MEMBER
Where did you grow up?
Blawnox, PA
PHIL NEWCAMP, PGA
Tell us about your family.
- Are you married, and do you have any children?
My wife and I, Pat, have been married 55 years. We have three kids, but our son Phil passed away in 2020. Two daughters: Kristen (Born 1979), married to Michael McKenzie, with two sons: Connor (Born 2006) and Colin (Born 2011). Daughter Katie (Born 1982).
Can you name two of your favorite golf courses that you've played, and what makes them unique to you?
Well, I started at Fox Chapel, so that's one of my favorites. And I ended at St Clair CC, so that's my other favorite.
If you could play one round of golf with any three people (alive or deceased), who would you choose to play with? It would be a fivesome: Our son Phil, our two grandsons, Connor and Colin Mackenzie, and my son-in-law, Mike McKenzie.
What initially drew you to the game of Golf?
I started caddying at Fox Chapel, and I fell in love with the game right away.
PHIL NEWCAMP, PGA
Please provide some insight into your previous roles.
I was an assistant at Fox Chapel for seven years before moving to St. Clair Country Club, where I was an assistant in 1976. I became the head pro in 1979 and worked there until I retired. I used to work the winters in the late 60s and early 70s at Coral Ridge Country Club in Fort Lauderdale.
How long have you been a PGA member, and what made you decide to pursue a career in the PGA of America?
I've been a PGA Member since 1969. I just loved the game, and I worked for Bill Downing and Lou Worsham, and they always seemed like good people. So I figured, I'm going to do that.
What wisdom can you offer about golf careers and the importance of becoming a PGA member?
That's one of the things that when you're applying for a job, they're looking to see if you're a PGA member. And once you get a job, you have to embrace it, no matter if you're at the biggest club in the world or just a small nine-hole course, embrace it. Don't go into work with a chip on your shoulder; you've got to love it. That's why, if you want to become a golf professional, you have to love the game, so keep on loving it, even when you're working 75 hours a week. ...(cont.)
PHIL NEWCAMP, PGA
I used to play every Wednesday afternoon and every Saturday and Sunday morning with the members if there wasn't something going on. I used to keep track of who I played with, whether I won, and what I shot, so nobody could ever say, "Hey, you're playing with the same group." I used to play with over 100 members every year. So, that fulfills your golf, and I also sold them stuff and gave them lessons. Getting to know your members and playing with them are part of being a golf professional.
Can you share any insights, achievements, or accolades?
Professional Career:
Tri-State PGA Hall of Fame Member (2011)
Tri-State PGA Golf Professional of the Year (1894)
Tri-State PGA Horton Smith Award Winner (2x)
Bill Strausbaugh Award Winner
Merchandiser of the Year (Private) (2002 & 2012)
Co-author, PGA Tournament Manual
Served on the National PGA of America Board of Control
Coordinated seven business schools
Golf Digest Best Teachers in State (Pennsylvania) (2000)
Golf Industry Golf Professional of the Year (1991)
Served as Tri-State PGA President, Vice President, and Secretary.
...(cont.)
PHIL NEWCAMP, PGA
Playing Career:
West Penn Open Champion (1987)
Qualified for seven club professional championships and nine senior club professional championships.
Nike Classic Champion at Valley Brook CC (2001)
Philip Dupree Memorial Champion at Seven Springs (1990)
Oaktree Invitational Champion (1981)
Head Pro/Assistant Pro Championship w/Don Copeland at Chartiers CC (1976)
Pro-Pro Championship at Uniontown CC W/John Rech
Member of six Palmer Cup teams