Volume 6, Issue 5
May 2014
Like many of you, moments happen in my professional and personal career that help inspire me for the days, weeks, and months ahead. Perhaps another way of putting it would be to say that sometimes you are able to experience tangible progress to the point that it motivates you to take the next step with an even greater purpose. The greater purpose is our PGA Professionals and the standing of our brand and business in the community. Each one of you are entering such an extremely busy time at your facilities and many of you don’t have any extra time to give to your association. Like Ben says below in his article, it is not about asking for more time – we welcome those that can get involved and encourage you to be part of what we do because we can’t do it without your help. However, our role is to grow in the positive perception and to point back at what you do for the game at your facilities and what you stand for outside of those doors. By being the best PGA Professional at XYZ facility you help to verify and perpetuate the message we are giving on each and every stage we are fortunate to take. Tangible evidence of our brand growing is transpiring across all of the business functions we service at the Gateway PGA. We have been put in a great position because of the leadership within our section and the drive of our team members. Our razor thin margin for error with the financials has started to ease and it has made way for greater investments into our member programs. Our stock in the community continues to rise because of events like the Ozzie & Friends Concert. Events like these not only allow for shoulder rubbing with the who’s who in the celebrity and corporate world but it also opens eyes to the general public on what we are as an association. Our annual Women’s Golf Day presented by Callaway Golf and Michelob Ultra sold out in 2 weeks with 190 women coming to The Quarry at Crystal Springs on June 1! In addition, we are investing in our tournament program and have put meaning back in our Players Championship that is a free invitation with a guaranteed purse for those that make it. Nearly 70 PGA Professionals competed in our first point event of the year which is evidence that competition and playing still rings as important to our membership. Instead of making phone calls, I am receiving phone calls to talk about our brand, our PGA Professionals, and the important role we play in the community. Tangible proof in progress is what continues to drive me and I am not aware of any current ceiling that exists for us. I continue to be inspired by the friendships, your talents, and what we all can do to positively grow the business and perception of golf. It is with respect and understanding that not all of our PGA Professionals are in a good situation or a job that matches their skill set. However, we continue to work hard to try and bring new players to the game, elevate the perception of your work, and provide meaningful education and playing opportunities for your continued growth and enjoyment. All the best,
From the Officers Desk
P2
Growth of the Game
P3
PGA Junior League Golf
P4
Drive, Chip, & Putt
P5
Assistants Corner
P6
Rules Corner
P6
PGA HQ News
P 7-8
Employment Chips
P9
Sterling Cut Glass
P 10
Fitness Tips
P 11
Tournament News
P 12-13
Upcoming Events
P 14
Member Updates & Birthdays
P 15
Section Officers Joe Schwent, PGA President
Nathan Charnes, PGA Vice-President
Benjiman Kent, PGA Secretary
Gateway PGA Staff Josh Riley, PGA Executive Director
Steve Finn, PGA Assistant Executive Director
Michael Brown, PGA Director or Junior Golf
Ali Wells, PGA Foundation Operations Director
Lindsay Riley Foundation Admin Assistant
Susan Bender
Josh Riley, PGA
Membership
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