Our Team

Originally from Thomasville, North Carolina, John started his golf journey at an early age by watching and learning from his dad.  As a junior golfer, John enjoyed success at the highest levels, winning over 25 tournaments as a teen.  Some highlights included winning Three High School State Championships, an AJGA Major and culminating in a win at the North and South Junior on Pinehurst #2 over Hunter Mahan, who was the #1 ranked Junior in the country.  These victories led him to be the #1 Ranked Junior in North Carolina for 3 years and 8^th in the World by Golfweek Magazine.

                  After lengthy recruitment by many ACC and SEC schools, John chose to attend NC State University to play golf for the Wolfpack.  Although success at the collegiate level was more difficult, John continued to pursue the game he loved while lettering all four years.  After graduating with a degree in Sports Management, he turned professional and gave the tour a go.  It was after two years of constant travel and average results that he decided to give up his playing career for a life as a Club Professional. “Being a Golf Professional allowed me the opportunity to stay involved in a game that I loved and still be competitive in tournaments.”  John went on to win over 40 professional tournaments, set three-course records, and won the (MCPGA Player of the Year) five times. 

Professionally, during my early years in the business, I was able to do my apprentice work at some of the most highly regarded clubs in the country and work under the greatest golf professionals in the PGA.  Working at Old Chatham, Seminole, Jupiter Hills, and Elk River gave me the skills and experience needed for today’s golf business.  My days are now filled with running tournaments, merchandising, lessons, meetings, and member engagement.  “The business has changed a lot over the years, but I love what I do.  Personally, we enjoy living on the Plateau and feel very fortunate to have landed here at Burlingame.  I get excited every time I walk to the backside of the clubhouse and look out over the natural beauty of this place.  Burlingame is an amazing spot to call home”. 

Tom is a Florida Native and a Highly Ranked Junior Tennis Player.

While Tom was playing tennis and a Finance Major at Florida State University, he found his passion for teaching Tennis and Has pursued that passion ever since.

He began teaching Tennis in 2002 in Lake Mary, Florida.

Tom has been in charge of coordinating and managing tennis programs in Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina.

Though Tom has much experience in playing the game he also brings a host of additional qualifications, some of those include: High-Performance Coaching, Strength and Conditioning Coaching, Performance Enhancement Specialist (NASM), Personal Trainer (NASM), Professional Tennis Registry (PTR), Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR).
Tom comes to Burlingame CC from Winter Springs, Florida, where he was the Tennis Director at Tuscawilla Country Club.
Tom is a Certified Pickleball Professional and is knowledgeable in Golf Croquet.

Tom joined us in 2018 as an Assistant Tennis Professional and has built rapport with both the Tennis, Croquet and Pickleball Members.

With over 35 years in the hospitality industry, John Gerdts brings extensive experience and leadership to his role. His career spans managing 5-star resorts, overseeing a large fitness complex, managing for Wolf Gang Puck, owning his own restaurant, and serving as General Manager/COO of prestigious country clubs for the past 18 years. John’s approach is defined by a commitment to exceptional service and fostering strong relationships with both staff and members, always with a focus on creating an enjoyable and vibrant environment.

John is proudly married to Julie for over 30 years, and they share two wonderful children, Alexis and Dalton. His dedication to his work is matched only by his passion for building communities where members and employees thrive.

Lina, native of Medellin, Colombia came to the USA in 2000. Lina began her American tour in Florida, where she met her Husband, John.

John introduced Lina to the hospitality industry and started spending their winters in Palm Beach, FL and Summers in Sapphire, NC, all while studying for her citizenship and becoming an American Citizen about 6 years ago.

Lina has become a valued member of the Burlingame management team for 10 years.