Hey men, my name is Clayton Garland.  I was born in the mountains of North Carolina.  I was raised on a farm and through hard work, forged my work ethic at an early age.  In grade school I played football and baseball.  I made the All-Star team every year I played and made the starting squad every year I played football.  Recreation and sports was a big part of my life then as it is now. 

My golfing journey began when I joined the golf team my junior year of high school.  The very next year I was blessed to be a part of the 2-A State Championship Golf Team.  Upon graduating high school, I was accepted into North Carolina State University where I obtained my Bachelor of Science degree in Professional Golf Management with a Minor in Business Management.  While at NC State I excelled in the classroom, making the dean's list numerous times. I completed 16 months worth of internships at places like Walt Disney World, the Carolina's Golf Association, Raleigh Golf Association, Laurel Ridge Country Club, and TaylorMade Golf Company, Inc. I am now a Golf Professional, Certified Athletic Nation Personal Trainer,  and a Certified PGA Playing Ability Test examiner. 

With all my background in golf it would stand to reason that I don't workout or heaven forbid lift heavy weights!  That could not be farther from the truth.  No matter how much golf I played, I always made time to not only go to the gym, but workout with intensity and purpose.

During all four years of my college career I never missed a chance to better myself in the gym.  I woke up every morning thinking about my workout for the day and what meals I was going to eat.  I never thought that I would be able to channel my passion into something that embodies my philosophy.
 
I am now the General Manager at Athletic Nation- Men's Personal Training Gym in Cary, North Carolina.  Prior to taking this position, my eyes had been firmly fixed on the future which in my case was professional golf.  I had a strong background in business operations as well as golf management and my likely career path was to become a head professional.

I chose to become a part of the Athletic Nation because I thrive on pushing myself to the limit and I believe in the cause.  Although my profession was golf, my passion rested with the iron and that is why I am here.  An Athletic Nation Gym is exactly what I always envisioned an ideal gym to be; a man's gym, a place where there are no distractions, no tanning beds, no soap operas, no excuses, just weights, sweat, and achievement.

After joining the Athletic Nation team, I was asked to put together a program that was designed specifically for golfers.  It goes without saying that I jumped at the opportunity and created a Golfer Development Program for the Athletic Nation Franchise.  Now golfers all across the country can enjoy the benefits of golf-specific training.  I love what I do and I'm glad I have the opportunity to strengthen the bodies and games of men across the country.