October Monthly Update Executive Director
2-4
Pepsi
26
2013 PGA Annual Meeting
5
Golf 2.0
27-28
Education
6
Scottsdale Golf Club Exchange
29
PGA New Members & Apprentices
7-8
PGA of America Member Benefits
9-14
Teaching Items for Sale
30-31
Employment
15-22
AGA Hall of Fame Pro/Am
32
Tournament
23-24
Rules
25
Southwest Section PGA Members Your Career Special thanks to Roger Maxwell for his creative efforts and vision in coordinating “A Conversation About Your Future” held on October 29, 2013 at the Scottsdale Plaza Resort. This event featured a series “inspirational” speakers including Louis Gonzalez from the Arizona Diamondbacks, Harvey Shank from the Phoenix Suns and Don Budinger from the Rodel Foundation. Each of the speakers opened a unique window to their success and their messages were extremely well delivered. Nearly 200 made their way out for this professional and productive networking event. The education and employment committee are teaming up to create a program to support professionals in gaining PGA Certifications in 2014. Currently an individual may seek a certification in the following four areas: General Management Golf Operations Teaching and Coaching Player Development As with any program of this nature the ability to work in a group tends to be very beneficial for many individuals. Accordingly, for each of the above area we will be working on creating small groups to assist each other in obtaining a certification. Scheduled work programs and progress deadlines will be created to help you with your career. More detailed information will be available at the semi-annual meeting to be held at Grayhawk on December 9, 2013.
Tournament Survey The Tournament Committee has forwarded a survey out to the membership regarding tournament participation. The survey will take you less than 10 minutes to complete and will provide them with some great information as we begin to plan our schedule of events for 2014 and beyond. Special thanks to Dave Engram and Al Sutton in their efforts to have this survey compiled, reviewed and implemented. We look forward to sharing results with you at the Semi Annual Meeting to be held at Grayhawk on December 9, 2013. If for some reason you did not receive the email notification you may access this survey at the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TPFMMMT
Semi Annual Meeting The Semi Annual meeting will be held on Monday December 9, 2013 at Grayhawk Golf Club. The meeting will take place in the morning with some optional education in the afternoon. The meeting is being designed to be an interactive session with committee reports being provided in writing. Please plan on bringing your thoughts, opinions and ideas to this session.
Respectfully, Curt Hudek, PGA
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Third Party Tee Time Booking Systems:
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This article is written by Johnny LaPonzina, President of Professional Course Management, who has successfully owned, operated, or managed 19 golf courses in South Florida during his career. He is a Past President of the South Florida PGA and a member of the South Florida PGA Hall of Fame.
BARTERING FOR TEE TIMES – DANGEROUS, COSTLY AND OUT OF CONTROL I’d like to take this opportunity to address PGA professionals not only in the South Florida section, but every PGA section in the country of my major concerns of the current jeopardy and threat to our public golf course industry with third party tee time booking agents. In PCM’s 30 years of owning, operating, or managing golf courses in South Florida, we have faced numerous obstacles and challenges including: hurricanes, economic slowdowns, aging demographics, an overabundance of golf courses, and a gradual decline in the growth of the game of golf. Having said that, the current dilemma and real imminent danger to our golf courses is giving one, two, or multiple barter times to third party booking agents with no floor as to what they can charge for a round of golf while selling these barter times. This arrangement is destroying the very core and integrity of golf courses in their ability to price their rounds of golf fairly and in relation to the revenue that’s required to maintain their courses and keep them open. Numerous golf course management companies, municipalities, and public golf course owners have expressed their outrage and objections to barter times being sold for as much as 80% ‐ 90% off the regularly posted prices. In South Florida alone, two or three barter times per day are sold at quality golf courses for rates as low as $5 per round for green fees and carts. We are training our customers to go online where they find hundreds of tee times available every day at rates which in some cases are discounted as much as 90%. These barter tee times are now competing for our customers on an uneven playing field. For example, a course may have a posted rate of $35 and the consumer can pay $5 or $6 for that same round of golf by booking it online through a third party booking agent. Our ability to price our courses fairly and equitably is being destroyed and challenged by these practices. While the barter time prices may be profitable for the third party booking agent, they are severely effecting what the perceived value for a round of golf really is.
