Golf Staff

Golf Course Superintendent

Dave Renk

Dave Renk is a 1993 graduate of Rutgers University with a degree in Golf Turf Management. Professionally, Dave was a Director of Commercial Accounts for Tru Green Corporation from 1986 through 1992. In 1993, he was hired as First Assistant Superintendent at Pine Valley Golf Club known as the #1 golf course in the World.

In 1997, Dave was hired as Golf Course Superintendent at Lookaway. Rees Jones, Lookaway’s course designer, requested to be part of the hiring process and was delighted to bring Dave on to help build, maintain and care for the new golf course. Dave has remained at Lookaway since 1997 with a highly regarded reputation for his knowledge of the course and excellent level of maintenance he has provided the greens and fairways over the years.

Dave is an active member of the GCSAA, USGA and PAGCS. He enjoys CrossFit training and is an avid Eagle’s fan. Dave is involved with various charitable organizations, most notably as President of the Matthew Renk Foundation, a foundation he and his wife built to honor the memory of his late son. In addition to his duties with the Matthew Renk Foundation, Dave donates time to the Founders Society of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Head Golf Professional

Chad Halvonik, PGA

Chad was born and raised in Sinking Spring, PA, where he was introduced to the game by his father. He graduated from Penn State University’s Professional Golf Management program in 2015. Following graduation, Chad worked as an assistant professional at Sankaty Head Golf Club in Nantucket, MA, as well as John’s Island Club in Vero Beach, FL. Most recently, he spent five years serving as Senior Assistant Professional at Wilmington Country Club in Wilmington, DE.

In his spare time, Chad enjoys exercising, spending time with family and friends, and watching sports. Chad is delighted to be part of the Lookaway team and strives to provide a stellar golf program to the Club’s Partners and Members.

Director of Instruction

Steven Chalmers, PGA

Steve Chalmers is a key part of the Professional team at Lookaway, leading the club’s golf instruction program. He works to provide a comprehensive offering of individual lessons, group clinics and events catering to the diverse instructional needs of Lookaway's Partners and members.   

Born and raised in Scotland, golf became an important part of Steve's life at an early age. He played competitively as an amateur for many years before turning professional and focusing on a career in golf coaching. Steve began his instructional career as the Head Teaching Professional at a private club in Scotland, while also working with the Scottish National Junior Team as Development Coach for elite juniors. In 2009, he moved to the States to join America’s second largest junior golf academy, working to prepare top junior players to compete at the Division 1 collegiate level. Most recently, Steve served as the Director of Instruction at Saucon Valley Country Club, where he spent four years developing a reputable golf instruction program. In 2023, Steve was highlighted by Golf Digest as one of “The Best Young Teachers in America 2023/2024” and also awarded the PGA “Youth Golf Development Award 2023.”  

A local resident, Steve lives with his fiancé, Elizabeth, and their Son, Zander. When he is not playing or teaching golf, Steve enjoys traveling and snowboarding.

Assistant Golf Professional

Laura Schiavo, PGA

Laura Schiavo was born in Queens, NY, and raised in nearby Yardley, PA. Inspired by her father, she hit a golf ball for the first time at age 3 and has loved the game ever since.

Laura graduated from West Chester University with a bachelor's degree in secondary education. Prior to Lookaway, she worked for five years at Golf Galaxy, focusing on merchandising, club fitting and golf club repair. In her spare time, Laura enjoys fishing, playing pool, nature documentaries and cooking.

Assistant Golf Professional

fred blumenstock, PGA

Fred Blumenstock, PGA currently serves as an Assistant Golf Professional at Lookaway.  As part of the Professional team, his years of expertise and friendly manner add to the Partner and member experience, both on and off the course. Fred’s golf related responsibilities at the club include coaching, equipment repair, retail sales and club fitting.

Introduced to golf by his father, Fred started playing the game seriously during his senior year of high school. In later years, he worked in golf facilities management, serving as General Manager to multiple properties, where strong leadership was needed.  After much success, he was considering next steps in management; yet, he innately recognized his passion was truly the game and passing on his love of golf to others. Determined to return to the game, Fred thoughtfully redirected his career path and took a role as an Assistant Professional at Cherry Valley Country Club, followed by a move to Trenton Country Club.

Fred graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering from Rutgers University. When he is not on the course playing and teaching golf, Fred enjoys playing basketball, chess and working on his house. Fred, his wife Jill and their cat live in Lawrenceville, NJ.

Caddie Master

Chris McCardell

Chris McCardell joined the Lookaway team in 2001. Before coming to Lookaway, Chris worked as Caddie Master at Radley Run Country Club, Chester Valley Golf Club and the Inniscrone Golf Club.

Chris grew up in West Chester, PA, and has followed in the footsteps of his father, who worked as a Caddie Master for 45 years, finishing up his career at the Aronimink Golf Club.