This month we interview Erik Haag, PGA of Meadow Park GC in Tacoma, WA. He won the Western Washington Chapter Golf Professional of the Year award in 2022. Erik’s mentorship and leadership are grounded in a philosophy of community involvement, strategic growth, and unwavering dedication to the game of golf. The recent PGA Places to Play grant awarded to Meadow Park GC is set to further this mission by funding a 3-hole programming course, making the game accessible to all and enriching local youth programs.
Hometown: Staten Island, New York
PGA Member since: 2000
How did you get started in golf and who are your mentors?
I got started in golf after moving to Washington with my family at the age of 12. We lived near a golf course, and every day during the summer, I would find lost golf balls and sell them to players at one of the holes. I spent hours watching golfers’ swings and trying to imitate them. With my parents’ support, I eventually bought some clubs and started playing the game myself. From that moment, I was hooked.
I went on to play high school golf in Southern California and later attended College of the Desert, where I earned a degree in Golf Management. In March 2000, I received my PGA membership, and in 2013, I became Certified in Golf Operations.
One of my key mentors has always been my dad. Although he didn’t play golf until I got involved, he had a strong sense of business, which inspired me to pursue a career in Golf Operations. His business-minded approach continues to influence me today as I manage golf operations.
When did you start your career at Meadow Park GC/Tacoma Parks?
After spending the first part of my career with American Golf Corporation working at resort and private facilities, in 2008, I started a professional journey with Meadow Park Golf Course/ Metro Parks Tacoma. I had always wanted to be connected to the community through golf and wanted to make a difference. Metro Parks Tacoma has given me the opportunity to establish and expand community-oriented programs that have been a core focus in engaging the local community in golf. An example of the impact our programming has on our community is the introduction of the after-school program. In collaboration with Metro Parks Tacoma, Tacoma Public Schools, and The First Tee- South Puget Sound this program intended to demonstrate a deep commitment to making golf accessible to all. By offering Beyond the Bell activities for grades K-5 and Club B activities for grades 6-8, we are providing an opportunity for students who might not have had access to the game of golf otherwise.
How did your experiences shape you into becoming a mentor to others?
My pursuit of inspiring my fellow Golf Professionals through mentorship, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the growth and betterment of golf is an important part of my dedication to it. I believe that the embodiment of shared values and aspirations which unite professionals in the industry makes someone a truly exceptional role model and source of inspiration for all who have the privilege of working with them.
What is your personal philosophy towards golf, and how do you instill that philosophy in your coaching and management practices?
It comes down to these simple principles: do more than just show up, get involved in the community, think strategically and creatively about ways to grow the game, adapt to a constantly changing environment, focus on the work not the recognition, and lastly, be intentional about serving the community.
How will the recent PGA Places to Play grant impact Meadow Park GC, and local junior golf?
This funding is a game-changer for our golf facility and community. The impact of this grant will be profound, providing our community with continued access to affordable golf and enriching the lives of many. We are excited for the development of a 3-hole programming golf course, designed to introduce the game of golf to new players, teach valuable skills and sportsmanship, and ensure ongoing youth programming. The impact this 3-hole programming golf course will have on the community partners will be exponential for the youth of our community. By making a golf course accessible to all abilities, this will allow the First Tee- South Puget Sound core values of their curriculum to be more impactful for the youth they serve. This grant will also make a big impact on our Club B and Beyond the Bell after School programs, PGA Jr League, PGA Family Golf, PGA Camps, Drive, Chip & Putt and many more community programs.