I imagine you are all gearing up for the upcoming season. Here in Central Oregon, we are still dealing with cold and snow.
Spring is an exciting time for our Section. Not only are we celebrating our Centennial, but we are also about to celebrate the best and the brightest professionals in our Section with our special awards presentation. Also, this is an election year for our Chapters and Section. Later this year, you will all get a chance to help set the direction for our Section as you elect our new Section Secretary in the fall. We have two exceptional candidates, John Grothe and Chas Holmes. Soon, you will start to see articles in Foreword Press from each candidate. The first article will introduce them to you, and they will share why they are running for Section Secretary.
After their introductory articles, the candidates will be asked to answer questions from some of our Past Presidents on topics ranging from leadership to their vision for the Section. As we get later into the process, each of the candidates will visit Chapter meetings for presentations and question-and-answer sessions where you can ask the candidates questions. In those meetings, you will then vote for the candidate you think will best lead the PNWPGA going forward. Going through this was a real learning process for me. The questions from the members many times were tough, and I learned a lot about the challenges you face every day. I have told the candidates that while the process is long and demanding, they will be amazed at how much they learn about themselves and our Section. However, you have a huge role to play in this process. Please read what the candidates write, email them, or call them to dig deeper into their positions. Show up at the Chapter meetings for the presentations and Q & A. Then vote!
We have the most remarkable Section in the PGA of America. We have had a hundred years of outstanding success, and I am convinced that we will continue to lead the way forward in the PGA. But that future success will be driven by having the right leadership in place. Picking Section leadership is your job.
Lastly, many thanks to Chas and John for running.
Being part of our governance is challenging and time-consuming. If you are a member of a committee, PGA LEAD, a Board member, or an Officer, thank you for all you do!
On a personal note, I will be stepping out of my role as President during the month of March. I will be recovering from a medical procedure. Chris Nowlen will step in as your Acting President in my absence. I plan on resuming my duties in April.
As always, please stay safe, reach out and contact someone you have not seen or talked to in a while.
Thanks for all that you do for the game of golf.
Howie Pruitt, PGA
Director, Golf Operations, Aspen Lakes GC
President, Pacific Northwest Section