Working Smarter, Not Harder: Closing Out the Season with Intention
Frank Talarico, PNWPGA CEO
As the busy season winds down, many of us feel the physical and mental toll of long days, back-to-back events, and endless responsibilities. It’s easy to equate hours on the clock with value delivered, but as professionals, we know success in our business isn’t measured by exhaustion—it’s measured by impact. This is the perfect moment to remind ourselves that working smarter, not harder, is what sustains careers and keeps our passion for the game strong.
Working smarter begins with prioritization. In the rush of summer, we often find ourselves reacting instead of planning. As fall approaches, take stock of where your time is going. Are there tasks you can delegate to staff members eager for responsibility? Empowering your team not only develops their skills, but it also frees you to focus on the higher-level work that only you can do—whether that’s player development, member relationships, or strategic planning.
Another way to work smarter is through systems. Many professionals rely heavily on personal stamina instead of building repeatable processes. Ask yourself: Can tournament operations be streamlined with better templates? Can communications with members be automated, scheduled, or standardized? Even small efficiencies compound over time, saving hours and reducing stress when next season ramps up again.
Equally important is personal energy management. If you’re running on empty, you’re not at your best for your players, members, or staff. Working smarter means recognizing when to pause, recharge, and invest in your own well-being. That might be as simple as blocking a morning for your own practice, scheduling family time, or carving out an afternoon to reflect and set goals. Protecting your energy ensures you have the bandwidth to serve others with excellence.
Finally, as you close out this season, shift your mindset from survival mode to growth mode. Identify one or two areas where a smarter approach could transform next year’s workload. Maybe it’s investing in technology, refining your staff training program, or creating a clearer calendar of events. By making these changes now, you’re setting the stage for a more sustainable—and more rewarding—season ahead.
Our profession demands a lot, but it doesn’t have to demand everything. Working smarter gives us the balance to lead effectively, serve joyfully, and stay connected to why we entered this game in the first place.
EXCITING SPONSOR NEWS AND SECTION NOTES
One brilliant example of working smarter, not harder—and one that empowers you to do the same—is the recent launch of Pelzer Golf’s online ordering portal. Pelzer Golf allows section professionals to connect and order on their schedule. Now, for the first time in their rich history, Pelzer Golf allows you to create an online account, and then order as you need to, when you need to. Online ordering guarantees you the same superior brand of customer service you have come to associate with Craig and his team. Moreover, they now have great inventory of product on-hand enabling them to afford their clients next-day delivery.
To learn more about this outstanding new option for your ordering needs, and to quickly set-up your account, visit: www.pelzergolf.com.
Section Fall General Meeting. Our Fall General Meeting is right around the corner, September 16, 2025, Missoula CC, Missoula MT (after the first round of the Section Championship). As a reminder, items of new business must be submitted in writing prior to the opening of the New Business portion of the meeting. Please email Chris Nowlen at [email protected] or Frank Talarico at [email protected].
Mark Your Calendars! Reminder of the 2025 PNWPGA Mentoring Conference presented by TaylorMade, aboutGOLF, Evolve Golf, NI Golf Tours and PLT Golf, November 11-12 at Tualatin CC. For more information and to register, please click here.
Sincere Thanks! Please join me in thanking our Pelzer Golf Northwest Open sponsors: Craig Pelzer, Pelzer Golf; Pete Trudeau of Pacific Golf & Turf; Ben Baxter with Nikon Golf; PLT Golf; the City of Dupont and the PGA TOUR. Also, our thanks to the team of professionals at the Home Course for being amazing hosts for the past four years!
The PNWPGA is proud to have just completed the 2025 Callaway Challenge, our fourth year with our fantastic partners at Callaway. Special thanks to Mr. Trent MacEachran and Mr. Del Kolasinski.
As always, if I or any member of our amazing section team can be of service, please do not hesitate to reach out: [email protected].