“One for All and All for One”
The Three Musketeers, as we know, is a popular, historical novel written in 1844 by Alexander Dumas. In it, we are regaled with the stories of three (ultimately four) friends as they become living examples of friendship, courage, and honor. In 2022, our three musketeers are Tim Feenstra, Austin Hurt, and Colin Inglis as each of these gentlemen is teeing it up at Southern Hills Country Club to compete in their first PGA Championship. We congratulate them and wish them well as they join the others in the “Team of 20” competing in the Tour season’s second major.
One of the many themes prevalent in Musketeers is fraternity. The spirit of fraternity is very much alive and well across the Pacific Northwest Section. Last year, despite the many challenges because of Covid, the PNW PGA launched our first “100 Hole Marathon” fundraiser. Last year, across multiple venues, we collectively raised $50,000. Erik Olson with Caliber Home Loans was our very generous title sponsor. This year, the tradition continued. Thus far, collectively, the participants have raised more than $99,000 for local charities! The last group of participants will take the challenge on May 24 at High Cedars Golf Club. There is still time to participate and to donate. Anyone who may be interested in doing either may contact Molly Cooper at the Section office. I would like to extend once again our special thanks to High Cedars for hosting us and offer my sincere appreciation to Erik Olson for returning as our sponsor.
Mark your calendars: the 2022 PNW PGA Merchandise Show registration is now open! Please join us September 25-26, 2022, at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center. Note that the schedule is slightly different this year, with the show being held on Sunday-Monday and the annual meeting taking place on Monday morning at 7:30 AM. Stay tuned for information on the 2022 Fall Education Seminars.
There are two other important calendar items that I encourage you to save now. This year we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Senior Oregon Open Invitational. Entries will be available on May 25. On August 1, you will have the opportunity to get “PGA HOPE certified” to work with veterans in a FREE one-day seminar at Tualatin Country Club. Those who attended our Spring Meeting had the opportunity to hear Brandy Cain, Senior Director for PGA HOPE speak about the program and its many opportunities for members. The Section invited her to speak as we aggressively expand into several, exciting player development programs.
Register for PGA HOPE training (free!)
We are now in full, seasonal swing. As we continue to pride ourselves in the depth and breadth of our sectional programming, we are reminded that the value we bring to our members is deepened alongside value partners. One of our newest partners is Tagmarshal. I am very proud to announce a new, three-year deal with the Atlanta-based software company. Tagmarshal’s on-course optimization technology and golf cart GPS tracking helps courses to improve the player experience, operational efficiency and to generate additional revenue. The industry trusted system provides full operational oversight and reporting, proactive, real-time management of field flow and data-driven management, which drives cost savings. Established in 2014, Tagmarshal has partners in nine countries and four continents. In addition to supporting member education, Tagmarshal is our newest, presenting sponsor to the Northwest Open. Additionally, my sincere appreciation to Club Car for continuing their sponsorship of the Club Car Skins program.
Lastly, I want to again encourage you to consider registering for PGA.Coach. Since I shared in last month’s column our plan to continue to aggressively grow our Consumer Marketing Initiative, the Section successfully launched our 2022 “Year of Free Golf” Sweepstakes on April 21 to grow our expanding golf consumer database. We boast approximately 50,000 unique golf consumers, all of whom eagerly receive PGA Professional promotions. This is a fantastic, new channel for us to promote our Members to a growing audience of enthusiasts. These are your current and future clients. My thanks to each of the facilities who are participating in this promotion. This is a cost-effective, innovative opportunity for your facility and your larger business operations. The Section would LOVE our professionals to contact us for inclusion in an upcoming email to our growing golf consumer database. Those of you registered on PGA.Coach are especially encouraged to contact Marlena Cannon, Director of Marketing and Communications.
As always, if I or any member of our amazing Section staff may assist you with anything, please do not hesitate to call on us.
Frank Talarico, CEO
Pacific Northwest PGA