July 1, 2023

President's Report

Happy Independence Day!

I am confident everyone is busy now that summer has finally arrived. It looks like we are in for several great months of weather.

Each time I write this article, I try to reflect on what is happening in the world around us and in our industry. This month, change is on my mind. If there is one thing we have all learned in the last three years, it is that change is inevitable. COVID changed the face of our businesses. We had to adapt and grow through adversity. However, in golf, it also provided new opportunities, which required us to change our thinking and approach to how we operate our facilities and live our lives.

A mentor told me years ago to substitute growth for change in my thinking. They said that when something has to change, it is an opportunity for growth. Sometimes it doesn’t feel like an opportunity, to be honest. In recent years, I have gone through some difficult changes, and growth kicked me right in the stomach. But in reflection, it has opened doors for new opportunities. I have grown, and I am stronger for it, even though it was painful at times.

In our business, the opportunity for growth has become significant. The growth of the game has pushed the envelope in every area of our profession. Whether it is the new programs being developed, innovative teaching methods, changing business models, or the improvement to compensation and standards of employment for us, we have new opportunities. As a committee member on the National Junior Player Development Committee, I have had the pleasure of listening to some impressive leaders in our industry talk about the American Development Model and how it will change the face of teaching junior golf and junior golf programs. This is one example of amazing growth and progress! Recently, we also learned that the number of new associates getting into the PGA program is at a record high. That is definitely growth!

In our Section, we have had super growth in our sponsorships, which has directly impacted our programs to serve our professionals and improved purses for Section events. As of July 1, section sponsorship is already a significant increase over 2022, a record breaking year for our section.

I am also very excited for the plans to grow our Section Championship by coupling a pro-pro event and our fall meeting into the same week, as well as a fun gathering of vendors to engage with our PGA Professionals in the long tradition of “trunk shows,” to show their product lines and write orders. Venue details are still being finalized, but will be a part of the larger PPC weekend itinerary.

As you navigate this season, I hope you find an opportunity to turn change into growth. I wish you great success!
 

Chris M. Nowlen, PGA
[email protected]

Prante Wins Pelzer Golf Oregon Open Invitational

by Grant Tribolet, Tournament Intern

The Pelzer Oregon Open Invitational, held June 13-15, 2023, returned to Eagle Crest Resort for the first time in 17 years. Champion Shane Prante of The Home Course battled the fierce wind of The Ridge Course to secure his first major victory since 2019. A success that can be summarized into one word: Redeeming. At an event he lost in a playoff the year prior, Shane returned and re-wrote the story with a much sweeter ending.

Despite the challenging conditions, there were still low scores being posted. PGA Professional Blake Snyder and amateur Cole Reuck posted a pair of first-round 64's. Prante was not distracted by the competition and posted a few of his own, shooting 67 and 65 in the first two rounds.

“I played conservatively off the tee overall and just tried to hit solid irons and leave myself consistent birdie looks,” Prante said.

Stepping onto the first tee of the final round, Prante held a one-shot lead over Snyder and amateurs Cole Reuck and Dylan Cramer. His game plan was simple: “shoot under par.”

Prante did just that, carding a bogey-free 34 on the back nine to seal the victory with a two-putt par on 18.

READ MORE

WA Golf U on Course program keeps college students in the game

by  WAGolf Staff

Since its launch in 2018, the WA Golf U on Course program has been a hit with the college student community, providing an exceptional opportunity to enjoy affordable golf at participating U on Course facilities. For an annual fee of $25, students can keep playing the game in a budget-friendly way with a U on Course membership.

The program offers green fee discounts at nearly 20 great courses across the state, catering specifically to college students and young adults aged 18-25. New courses have recently been added in Eastern Washington and North Idaho.

U on Course is committed to making golf more accessible and affordable for young adults, allowing them to keep playing the game while on a student budget. The program has been successful so far. In 2022, participation in the program grew by 22 percent over the previous year, with 2023 already seeing similar growth.

