Happy November, PGA Professionals!
It has been a busy and meaningful month in my role as President of our Section.
Along with Frank, our key staff, the officer corps, and several Chapter officers, I attended the PGA Annual Meeting at our home of the PGA of America in Frisco, Texas. After just a couple of days back home, I traveled to Portland to attend the Mentoring Conference at Tualatin Country Club. I’d like to extend a sincere thank you to Tualatin CC for hosting us so graciously.
The PGA Annual Meeting was intense in the best possible way. The breakout sessions were exceptionally valuable, with open and honest dialogue among leadership from across the country. I was impressed by the tremendous amount of work our National Board of Directors, officers, and staff put into both the event itself and the extensive preparation beforehand. They approached some highly challenging topics with commitment, clarity, and integrity. Our Association is in good hands.
I also want to express my deep appreciation to Dr. Christopher Cain for his service as our District Director. Chris has represented us with professionalism, thoughtfulness, and attention to detail on some very sensitive issues over the past two years. He delivered for our Section, the Southwest Section, and our district while meeting significant responsibilities at the national level. Thank you, Dr. Cain.
I’m also excited to welcome Marcus King as our new District Director. Marcus will represent us—and the Southwest Section—exceptionally well.
The Mentoring Conference was a tremendous success. I have seen many messages complimenting our staff and committee members for the quality of the event. Thank you to Carrie DeGree and our staff for your thoughtful planning and smooth execution, and thank you to all who attended and participated. I encourage those who haven’t been before to put this event on your calendar for next year. We are also grateful to TaylorMade and all of the sponsors who made the conference possible. It was a wonderful experience.
Three Key Takeaways From a Busy Two Weeks
1. Validation
When I attend conferences, I’m always looking for opportunities to learn, improve myself, and better serve both PGA Members and MCC Members. This year, I was especially struck by the openness of the breakout sessions—and by how much validation I felt in the work I do across my business and family life.
We may all approach our responsibilities differently, but it was reassuring to hear that others face similar challenges and often pursue similar strategies. For example, in the Golf Operation Management session with Josh C. and Marcus, there was a healthy discussion about internal communication, transparency, and employer expectations. While our tools vary, our challenges—and our approaches—are remarkably aligned.
And yes… it was also validating to learn that Food & Beverage is tough for everyone!
2. Strategy
At both the PGA Annual Meeting and the Mentoring Conference, strategy and alignment were recurring themes.
A clear strategic plan—and the pillars that support it—must guide our decisions. Every choice in any organization should run through the filter of:
“Does this help us move toward our strategic plan?”
If the answer is yes, we plan and execute. If not, we pass—or we revisit the strategic plan to ensure it reflects our evolving direction.
Even in teaching, strategy is essential. Before changing a student’s mechanics, we must understand their goals, commitment level, timeline, and the potential ripple effects of adjustments. Business and family decisions work the same way.
3. Deliberation
Leadership is challenging, and making snap decisions is rarely the right approach.
There is often pressure to respond quickly, but listening to leaders at both events reinforced the value of taking a breath, gathering information, collaborating with others, doing the research, and then delivering a decision that aligns with the needs of the entire group, family, or organization.
I especially enjoyed hearing how Jeremy Moe, Head Golf Professional, and Andrew Crawford, Superintendent at Tualatin CC, navigate member expectations and preserve culture while managing an astounding 240 events annually. Their partnership and deliberation were inspiring.
Time spent on strategy, validation, listening, and finding common ground is time well spent.
Looking Ahead
Next month, the leadership of our Section will gather in Arizona for our Winter Planning Session, held in conjunction with the Winter Pro-Am at We-Ko-Pa Resort. This event has become the cornerstone of our preparation for the coming year.
We have established a consistent, thoughtful process to review our strategic plan, align our Section and Chapters, and make decisions that best serve our PGA Professionals.
Hopefully, you were able to attend your Chapter meeting and share your perspective on the operation of our Association. Your Chapter leaders will play a key role in the success of our planning session.
If you have input you feel should be considered, please reach out to me, your Chapter President, or Frank at the Section office.
Wishing you and your families a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Cheers,
Chris M. Nowlen, PGA