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President's Report
This has been a great summer. The weather has been incredible and hopefully all of you are experiencing prosperous seasons! I’ve had the pleasure to witness many great things happen this summer in this game.
PGA Junior League is an incredible product and the kids absolutely love it. The parents love it too, and the passion they have for their kids and for the game is an advantage to you and your facility. We have 48 kids in our program here at MVCC (which is nothing compared to the 70+ that Cameron Milton had in his program in Polson Bay, MT!). Of those kids, we had four families join the club after they realized the great things we do for kids and the game. That’s four families who didn’t know about MVCC and are now enjoying being part of our family because of PGA Junior League.
Another great opportunity provided by the PGA is Drive, Chip and Putt. This program continues to draw the interest of both kids and adults, and hosting one of the local qualifiers is a privilege. You can use PGA Junior League or Drive, Chip and Putt as an opportunity to create golf clinics, or you can get creative.
Carissa Simmons, PGA, here at MVCC created a series of classes this spring and summer titled “Hit and Giggle”. The specific target was the unengaged spouse of the golfing member. This group quite honestly is intimidated by the whole atmosphere of the course and the game with its many traditions. “Hit and Giggle” was the single most influential series of clinics here at MVCC and really moved the needle on business, too. These ladies learned from an amazing PGA Professional whom they immediately connected with and felt comfortable with. They now are regular participants on the range and play golf on a regular basis. More importantly they, their kids and spouses are at the club more often, playing, eating and enjoying everything their membership has to offer. All because a PGA professional cared about them being involved and made it happen. Nice job, Carissa!
There are plenty of ways for you to be an amazing PGA Professional. The PGA of America provides many opportunities that you can take advantage of, such as PGA Junior League or Drive, Chip and Putt. Or you can blaze your own trail in your own unique way, just like Carissa Simmons did. It’s all about the game for us every day, and it’s all about us making the game more enjoyable to our customers. I have been inspired by many of you in our Section, thank you! Keep being amazing, innovative and making golf the best game on the planet.
Hopefully I will see many of you at the NW Open or our Section Championship. Please don’t forget to make time to play, promote and teach, it’s at the core of every one of us!
Sincerely,
Greg Manley, PGA
President, PNWPGA
[email protected]
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CEO's Report
Congratulations to Brady Sharp, who claimed the 30th Anniversary of the Rosauers Open Invitational at Indian Canyon in a playoff with Russell Grove. Thanks to our long-time partners we have enjoyed 30 years of tremendous purses and helped raise almost $3 million for the Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery. A special thanks to Doug Phares for hosting the championship back at “The Canyon”.
As this issue of ForeWord Press is delivered, we are at Wildhorse Resort in Pendleton for the Senior Oregon Open Invitational. Thanks to the support of CEO Gary George and Head Professional Mike Hegarty, this marks the 15th consecutive year at Wildhorse. The golf course, hotel and casino make for a perfect venue for the championship. Why not send a group to Wildhorse, I guarantee they will enjoy themselves! Our players always do!
Labor Day weekend is just around the corner and that means Patriot Golf Day. This is your chance to join your fellow professionals across the Section and around the country in support of the Folds of Honor. Your promotion can be as simple as the collection of optional donations, to adding a $1 fee to hosting an event, or a hole-in-one promotion. The program is built on a little from a lot of facilities, so any amount is welcome. Please register now at PGA.org and support the Folds of Honor. Need a hole-in-one idea, reach out to our sponsor David Nelson at Hole In One USA: [email protected]. If a bag tag or challenge coin promo is more your style, Gordon Schenk at ProTag has options for you as well: [email protected].
Two events that should be on every PGA Members schedule are the PNW Senior PGA Professional Championship at Everett CC, September 7-8 and the PNW PGA Professional Championship at Circling Raven GC, September 19-21. Register for the PGA Professional Championship and the Senior Qualifier through PGA.org and the Senior Section Championship on our website. These two events are members-only and provide a chance to compete against just your peers. They are YOUR championships – enter today.
The Pacific Northwest Section PGA Merchandise Show returns to the popular Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center on October 24-25. Vendor registration is going well and we are looking forward to a terrific show. As you know, this event serves as the single largest gathering of the Pacific Northwest golf community with education, the Annual Meeting and Pro-Vendor all wrapped around the show. See more details further in this issue!
