Hello my fellow PGA Professional. Thank you for reviewing my bio and qualifications. My name is John Grothe, and I was born and raised in Carmel, California. Although my high school played matches at Pebble Beach Golf Links, I did not begin to golf until after I graduated. I was able to catch up on that missed opportunity when I played my first round of golf at age of 18 at Pebble Beach (I shot 114 with 17 lost golf balls). After graduating from the University of California, Davis (’94 Political Science) I entered the PGA program in 1998 while at Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club.
My career quickly brought me back to Pebble Beach Golf Links where I was an Assistant Professional at the fabled golf links for 5 years. While at Pebble Beach, I was elected to PGA membership in 2001. I returned to Oregon for good when Bandon Dunes was searching for a Head Professional in 2002. A few years later I was promoted to the Director of Golf a position I held until 2009. I have also worked for the Oregon Golf Association at the OGA Golf Course as the Head Professional, a position I held for 5 years. Currently I serve as the Head PGA Professional for Willamette Valley Country Club south of Portland, Oregon.
As your Section Secretary I will draw upon has an extensive work history of high-end resort, public and private facilities. Throughout my 20 years as a PGA member, I have been passionately supporting the efforts of the PGA as well as supporting and mentoring my fellow PGA Professionals. For these efforts I have been awarded 4 Pacific Northwest PGA Section awards as well as 6 Oregon PGA Chapter Awards including Golf Professional of the Year (’20), Merchandiser of the Year (’04), Junior Golf Leader (’06), and Player Development (’15). I currently am honored to serve as the President for the Oregon PGA Chapter Board of Directors as well as on the OPGA Mentoring Committee.
I am passionate about giving back to my community. I enjoy serving on the Ambassador Board for the Children’ Cancer Association and I support the Evans Scholar Foundation which provides college scholarships to caddies. I am surrounded by a great family including my fiancée Kayla, as well as Lauren (18) and Colton (17). We are very active in the West Linn community where we reside.
My “why” for raising my hand to serve as Section Secretary has many answers. First, I am passionate about improving the lives of each individual PGA member. I feel the need to support our members through opportunities for advancement, compensation, mentorship, education, or work life balance. Second, I am proud to be a PGA Member. My efforts have been focused to continue to “polish the shine” of our Association. Third, I feel it is my responsibility to give back to the game as well as the numerous PGA Professionals who have helped me in my career. And finally, selfishly, I truly enjoy being involved in my community. After having joined the Oregon PGA Chapter Board of Directors in 2015 it has been a personal honor to have a seat at the table these past 7 years and can’t imagine not continuing.
Over my past 20 years I have seen our Association improve greatly and will work tirelessly to continue our advancement especially for the individual PGA Member.
Thank you again for your time. If there is ever any question or service I can be please do not hesitate to contact me.
John Grothe, PGA | Head Professional
Oregon PGA Chapter President
Willamette Valley Country Club
900 Country Club Place • Canby, Oregon 97013
Golf Shop: 503-266-2102 • Direct: 503-266-0140