A designer by training, a marketer and communications expert by experience, David created the initial incarnation of Matchplay before partnering with Robert to build a full-service design, communications and public relations firm aimed at the private club industry.

An exceptional golfer (he's won the Club C at Tarandowah four times!), David's vast knowledge of the sport and the industry makes him a valuable asset to numerous clients. He's led several book projects for Matchplay, helms all of the Dream Golf properties (Bandon Dunes, Sand Valley, Rodeo Dunes, etc), as well as the company's consumer-facing magazine, and is noted as a leader in the industry when it comes to branding, digital initiatives, web design and business and membership development.

A bestselling author, award-winning journalist, and widely respected communications consultant, Robert Thompson has been an influential voice in golf for more than 30 years.

For the past decade, he has worked as Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Matchplay alongside co-founder David Cowx.

As a result of his storied career in journalism and the unbridled respect of his peers in the industry, Robert is one of the most sought-after experts in global golf course management and marketing, enjoying long standing relationships with the best in the business.

The author of seven books, all of which, in his opinion, are worth investigating, Robert has interviewed prime ministers and pop stars, sports legends, and economists. His writing has appeared in the National Post, the Globe and Mail, the Toronto Star, Canadian Business, Golf Digest, Golf World, and others too numerous to mention. He was the golf columnist at the National Post for seven years, Senior Writer at SCOREGolf, and a regular contributor for more than a decade with GlobalGolf Post.

Robert has also won a number of awards for his journalism—including the Kenneth R. Wilson award for magazine, Golf Journalism of Canada writing awards, and was inducted into the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame in 2024.

Shannon is the heart of the team and the quarterback of the agency. She is a longtime industry expert who with an MA in Journalism from Western University, in addition to being and compassionate and exemplary leader, is the best kind of task master.

Leading by example every single day she multitasks with the best of them and is incapable of dropping the ball. She understands the vision for every single project at the highest level and delivers for each and every client to the smallest detail.

A longtime agency side creative, Katelynn brings a sense of service, collaboration and adaptability to the team that can only come with that deep professional service experience. It is her passion for design and her joy in seeing strong and creative ideas come to life that is her reason for showing up every day for both her team member and client partners.

An 'old school' creative at heart, she regularly works out ideas in the nuanced and classic mediums of painting and drawing and this level of artistry is evidenced in all of her work.

Emily not only brings an enviable set of creative skills to her role, she also brings a deep passion for, and understanding of, the world of professional sports, and in particular, the game of golf. It is because of this love of the game her design solutions resonate so soundly for our clients and their members.

The ultimate team player, Emily cannot believe that it is her good fortune to be able to combine the things she loves the most into a rewarding and fulfilling career.

Emily is our resident creative writer and social media guru in the making who lives and breathes strategy and storytelling. A published author with a background in playwriting and poetry, she is the perfect person to craft the living and breathing narratives around the world's most beautiful game.

Her creative pursuits are not limited to writing and editing she is also a very talented graphic designer who regularly contributes to client projects and development initiatives.

Jeffrey is a big believer in the power of storytelling. And he should be. Afterall he was a critical and longtime member of the editorial and design staff at The Globe and Mail for over 25 years.

Jeff knows that everyone - and every brand - has a story in them and it is his role, no, his duty, to find that narrative and make it authentic, informative and entertaining for the audience. He treats every piece of content and client communication with professionalism and seriousness but never forgets this is a great job in a great industry and that at the end of the day it is just a game, and games are supposed to be fun.

An experienced photography, videographer and editor, Alex helms Matchplay's web design efforts, crafting a web presence for clients that is visually vibrant while recognizing the importance of the user experience. Trained in graphic design, Alex brings a sophisticated and modern sensibility to every project, and his natural curiosity shines through, manifesting itself in stunning designs that elevate each brand. He always travels with his camera, his drone and his golf clubs, and has a passion for finding the unique story each facility has to tell and bringing it to life in a variety of media.

Alex lives near Guelph, Ont., with his wife and young son, and is a member of Cutten Fields.

For over 40 years Steve has worked as a strategic counsel to high profile clients in multiple sectors. In addition to being an unparalleled "master of the narrative," he develops focused marketing, promotion and publicity strategies for all of our clients, treating each project as an opportunity to introduce innovative ideas and fresh thinking.

An avid golfer, Steve was an early adopter of new communications tools in the industry including newsletter and member communication development, YouTube series and groundbreaking digital initiatives.

Justin brings a passion for knowledge and skill for communication to his role at Matchplay rarely seen in development. In addition to being a skilled and creative digital specialist he is equally as passionate for client service and education, regularly taking the time to walk clients through the sometime complicated nature of web design and technology so they feel truly a part of the team.

Justin's development philosophy is carefully and purposefully balanced between thoughtful, reliable skills and deploying the most cutting edge solutions the team has to offer.