This month we profile Chas Holmes, PGA, who is one of two cohorts selected for the 2022-2023 class of PGA LEAD. Among his many certifications in the pursuit of continuing education, he became PGA Certified in golf operations in 2018 and specialized in executive management in 2020.
Facility: The Yakima CC
Hometown: Normandy Park, WA
PGA Member Since: 2016
How did you get started in your golf career and who were your mentors?
My grandparents taught me to play golf on a small par 3 course called Belmore Park in Federal Way. I played most of my junior golf at Twin Lakes Golf and Country Club in Federal Way, WA.
I started in the golf industry in 2013 and received PGA membership in 2016. I began as the Assistant Golf Professional at Tam o’Shanter G&CC and became the Head Golf Professional in 2017. I moved to Yakima, WA in March 2020 to take the role as Head Golf Professional at The Yakima Country Club.
I got into golf as a career by recommendation from my good friend Kyle Miller, who was the Head Golf Professional at Tam o’Shanter when I began there in 2013. Kyle was a great mentor and friend during my career transition into golf. More recently, I had the opportunity to work for Master Professional and Certified Club Manager Ward Sutton, who always pushed me to get better every day and set high standards for myself and my team.
What Certifications have you received?
I became certified in golf operations in 2018 and specialized in executive management in 2020. I plan to pursue Master Professional in Golf Operations as soon as I am eligible. I am currently pursuing CCM (certified club manager) status which is the certification process through the Club Managers Association of America. I plan to have this complete by summer of 2023. I am a certified ADM PGA Golf Coach and certified U.S.Kids Golf Coach as well as Ping certified club and putter fitter.
What benefits of the PGA CPP have you seen in your career or at your facility?
I benefited greatly from this program by adding new ideas and resources to my tool kit as a PGA Professional, especially in team leadership and understanding financials. I learned new terms and concepts and developed a comprehensive golf operation manual and new member packet. I constantly update this manual as our industry and my facility changes and both of these resources have helped advance my career and benefit my employers.
What advice do you have for other PNW PGA Professionals thinking of going through the PGA CPP?
I am passionate about continuing education and take every opportunity to further my teammates, myself, my career, and my employer in this manner. I believe the PGA CPP is a great program for all PGA Professionals as it offers courses and resources from all aspects of the golf business. Every PGA Professional will find new information through this program regardless of their current experience level. It forces us to think about our careers and how we can be better at what we do. My advice is simple – Work through the PGA CPP if you want to be a better PGA Professional, a better mentor and leader to your team, and increase your value to your facility. I am confident you will learn something new and valuable to help make your job easier and yourself a more valuable PGA Professional. It has certainly done so for me.