I believe the explosion and growth in these barter tee time practices is a serious and imminent threat to every PGA golf professional’s job and to every public and municipal golf courses ability to price their course fairly and equitably to ultimately survive. Trading golf tee times for marketing or other services can be costly and create long time problems for our industry. We are causing severe damage to our credibility to our regular customers who now expect to play golf with an 80% or 90% discount to retain their loyalty. Further, it helps destroy our resort and tourist play by eroding in season rates and profits which are necessary to keep the doors open. All public golf courses need to be aware of the severity of this problem and with cooperation the problem can be fairly resolved. If a golf course feels that they are generating enough rounds to warrant giving away a barter tee time, then all they have to do is put a floor on the price that the barter time can be sold for and that price should be the same as your public rate that any golfer would pay to play. Competing for golfers then becomes an even playing field. I strongly feel that as an industry we must address this issue as it surely will be a destructive force to our golf business. Many golf courses in South Florida understand this issue clearly and have taken steps to resolve it. If the barter tee time prices are not controlled with a floor on their price, then courses should consider delisting with that third party booking agent. In the end, if the third party booking agents have no barter times, they have no business. I’m asking all PGA golf professionals at public courses to cooperate with a united front to help resolve this issue and make third party tee time booking agents a real partner rather than a severe liability to our golf course industry. Sincerely, Johnny LaPonzina, President Professional Course Management Office: (954) 433�8800 j_19@bellsouth.net
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For more information go to: www.pgalinks.com
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PGA of America New members elected to the PGA of America from 07/31/2013 thru 10/30/2013
Brendan R. Baker, PGA
McCormick Ranch Golf Club
Erik A. Barden, PGA
JW Marriott Wildfire Golf Club
Brian R. Butler, PGA
The Revere Golf Club
Lee C. Gault, PGA
Phoenician Golf Club
Joseph P. Hobby, PGA
Encanterra Country Club
William C. Hoppel III, PGA
Clark Hoppel Golf, LLC.
Travis M. McDowell, PGA
Conestoga Golf Club
Robert P. Saavedra, PGA
The Practice Tee
Nigel P. Spence, PGA Steven W. Sperb, PGA
Whisper Rock Golf Club Grayhawk Golf Club
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PGA of America Newly Registered Apprentices from 07/01/2013 thru 09/09/2013
Michael S. Bishop
Tonto Verde Golf Club
Matt A. Coyle
Ventana Canyon Golf
Christopher J. Linam
Rec Centers of Sun City, Inc.
Marcus W. Synegal
The Country Club @ DC Ranch
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For the most recent Job Postings and for information on: PGA Jobfinder CareerLinks CareerNet
Employment Committee Chairman: Mark J. Black, PGA Committee Members: Bill Kuikman, PGA Tom Wilcox, PGA Fred Barr, PGA Ben Estell, PGA Mike Davis, PGA Click the link below to contact our PGA Career Consultant Bill Keys, PGA
<<click here>>
Oakcreek Country Club Sedona, Arizona
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www.oakcreekcc.com FIRST ASSISTANT GOLF PROFESSIONAL DEPARTMENT: Golf Shop SUPERVISOR: Head Golf Professional SUPERVISES: Inside Golf Staff, Outside Golf Staff, CLASSIFICATION: Exempt, Full-Time SCOPE / POSITION OVERVIEW The Assistant Golf Professional is responsible for assisting with the daily management of all aspects of the golf shop and golf operation at the club. You will be working under the direction of a 22 year member of the PGA who will be dedicated to your development. You will be provided mentoring in the completion of the PGA/PGM program and preparation for a Head Golf Professional position. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS • Assist members and guests with their golfing needs, ensuring that every step of their experience. • Assist in management responsibility of the Golf Shop during the peak periods, ensuring service standards are maintained. Oversee outside golf operations, ensuring that control of membership and guest services. Work closely with the Outside Golf Staff and Club Administration to coordinate all golf related activities. • Promote golf by teaching and conducting player development programs (where applicable), and staffing club tournament events which are established by the Head Professional and Director of Instruction. Practice golf game and plays with members and guests as necessary. • Assist in the administration of the club tournament program. Assist in the development of promotional materials to communicate the programs to the members and guests as needed. • Assist the Head Golf Professional with the development of the golf operations budget, the annual golf shop operating budget, and manage respective line items in accordance with budgets while controlling general expenses for the entire golf operation. • Assist with maintaining purchase order system, ordering, and receiving program to ensure proper quantity and price on all purchases. Assist with physical inventories. • Answer telephones clearly and concisely, to schedule future starting time reservations and communicate information in a pleasant and professional manner. • Manage pace of play, and if applicable, provide biweekly pace of play sheet to Head Golf Professional. • Perform all functions of the Assistant Golf Professional position as needed. • Complete special projects as needed.
