It is hard to believe, but my service as your District 14 Director on the National Board of Directors ends on November 3rd at the 106th PGA Annual meeting. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to represent the Pacific Northwest Section and Southwest Section and hope I met your expectations. There are so many people to thank for their support that I worry I will miss someone but here goes. First, my family, especially my wife Pam for “sharing” me to be able to carry out my duties. This position is like having a second job and I am appreciative of my families’ support. Secondly, my great members and my staff at Seattle Golf Club for their encouragement and understanding of the time away from the club. Thirdly, the 2019 PNWPGA Board of Directors for their confidence by selecting me for this position. Next, the great staff in the National office and Section office. They are passionate about what they do and were an invaluable resource to me in this position. A special shout out to former PNWPGA CEO Jeff Ellison and current CEO Frank Talarico for their support and collaboration while I served. Lastly, thanks to all of you for the suggestions, feedback, questions and conversations about the PGA.
It was a fast and furious four years, one as a “shadow” and three years as your representative. It feels bittersweet because I feel like there is so much more to do to make our PGA Professionals’ careers and lives better. This has been a constant mantra in the board room. I will miss being co-chair of the National Membership Committee and serving on the Golf Properties Board. On the other hand, I will get some time back into my life to share with my family, job, and maybe even a return to some competitive golf! I take comfort in knowing you are in good hands with Jeff Lessig from the Southwest Section taking over as your District 14 Director. He will do a great job for us.
As I reflect on my term that began in November 2019, I can’t help but think that this had to be the most unique time in the history of the PGA to serve as a District Director. Little did we know that we were four months from a global pandemic that would turn the world and our industry upside down. For over a year, travel for board meetings was halted and all our business was conducted virtually. I won’t miss the hundreds of zoom calls! Our focus quickly turned to how to help our PGA Golf Professionals navigate the pandemic. Some of the things like the Back2Golf initiative, Golf Emergency Relief Fund, delaying PGA dues, and providing financial support to the sections during the early stages of the pandemic still make me proud of our Association.
These last three years saw the PGA of America challenged and grow in many ways. Here are just a few quick reflections:
- The PGA Championship was the first major held during the pandemic, without fans at Harding Park and your association pulled it off at a time when people really needed it
- We successfully postponed the Ryder Cup one year, protecting one of our prime assets and what an event it was at Whistling Straits
- We have a new, world class headquarters in Frisco Texas
- The National Committee structure has been revitalized and they are accomplishing great things
- A Deferred Compensation program will roll out in 2023 and will be an incredible opportunity for PGA Members to supplement their retirement
- The new Regional Model is providing more resources and benefits to our PGA Members and Associates in career services and will continue to grow
As I mentioned earlier there is always more work to do. Like many industries, the golf boom has also coincided with a labor shortage. We need to recruit more Associates. We need to positively influence compensation. We need to promote work-life balance. We need to make more progress on diversity, equity, and inclusion in our game in and the golf workplace. We need to capitalize on this golf boom and make sure it sticks. These are just some of the things your leaders will continue to work towards on your behalf.
Finally, thank you again for this incredible opportunity to serve you. It was an exciting ride full of challenges, experiences, and successes. I will be forever grateful and appreciative.
Doug Doxsie, PGA
Seattle Golf Club
PGA District 14 Director