Let’s Celebrate!
Welcome to February! Your section staff continues to prepare for what promises to be an incredible 2025 season. This year’s tournaments—across all five chapters and at the section level—will be better than ever. Additionally, section Members and Associates will have access to more educational opportunities than ever before. Our 2025 Mentoring Conference, presented by TaylorMade, aboutGOLF and Evolve Golf, is shaping up to be another sell-out event, offering invaluable peer-to-peer networking and learning experiences.
Recently, I had the opportunity to spend two days with my peers from the other forty sections at the annual PGA of America Executive Directors Conference. While the highlight for me is always exchanging insights on what worked last year and what we hope will work this year, our discussions also focused on the challenges that lie ahead. One thing we all agreed upon? The highlight of every season is the chance to celebrate our members at our Special Awards Dinner.
Recognizing Success Matters
It’s just fact: it’s easy to focus on personal achievement. Whether you’re a club professional, instructor, golf course owner, or equipment manufacturer, much of your effort naturally revolves around growing your own business and reputation. However, one of the most powerful ways to ensure long-term success—both individually and collectively—is by celebrating the achievements of our peers. Recognizing others fosters stronger relationships, builds industry momentum, and ultimately elevates the game of golf.
On March 16, 2025, at Royal Oaks Country Club, we will gather for a night of camaraderie and celebration. For more details about this year’s event and to register, click here.
I am proud to announce that beginning in 2025, the PNWPGA Special Awards Dinner will be presented by Pearce Bespoke. Locally owned and based in Portland, Pearce Bespoke brings extensive PGA experience and a passion for serving the Pacific Northwest golf community. As the “official Bespoke Clothier of the PNWPGA,” their concierge service makes elevating your next personal or professional occasion effortless. Thanks to their support, attendance will be more accessible for our Members and Associates. Additionally, Pearce Bespoke will award the PNWPGA Golf Professional of the Year a tailored sport jacket to commemorate this milestone achievement.
I encourage you to reach out to owner Bob Berkey ([email protected]) to learn more about Pearce Bespoke’s exceptional offerings for you, your courses, your clubs, and your staff. Best of all, PGA Members receive a 15% discount as part of this exciting three-year partnership.
But why do we host a special night to honor the best of our section?
“A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats”
The golf industry thrives on collaboration. When a club professional introduces an innovative coaching method, a course renovates to enhance the player experience, or a manufacturer develops groundbreaking technology, everyone benefits. By acknowledging and promoting these achievements, we create a culture where success is shared rather than seen as a competition. Celebrating the wins of others accelerates innovation and strengthens the industry as a whole.
Strengthening Professional Relationships
Networking is at the heart of the golf business. Whether at trade shows, industry conferences, or chapter meetings, the relationships built within our community often lead to new opportunities. Publicly recognizing a peer’s success fosters stronger professional connections and reinforces a spirit of collaboration.
Building a Positive Industry Reputation
The way an industry celebrates success influences how it is perceived by those outside of it. Golf has long faced criticisms of exclusivity and resistance to change, but an industry that champions innovation and recognizes progress presents a much more dynamic and welcoming image. When we openly celebrate diversity initiatives, sustainable practices, or junior development programs, we showcase golf as a forward-thinking, inclusive sport.
The business side of golf benefits from this as well. Investors, sponsors, and customers are drawn to industries that foster positivity and growth. When the success of a golf entrepreneur, coach, or course manager is acknowledged and publicized, it signals to outsiders that this is a thriving and supportive industry worth being part of.
Motivation and Inspiration for the Next Generation
Celebrating success isn’t just about the present—it’s about inspiring future leaders in golf. Young professionals entering the industry look to those ahead of them for guidance and inspiration. When they see peers being recognized for their hard work, it reinforces the idea that dedication and innovation are rewarded. This creates a cycle of ambition and excellence that propels the industry forward.
Consider the impact of the annual Golf Digest and PGA awards. These recognitions not only honor industry veterans but also set benchmarks for aspiring professionals. Seeing someone else’s success story can be the catalyst that drives a new business idea, a coaching breakthrough, or a commitment to sustainability in course management.
I personally invite you all to join us March 16. I promise, you won’t regret it.
Special News and Notes:
- Yamaha Player Development Grant applications will be available soon. Contact Angela Hinzpeter at the PNWPGA Foundation for more information: [email protected].
- As I noted above, Members and Associates have more educational opportunities than ever before. I encourage you all to check our in-person 2025 opportunities: Sweet 16 Education and Juniper Preserve Education Summit and online Stay Involved Webinars: https://pnwpga.com/member-services/education.