Massei, who began his career at Pinehurst as an assistant professional 15 years ago and progressed to his current position as vice president of golf and club operations with ClubCorp, will reunite with an old friend, former Pinehurst President Pat Corso, with National Resort Management.
Massei, who turned 40 last month, voiced regret at leaving Pinehurst, but said the new job as general manager of Mountain Washington Resort at Bretton Woods in the White Mountains of New Hampshire was something he couldn't let pass.
"An opportunity like this doesn't come along very often," he said. "It was a tough decision to leave Pinehurst after 15 years, but if you want to grow in any profession, you have to take the next step.
"I didn't want to look back in a few years and regret not taking that step. It was an emotional decision because of all the people I've worked with so closely over the years."
Massei said that his wife, Lisa, and three children, Anna, Luke and Jack, were in favor of the move.
"It was a family decision," he said, "and they're all thrilled about what's happening. There will be a lot of snow and cold weather, but that's part of the excitement."
"We are very proud to see Matt continue to grow his career and wish him and his family the very best in their new endeavors," said Donald Padgett II, president of Pinehurst.
Massei was head professional at Pinehurst's No. 8 Course before replacing Padgett's father, the legendary Don Padgett Sr., as director of golf at Pinehurst Resort.
Massei had nothing but praise for the company he is leaving.
"If someone had told me 12 or 15 years ago that I would have been in this position I would have thought they were crazy," he said. "You tend to bounce around a little in this profession and I was afforded a wonderful opportunity by the people at Pinehurst. I'm very, very fortunate to have worked with great people here.
"I know people are going to ask, 'Why would leave a great job like this?' And I have to answer that it was just an opportunity I couldn't turn down.
"I'll look back on my stay here as a great honor to have had the opportunity to uphold the tradition of Pinehurst.
"I'll look back on this with many fond memories and tremendous respect for the resort and the people here. But I'm very excited about the new chapter in my life and the new phase we're entering."
Howard Ward can be reached at 867-6493 or 690-2211, or by e-mail at howardward@att.net.
