Our Story

You know that feeling when a round ends and nobody wants to leave?

The sun low over the Gulf. Red rock canyons going orange at dusk. A perfect August afternoon on a northern Michigan course, birches still, nobody else on the back nine. There's a version of golf that doesn't feel like a sport — it feels like somewhere you belong. Warm light, a cold drink, the satisfying crack of a well-struck iron, and a conversation that goes longer than it was supposed to.

That's what we were after. We looked around Grand Rapids for a place that held that feeling year-round — indoors, without compromise — and couldn't find it. So we built it. Thirty thousand square feet. Real sand bunkers. A bar designed for long evenings.

Membership capped on purpose, because the room should feel like yours.

"Not a simulator bar. A place you actually want to be."

the FOUNDING team

David Roden

CEO & FOUNDER

Director of Growth and Operations, Concierge Medicine of West Michigan.

Social media influencer strategist with 140,000+ following. Documentary creator. Leads membership sales, marketing, and influencer activations.

Passionate Golf Enthusiast

Ryan Gary

CDO & Co-Founder

MBA and multi-business operator with deep roots in West Michigan. Owner of Good Life Physical Therapy.

Leads business development, community partnerships, and market expansion — spearheading Bunker Social's connections across the West Michigan business and civic network.

Patrick Werksma

CMO & BRAND STRATEGY

Business leader specializing in brand partnerships, sponsorships, and large-scale activations.

Chief Partnership Officer at Real American Beer, co-founded by Hulk Hogan, leading initiatives such as the 2024 College Tailgate Tour.

Co-Founder & Chief Revenue Officer of PlayBooked, a platform connecting collegiate athletes with brands through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) sponsorships.

Jordan Peterson

SALES & CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

Sales and business development executive with 15+ years of experience in large-scale event management, strategic partnerships, and revenue growth.

Proven track record of scaling businesses from $40M to $350M in annual revenue, managing key enterprise alliances worth $37M ARR.

Passionate golfer and business strategist, combining his love for the game with deep operational experience.

ADVISORY BOARD

Adam VanRees

LEGAL COUNSEL & CAPITAL STRUCTURING

Senior Attorney with 20+ Years Experience

  • Expert in sports, venture capital, and
    business development

  • Investment Counsel for Bunker Social

  • Guides legal structure, investor terms, and capital raise strategy

  • Early-Stage Company Advisor

  • Helped event-based startups scale and exit successfully

  • Athlete Business Counsel

  • Advises professional athletes on off-field ventures and brand deals

STEVE JBARA

Pro Sports Franchise Owner

  • President & Owner of the Grand Rapids Gold (NBA G League team)

  • Proven Operator Award-Winning
    Executive

  • Back-to-back NBA G League Executive of the Year (2023 & 2024)

  • Event & Experience Expert

  • Built one of the most successful live event and fan engagement
    businesses in the region

  • Deep Local Ties

  • Strong Grand Rapids network across
    sports, business, and community

Contact us

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