Facility: Glen Acres G&CC
PGA Member Since: 2000
- Served the WWCPGA and PNW Section for a total of 12 years.
- Served the WWCPGA as President in 2015-16.
- Certified Parks & Recreation Professional (CPRP) since 2019.
- One of the original 4 WWC golf professionals to start PGA Junior League in 2012, its year of inception.
- 5-time winner of the WWCPGA Junior Golf Leader Award. Winner of the PNW Section Junior Golf Leader (Youth Player Development Award) in 2011.
- First golf job in this Chapter was as a golf shop assistant at Bear Creek Country Club in Woodinville in summer 1988.
- Played 4 years at Western Washington University.
How did you get into golf as a career and who were your mentors?
My first job in the golf industry was in high school as a player services employee at The Hills of Lakeway in Austin, Texas. Frequent visits from touring pros Ben Crenshaw and Tom Kite as well as Director of Golf Chuck Cook inspired me to consider the golf profession later in life. Locally, I became professional as a non-Member Head Professional at Taylor Creek Golf Course in Maple Valley. I guess you could say I was a self-taught, self-motivated golf professional early in my career without working for a mentor. As a mentor, I convey to Associates and newly elected Member professionals three vital qualities one must possess to be successful:
- Never be afraid to reinvent yourself – especially if an employer throws you a curve ball or decides one day that your expendable. Having a well-rounded palate of skills allows you to move on.
- Learn all you can about effective and successful player development programs, public speaking opportunities, creative marketing strategies via use of AI, and most importantly, agronomy and the expertise of an effective Superintendent.
- Always reach out and ask for help from fellow professionals. After 25 years, I still don’t know everything in this profession, and I still call or text fellow pros for help!
What junior golf program are you most proud of?
The PGA Junior League and High School golf programs that I’ve developed and delivered have given me the most professional satisfaction. Taking youth golfers on a journey from beginners to competitive players to something all PGA professionals enjoy providing. I wish, however, more PGA Professionals (especially Associates) would pursue high school coaching. The pay ain’t great but it provides so much more.
Any advice for PGA Professionals looking to get into Chapter or Section governance?
Before considering a role as a Chapter or Section director you must ask yourself a few questions. Do I have 100% dedication to serve in this role? Do I work for an employer or club that will allow me to be away from my facility to dedicate the time to serve? Am I an effective motivator of others (to lead a committee)? If the answer to all of these questions is Yes, I’d say go for it!