We’ve completed plans for the 16th, yes 16th, Holcomb-In-One Las Vegas Pro-Am, March 11-15, 2018 in sunny Las Vegas. We’ve added TPC Las Vegas to our popular line up of destinations Las Vegas CC and Anthem CC. We are also excited to report that the Monte Carlo will have completely remodeled rooms and a rebranding to Park MGM. Combining these two upgrades will enhance the Holcomb-In-One experience. Please share the good news with your amateurs and look for entries out early next month.
The PGA Junior League Playoffs are underway. Congratulations to the forward-thinking professionals who have capitalized on this program. We have over 200 teams in the Section this year, helping build young golfers and strengthen relationships with their parents. This is the single best program the PGA of America has rolled out to the membership. Plan now to adopt it at your facility in 2018!
Finally, a big thank you to the host professionals at our 11 Drive Chip and Putt Local Qualifying sites for supporting this program. These PGA professionals promoted the game to over 1,400 girls and boys extending their hospitality and providing a great opportunity. Thank you – Ed Bezanson, Dennis Dolan, Tom Farris, Mel Fish, Mark Gardner, Trent Henning, Chris Issacson, Mike Kasch, Mark Keating, Robyn Lorain, Brandon Proudfoot, and Carissa Simmons for your hard work. DCP is another powerful junior golf initiative that we are proud to offer to your junior golfers.
Enjoy August while you can. Labor Day, football, aerification and rain are just around the corner.
Jeff Ellison, PGA
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Master of Ceremonies Bud Namek, Champion Brady Sharp, PGA and caddie Tina Hobson
Sharp Breaks Through at 30th Rosauers Open Invitational
Mitchell DeKruif, PNW PGA Intern
The 30th Rosauers Open Invitational returned to its home site at Indian Canyon GC in Spokane, WA as top professionals and amateurs battled for the prestigious trophy. Indian Canyon GC, a H. Chandler Egan design, is a 6,255-yard course nestled among the tree-lined hillside just southwest of the Spokane River.
Two days prior to the championship, 63 sponsored teams competed in the Umpqua Bank Pro-Am. Teams consisted of four amateurs accompanied by a PNW PGA Professional competing together in a two-day, best 2 of 5 net team competition. The Columbia Sales sponsored team was the victor at an astonishing 60-under par. The winning team was made up of PGA Professional and PNW PGA Hall of Fame Member Steve Prugh (Manito G&CC) and amateurs James Burke, Brent Ross, John Matthys, Craig Lampright and Paul Belles. Even more impressive than their five-shot victory was the $125,000 that the pro-am raised for the Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery. To date, this event has raised approximately $2.875 million for the charity and their noble cause to provide a safe haven for children at risk for abuse and neglect.
At the completion of the pro-am, the championship took center stage. Three days of great play ensued and once the dust settled, a new champion emerged. PGA Professional Brady Sharp of Walla Walla CC hoisted the Rosauers Championship Trophy after a very eventful week. Round one saw PNW PGA Professional Derek Berg (Sahalee CC) atop the leaderboard with a blistery 63, two shots ahead of amateur Jason Molner (Lewiston G&CC). Sharp began his tournament with a solid 2-under 69. At the completion of day two, Berg still remained on top at 12-under. PGA Professional and 2017 Oregon Open Invitational Champion, Russel Grove (North Idaho College), had also put himself in contention with a two-day total of 10-under par. Sharp, however, looked as if he may be out of the tournament as he sat seven shots back of the leader heading into the final round; astonishingly this was not the case.
When asked if he thought he could come from behind, Sharp responded, “I had a feeling all week that I was very close and could shoot something low…I knew it was going to take something special.” He fired a special final round 11-under par 60, setting the Indian Canyon Championship 18-hole record, and playing his way into a playoff with Russell Grove. The two players headed back to hole 18 for a sudden death playoff to determine who would walk away with the $11,000 first place check. With Grove posting a par, Brady knocked in his 4-foot birdie putt to seal the deal.
“Absolutely amazing, having the Rosauers be my first PNW PGA major is very special,” Sharp described his dramatic win.
We’d like to thank the staff of Indian Canyon GC, Rosauers, Umpqua Bank and all of our great sponsors who make this event so special. We look forward to heading back to Spokane in 2018 for the 31st Rosauers Open Invitational.
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Join Us in January for the Hawai'i Pro-Am
Our 43rd annual winter destination event will take place January 11-18, 2018. The deadline for entries and deposits is September 1, 2017.
We are returning to Mauna Lani Bay Hotel on the Big Island for 7 days of surf, golf, and so much more! You’ll play three rounds of golf and have plenty of time to explore the resort and surrounding island. You'll enjoy cocktails at the Opening Reception on January 11 as well as the Awards Dinner on January 16. New this year, a hosted breakfast will be provided on each of the three mornings before the day's round of the tournament.
