What a Difference a Year Makes
It was a year ago that the world collectively hit the pause button. Through the last twelve months, we as an association of golf professionals changed in a way we had never had to sustain before. Our profession is our sport, and our sport is inherently a social game. One year ago, we were mandated to shut it all down, professionally and quite literally personally. Nonetheless, with diligence, sound but flexible planning, and prudent management I am pleased to report that your chapters and your section are rounding into 2021 poised for a great year. Moreover, I could not be happier to say, one year later and still abiding by evolving COVID protocols, we are ready to hit the “play” button. Weather is changing and with it comes the start of our 2021 Tournament Schedule.
While our spring meeting is regrettably virtual, we will be playing golf March 22 and 23. Our thanks to Willamette Valley Country Club and Mr. John Grothe, PGA for hosting our upcoming Pro-Assistant Championship. There is no substitute for being together and while we cannot gather to discuss PNW Section business, we are confident those making the trip to the event will not be disappointed. I would also like to express our appreciation for this year’s event sponsors. These companies and brands are critical to the success of the event, and to the member experience across all section and chapter tournaments. This year’s Pro-Assistant sponsors are Bushnell, Sterling Cut Glass, PTE Golf and GT Golf Supplies. Please thank their representatives when you see them before your round.
Continuing our work as a section team, always engaged with the mission to serve the members and grow the game, we have completed the second of two staff moves to ensure alignment of precious but critical resources with that mission. As was mentioned in my last column, with the hire of Tanner Montgomery, PGA as our new Manager of Tournament Operations, a vacancy was created. Again, to ensure that our chapters and their members consistently enjoy excellent service, we redefined the Executive Director role vacated with Tanner’s departure.
In cooperation with the leadership of each chapter and bringing in the leadership form the Western Montana Chapter, we are pleased to create a new, three-chapter Executive Director position. With one hundred percent of the incumbent’s focus and energy directed on these three chapters, we are all confident that the new role will open a new approach and new opportunities. To that end, it is my pleasure to announce the hiring of Mr. Alec Bahnick, PGA. Alec comes to us from Seattle Golf Club where he was Assistant Professional. He also served a one-year internship at the Section in tournament management and administration. Alec has undergraduate degrees in management and marketing. He is a graduate of the PGM program. Notably, Alec played NCAA Baseball, even competing in the College World Series as a starter on the Webster University team.
The season ahead is an exciting one for us all. By the time you read this, for the first time in our section’s history I am very proud to report you should have received our five-year tournament schedule. With an aim to reducing unnecessary scheduling conflicts across our chapters while proving ample time for our members to plan their tournament participation, we believe taking a long-view of our tournament operations will increase participation and sponsorships as we secure in advance some of the most requested venues across our section.
Released last Wednesday, the entry for the 2021 Washington Open is now available. Always a phenomenal experience, this year promises to be no different. Our thanks to Mr. Greg Manley, PGA and the team at Meridian Country Club for, again, hosting this annual event. You should have, also, received notice and the opportunity to enter our brand new “Mexican Fiesta Pro Am.”
For more information and to enter your team, click here
As promised, we are adding not just one, but two new destination pro-am’s. Available April 1, 2021, entries for our second, brand-new destination pro-am in Arizona go live. We are always working to build upon our past successes. Destination pro-am’s are something that our section has always done very well. In addition to providing an opportunity for our members to enjoy time with their amateur playing partners, our destination pro-am’s are an important source of income for our section. I want to personally thank each of you for assuredly making this year’s events a great success for us all.
As always, if I can ever be of service to you, for any reason, never hesitate to reach out. I think we can all agree: what a difference a year makes. Welcome to your PNW PGA 2021 season.
Play often and play well,
Frank Talarico, CEO