ve created golf-inclusive stay-and-play packages that pair a round at Fallen Oak with fine dining, spa access and entertainment options, making the guest journey seamless. On the casino side, we collaborate on VIP events and invite-only golf outings for top-tier players, which not only strengthens guest loyalty but also helps introduce new audiences to the course.
Ultimately, it’s about integration—making sure Fallen Oak doesn’t feel like a separate amenity, but a signature piece of the Beau Rivage luxury lifestyle. When we align that experience across every touchpoint, we drive greater guest satisfaction, longer stays and increased cross-property engagement.
Are there any exclusive events or VIP experiences at Fallen Oak that you’re curating to elevate the guest offering?
Absolutely—creating exclusive, high-end experiences at Fallen Oak is a top priority. We know that our guests are looking for more than just a round of golf; they want something unique and memorable. One of the ways we’re elevating the experience is through a curated series of VIP events, which include private tournaments, bespoke golf clinics with renowned pros and personalized golf outings for high-profile guests.
How do you foster teamwork across departments to ensure a seamless, top-notch guest experience at Fallen Oak?
Fostering teamwork across departments starts with creating a shared sense of purpose— in our case, delivering a seamless and elevated guest experience that reflects the prestige of Fallen Oak. I emphasize communication, consistency and collaboration. That begins with regular cross-departmental meetings, where we align on goals, guest feedback and upcoming priorities.
I also encourage the team to see the full guest journey, not just their piece of it. For example, when the grounds crew understands how their attention to detail impacts a guest’s round, or F&B sees how timeliness and conversation elevates the overall experience, everyone takes more ownership. It’s about breaking silos and reinforcing that we succeed as one team, not as individual departments.
Ultimately, I try to lead by example—being present, accessible and invested in every area of the operation. That sets the tone for a culture where collaboration isn’t just encouraged…it’s expected.
What role does community engagement play in your long-term vision for Fallen Oak’s impact beyond the course?
Beau Rivage and Fallen Oak have had the privilege of hosting impactful events such as the Heroes Tournament for first responders and PGA HOPE, which teaches golf to disabled veterans and active-duty military members. These programs focus on enhancing physical, mental and social well-being, and it’s incredibly rewarding to use golf as a tool for healing and connection. The ability to host these events at a prestigious venue like Fallen Oak only amplifies the experience.
In the golf industry, many of us, myself included, have a vision of expanding the game to reach diverse demographics. Hosting events like these is essential not only for growing the game but also for increasing its visibility and recognition as a sport that can bring people together, regardless of background or ability.
From a player’s perspective, what tips would you offer guests looking to improve their game on a challenging course like Fallen Oak?
As a former competitive golfer, I understand the nuances of playing a challenging course like Fallen Oak, and I love sharing insights that help guests improve their game and truly enjoy the experience. One of the most important tips I’d give is to focus on course management. While the course presents plenty of challenges, it’s about making smart decisions rather than trying to play aggressively on every hole. Fallen Oak has some strategic risk-and-reward holes, so understanding when to take a conservative approach—like laying up on a dogleg or choosing a more forgiving club off the tee—can make a significant difference.
Another key piece of advice is to stay patient. Fallen Oak requires precision, especially around the greens, and it can be tempting to get frustrated if things aren’t going your way. But remembering that golf is a marathon, not a sprint, and focusing on your process can help maintain mental clarity. I also encourage guests to focus on their short game. With well-guarded greens, particularly around the pin placements, a solid chipping and putting game can make or break your round.
Lastly, the experience of playing here is about more than just the scorecard. Fallen Oak is a visually stunning course, and I always advise guests to take a moment to appreciate the beauty and serenity of the environment. Golf is as much about enjoying the setting as it is about improving technique.
How do you hope guests feel after experiencing Fallen Oak?
My goal is for every guest to leave Fallen Oak feeling like they just experienced one of the finest, most thoughtfully delivered rounds of golf in the country—not just because of the course, but because of how they were treated from start to finish. I want them to feel seen, appreciated and genuinely impressed—not in an over-the-top way, but in a way that reflects quiet excellence and intentional hospitality.
Under my leadership, I strive to create a service culture that’s consistent, sincere and detail-driven. Whether it’s the way their name is remembered at check-in, the course conditions exceeding expectations, or a perfectly timed interaction with staff, I want guests to walk away thinking, “That’s what world-class feels like.”
If they feel relaxed, inspired and already thinking about when they’ll return, then I know we’ve done our job. That feeling of connection, of belonging to something truly special— that’s the legacy I want to build every day at Fallen Oak.
