CEO's Report

Jeff Ellison, PGA

Tomorrow morning, we are off to Pronghorn for the Oregon Open Invitational. Our thanks to Spencer Schaub and Jerrel Grow for being our hosts. We have a full field and, thanks to our sponsors, a purse of $85,500. There’s nothing else like a week on a great golf course in the central Oregon sunshine. I hope to see you there!

The Rosauers Open Invitational is coming along nicely. I was just in Spokane and the new Indian Canyon irrigation system is already showing its value. They also did a little reshaping of the 5th, 9th and 17th greens to soften the slopes a bit and provide a few new hole locations. A ball will now stop on the front center of 5! Josh and his team are doing a great job bringing the course out of the winter and you’ll see a beautiful course in July. The Rosauers Pro-Am is one of the highlights of the year. Please call Molly if you can play. With 64 teams, we need a little support, especially on Wednesday.

The Muckleshoot Casino Washington Open Pro-Am raised $80,000 for the Folds of Honor and next up is the pro-am at the Northwest Open Invitational. Grab four players and head to Wine Valley for their beautiful weather and fantastic golf course.

Pro-am details and entry

Our first Drive Chip and Putt Local Qualifier was a huge success at High Cedars. We have 12 more scheduled throughout the Section. Please promote this fun opportunity to your juniors AND their parents. It’s designed for every kid of every ability. Send them to our website or drivechipandputt.com to identify a qualifier near you.

Drive, Chip and Putt Qualifying

I’m happy to report that Tanner Montgomery has been promoted to fill the role of the Central Washington-Inland Empire Chapter Executive Director. Tanner starts on Monday at the Oregon Open and will be working full-time for the Chapters and Section. A fellow Idaho Vandal, you know he’ll do a great job. Welcome Tanner.

This year, the Section was honored with nine recipients of the PGA Financial Assistance Fund Scholarships. Congratulations to these outstanding students.

Level	Name	Member
Freshman	Kathryn L. Crimp	Frank Crimp III, PGA
Freshman	Margaret H. Lewis	Michael H Lewis, PGA
Freshman	Alexander M. Mackimmie	Andy A. Mackimmie, PGA
Freshman	Zachary A. Mackimmie	Andy A. Mackimmie, PGA
Senior	Reilly K. Hegarty	Michael K. Hegarty, PGA
Senior	Sydnee M. Nowlen	Christopher Nowlen, PGA
Sophomore	Julia K. Coombs	Kevin Coombs, PGA
Sophomore	Karli L. Shields	Scott W. Shields, PGA
Sophomore	Avery E. Tunstill	Bryan R. Tunstill, PGA

 Also, our Section Junior Fund provides two scholarships in honor of Bunny Mason. These scholarships are in part funded by your donations to the 1% club. Our 2019 recipients are:

Level	Name	Member
Freshman	Payten Fraley	Tim Fraley, PGA
Freshman	Daryl Buerger	Ron Buerger, PGA

 Congratulations to all!

Your dues bill should have arrived last month and was delivered via email. If you did not see it, it’s not coming via snail mail. Your dues include National, Section, Life Insurance and the Member Assistance Program. To pay, simply log into your pga.org account. You can pay by credit card, give your employer “proxy” access to pay with a company credit card or print an invoice and pay via check. Every year I caution professionals to walk their invoice through the club payment process. Checks must be delivered to National by June 30, not mailed by June 30. Each year we have professionals suspended because the club put the invoice in the July 10 payable batch… “because that’s how we do it”. Help yourself avoid the late fee and walk it through.

Enjoy the summer and I hope to see you at one of our fine championships very soon.

Jeff Ellison, PGA
CEO, Pacific NW Section PGA

District #14 Director's Report

Don Rea, PGA

Many times when I am invited to attend Chapter and Section meetings, the agenda is very tight and I don’t get a lot of time to talk about the many things that the PGA does for all of us members.  Unfortunately, much of the time is spent on the more controversial or high dollar items, but there are some hidden benefits that many of you may not know about.

I worked for some big companies before beginning my golf career, Home Depot and Minor League Professional Baseball were two of them.  One benefit that both companies offered, that I am sure many golf courses do not, is a member assistance program (MAP). The PGA of America has partnered with SupportLinc Member Assistance Program which is a free of charge resource that helps you deal with life’s challenges and the demands that come with balancing home and work.  SupportLinc provides members and associates with confidential, professional counseling for a wide array of personal and work-related concerns, including short-term counseling, legal and financial consultation, dependent care referrals and technology-based resources to assist in every aspect of life.    

