Our Team

Director of TOUR Operations and Master Club Builder

Steve Loerzel

Steve has been deeply engaged in golf since childhood. From age 10 to 16, he worked at the Arnold Palmer Driving Range in Crystal Lake, IL, fostering a deep passion for the sport. Later, Loerzel sharpened his golf equipment repair skills at Custom Golf House in Orange County, California, servicing over 100 golf courses in the region and managing warranty work for notable brands. His 17-year tenure there significantly shaped his career path.

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Loerzel's proficiency in repair and club building led him to work for a prominent club company in Southern California, where he excelled in crafting clubs for TOUR professionals, coinciding with the company's TOUR program expansion. His expertise contributed to the growth of this company's TOUR department, eventually managing the production department and its 120 staff members.

His notable work caught the attention of another premier Japanese golf brand, where he spent eleven years enhancing their presence on both the LPGA TOUR and the WEB.COM TOUR, contributing to over 100 professional victories. Prior to leading PROTOCONCEPT GOLF's TOUR Department and Custom Fitting Program, Loerzel was instrumental in the rapid expansion of a Chicago based club fitting company, overseeing their Build Shop as Manager and playing a key role in their swift growth.

"Helping professionals and amateurs reach their goals has been very satisfying. I love what I do, and I think that shows in my work."

Former - Director of the tour operations, and research and development

Rusty Estes

The late Estes brought his comprehensive expertise in golf club and ball development to PROTOCONCEPT GOLF. Beginning his distinguished PGA TOUR career in 2000, he soon gained recognition as a premier equipment fitter and master wedge grinder, leveraging his extensive experience with golf equipment manufacturers.

His contribution to PROTOCONCEPT GOLF was pivotal. Drawing on his experience with tour professionals, he spearheaded the research and development team in creating and manufacturing top-of-the-line, award-winning forged irons and wedges. These clubs have not only won professional tournaments worldwide but also earned the prestigious Golf Digest "Hot List" award. PROTOCONCEPT GOLF's staff members still use the golf clubs expertly crafted by Estes, which bear his initials.

His dedication and enthusiasm for golf and his work remain an inspiration to us, now and forever.