Page 17 EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT & WORK-RELATED EXPERIENCE Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Administration, Business Management, and Marketing or related field or equivalent preferred. Working knowledge of golf course operations and practices necessary. Registered Level 3 PGA apprentice or current PGA Member in good standing. REQUIRED WORK HABITS • Excellent attitude • Have regular attendance • Work as a team • Demonstrate initiative • Exhibit dependability • Ability to interact well with members, guests and co-workers. Ability to follow directions from a supervisor Compensation Information Base Salary - $29,000 - $31,000 Additional Income possible from club repair and instruction Health Insurance: Individual Health Insurance: Family Dental Insurance: Individual Dental Insurance: Family 401K (% Employer Contributes) year of service.
Program available. Employee pays portion Program available. Employee pays portion Program available. Employee pays portion Program available. Employee pays portion Matching 50% of employee contributions up to 2% after one
PGA Dues - Will pay for PGA Dues and mileage for continued education and Section events. Paid Vacation (Number of Weeks) Resume Deadline: November 8, 2013 Please submit resumes to: Doug Wert,PGA Head Golf Professional dwert@oakcreekcc.com
10 Days
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ASSISTANT GOLF PROFESSIONAL @ Starr Pass Golf Club Looking for an Assistant Golf Professional with minimum 2 years of golf shop experience and enrolled in level 1 of the PGM program. Marriott offers tuition reimbursement, a great benefit package, and pays PGA dues. Assistants receive 80% of their lessons. Please apply online at www.marriott.com/careers Job Description: Respond to guest requests for special arrangements or services by making arrangements or identifying appropriate providers. Answer golfer questions about course. Promote and sell golf shop merchandise to customers. Open/close golf shop daily. Collect all golf-related fees from registered golfers. Count, prepare, and deposit cash. Run closing reports off the registers. Schedule tee times for golfers. Communicate with the starter, golf services, and golf grounds regarding any changes to the tee sheet. Maintain cleanliness of golf-related areas (e.g., golf shop, hallways, locker rooms, common areas). Total tee sheet and ensure accuracy of daily totals. Stock, tag, and display merchandise on golf shop floor ensuring all merchandise is neatly arranged and restocked to proper level. Notify manager/supervisor of any important issues as necessary. Teach individual and group golf lessons in keeping with PGA/LPGA and Marriott standards. Any questions contact Brett Gilmore, PGA at Brett.Gilmore@marriott.com or 520-670-0403.
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GolfTEC is an indoor PGA recognized golf instruction facility. We teach players of all levels using state-of-the art motion analysis equipment, high speed digital video, launch monitors, and the use of a PGA professional. The technology in combination with a PGA Teaching Professional provides our clients with world class golf instruction. We also offer custom club fitting, indoor practice memberships, and conditioning/exercise programs. If you're interested in working for a dynamic, growing company with room for advancement, then GolfTEC is the place for you. We currently employ over 500 PGA Professionals and have established ourselves as a leader in golf improvement with our Proven Path... Proven Results. With over 4,000,000+ lessons taught - now is your chance to join our team! Teaching professionals use GolfTEC 's proprietary state-of-the-art teaching technology - including digital video, motion analysis, and ball flight monitors. Position will include teaching individual lessons, assisting in daily operations, and taking an active role in merchandising of golf equipment. A majority of the lessons are individual one-on-one lessons, but outdoor clinics, short game schools, and playing lessons are also part of the GolfTEC lesson program. For additional information about GolfTEC and who we are looking for - please view our Recruiting Brochure. We have the best in teaching and coaching technology available, plus a unique indoor/outdoor coaching facility at DragonRidge Country Club. GolfTEC - Henderson/Las Vegas is looking for an enthusiastic candidate to join our team! If you are passionate about teaching and coaching, we want to speak to you! Please send all resumes and cover letters to tsam@golftec.com or fax to 702-834-6359.
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Tournament Registration Late Fee The Southwest Section PGA Officers and Board have established a $30 tournament registration late fee for all Southwest Section PGA events. Each event will have a registration deadline. Any entries accepted after the deadline will be subject to the appropriate late fee penalty. A player will be allowed to participate provided the host facility can accommodate this request. All late fee charges will be donated to the Southwest Section PGA Foundation.