READ MORE

Holk's Highlights: Wesley Boone, PGA

This month we feature Wesley Boone, winner of the 2022 PNW PGA Assistant Golf Professional of the Year award. Wes excels in his duties, especially in the fields of player development, junior golf and member service. Additionally, he mentors his fellow PGA Associates, providing opportunities for them to grow their resumes and generate additional income. He understands the demands of the golf industry and keeps staff members motivated and compensated, with the hopes of retaining them. Even with his full workload, Wesley also takes the time to be involved in the PGA, volunteering on the Western Washington Chapter PGA Community Outreach Committee. Watch Monte's interview with Wesley Boone.

Facility: Overlake Golf & Country Club

PGA Member Since: 2019

Player of the Year Points

FULL POINTS LISTS
Rolex Player of the Year
1.  Jared  Lambert - 230
2. Liam Kendregan - 205
3.  Colin Inglis - 192.5
Rolex Senior Player of the Year
1.   Jeff Coston -  237.5
2.   Mark Knowles - 222.5
3.   Birk Nelson - 185
Assistant Player of the Year
1.    Shane Prante - 240
2.    David Patterson - 197.5
T3.  Alexander Mroz - 190
T3.  Mason Koch - 190
Hudson Cup
T1. Craig Crandall - 97.5
T1. Mitch Runge - 97.5
3.   Liam Kendregan - 90
Senior Hudson Cup
1.   Jeff Coston - 457.5
2.   Birk Nelson - 420
3.   Mark Knowles - 272.5
$ = eligible for 10k Hole-In-One Challenge! Learn More

5/22/23 - Rob Clark - The Home Course #14
5/30/23 - Fred Haney - The Cedars at Dungeness #17
Final ranking! Twenty-four lucky and hard-working teams will earn a spot in a special event on August 28-29, 2023 at Suncadia Resort – Prospector and Rope Rider courses. Each invited team will consist of one PGA Professional and three amateurs. Learn more.
PGA professionals participating in the Section’s four major events and three senior major events have a chance to compete in the Garmany Majors Shootout. This unique “closest to the pin” contest will allow winners to qualify for the “Garmany Majors Shootout Finale” to be held at the PNWPGA Pro-Pro Tournament, the day before the PNW PGA Professional Championship, where the winner of the Shootout Finale will win a Garmany Bucket List Experience for themselves and an additional guest!  Learn more.

Thank You for Supporting Our Sponsors

Gold Level Sponsors
FP-gold-sponsor-wildhorse FP-gold-sponsor-rosauers
Grant Holcomb
Callaway Golf logo
Silver Level Sponsors
FP-silver-sponsor-PACGolf FP-silver-sponsor-bushnell FP-silver-sponsor-clubcar
FP-silver-sponsor-yamaha
Sunice
National Sponsors
FP-natl-sponsor-PGANatlResort FP-natl-sponsor-PGATour
FP-natl-sponsor-pepsi
FP-natl-sponsor-janiking FP-natl-sponsor-KitchenAid
Partner-Level Sponsors
under armour logo
Therabody

Employment Opportunities

Monte Koch, PGA of America Employment Consultant

These are primarily “PGA Professional” only positions posted on the PGA Career Services Job Board: https://jobs.pga.org

PNWPGA JOB BOARD NOTICE

Pros on the Move

by Sara Smith, Tournament & Membership Coordinator

Employment Changes
  • Sean E. McGowan, PGA (A-4) - from Meriwether National GC to Quail Valley GC
  • Chase A. Snodgrass (B-8) - from The Dalles CC to Wenatchee G&CC
  • Luke J. Schlimgen (B-8) - from Broadmoor GC to Stock Farm Club
  • Bryan K. Stevens, PGA (A-14) - from The Club At Snoqualmie Ridge to Aldarra GC
  • Ryder T. DeSteunder (B-21) - from Bandon Dunes Golf Resort to Pronghorn
Classification Changes
  • Dane M. Thorman, PGA (Iron Horse GC) - from A-8 to A-14
  • Scott W. Longenecker, PGA (Meadow Lark CC) - from A-1 to A-4

