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.
STEVENHOPLEY,PGA
Head Golf Professional, Sewickley Heights Golf Club
go-to Music?
nitely fall into the 'a little bit erything category.' I grew up ing to Bob Marley and ae music influenced by my brothers, so I love that kind und. These days, I find myself ing to more Taylor Swift and s Brothers than I normally to admit, thanks to my dible wife. OAR is my favorite , and that style of music is my o when Johnna can't hear it.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
STEVEN HOPLEY, PGA
What is your go-to type of Movie?
Anything Adam Sandler or Christopher Nolan, depending on how much I want to think.
What is your go-to Food?
Chipotle.
What is your go-to Snack?
If you have played in a tournament with me, you could attest to my love of Uncrustables. Ben and Jerry's ‘Tonight Dough’ is my guilty pleasure.
What is the go-to Club in your bag?
50* from 120
What is the best part of your game?
Making pars and staying patient is probably the most frustrating but the strongest part of my game.
What is your best round of Golf?
I shot a 67 at Bel Air Country Club which was the lowest round in my life. The best round of my life was a 69 at Pittsburgh Field Club to qualify for the PNC.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
STEVEN HOPLEY, PGA
Where did you grow up?
Lexington, Massachusetts TRI-STATE
Tell us about your family.
My wife, Johnna, is a PGA Member at Butler CC, and we have two dogs, Farley and Coral. I have a brother, Nate, a PGA Member on the North Shore of Boston at Turner Hill Golf Club. He and his wife Christina have two kids, Lila and Sam. My Sister, Corrie, and her husband, Phil, have a newborn daughter, Charlotte. My brother, Drew, and his wife, Jenn, have two boys, Henry and Jack. My parents also still live on the North Shore of Boston. My siblings are all at least 9 years older than me, which I believe is a big part of what makes me the person I am today. I always wish that I could see all of them more, but I am also fortunate to be very close to Johnna's family, who live all around Pittsburgh.
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you.
Although we love to compete on the golf course, my wife and I prefer to team up and play Fortnite.
If you could play one round of golf with any three people (alive or deceased), who would it be with?
My wife and my brothers
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
STEVEN HOPLEY, PGA
Can you name two of your favorite golf courses that you've played and what makes them unique to you?
Oakmont Country Club is my favorite golf course that I have played. It has a special place in my heart because of my time there. I always compare the feeling you get walking the fairways at Oakmont to the feeling you have the first time you walk into Fenway Park. The history surrounds you, and the feeling never goes away.
Whistling Straits is another of my favorite golf experiences. The course is bold and challenging, but the views on every shot are hard to beat. I also got engaged on the 3rd tee box, which added to the experience. That was one of the most nervy double-double starts you will ever see.
What initially drew you to the game of Golf, and how did you get started?
Golf has always been in my family. My older brother, Nate, is a PGA Member. All I can ever remember is wanting to be a PGA Professional. I started working at a private, 9-hole facility, Lexington Golf Club, when I was 14 so I would have a place to play and practice. I think back to that experience often and am incredibly grateful to have gained the experience that I did so young.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
STEVEN HOPLEY, PGA
Please give us some insight into your prior positions. I worked at Lexington Golf Club for 5 seasons until I went to Methodist University to study PGM. My first internship was at Berkshire Country Club in Reading, PA. Berkshire gave me the confidence to grow and move on while building some great relationships that remain strong today. My second internship was at Bob O'Link Golf Club outside of Chicago. I have so many great memories of Bob O. It was one of my favorite staffs and memberships I have ever been around. Many of the pranks will live in infamy. Following Bob O'Link, I began my time at Oakmont Country Club. I miss Oakmont dearly for all of my fond memories and the incredible relationships I cherish every day. Reflecting on my time there, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to pave my own way amongst the staff. I was in a role that allowed me to thrive, and this is the main reason that I now have the honor of serving the membership at Sewickley Heights.
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 since January of 2021. Pursuing a career in the PGA of America is all that I have ever wanted to do.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
STEVEN HOPLEY, PGA
Talk about being a PGA of America member, what it means, and having PGA after your name.
To me, the letters represent a lifetime of hard work and love for the game of golf. It represents a vast community of people bonded together over a common love. It means passing along knowledge and information and striving to leave the game in a better place than we found it.
What wisdom can you offer about golf careers and the importance of becoming a PGA member/achieving membership status?
The best advice that I can give is to approach every moment with confidence and positivity and be true to yourself. Strive for continuous improvement every day, and never let a day go by where you don't learn something new. Becoming a PGA member means that you are a true expert in the game of golf.