You can call SupportLinc toll-free at 866-4PGAMAP (474-2627).  You will be immediately connected to a licensed SupportLinc counselor who can provide you with assistance. SupportLinc is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you are logged into PGA.org, you can access the Member Assistance Program website directly through the Benefits & Tools area. Login information is not required.

You can also access services through www.pgamap.com. You will need to enter “pga” as the login name. The password is linc123.

www.pgamap.com

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention pga.perkspot.com.  Over 8,000 of your fellow members are using that website to save money on items you buy all the time.  Check it out when you can.

www.pga.perkspot.com

Please never hesitate to give me a call at Augusta Ranch – (480) 354-0802 #102. email me at:
[email protected]

Once again, thanks for the opportunity, God Bless and have a great day. 

Don Rea, PGA

Character Matters Part I

Monte Koch, PGA of America Employment Consultant

“Talent gets you noticed, character gets you recruited.” – James Leath

In an article written by James Leath, the former Head of Leadership and Character Development at IMG Academy and the Founder of Unleash the Athlete, he wrote that talent gets you noticed, character gets you recruited. In the article, he told a story that talks about the “value adding difference” character brings to make talent work.

“He is a great talent, he certainly has the skills needed to play for us,” said the coach. “Sadly, he just won’t fit in well with our culture. It’s sad how many kids we come across every year that we cannot recruit, and it has nothing to do with their ability.”

Leath then states, “There are a lot of talented athletes out there, but talent alone will not land you a coveted roster spot. Your talent may get your foot in the door, but it takes a lot more to hit the field at the next level.”

In my mind, there are easy ways to put this in the sphere of your career as a PGA golf professional. Whether you are an “up and comer” PGA associate/assistant golf professional, or an established golf professional, we can modify Leath’s phrasing so it applies to our careers. Leath might agree that “There are a lot of talented golf professionals in the industry, but talent (or abilities) alone will not land you the coveted job opportunity you are seeking. It can help you get noticed and maybe get the interview, but it’s your character that will get you hired and help you advance.”

Leath then unpacks what he means by “character” and I believe it really fits as advice for every PGA professional, no matter where they are on their career path. He asks some great questions of young athletes, and I believe we would be well-served to ask them of ourselves (and those we influence.)

What are you doing when you think no one is watching?

Leath writes, “Recruiters are not always wearing their school clothing. That guy in the corner of the weight room talking to your coach? He might be a recruiter on an unscheduled visit. That woman in the stands taking notes? She may be writing down the behavior she sees to report back to her head coach…How do you treat your teammates, coaches, parents, and officials? Do you make eye contact with your coach when she is talking?  What is your body language like when things are not going well?”

Applications to your golf career path:

• What is your professional appearance saying about you – at your facility? At a Pro-Am? At a Chapter meeting? (Your next employer may be right there with you…and they are watching.)
• How do you treat people at Chapter or Section events? Are you engaged?
• How do you behave or handle yourself when thing go wrong, or a shot goes awry?

Are you one thing in person, and another person online?

This is really good. Leath writes, “Social media is the microphone of your character, and whether you agree or not, you will be judged by what you post. Please, pause and think before you post! If you wouldn’t want it on a billboard so your grandma could read it, you probably shouldn’t post it online.”

Applications to your golf career path:

• I really can’t improve on what James Leath wrote here. (But just like an in-person situation, your next employer may see what you post online…they are watching.)
• Disparaging others, especially those you work with, in social media will be detrimental to your career.

Who are your biggest influences?

Leath asks us to consider our choice of environment here. He writes, “You will become like the people you hang out with the most. This includes who you follow on social media. Take a look at who you are following on social media sites, and in life, and unfollow those you do not wish to be associated with or become like… Ask yourself, “If I were a coach, and I looked at the list of people influencing me, would I recruit me?” Be honest with yourself, because your potential future coach will be looking very closely at your influencers.”

Applications to your golf career path:

• Leath seems to have been influenced by the words of Jim Rohn (business philosopher) who said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”
• The fact is, each of us are shaped directly and indirectly by the people we choose to spend the most time with. They determine what we “listen to” in terms of our mindset (growth or fixed), they affect what gets our attention. They affect our attitudes and behaviors and eventually we’ll start to think like they think and behave like they behave. Long term, it’s best to choose those who will challenge your thinking for the sake of personal development, and how you behave.