Recruit your team, send in their names, emails and deposits. Denise will take it from there, contacting each person to determine their hotel needs and sending their customized invoice. Your team can be all men, all women or two couples, you build your team that works for you.
Contact Jeff Ellison or Denise Bacon in the office with questions.
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PNW PGA Professional Championship Returns to Circling Raven GC
The Field
Defending Champion PGA Assistant Professional Corey Prugh of Manito G&CC is expected to return and defend his title this September against a very strong field of PNW PGA Members for the PNW PGA Professional Championship.
Eligibility and Advancement
You must be employed in one of the following classifications as of September 6 to be eligible to play in the PNW PGA Professional Championship: MP, A-1, A-2, A-4, A-5, A-6, A-7, A-8, A-9, A-10, A-11, A-12, A-13, A-14, A-15, A-16, A-17, A-18, A-19, A-20, A-21, A-22, A-23, A-24, LMA and LMMA. The top seven finishers in our PNW PGA Professional Championship will advance directly into the 51st PGA Professional Championship, presented by Club Car, Mercedes-Benz USA and OMEGA, held at Bayonet Black Horse, Seaside, California on June 17-20, 2018.
That’s right! We are playing for seven spots to advance to the National Championship held on the WEST COAST next June! Last year we had a $71,800 purse (plus $2,625 in skins) with 93 professionals playing and paid half the field.
Enter Today
You may register for this event through PGA of America Membership services at 800-474-2776 or http://www.pgatournaments.com. The entry deadline is Wednesday, September 6th at 11:59 PM (PDT). Please pay attention to the entry deadline for this event. We will have NO LATE ENTRY!
The PGA of America has adopted the condition of competition for Grooves and/or Punch Marks at the Section level of the Pacific Northwest PGA Professional Championship. ALL PLAYERS MUST comply with this condition of competition.
Circling Raven GC
This beautifully designed course was built in 2003 by architect Gene Bates, Flowing through 620 visually stunning and inspirational acres adjoining the Coeur d’ Alene National Forest. Circling Raven has consistently been rated as one of the top Resort courses in the country. Golf Digest and Golf Magazine Golf World have rated it in their Top 100.
Plan on staying at the Coeur D’Alene Casino Resort Hotel. You can walk to the golf course each morning. In addition to different restaurants on site, the casino is a fun after hours option as well as many other amenities.
Reminder
The PNW PGA Professional Championship has Hudson Cup (worth 1.5 times the normal value) and Senior Hudson Cup points are available as well as Player of the Year points. This event is the last event for both Hudson Cup teams - plan on playing!
We hope to see you in September at Circling Raven GC!
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PNW PGA Merchandise Show Returns to Tacoma
The 2017 Merchandise Show will be held in the beautiful Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center on October 24-25, 2017 with vendor move beginning at noon on Monday, October 23.
We have two strong education programs for you at this year’s Merchandise Show. On Monday, October 23, Heidi Franz Tremblay will present “Merchandising...the NORDSTROM Way”. She will share her 35 years of experience to help you and your team be better merchandisers. Plan to also invite your non-PGA staff to this session! On Wednesday, October 25, we are fortunate to include a presentation by Jared Williams, Managing Director of the Golf USA Tee Time Coalition. His presentation: “Golf USA Tee Time Coalition: What It Is, What It Isn’t, and How To Make It Work For You” will show you how to work with the coalition to ensure you’re getting the most out of your online tee time distribution partnership. If your business depends on your tee sheet, don’t miss this opportunity! You should also invite your owner or GM to this program.
The Pro-Vendor Invitational has proven to be a fun event allowing you to share the day with your favorite vendor, enhancing your relationship and solidifying an important business partnership. Scheduled for The Home Course on the morning of Monday, October 23, you will still be able to make education or perhaps even help your favorite vendor move into the convention center!
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Northwest Open Invitational
August 21-23
Walla Walla, WA - Wine Valley GC
We will be extending the entry deadline for the Northwest Open Invitational, so get your entry in if you haven’t already!
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PNW Senior PGA Championship
Championship: September 7-8 | Optional Pro-Am: September 6
Everett, WA - Everett G&CC
Eligibility: You must be eligibly employed and classified in one of the following active membership classifications as of August 23 or have Life member status (LM, LMA, LMM, or LMMA) to be eligible to play in the Senior PGA Professional Championship Qualifier: MP, A-1, A-2, A-4, A-5, A-6, A-7, A-8, A-9, A-10, A-11, A-12, A-13, A-14, A-15, A-16, A-17, A-18, A-19, A-20, A-21, A-22, A-23, A-24.
