From the time he was a 13-year-old caddy/self-taught golfer in Westchester County, N.Y., Brian Hussey has had a passion for the game of tee-offs, chips, and putts. In fact, the golf course has been his only place of employment throughout the years. Hussey, 40, and a resident of Bethel, is in his first season as golf club professional at close-to-home Rock Ridge Country Club.

Working so close to his front door is a bonus to an already fulfilling career, which most recently included nine years as an assistant golf pro at Greenwich's Fairview Country Club.

"Not many people can call a gold course an office," Hussey points out. "It never feels like work for me; I get to come do this for a living."

Not that the job doesn't have its share of work to be done. It's a seven-days-a-week job, in fact, and responsibilities range from teaching the game to golfers of all ages and levels, running all of the club's golf programs, managing a staff, running tournaments, and running the pro shop - which includes the merchandising piece (yes, there really is actual office work).

"It's been a great start," said Hussey, who took over in the spring, and says his objective is to "keep the positive momentum going" at Rock Ridge, and develop different formats to match a variety of skill levels among members.

Hussey notes that golf is a unique game in that multiple generations can compete with or against each other, and it also provides an opportunity for family bonding.

"We have a lot of young families with kids - two, three kids, who are picking up the game," he adds.

Among Hussey's favorite aspects of working in this business is the instruction element.

"I get a lot out of seeing others enjoy the game. Teaching is really a big passion of mine," said Hussey, who has given between 400 and 500 hours of instruction every year.

Hussey, who broke into the golfing industry when he caddied at Quaker Ridge Golf Club in Scarsdale, N.Y., has been an assistant professional since he was 22. A strong golfer, he got into the PGA apprentice program after college. Hussey played on the Squire Cup Team, which featured the top 12 assistant pros among more than 100 representing clubs in the metropolitan area, in 2013 and '14.

Hussey started his career at Jupiter Hills Club in Tequesta, Fla. - one of the top courses in Florida, he notes. He's worked at Wee Burn Country Club in Darien, and the Country Club of Fairfield.

"It's been 18 years in the works, learning under great pros, working at great clubs," he said of taking on his first head golf pro job.

Rock Ridge's first-year professional notes that he has a tremendous staff, led by assistant pros Chris Cappella and Bryan Truszkowski.

Being a self-taught golfer is something Hussey takes pride in, and it is something he believes contributes to being a good club professional.

"I think that's helped me become the pro I am because I've never taken it for granted," he said.

Hussey and his wife Jeanine, a first grade teacher in Wilton, have twin boys, soon-to-be 5-year-olds Brayden and Connor, and Hussey looks forward to playing rounds with his children. Hussey says he loves all sports and is a diehard New York Mets and Jets fan. He enjoys spending time with his family, including 2-year-old German shepherd Dexter.