With a passion for the culinary arts, El Macero Country Club Executive Sous Chef Ian Quintana enjoys working at world famous Tournament
El Macero, California – Augusta National Golf Club is 2,620 miles from El Macero Country Club in El Macero, Calif. For El Macero Country Club Executive Sous Chef Ian Quintana travelling across the country to work 15-hour days at the Masters, considered by many as the top professional golf event in the world, is an honor and something he’ll never forget. Chef Quintana recently completed his second year working at the Masters, preparing meals for patrons, while gaining knowledge, leadership skills and making professional connections with culinary artists from across the country.
In 2024, the Masters reached out to Troon, El Macero’s management company, for potential candidates to work at the Tournament. The opportunity to apply was shared with Quintana by a regional manager with Troon. After applying and multiple interviews, Quintana secured the chance to work at the 2024 Masters. With a year of experience, he was invited back to work at the 2025 Tournament.
Quintana was stationed in both 2024 and 2025 at Map & Flag, a new venue in 2024 and the first and only official Masters hospitality experience outside the gates of Augusta National Golf Club, just steps from the Tournament’s North Gate. Map & Flag has an open kitchen concept, offering guests a premium patron experience to enjoy all the action of the Tournament with a level of service only found at the Masters.
Quintana’s days began at about 5 a.m. and ended at around 8 p.m. In the morning, he worked with the production kitchens on what was needed for that day, taking that information back to the head chef of the kitchen to direct cooks on what preparation was needed. He then coordinated with sous chefs and once production was finished, they prepared lines to open to patrons. Dishes are prepared in front of patrons and readily available for them to walk up and enjoy. This year, Quintana worked in the Sea Food Grill, hosting options such as the Fried Grouper Sandwich and the now highly coveted Masters Lobster Roll, as well as some notable additions such as the Pimento Cheese hush puppies and the Blackened Shrimp Po Boy. In total, Chef Quintana worked 10 days at the 2025 Masters
“Every year I learn so much working at the Masters,” said Quintana, who has been at El Macero Country Club since February 2023. “The practices and expectations around the overall operation are what is so beneficial to be exposed to, it helps you understand the work and time that goes into this Tournament every year.”
When asked if he’s interested in working at the 2026 Masters, Quintana was quick to reply, “Yes! I will be attending the Tournament for as long as I continue to get invited. It really is special to be able to be apart of something this significant for so many people including myself.”
At El Macero Country Club, Chef Quintana works alongside Executive Chef Angel Noriega, where the team consistently seeks to elevate the culinary experience for club members.
El Macero Country Club was founded in 1961 by C. Bruce Mace as part of the El Macero property development. In 1966, the members purchased the club from the Mace family. Located about 10 miles west of Sacramento, El Macero Country Club meanders through the El Macero development and encompasses about 168 acres within beautiful residential surroundings. The Club’s 18-hole parkland-style championship course was designed by course architect Bob Baldock in 1961 and stretches to more than 6,860 yards. Notable golfers to play El Macero include Byron Nelson, Joe DiMaggio, Ronald Reagan, Peter Jacobsen, Tiger Woods, and Nick Watney. The Club has been managed by Troon Privé since 2007. For more information on El Macero Country Club, visit www.elmacerocc.org.
About Troon
Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon is the world’s largest golf and golf-related hospitality management company providing services at 900-plus locations in 45-plus states and 35-plus countries, including operational responsibility for 575-plus 18-hole equivalent golf courses. In addition to golf, Troon specializes in homeowner association management, private residence clubs, estate management and associated hospitality venues. Troon’s award-winning food and beverage division operates and manages 600-plus food and beverage operations located at golf resorts, private clubs, daily fee golf courses and recreational facilities. Troon’s family of brands includes Troon Golf, Troon Privé, Troon International, Indigo Sports, CADDIEMASTER, ClubUp, Cliff Drysdale Tennis, Peter Burwash International, True Club Solutions, RealFood Hospitality, Strategy and Design, Casa Verde Golf, ICON Management and Eventive Sports. For additional news and information, visit www.Troon.com.
Media Contact:
Rob Myers
Troon
480.477.0506
rmyers@troon.com
