As part of the PGA of America’s commitment to employment, the PGA is working to expand the reach and level of engagement to PGA professionals in the Pacific Northwest Section (and the Rocky Mountain Section.) Koch’s hiring, as an Employment Consultant in this section, is one of seven added positions throughout the Association to ensure a more balanced connection to the members and apprentices who make up the PGA.
Monte Koch, a PGA of America member since 1997, joined the PGA’s Player Development department team as a Player Development Regional Manager (PDRM) here in the Pacific Northwest PGA in 2012. Since that time, Koch has been very engaged in partnering with PGA professionals, course owners, club managers and the like to create significant and measurable revenue increases, deeper consumer/member engagement, etc. As a result, many PNWPGA professionals have become more valuable to their employer and created greater employment stability. Since Jan 1, 2016, Koch has personally been involved with the creation and/or enhancement of no less than twelve (12) PGA positions in the PNWPGA. In several cases, another PGA professional was able to backfill the job vacated when the new position was created.
“It’s this career coaching and engagement with PGA professionals and their facilities that I’ve found to be the most fulfilling part of my work with the PGA. It’s not about just player development, or just employment. Sure, programs and concepts are part of the toolbox, but I have the privilege of coaching, equipping, inspiring and prospering PGA professionals to be better than they have been. As a result, these PGA professionals often create opportunities for themselves, create more revenue for their employer and create more community for the golfers they serve…it’s truly a triple win,” said Koch when asked about his “professional why” for working with the PGA.
With more than 25 years in golf, Koch is proud of his start as a greenskeeper at the City of Portland’s Heron Lakes Golf Course. A native of Beaverton, OR, Koch is a graduate of the Professional Golf Management program at New Mexico State University. After graduation, Monte moved to the Northern California PGA Section (NCPGA) and his first role at Saddle Creek Golf Club. In all, Koch worked for more than 15 years at facilities in the NCPGA Section. During that time, he worked in various roles including General Manager, Director of Golf and Head Golf Professional at multiple facility types (including private, semi-private/daily fee and municipal.)
Koch’s last position before the PGA was in the Napa Valley at Chardonnay Golf Club. While in the NCPGA, Koch served as a director for the section, including two years each as Secretary, Vice-President and President. Koch was also very involved in the formative years of the California Alliance for Golf (CAG) representing the NCPGA among golf industry leaders, and in the Northern California PGA Foundation (the section’s 501-c3) as a director and officer. In 2008, Koch won the section’s Bill Strasbaugh award, followed by the Professional of the Year award in 2011. Monte, his wife and four children reside in Auburn, WA near Green River College.
Contact Monte by calling (206)335-5260 or via e-mail at [email protected].
View Monte’s numerous articles on topics related to enhancing employment, player development, employment and consumer engagement archived here.
Monte Koch, Certified PGA Professional
Employment Consultant
Email: [email protected] Cell: 206/335-5260