MEMBER MEMBER SPOTLIGHT SPOTLIGHT
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Welcome to the TSPGA's Member Spotlight, where we shine a light on the exceptional PGA of America Tri-State Section professionals elevating the game of golf. This feature delves into our members' stories, achievements, and dedication to golf, their families, and life. Join us in learning more and celebrating the outstanding individuals who embody the spirit and excellence of the PGA of America Tri-State Section.
SON,PGA Course, Charleston, WV
o-to Music? /Alternative
o-to type of Movie?
o-to Food?
nd baked potato
o-to Snack?
s BBQ chips
TRI-STATE
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
JEFFREY K. HUTCHINSON, PGA
Your go-to Club?
TaylorMade RocketBallz Tour 5 Hybrid (15 years in the bag).
The LAB 2.1 is a close 2nd
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you.
I read constantly, and long-range shooting!; 1000-yard stuff! "If I can see it, I can hit it."
Where did you grow up?
Craigsville, WV. It’s a Mountain town in the middle of the Monongahela National Forest, 45 mins from the closest golf course.
Tell us a little bit about your family.
Happily Divorced! One son, Jeffrey Kirk II
What is the best part of your game?
I’m a straight driver of the golf ball, and I’ve always had good distance control with my irons.
What is your best round of Golf?
64 a bunch of times, but the best one would be the 64 at Turtle Point on Kiawah Island | lowest tournament round 68 at Scioto Country Club.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
JEFFREY K. HUTCHINSON, PGA
Name two of your favorite courses that you've played and what makes them unique to you.
Oakmont Country Club: the golf course is remarkable in every facet of the design, and Yemen’s Hall Country Club in South Carolina takes you back 100 years when you drive through the gate. It's a Seth Raynor design, and it’s just fun to play.
If you could play one round of golf with any three people (alive or deceased), who would it be with? TRI-STATE
My Dad, my son Jeffrey, and Lee Trevino (the needle would be out the entire time), watching Lee hit shots and picking his brain would be amazing! But having one more round with Dad would be the best.
What initially drew you to the game of Golf?
My Uncle Harold visited from Columbus, Ohio, one summer when I was about 14 and took my dad golfing. It was the first sport he had ever beaten Dad at, so Dad went down the golf rabbit hole. I started playing two years later and had an aptitude for it. What I liked most about it was that it was mine; if I played badly or lost, I couldn’t blame anyone else, and when I played well, it was me alone who did it. I also liked that it was something I could do by myself.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
JEFFREY K. HUTCHINSON, PGA
Please give us some insight into your prior positions. As an assistant, I learned at two of the very best facilities: The first 2 years at Kiawah Island and then 4 years at Worthington Hills Country Club in Columbus, Ohio. I spent 4 years as head pro at two small 9-hole private clubs, 5 years as the Director of Golf at Canaan Valley Resort, 18 months at Dick’s, and the last 22 as the Director of Parks and Recreation for Kanawha County.
What made you decide to pursue a career in the PGA of America, and how long have you been a PGA member?
When I was in college, my college coach’s nephew was the Director of Golf/Head men’s coach at Duke University. I worked summer golf camps there for three summers. I loved teaching golf to the kids, and Rod Myers helped get me the job at Kiawah. I’ve been a member for 35 years.
Talk about being a PGA of America member, what it means, and having PGA after your name.
I’ve enjoyed my career in the golf business; my career path has been much different from that of most PGA members. I worked hard to earn my membership in the association and have always been proud to be an ambassador of the game.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
JEFFREY K. HUTCHINSON, PGA
What wisdom can you offer about golf careers and the importance of becoming a PGA member/achieving membership status?
If someone intends to work in the Golf Industry, they should be a member of the association. It is what lends us the credibility to be the best experts of the game. Don’t let the standard role of a Club Professional define you; there are many other jobs and careers besides the regular club job. There is nothing wrong with working in a private club setting, but never be afraid to challenge yourself to try different roles.
Accolades/Recognition:
3 times Patriot Award recipient 1-time Golf Executive Award
