This month, Stroll the Georgia Club spotlights the VanHook family. Stephanie VanHook was born in Santa Monica, California and raised in the San Fernando Valley. She spent her childhood in Southern California until graduating from high school. The next chapter of her life took her across the country to South Carolina; she attended Francis Marion University on a volleyball scholarship for two years before transferring to the University of South Carolina, where she earned her bachelor’s degree.
Ryan VanHook is a Georgia boy, born and raised, and he attended college at Georgia College and State University. He has also always had a strong connection to the Lowcountry, spending a lot of time at Kiawah Island Club and in Hilton Head Island, including Hilton Head National and Wexford.
Ryan and Stephanie first met when they were 19 years old. They were home from college and working summer jobs at the same golf course in the Lowcountry of Bluffton, South Carolina. At the time, Ryan was pursuing a career in golf and worked in the pro shop, while Stephanie worked as the beverage cart attendant. Not only were they born in the same year, but Ryan and Stephanie’s birthdays are only 2 days apart!
Together, Ryan and Stephanie have been blessed with three incredible children: Ryder, Lucas, and Jackson. Ryder (16) is a Junior at North Oconee High School and plays on the Varsity Golf Team. Lucas (14) is an 8th grader at Malcom Bridge Middle School and plays for Malcolm Bridge’s football team. The youngest, Jackson (7), is a 1st grader at Malcom Bridge Elementary School and enjoys playing golf, baseball, and flag football. He is also on The Geogia Club Swim Team!
For his career, Ryan is the proud co- owner of Taurus Insurance Agency, a family-owned independent insurance agency that has proudly served Georgia families and business since 1974. The agency was founded by his father, Bob VanHook in Decatur, GA. Ryan has worked alongside Bob for the past 25 years, helping grow the business while building lasting relationships with clients. In 2025 Taurus Insurance Agency relocated to Loganville to be closer to their home in Bogart and to better serve their clients throughout the region.
Stephanie is currently the Office Manager at Washington Farms in Bogart. She also helps Taurus Insurance Agency by supporting the business in a variety of ways while also managing the busy schedules of their three boys. “It’s been exciting to be part of the next chapter of a family business with such a long history of serving the community,” adds Stephanie. “We love helping individuals, families, and businesses find insurance solutions that fit their needs and take pride in providing personalized service our clients can count on.”
When asked about what drew their family to TGC, The VanHook’s “short answer” would be golf. “Golf has always been a big part of both of our lives,” states Ryan. “We each grew up in golf families, and both of our parents have been members of The Georgia Club for many years.” Stephanie’s parents are Tony and Kris Berger, and Ryan’s parents are Bob and Susan VanHook. “Stephanie’s mom, Kris Berger, is the Women’s Club Champion at The Georgia Club, so the game has truly been a lifelong passion in our family. When our oldest son, Ryder, discovered a love for golf and quickly began to excel, we knew we wanted to find a club where our family could spend time together and support his passion.”
Ryan remains an avid golfer who enjoys competing in the men’s league and participating in the club’s match play events. Stephanie also enjoys all the amenities the Club has to offer and playing whenever she can, although these days she spends more time cheering on her family than working on her own game. Their middle son, Lucas, also enjoys getting out on the course with his football buddies. “Jackson, our little lefty is quickly following in his big brother Ryder’s footsteps and developing a love for the game as well!” adds Ryan.
“Joining The Georgia Club felt like a natural choice,” explains Stephanie. “It already felt like home because of our family’s connection to the club, and it has become a place where we’ve built wonderful friendships and created lasting memories that we will cherish for years to come!”
To stay active in their community, the VanHooks attend Athens Church and value being part of a faith community there. Ryan is also involved in the Walton County Chamber of Commerce through his work with Taurus Insurance Agency, where he enjoys building relationships and staying connected within the local business community.
“Most of our time outside of work and school revolves around our children and their activities, continues Stephanie. “We stay very involved in and fully support all our boys’ sports teams they play on, whether it's golf, baseball, football, swim, or other activities that keep our family busy and connected. There isn’t a lot of extra time for traditional hobbies right now, but we truly enjoy this season of life. When I do have a little time, I enjoy working out, getting out on the golf course, cooking, and trying new recipes. I also try to squeeze in a date night music concert and dinner with Ryan. I also enjoy going on family beach vacations, spending time with family, friends, and the family dog, a cockapoo named Benny. Ryan’s hobbies when not in the office revolve around anything active and outdoors. He enjoys golfing, fishing, camping with the boys, music, and collecting sports cards.”
As a family, the VanHooks also love to unwind together when they can and sneak in a family game night or watch a movie/TV series. This has become one of their favorite ways to relax and reconnect after busy days. “At the end of the day, our favorite ‘hobby’ is simply spending time together, whether that’s on the golf course, baseball field, football field, or just at home enjoying the chaos and joy of raising three boys.”