New Associates

  • Jerome W. Meyers (B-8) - Running Y Ranch Resort
  • Douglas D. Barnhouse (B-13) - Washington National GC
  • Brendan Winger (B-8) - The Cedars at Dungeness
  • Katie A. Ochoa (B-6) - GOLFTEC - Spokane
  • Zita M. Graveley (B-8) - Green Meadow CC
  • Trevor G. Eades (B-6) - Three Rivers GC
  • Kyle M. Race (B-13) - Sun Willows GC
  • Reilly K. Hegarty (B-8) - Wildhorse Resort GC
  • Daniel W. Johnston (B-8) - Meridian Valley CC
  • Paul B. Johns (B-8) - Old Works GC
  • Austin B. Green (B-8) - Meadow Lake Golf Resort
  • Aaron S. Byrd (B-1) - Fairways GC
  • Christian J. Wolff (B-8) - Orchard Hills CC
  • Ryan E. Vance (B-1) - Okanogan Valley GC
  • Eddie F Abellar (B-8) - McCormick Woods GC

Newly Elected Members

  • Connor J. Moran, PGA (A-8) - Waverley CC

Transfers OUT of the Section

  • Bob A. Hickam, PGA - from Carnation, WA to Southern California Section
  • Robert H. Gelinas, PGA - from Bonney Lake, WA to Southwest Section
  • Gretchen A. Weber, PGA - from Whoosh Inc to Colorado Section

Transfers INTO the Section

  • Cole M. Lorenz, PGA (A-14) to CDA National Reserve from Utah Section
  • John A. Landers, PGA (RSV) to Sequim, WA from Middle Atlantic Section
  • Eric T. Pevoto, PGA (A-6) to Bandon Dunes Golf Resort from Philadelphia Section
  • Cary D. White, PGA (RSV) to Seattle, WA from Gateway Section
  • James B. Carlisle III, PGA (RSV) to Trout Creek, MT from Alabama - NW FL Section
  • Kaitlyn P. Howe (B-8) to Charbonneau GC from Nebraska Section
  • Keith W. Bennett, PGA (A-6) to The GC at Newcastle from Southwest Section
  • Mark D. Greer, PGA (A-8) to Iron Horse GC from Northern Texas Section
  • Jeffrey M. Allen, PGA (A-20) to TaylorMade Golf Company from Midwest Section
  • Cody A. Gronning, PGA (A-8) to The GC At Black Rock from Southwest Section

New Quarter Century Club Members

  • Dane M. Thorman, PGA - Iron Horse GC
  • Gordon J. Walker, PGA - Snohomish, WA

Upcoming Events

Alaska Folds of Honor Championship

July 8, 2023
Anchorage, AK
Moose Run GC – Creek Course
Enter online

National Car Rental PNW PGA Assistant Professional Championship

August 7, 2023
Tualatin, OR – Tualatin CC
Enter online

Muckleshoot Casino Washington Open Invitational

Pro-Am: August 19-20, 2023
Championship: August 21-23, 2023
Kent, WA – Meridian Valley CC
Enter online

PNW PGA Mexican Fiesta Pro-Am

Oct 30 - Nov 4, 2023
Villa Del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa
TPC Danzante Bay
Enter online

PNW PGA Arizona Sun Pro-Am presented by Mike Worden

Nov 30 - Dec 4, 2023
We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort
Enter online

Pelzer Golf Hawaiian Paradise Pro-Am

January 11 - 18, 2024
Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa
Enter online

Upcoming Entry Releases

12
JULY

PNW PGA Senior Professional Championship
September 6-7, 2023
$320 for qualifier & purse ($340 with skins) / $180 ($200 with skins) for purse only

Upcoming "Stay Involved" Education Opportunities

July 20 @ Online, 9:00 am - 10:00 am PDT – Work-Life Balance, presented by Daniel Schuler, PGA

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