This month we interview Bryce Poulin, winner of the 2018 PNWPGA Player Development Award. He has created multiple player development programs at Camas Meadows. His “Pathway to Programs Guide” provides students of all abilities with a guideline to choose from his plethora of programs. He accurately tracks all programs to increase activity at non-peak times and increase revenue to his facility.
Facility: Camas Meadows GC
Hometown: Originally from Truckee, CA
PGA Member Since: 2017
Tell us a little bit about your career. Who or what inspired you to become a PGA Professional?
I recall being 13 years old asking my golf coach Pete Smith, PGA, about being a golf professional and what route he took to become a teaching professional. In a way I felt confident that my life and career would keep me in golf, though I had no idea back then how it would unfold. In 2014, I accepted a USGA Boatwright Internship with the Oregon Golf Association, and Director of Junior Golf, Robyn Lorain, PGA to begin my formal golf industry career. Following the internship, I was hired for the role of Director of Player Development Camas Meadows by Chris Garrison, PGA. The last 5 years have been filled with immense challenges and successes, and I am very thankful for the team and network of golf professionals I’ve been surrounded by to help assist my career and growth as a person.
Can you briefly tell us about your player development programs (or pick a favorite)?
The player development programs at Camas Meadows range from a full scale Youth Golf Academy, to weekly Adult Programs and Classes. My personal favorite part of the player development pipeline, or ways of continuing to generate buzz for your programs and grow the game to new customers, is through our community events. For example, our annual GolfZilla event in June allows our program to teach golf in local elementary schools in the spring to promote the event. In addition, I’ve been fortunate to build some relationships with local business owners to further expand our reach to new families and community members. In the end, the belief in giving to the community to share the experience of golf will always be vital to long-term growth of new golfers and advocates of your facility.
Thank you, Bryce Poulin!