This is our last issue of 2016. Time has simply flown this year. It has been busy around the office and I hope busy around the shop for all of you. As the year comes to a close, it’s time to reflect on the many blessings in my life. I’m lucky to work with such a great group of PGA Professionals. The professionals in the Pacific Northwest Section are the best in the country, supporting their association and supporting the golfers in their care. As an association we enjoy the support of our amateur golfers, both in our tournaments and pro-ams as well as the many personal friendships we all enjoy. This truly is a great game. Finally, we have a terrific staff, dedicated to serving all 1,200 professionals in the Section. Molly, Angela, Rebekah, Marlena, Denise, Cecelia, Michelle, Doug, Dominic, Brian, Todd, Jason, Mike, Faith and Dave place your interests first and I’m honored to work with them every day.
Next week your Board of Directors will spend two days focusing on Board Development and planning for 2017. It will be a jam-packed session designed to achieve alignment and instill accountability throughout our association. The goals are ambitious and with the commitment of your fellow professionals, the results will be inspiring and lead us to new heights. As you’ve heard me say before, please help your leaders serve you and share your thoughts with them!
The Awards Committee will forward their analysis to the Board for approval on December 6th. We owe both the Chapter and Section Committees a big thank you for their hard work in the Awards process. They need YOUR help participating. Next year, please nominate your deserving neighbor for a chapter award. If you are nominated, please complete your bio for review by the Committee. The new Awards process (started in 2013) really helps us identify the very best in the Northwest and it is dependent on your participation.
As we look ahead, the 2017 tournament schedule is final and we have another great collection of courses and competitions for you. Take a look, there is at least one event there for every one of you.
We kick off the schedule next month at Mauna Lani with the 42nd Hawaii Pro-Am. Our host Tom Sursely will welcome a near-record 21 teams to the Big Island. Start working on a team to join us in January 2018!
Applications are available for the PGA Financial Assistance Fund Scholarship. This opportunity is open to both high school seniors and current college students who are children or grandchildren of PGA Members. The process changed a few years ago to spread the wealth around a little, so if your child has not received a scholarship in the past, keep applying. You may remember, we use this very same application for the distribution of our Bunny Mason Scholarships. We awarded two last year and I’m expecting the same in 2017. Go to pga.org for the application.
Next month, I head off to Orlando and the PGA Executive Director Conference and the Merchandise Show. During the Show, I visit with all our sponsors to confirm their continued support of YOU. Please take a few minutes this winter to send one more thank you to our sponsors. Your simple gesture means so much as I renew their financial support of the Section.
Finally, all of us here in the office extend our wishes for a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a prosperous New Year for you and your family.
Jeff Ellison