Advancement: The top five qualifiers from the PNW Senior PGA Professional Championship will advance directly to the 2017 Senior PGA Professional Championship presented by Mercedes-Benz USA and supported by Golf Advisor and John Deere. The event will be played at Desert Mountain GC in Scottsdale, AZ, September 28 - October 1, 2017.
Two entries: If you want to have a chance to advance to qualify, you must enter through PGA of America Membership services at 800-474-2776 or www.pgatournaments.com. There is a SEPARATE (and additional) entry for a chance to play for the purse and title of Senior PGA Champion. You will need to get BOTH entries in if you wish to qualify for the Senior PGA Professional Championship AND our Section title!
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1. Grove, Russell - 295.00
2. Berg, Derek - 277.50
3. Cassidy, John - 255.00
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1. Sovay, Tom - 215.00
2. Gibbons, Rob - 170.00
3. Bowen, Steve - 155.00
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1. Berg, Derek - 337.50
2. Prante, Shane - 315.00
3. Cassidy, John - 297.50
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1. Cassidy, John - 280.00
2. Grove, Russell - 245.00
3. Feenstra, Tim - 215.00
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1. Sovay, Tom - 522.50
2. Gibbons, Rob - 495.00
Coston, Jeff - 495.00
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Holk's Highlights: Brady Sharp
Facility: Walla Walla CC
Location: Walla Walla, WA
PGA Member Since: 2012
Recently Brady Sharp won first PNWPGA major, which he said was “absolutely amazing” and “very special”. Not only that, but the 11-under par 60 he shot is the new 18-hole tournament record at Indian Canyon GC (the overall tournament record was set by Derek Bayley at MeadowWood GC in 2016).
We asked him to tell us more about his 60 at the Rosauers Open.
“Well, it’s something as professional golfers that we, at least I, dream of –putting together one of your best rounds and coming back from behind to win a major,” said Sharp.
And those eleven birdies that helped him get there?
“It had that special feeling after the first putt."
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Pros on the Move
by Michelle Parish, Tournament & Membership Coordinator
Emplyoment Changes
- Michael J. Fosnick, PGA (A-13) - from Fort Steilacoom GC to Jefferson Park GC
- Jack R Kelly (B-8) - from Mount Si GC to Glendale CC
- Sean P. Mackin, PGA (A-21) - from Topgolf - Hillsboro to Tournament GF
- Andrew C Shaub (B-1) - from Sand Point CC to The GC @ Redmond Ridge
- Samuel G. Smith, PGA (A-1) - from Indian Summer G&CC to Alderbrook G&YC
Class Changes
- Jorge Diaz, PGA (Chambers Bay) - from A-8 to A-1
- Bryce E. Fisher (Arrowhead GC) - from B-4 to B-13
- Robert H. Fisher (Arrowhead GC) - from B-8 to B-4
- John S. Forbes, PGA (Gallery GC/NAS) - from A-6 to A-13
New Apprentices
- Andrew F. Crabtree (B-8) - Walter E. Hall GC
- Kevin D. Porto (B-8) - Coeur D'Alene Resort GC
Newly Elected Members
- Ryan C. Moss, PGA (A-8) - Corvallis CC
- Benjamin B. Nelson, PGA (A-8) - Linden G&CC
- Tyler R. Wong, PGA (A-14) - Sah-Hah-Lee GC
Transfers INTO the Section
- Bruce A. Lewis, PGA (A-13) to Twin Lakes Village GC from N. California
Transfers OUT of the Section
- Uriel A. Jimenez (B-8) - to S. California
- Kyle W. Kuchs, PGA (A-8) - to Aloha
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Transitions, Delegating and Team Building
Monte Koch, PGA of America Employment Consultant
In case you missed it, you now have a new PGA Employment Consultant here in the PNWPGA (me). As you might imagine, this past month has been a time of transition for me, but it really has been an opportunity for me to refocus on my why: “Assisting, coaching and partnering with you for your career, your employment and all it entails (income, stability, satisfaction).” Of course, player development and consumer engagement are a central part of your value to the bottom-line for your employer/facility, so these topics will always be a part of our career coaching interactions.
DEALING WITH CHANGE AND TRANSITIONS AS A LEADER
Like I have just experienced, changes and transitions rarely happen right when you expect, let alone prefer them. As a golf ops department, team or facility leader, how you handle change and key staff transitions can have one of three possible outcomes...
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