April Fool’s Day 2015 was a big one and no joke for Kristyn and Patrick Lindsey who packed up their little family and moved from Miami, Florida to Las Vegas for a job opportunity. Patrick, who had been working for the PGA TOUR in Florida, was asked to head up the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open, the popular FedEx Cup event that draws some of golf’s biggest names to TPC Summerlin.
“Kristyn and I and our son, Wes, were driving from Miami to North Carolina, our home state, to visit family, when the email showed up on my phone,” said Patrick. “While no one probably expects to get transferred to Las Vegas, we were up for the adventure and the change, and we can both easily say, it’s far exceeded our expectations. Las Vegas, and Summerlin, in particular, have proven to be a great place for our family and we are fortunate to call the area home. And apparently all our family and friends agree. During our first year here, we had a steady stream of house guests!”
According to Kristyn, who echoes Patrick’s sentiments about the area, more than any other place the family has lived, Las Vegas has provided a supportive community comprised of other families who are now friends. “Our son, Wes, has special needs, and we are surrounded by other families like us. We feel connected and loved and understood. From our school, Richard Bryan Elementary School, to the Summerlin Hospital and the medical community; from our kids’ Kindermusik classes to our friendly neighbors, we are warmly enveloped. Who knew Las Vegas would be so welcoming?”
Since moving to Summerlin, the Lindseys added a second son, Caleb, who, according to Kristyn, runs the house and their lives. The couple, who met in college through a mutual friend, moved to Miami together to attend graduate school at St. Thomas University and Barry University. After receiving her undergraduate degree from Appalachian State, Kristyn earned a graduate degree in education, while Patrick, who graduated from UNC Greensboro, earned an MBA in sports administration.
While golf is literally his job, Patrick still enjoys playing with clients and friends, but says boating at Lake Mead and camping at nearby State and National parks are among the family’s favorite activities – once the golf tournament is over, that is. “Being active outside is our preference,” he said.
“We hike at Mt. Charleston and Red Rock, we wander the sidewalk trails that connect our home to neighbors and friends, we swim at Summerlin’s community pools, and we take classes at the Community Center,” says Kristyn. “Summerlin is ideal for our kids and our love of the outdoors.”
The family is looking forward to the return of the many community events in Summerlin once the pandemic subsides. “Trick ‘r’ treat at Downtown Summerlin, the holiday parade, and movies on the lawn have been some of our favorite activities,” said Kristyn. “We kick started the holiday season with all the fun events and activities in Summerlin. We also missed baseball at Las Vegas Ballpark this summer and are looking forward to its return next year.
While the recently completed 2020 Shriners Hospitals for Children Open had no fans, Patrick says the focus shifted to keeping players, volunteers and staff safe and healthy while still putting on a first-class PGA TOUR-quality event. “Thanks to our partnership with the Golf Channel, we were able to share the all the action with golf fans around the world, while simultaneously amplifying the important message about the work done by Shriners Hospitals that provide advanced care for children with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate, regardless of the families’ ability to pay. And at the end of the day, that’s what matters most.”
