T.J. Young, the director of golf operations at Cedar Point Country Club, is celebrating 20 years with the club.

Young said he is grateful for the people he works with and that the members of the club have become like family to him.

Young still remembers the day he got hired to work at the Cedar Point Country Club and jokes that it doesn’t feel that 20 years have passed since then.

He was involved in a $3.5-million renovation project in 2004-2005, which he called one of the highlights of his tenure with the club. The renovation resulted in a course that is considered one of the best in the area.

In 2009, Cedar Point’s 350 members celebrated the club’s 45th anniversary, another memorable moment for Young.

He also shot his lowest score, a 64, on the course.

Part of being a golf pro is giving lessons. Young helped coach Suffolk native and LPGA golfer Lauren Doughtie and Sydney Grimes, amongst other successful golfers. He said watching golfers learn and become successful is gratifying.

“It’s rewarding,” he said. “It gives you some perspective on what your methods and philosophies are and how they are put into practice. To see them actually working is a good feeling.”

Young considers Cedar Point a home away from home. Members and friends threw him a surprise party Sunday to celebrate his anniversary. There were about 120 friends and family in attendance to celebrate Young’s longevity, as well as his 50th birthday.

“I’m proud to be a part of this place,” Young said. “I thank my wife and kids for allowing me to be away from home to have a successful career there. With the relationships I have, it’s been a very good 20 years.”