Happy New Year! I hope you and your families had a wonderful holiday season.
As an officer of the Pacific Northwest Section, I cherish the opportunity to write these articles. I see it as not only my role to inform you of the business of your Association, but also a chance to encourage you and challenge us all to be better PGA members and community leaders. December was a busy month for the Pacific Northwest Section. We lost a close friend and exemplary PGA Professional, announced our award winners for 2022, and honored two of our best with inductions into our Hall of Fame.
One of our best, Harold Bluestein was a very successful golf professional and a great friend to so many. As a pillar in the Oregon Chapter, Harold led by helping those around him. He was a mentor to many, a leader in player development and won the Bill Strausbaugh award at the Chapter and Section level multiple times. For me, Harold was a partner and friend in leadership on the PNW PGA Board of Directors. I enjoyed serving with Harold. He always had an infectious smile. Please keep his wife, Sue, and Harold’s family in your prayers during this difficult time.
As President of our Section, I have the wonderful pleasure of contacting each award winner and being the first to congratulate them on their selection. It was a special opportunity for me. Each of them showed great gratitude for their selection as the best of the best in the Pacific Northwest. Congratulations to Past President, Howie Pruitt on his award as our Golf Professional of the Year.
- Patriot Award: Vince Domenzain
- Bill Strausbaugh Award: Steve Prugh
- Golf Professional of the Year: Howie Pruitt
- Perry Williams Award: Howie Pruitt
- Assistant Golf Professional of the Year: Wesley Boone
- PNW PGA Merchandiser of the Year – Public: Dan Porter
- PNW PGA Merchandiser of the Year – Resort: Bruce Christy
- PNW PGA Merchandiser of the Year – Private: Brett Eaton
- Teacher of the Year: Derek Siesser
- Player Development Award: Scott Erdmann
- Youth Player Development Award: Jason Aichele
- Professional Development Award: Jeff Coston
Additionally, I had the pleasure of contacting Doug Doxsie and Kathy Gildersleeve-Jensen on their selection to the Class of 2024 PNW PGA Hall of Fame. These two honorees exemplify the PGA Professional. What an honor to notify them that we recognize their accomplishments and contributions to the game and the Pacific Northwest Section. As a published teacher and national award winner, Kathy has made a career of player development. Doug has served our Association at every level and is nationally respected amongst our peers. Their professional success is inspiring. Congratulations Doug and Kathy.
The Chapter and Section leadership met at the winter planning meeting in the first part of December. Frank, the staff, committee chairs, and the Board reviewed our 2022 business and reviewed goals for 2023. Your Section is as successful as ever. We are achieving success in all areas of our business. Partnerships are growing, tournaments are successful, professional and player development are thriving, our foundation is developing, and we are aligned in our operations in every Chapter. 2023 is poised to be a terrific year for the Pacific Northwest Section! Thank you to all involved for your dedication.
Finally, my message to all, including myself, is to be inspired. I am not one for New Year’s resolutions, but I am the guy that sets goals and has a plan. In 2023, I plan to balance my work and life to spend time with my family, grow as a professional, serve my members at MCC even better, and serve this Section well as President. I will also play more golf (and better, I hope), read more books, and get my tail-end to the gym. Whatever you have in mind for this year, I wish you the best, and I am here for moral support if you need it. I do.
Enjoy the links and the slopes if you can!
Chris M. Nowlen, PGA
President, Pacific Northwest PGA