As your Career Consultant, and your business coach, I hope you found value in James Leath’s insights. Next month, I'll delve into three more of Leath's valuable coaching observations, and how you can incorporate the lessons into your own careers.

I also hope to inspire you, and engage with you to help you find your best level of career success. I look forward to the chance to learn more about you, your facility and your career vision soon. To share your story or situation with me, please contact me directly.

Monte Koch, PGA Certified Professional/Player Development | Career Consultant
PGA Career Services | PGA of America
Serving PGA professionals, employers in the Pacific NW & Rocky Mountain PGA Sections
Email: [email protected] Cell: 206/335-5260

Career Planning and Coaching

PGA Jr. League

Branden Thompson, PGA - Regional League Manager

The season is off and running and I hope all the players, captains and coaches are having a great time this year.  Here are some reminders and updates that I hope you find helpful.

Captain Resource Center
Please go to www.pgajrleague.com/crc to find a ton of resources to help you out running your season.  There is a section that contains game materials with printable scorecard, scoresheets, and other helpful materials.  In addition to that section there are many other resources that you will find useful. Take the time to explore the site.
www.pgajrleague.com/crc

All-Stars and Post Season
Check out the post-season plan and schedule for the PGA Jr. League Section Championship.  The All-Star roster is due by 7/31.  To submit it, the captain for the All-Star team needs to go to the Captain Resource Center, scroll down and find the Submit All-Star Roster icon, click that.  You will need to know the player’s name, team and birth date.  The roster guidelines and rules can be found beginning on page 6 of the Conditions of Play document.
Here is a link to the post-season plan
Roster Rules:

1. Each roster must have 10 players on it.
2. Every team in the league must have at least one player on the team.
3. No team may have more than five players on the team.

The major change this year is that the penalty for playing with less than a full roster is waived through the Section Championship.  There must still be 10 on the roster and play if they are available but, if a player misses a game because of vacation or other reasons, the team isn’t penalized. 

Fall Leagues
New for 2019 is a stand-alone Fall Recreation Season.  This is a great way to build on the momentum of a great season and get some new kids into the program.  A more detailed plan will be sent to the captain in each chapter.  Please let me know if you are interested.
Fall Season Fact Sheet

Thank you!

Branden Thompson, PGA
561-293-2585
[email protected]

Open Events

Rosauers Open Invitational | July 19-21, 2019

The Rosauers Open Invitational is set to take place at Indian Canyon GC on July 19-21. Compete for the largest purse in the Section! Get your entries in by Wednesday, July 3 to this fantastic event in Spokane, WA.

Rosauers Pro online entry form

Rosauers Pro entry form (pdf)

Learn more

Folds of Honor Scramble | August 3, 2019

The 2019 Folds of Honor Scramble will return to Moose Run GC in Anchorage, Alaska. PGA Professional Josh Cantrell will host us on Saturday, August 3, 2019. Since 2017, this event has raised important funds for Folds of Honor.

Folds of Honor Scramble online entry form

Folds of Honor Scramble entry form (pdf)

Learn more

National Car Rental PNW Assistant PGA Championship | August 5, 2019

Assistants – plan on entering! Bosses, give your Assistants time off to play in their Championship! Entries are available for the National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship on August 5, 2019. The entry deadline is Wednesday, July 24 at 11:59 PM. Please pay close attention to the entry deadline! You may register for this event through PGA of America Membership services at 800-474-2776, www.pga.org or at www.pgatournaments.com.

Assistants, this is your qualifier for the National PGA Assistant Championship! The top 3 finishers will advance directly to the 43rd PGA Assistant Championship, held November 14 – 17, 2019 at the PGA Golf Club, Wanamaker Course in Port St. Lucie, FL.

Learn more

Northwest Open Invitational | 19-21, 2019

Pro-Am benefiting Folds of Honor | August 17-18, 2019

Entries are now available for the Northwest Open Invitational at Wine Valley GC on August 19-21. Host Professional Chris Isaacson invites you to take part in this fun and historic championship. The entry deadline is July 31.

Northwest Open Online Entry Form

Northwest Open Entry Form (pdf)

Learn More

Preceding the Northwest Open Invitational, the Northwest Open Pro-Am will pair four amateurs with a PGA professional. Please join us in raising important funds for Folds of Honor!

