Jerry Breaux, PGA
Director of Golf
Mr. Breaux was the Head Golf Professional at Hillcrest Country Club before assuming the role as Director of Golf at BanBury Golf Course. After 20 years, he assumed that same role here at River Birch. Jerry has served as the Chapter/ Section officer for the Rocky Mountain Section PGA, PGA National Junior Golf Committee and the PGA National Recertification Board. Throughout his career as a PGA Professional, he has won many prestigious awards including Rocky Mountain Section PGA Junior Golf Leader, PGA Rocky Mountain Section PGA Teacher of the Year, Horton Smith Award, and the Rocky Mountain Section PGA Golf Professional of the Year. He has played in three Senior PGA Tour Major Championships, six National Club Pro and was runner up in the 1973 Australian Open. Jerry has been married to his wife Susie Breaux for 50 plus years and has two wonderful children and four grandchildren.
Katie Somers, PGA
Director of Instruction
Katie first developed her passion for the game in Seattle, Washington. She settled in the Boise area after playing college golf at Boise State University, graduating with a Bachelor’;s degree in Communications. Just after college, she was accepted as the P.J. Boatwright Junior Internship under the Idaho Golf Association. Katie has several years of experience in all aspects of golf operations, merchandising, tournament operations, Golf Course Mangement/ Ownership and Instruction.
Katie teaches 200 plus children each summer. Her flagship Boomers program encourages youth to play on the course and turn them into lifelong golfers! Along with junior golf, she has been one of the top teaching professionals in the area, with 500 plus students over the past 9 seasons. Katie has been the recipient of the Rocky MountainSection PGA Youth Player Development Award in 2023, Rocky Mountain Section PGA Assistant Golf Professional of the Year in 2017 and six time winner of the Rocky Mountain Section PGA Women’s Player of theyear. She currently sits on the board of the Idaho Junior GolfFoundation and is the director of the Dropping Junior Championship held at RedHawk Golf Course.
In her free time, she plays golf, works out, skis and hangs out with her family and friends. She loves spending time with her husband Ben who is also a PGA Professional, and his twin girls. She can’t wait to help you with your golf game!
Damian Short, PGA
Head Golf Professional
Damian is the Head Golf Professional at River Birch. He was born and raised in the Treasure Valley. He began his golf career as an Assistant Golf Professional under Ron Rawls, PGA at Crane Creek Country Club. While there, Damian gained a lot of knowledge on golf course operation, facilitating tournaments, and instruction.
Damian joined River Birch as Head Golf Professional in 2018 and can often be seen on the lesson tee, running tournaments or being the face of River Birch behind the golf shop counter. He loves translating his passion for the game to his many students through private or group lessons.
Damian is engaged to Rachel. He has two children, Xavier and Alexia.
Jon Albright 
Associate Professional
Jon is a lifelong lover of the game of golf. He began his career at El Segundo Golf Course, under Randy Peterson, PGA, followed by several seasons at Indian Wells Golf Resort, learning the Mac O' Grady's "Morad System" under Tom Anton, PGA and Craig Reed, PGA. He then came back to LA to the Lakes at El Segundo under Ross Kroeker, PGA who is currently the teacher of the Pebble Beach Golf Academy. Jon then moved to Brentwood Country Club under Bob Harrison, PGA as well as Belair Country Club working with Eddie Merrins, PGA. He has also played on the Golden State Tour and caddied for the Women's Players West Tour.
After settling in Idaho, Jon began working at River Birch and has helped the operation out in many capacities. Currently, he is one of our main Teaching Professionals. He is also working through the PGA program.
Jon is married to Jamia and has two sons, Dylan and Bodhi.
Matt Rivera
Associate Professional
Matt attended San Diego Golf Academy where he learned about golf operations and instruction. After graduation, he worked at Admiral Baker Golf Course where he helped start the first Summer Junior Clinic, teaching 6 to 12 year olds the game. After moving to Northern California, Matt worked at Boundary Oak Golf Course and became the First Assistant and Tournament Director, running events and giving instruction to many different skill levels and ages. He eventually moved back to Southern California and gained more golf course experience.
River Birch was fortunate to bring Matt on in April 2022. His knowledge of golf as well as his experience with golf course operations, tournament operations, and instruction have been a great addition to our team. Matt is enrolled in the PGA program, working towards becoming a PGA Professional. Matt looks forward to helping you reach your goals at becoming a better golfer.
Matt is married to Nicole. They have a son, Parker, with one more on the way!