I have returned home inspired! Over the last week, I had the amazing fortune to attend the PGA Annual Meeting in Grand Rapids, MI and then fly directly to Tacoma, WA, for a rewarding mentoring conference with my fellow Section and industry professionals. Both events were amazing.
The National Meeting offered opportunities to connect with the leaders of our Association, participate in the election of my friend, Eric Eshleman, as our PGA Secretary, and elect our good friends, Don Rea as President, and Nathan Charnes as our Vice President. This team, along with a strong board, will lead the PGA of America for the next 6 years. It is a good thing, because there are significant opportunities ahead, with real threats to the future of our Association.
The PNW PGA Mentoring Conference was awesome. It is always rewarding to celebrate Sean Fredrickson through continuing his passion and legacy. Seeing our great friend and supporter, Greg Manley, and to have the support of TaylorMade through Greg, is equally awesome. The conference covered a plethora of fantastic topics, of which, coaching and player development, led by Scott Erdmann, Ross Kukula, and Derek Siesser, and collaborating about golf operations with our hosts, James Hochrine and Brett Eaton of Tacoma Country and Golf Club, were my two favorites. I was also very impressed by the presentation from Nathan Charnes, PGA Vice President, who made his way from the National Meeting to the Pacific Northwest Section to support our PGA Professionals. All the presenters were terrific, so I thank each of them for taking the time to mentor us. I would also like to commend and thank Carrie DeGree, Molly, Denise, Domonic, Frank, and the Section staff for their work to deliver a great experience.
As PGA Professionals, we’re often inspired by calls to action that push us to excel. For me, at this year’s annual meeting and at the mentoring conference, two phrases stood out: “lean in” and “get uncomfortable.” These ideas are simple yet profound, capturing the essence of our roles as leaders in golf and in our communities.
Leaning in invites us to embrace the opportunities for service and growth that surround us every day. Within the PGA, there are countless ways we can give back—whether it’s mentoring younger professionals, engaging with juniors and player development programs, or strengthening the Section by joining in governance. By choosing to lean in, we accept the responsibility to elevate the game and support each other, building a brighter future for the game and our profession. When we lean in, we better ourselves in many ways:
• Strengthening Our Skills and Knowledge: Embracing new opportunities sharpens our teaching, leadership, and technical skills, keeping us at the top of the business of golf.
• Building Stronger Relationships and Networks: Engaging actively within the PGA community fosters valuable connections with members, colleagues, and leaders, enriching our personal and professional lives.
• Enhancing Our Leadership and Influence: By taking on new challenges, we grow as leaders and inspire positive change, setting an example of dedication and service for those we work with and delivering on our mission to serve the member and grow the game.
But growth requires more than leaning in; it demands that we also “get uncomfortable.” It’s easy to stick with what we know, sit in the back of the room, and feel satisfied, but real progress happens when we step outside our comfort zones, speak up, and get involved. This might mean setting more ambitious goals, tackling areas of weakness, or even leading initiatives we’ve never tried before. Growth isn’t always easy, but by embracing the uncomfortable, we stretch ourselves, achieve more, and strengthen our impact on those around us.
As we lean in and get uncomfortable in this month of Thanksgiving, let’s not forget to be thankful for all that this game gives us. We’re fortunate to build careers around a game we love, surrounded by people who share our passion. We’re given the unique opportunity to shape lives on and off the course, from mentoring young players to fostering meaningful relationships when we tee it up. Let’s appreciate these experiences, recognizing that our roles allow us to both serve and grow in ways that few professions offer.
If you have a chance, please take the time to participate in the Freddy Initiative. The Oregon Chapter is leading the fundraising drive for the Freddy Foundation. In 2025, mentoring support will focus on the Associates in our Section. Please donate a gift for the raffle and encourage the people around you to buy tickets to support this great cause. I heard there will likely be an opportunity to purchase tickets to the 2025 Ryder Cup and the PGA Championship!
I hope you find time in the next couple of weeks to spend time with your family, share all that you are thankful for, and enjoy the holiday. Best wishes, friends.