Pro-Am details and entry

PNW Senior PGA Professional Championship presented by Cadillac | September 5-6, 2019

Entries are available for the 2019 Senior PGA Professional Championship at Bear Creek CC in Woodinville, WA. The event will be held September 5-6 with the optional pro-am on September 4 (we will pair you with another PGA Professional and amateurs from Bear Creek CC). Please take the time to enter ALL events you wish to participate in. You have TWO options: 1) qualify for the 31st Senior PGA Professional and play for the purse or 2) only play for the purse.

Seniors, this is your Section Championship & Qualifier for the National Senior PGA Championship! The top five qualifiers from the 2019 PNW Senior PGA Professional Championship presented by Cadillac will advance directly to the 31st Senior PGA Professional Championship presented by Cadillac. The event will be played October 3-6 at Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa in Austin, Texas.

Learn more

PNW PGA Professional Championship presented by Cadillac, Club Car and OMEGA | September 17-19, 2019

Entries are available for the PNW PGA Professional Championship presented by Cadillac, Club Car and OMEGA. This year’s championship will take place September 17-19 at Indian Summer G&CC. The entry deadline is September 4th at 11:59 PM. You may register for this event through PGA of America Membership Services online at www.pgatournaments.com or by phone: (800) 474-2776.

This is your Section Championship & Qualifier for the National PGA Championship! The top seven qualifiers will advance directly to the 2020 PGA Professional Championship presented by Cadillac, Club Car and OMEGA, held at Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa in Austin, Texas on April 26-29, 2020.

Learn more

Hawai'i Pro-Am | January 16-23, 2020

We have sold out of our original room block! The new Mauna Lani features a new restaurant, three completely new pools and remodeled rooms. Those of you who have stayed at the Mauna Lani know it has one of the best beaches on the island! We will play both the North and South courses. Contact Denise Bacon or Jeff Ellison with questions: 360-456-6496.

PNW Hawai'i Pro-Am online entry form

PNW Hawai'i Pro-Am entry form (pdf)

Learn more

PNW PGA Junior Championships

Molly Cooper, Certified PGA Professional
Director of Tournament & Member Programs

The PNW PGA Junior Girls Championship and the PNW PGA Junior Boys Championship took place at The Home Course on June 1-2.

Angela Zhang of Bellevue, WA won the Girls 12 & Under age division with Natalie Yen of West Linn, OR finishing second.

Gigi Lund of Bellevue, WA won the Girls 13-15 age division with Jacinda Lee of Camas, WA finishing in second place.

Winning the Girls 16-18 age division was Cassie Kim of Yakima, WA with Baylee Hammericksen finishing second. Both girls will represent the Section at the National Junior Girls PGA Championship later this summer.

Drew Woolworth of Lake Oswego, OR won the Boys 12 & Under with Alexander Tseng of Portland, OR in second place.

Issey Tanimura of Shoreline, WA  won the Boys 13-15 age division with a four-way tie for second place with Miles Eastman of Portland, OR, Logan Medcalf of Lynden, WA, Eli Huntington of Camas, WA and Adam Wrenn of Lake Oswego, OR.

Mateo Fuenmayor of Beaverton, OR won the Boys 16-18 age division and overall championship in a three hole playoff against Andrew Reinhardt of Portland, OR and Gyan Bains of DuPont, WA.  Mateo Fuenmayor and Andrew Reinhardt both will represent the Section at the National PGA Junior Championship later this summer.

Cassie Kim and Baylee Hammericksen both will represent the Pacific Northwest against the 41 PGA of America Sections at Keney Park Golf Course in Connecticut this July.  Mateo Fuenmayor and Andrew Reinhardt both will represent the Pacific Northwest against the 41 PGA of America Sections at Keney Park Golf Course in Connecticut this July.  Keney Park Golf Course is home to the Hartford Women’s Open and was recently restored in 2014. The 44th Girls Junior PGA Championship will be held from July 9-12, 2019 while the 44th Boys Junior PGA Championship will be held from July 30-August 2, 2019.

Girls Championship results

Boys Championship results

The Girls Junior PGA Championship is where some of the best in the world get their start. Many of today’s LPGA Tour professionals made their debut at the Championship. Notable past participants include: Inbee Park, Lexi Thompson, Cristie Kerr, Grace Park, Michelle Wie, and Dottie Pepper.

The Boys Junior PGA Championship is where some of the best professional golfers begin their careers. Many of today’s PGA Tour professionals made their debut at the Championship. Notable past participants Include: Tiger Woods, Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth, Stewart Cink and Phil Mickelson.

Congratulations to everyone and thank you to The Home Course Director of Golf Justin Gravatt, Superintendent Dennis Roque and their staffs for an amazing weekend of junior fun and strong competition!