The Pacific Northwest Section PGA selected the top merchandisers in three categories, as recognized by their peers, for outstanding performance during 2020.
Merchandiser of the Year – Public
Matt Brown – Highlands GC & Manzanita Golf Links
Gearhart, OR & Manzanita, OR
Before the pandemic, Matt diversified his golf shops for success. One golf shop handled the bulk of the hard goods while the other shop carried the bulk of the soft goods. Under restrictions caused by COVID, Matt created “grab and go” window displays to expedite the shopping experience. Matt and his staff also manage an active online store, which they successfully marketed to move excess inventory and weather the storm until golf manufacturers reopened. Matt previously won this award in 2014 and 2015 and won the national PGA award in this category in 2016.
Merchandiser of the Year – Private
Craig Hunter – Sand Point CC
Seattle, WA
Craig used the weeks of closure caused by the pandemic to remodel his shop and welcome back members once the shutdown was lifted. In addition, Craig turned to online options through his vendors and created an “exclusive to Sand Point” website to create sales opportunities during the lockdown. When the doors of the shop reopened to the membership, Craig shifted his focus to ensuring a positive and vibrant experience for the membership. Craig previously won this award in 2009.
Merchandiser of the Year – Resort
Nick McCaslin – Kalispel G&CC
Spokane, WA
Nick has created a unique atmosphere in the pro shop at Kalispel and achieved tremendous growth. He has grown the merchandise operation not only with soft goods, but also with club sales by making sure his staff is up-to-date on club fitting certifications and earning a positive word of mouth vibe from both the club and the community of Spokane. While unable to open during the pandemic, Nick created an online golf shop for his members and guests that yielded sales from around the country.
Please join us in congratulating the 2020 PNWPGA Merchandisers of the Year! These three professionals will be recognized at the PNWPGA Virtual Annual Meeting on October 21. The remaining Special Award winners will be decided and announced in the spring of 2021.
PNWPGA Special Awards Committee