Mike Eller

Mike Eller’s career in golf began in 1976, when he joined Old Hickory Country Club as an assistant professional under
his father, Harold Eller. He went on to serve as head professional for six years, during which time he developed a life-
long friendship and partnership with Nashville businessman Ray Danner.
Their shared vision for creating a premier public golf destination led to the founding of Hermitage Golf Course, where
the General’s Retreat opened in 1986. The course quickly earned national attention as host of the LPGA’s Sara Lee
Classic from 1988 through 1999. Together, Eller and Danner also expanded into Memphis, Tennessee, and Greenville,
South Carolina, successfully opening additional facilities.
Mike played an instrumental role in the design, routing, and construction of Hermitage’s second 18 holes, President’s
Reserve, and in 2012 became sole owner of Hermitage Golf Properties, Inc. Four years later, he introduced a unique
hospitality concept with the development of eight luxury cottages overlooking the course, with further expansion un-
derway. In 2012, he also introduced Scottish Blackface sheep to the property—an homage to golf’s Scottish roots—turn-
ing them into an iconic part of the Hermitage Golf Course brand.