Code of Conduct Policy Late Fee Policy
2013 - 2014 Tournament Calendar
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Rules of Golf
OK Actions? – September 28, 2013 – The Rulings Player A’s ball lies closely behind a mushroom growing in the turf on his line of play. Prior to playing the ball, Player A makes a practice swing destroying the mushroom. **Not-OK. Player A incurs the general penalty for a breach of Rule 13-2. Not-OK to break anything growing or fixed if it improves the lie, area of intended stance or swing, or line of play. Considering the location of the mushroom relative to the location of the ball, Player A clearly improved his area of intended swing and line of play. (See Rule 13-2 and Decision 13-2/0.5.) Player B’s ball lands in the fairway making a pitch-mark and rolls back about 12 inches behind the pitch-mark. Player B, prior to his next stroke with a 9-iron, steps on the pitch-mark. **Player B’s actions are OK as long as the repair of the pitch-mark does not create a potential advantage for Player B’s next stroke. Based on the position of the ball relative to the pitch-mark and the stroke to be played, a ruling of OK is appropriate. (See Rule 13-2 and Decision 13-2/0.5.) Player C’s ball comes to rest in a great lie in a shallow bunker. Prior to making a stroke from the bunker, Player C rakes several footprints several feet behind his ball and some minor damage several feet in front of his ball on his line of play. [Player C is a single-digit golfer and believes that bunkers should be perfect for the following players in the field.] **Player C’s actions are OK. As long as Player C is not raking the bunker with an intent to test the bunker, Player C is permitted to rake areas not affecting lie, area of intended stance or swing solely for care of the course. Player C is also permitted to rake his line of play as long as the action has not created a potential advantage for Player C, a reasonable ruling for this situation as described. (See Exception 2 to Rule 13-4 and Decision 13-2/0.5.)
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Page 27 Drive Chip and Putt Championship The inaugural year of the Drive, Chip, and Putt qualifying stages are complete and for 8 juniors (age 7-15) from the Southwest they have secured a spot in the national finals at Augusta National April 6, 2014, Sunday before the Masters. Ten local qualifying sites hosted close to 1,000 registered juniors throughout the Southwest Section in June and July. From that stage 153 qualifiers were treated to a great weekend at the Southwest Regional Qualifier at Grayhawk Golf Club on August 25. Top scorers in each skill and those who qualified were awarded medals and qualifiers were interviewed by a crew from the Golf Channel. They all seemed right at home in the interview chair. My thanks to Host Professional Joe Shershenovich and his staff at Grayhawk for doing such a great job hosting the regional qualifier and coming up with one of the best ideas of the year, milkshakes during early registration! Thanks also to the 10 PGA Professional (listed below) who stepped up to host one of the local events and the dozens who helped as a staff member or volunteer to make these events successful. As a first year program we dealt with some unknowns and I was very impressed with the professional manner and hard work of SWSPGA Members who went above and beyond to put on an impressive series of qualifiers.
(Please see the list of host sites, professionals. And the 8 qualifying juniors listed below)
Girls 10-11 Drive Chip and Putt National Qualifier Madeline Adam with her family SWSPGA President Don Rae and Augusta National Head Professional JJ Weaver. (Grayhawk GC August 25. 2013)
Drive Chip and Putt Qualifying Sites:
Page 28 Local: Tucson CC, Michael Haywood Lone Tree GC, Greg Avant and Eric Kulinna Augusta Ranch, Don Rae Encanto, Diane Escobedo Flagstaff Ranch, John Ott and Tony Panella
Southern Dunes, Brady Wilson and JC Wright Longbow, Jay Larscheid Stallion Mountain, Joe White Vistal, Greg Leicht Antelope Hills, Mack McCarley
Regional: Grayhawk Golf Club, Joe Shershenovich, Doug Hodge and Travis McCuthcheon National Qualifiers: Girls 7-9: Raina Ports, Tucson Boys 7-9: Adam Miller, Phoenix Girls 10-11: Madeline Adam, Chandler Boys 10-11: Aiden Goldstein, Las Vegas Girls 12-13: Asheley Menne, Surprise Boys 12-13: Caden Christopherson, Chandler Girls 14-15: Hunter Pate, Las Vegas Boys 14-15: Juan Contreras, Phoenix Player Development Programming Leads To Success There is a direct correlation between player development, revenue generation, and success. It seems too obvious to mention but statistics confirm that facilities that are highly engaged in Player Development and Player Retention Programs run more play, generate more return play, and more revenue. Think about restaurants, people are drawn to the busy spots that have things going on with a fun theme and value. Everyone wants a table at the restaurant that is hard to get into with a fun atmosphere, while the empty restaurant remains empty. Business creates more business and like the successful restaurateur we need to create new events to keep our facilities fresh and the cool place to be. Now is the time of year to create your 2014 plan! With just a few months left before the snow birds and winter visitors arrive, and with many of you closing for over seeding, this is the time to do your program and event planning for the coming season. I am here to help you create your 2014 Player Development Business Plan and to support you in building the programs that work in your situation and for your community. Send me an email to set-up a time to talk about 2014 program planning and a successful year: bdoyle@pgahq.com or call: 602-334-0397 Exhibit Your Expertise Every Chance You Get
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AGA Hall of Fame Press Release Hall of Fame Pro/Am Entry Form