FRANK BLAZEWICK, PGA
The TSPGA Member Spotlight highlights the exceptional professionals of the PGA of America Tri-State Section who are elevating the game of golf. This feature explores our members' stories, achievements, and dedication to golf. Join us in learning more about and celebrating the outstanding individuals who embody the spirit and excellence of the Tri-State PGA.
Head Golf Professional at Connoquenessing Country Club
What is your go-to type of Movie?
All action movies, if the "Shooter" is on TV, I always keep watching it.
What is your go-to Music? ock and country, but gets me going more esis and Phil Collins. your go-to Food? paghetti and meatballs vorite. Especially my memade!
FRANK BLAZEWICK, PGA
What is your go-to Snack?
Nachos or Oreos crunched up in a glass of milk.
What is the go-to Club in your bag? 7 iron
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you.
I was a competitive tennis player into my teenage years and am a pretty accomplished ping pong player.
What is the best part of your game?
Driving and mid-iron play.
What is the best round of Golf?
The lowest round I shot was 64 back when Diamond Run first opened. It was the course record for about a month.
Can you name two of your favorite golf courses that you've played, and what makes them unique to you?
The Dye and Nicklaus at Colleton River, South Carolina. Their overall layouts, and I just love the Low Country.
If you could play one round of golf with any three people (alive or deceased), who would it be with?
Of course, it would be with my dad and son (just a threesome), but outside of the standard answer, it would be Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, and Donald Trump.
Where did you grow up?
Butler, PA, and I have made it the whole way to Cranberry Twp.
Tell us about your family.
-Are you married, and do you have any children?
My wife Kristin and I have been married for 34 years and have two children, Ashley, 30, and Matt, 26.
What initially drew you to the game of Golf, and how did you get started?
My dad, uncles, and cousins got me started playing the public courses in Butler when I was 6 or 7. We always played a late Sunday 9 holes. Most of my family grew up on a farm and I would shag balls in the pasture field all summer.
Please give us some insight into your prior positions. I started out working as an assistant at Armco Golf Club in Slippery Rock. From there, I moved on to being an assistant at Highland CC, where I was promoted to Head Golf Professional and later to the General Manager. After Highland closed, I moved on to a public facility working at Stonecrest GC as the Head Pro/manager. In 2023, I was fortunate enough to move back to the private sector by accepting the Head Golf Professional position at Connoquenessing CC. When interviewing for the Conno position, I warned the BOD that the previous two courses I worked at are no longer golf courses. I hope it was just a product of bad timing on my end, hopefully nothing I was doing.
What made you decide to pursue a career in the PGA of America, and how long have you been a PGA member?
I have been a PGA member for 31 years. I really got into the business because I couldn't see myself wearing a coat and tie every day, and my first Head Pro, Marty Rinker, made it look like a fun career to have.
Talk about being a PGA of America member, what it means, and having PGA after your name.
I am proud to have the PGA letters affiliated with my name. I do think PGA is still associated with being the leaders in golf instruction and everything golf.
What wisdom can you offer about golf careers and the importance of becoming a PGA member/achieving membership status?
I believe keeping the PGA membership is important mainly because it covers what is needed to acquire quality positions. My belief is that there are two things to keep in mind when pursuing a career in golf. One is to play the game. Playing in section events and with members is very important. Keep in mind a lot of people can manage, work retail, sell, etc., but what sets you apart is your ability to play and teach.
Secondly, don't be afraid to take a job that isn't considered great, because a talented person can turn that job into something better. Can you provide any accolades or recognition?
A little-known or forgotten fact was that I had the highest score in my Business School I exam in Lexington, KY, in 1990.