And we’re off! Our season in Central Oregon is off and running. I hope yours is the same. As we enter these very busy times, remember the importance of finding a good work-life balance for yourself and your staff.
Some of you know that I served on the National Board of Control. We meet several times a year, both virtually and in person. Last week, we met in Tulsa, and I had the opportunity to visit Southern Hills on Thursday morning. It was great to see the Team of 20 PGA Club Professionals on prominent display on banners, posters, and videos. It was an honor to stand on the ninth tee box and watch many of these professionals come through, going toe-to-toe with the best players in the world. As President of the Pacific Northwest Section, it was a true honor to watch our three players, Austin Hurt, Colin Inglis, and Tim Feenstra, rip it off the tee. I can only imagine what it must feel like to see those years of hard work and sacrifice pay off. Some of the Tour players did not want our club professionals in the event in years past. I am proud that the PGA leadership stood its ground. The Tour players have their Championship, and the PGA members have our Championship. Our players played well on a challenging course.
What impact does our association have on golf? Who won? J.T., and who was at his side the whole time, coaching him, encouraging him, and supporting him—his dad, a longtime PGA Professional, Mike Thomas.
I hope you get a chance to use that PGA perk to get access to our Championship in the future. Seeing our professionals play and seeing our association showcase what we do for golf makes me proud to be a member of the PGA of America.
As always, thanks for your time, and thank you for all that you do. Please stay safe and healthy and reach out to someone you have not contacted in a while.
Have a great season and get out and play!
Howie Pruitt, PGA
Director, Golf Operations, Aspen Lakes GC
President, Pacific Northwest Section