Our Team

I'm originally from Norwalk, IA. Sports were always a big part of my life and I was able to participate in Cross Country, Wrestling, Hockey, Golf, Tennis, and Baseball. After high school I enlisted in the Marine Corps and spent 4 years on active duty in New Orleans, Louisiana. In New Orleans, I was able to really further my love for the game of golf and decided that this was something I wanted to pursue.

After the Marine Corps, I enrolled at the University of Northern Iowa and majored in Finance. While at UNI, I was able to start working full time at Prairie Links as the Operations Manager. After getting to know the membership, I was hooked and knew I found a special place. Throughout my time at Prairie Links I've spent time doing many things ranging from Operations Manager, Food and Beverage Manager, Assistant Golf Professional, Head Golf Professional, and now General Manager.

A native of Evansdale, Iowa, Thompson was a four-year member of the UNI men’s golf team and graduated with a degree in General Studies with an emphasis on business, education, communications, and management in 2012. Outside of Prairie Links, John is the Head Women’s Golf Coach at Wartburg.

John loves to teach and talk about the game. Stop by and see him in our Pro Shop for lessons, help with equipment, advice, and more.

I was born and ­raised in Pella, IA. My interests have always included participating in sports, socializing with friends and spending time outdoors. Upon graduating from high school I pursued a college degree that allowed me to incorporate the things I like into a career. Those interests lead me to studying horticulture with an emphasis in golf course management at Iowa State University.

In 2002 I graduated from Iowa State and accepted an assistant golf course superintendent position at Eaglewood Resort in the Chicago suburbs. Shortly after beginning my career, I married my wife Chassity, who enrolled in graduate school at Loyola University. We spent three years in Chicago, my final year working as the assistant golf course superintendent at The Glen Club in the north shore suburb of Glenview, IL. In 2006 an opportunity opened in our home state as an assistant superintendent at Des Moines Golf and Country Club. After two years in Des Moines I accepted my current position as golf course superintendent at Prairie Links Golf and Events Center in Waverly.

During my eight years in Waverly I have worked hard to implement the practices I learned as an apprentice into the golf course maintenance at Prairie Links. Throughout my career I have been committed to ongoing education offered by my local and national associations. I am an active member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America and the Iowa Superintendents Association. I have also been fortunate to build lasting relationships with many of our club members and employees. Our family has settled into the community and our children are involved in many activities. Chassity and I have four children: Marrah (12), Maggie and Mason (7) and Estella (5).