Happy Independence Day!
I am confident everyone is busy now that summer has finally arrived. It looks like we are in for several great months of weather.
Each time I write this article, I try to reflect on what is happening in the world around us and in our industry. This month, change is on my mind. If there is one thing we have all learned in the last three years, it is that change is inevitable. COVID changed the face of our businesses. We had to adapt and grow through adversity. However, in golf, it also provided new opportunities, which required us to change our thinking and approach to how we operate our facilities and live our lives.
I assume we have all heard someone say, “That’s the way we have always done it.” Many of us have said that ourselves. That statement has become very old-fashioned in a time when things are changing so rapidly around us. Technology has put information at our fingertips, and the world seems to be in a constant state of flux. It also seems like not all of this change is an opportunity for growth. Some of it can be extremely negative. It is hard to believe what we see in the media and to sort truth from opinion. But that is a different conversation.
A mentor told me years ago to substitute growth for change in my thinking. They said that when something has to change, it is an opportunity for growth. Sometimes it doesn’t feel like an opportunity, to be honest. In recent years, I have gone through some difficult changes, and growth kicked me right in the stomach. But in reflection, it has opened doors for new opportunities. I have grown, and I am stronger for it, even though it was painful at times.
In our business, the opportunity for growth has become significant. The growth of the game has pushed the envelope in every area of our profession. Whether it is the new programs being developed, innovative teaching methods, changing business models, or the improvement to compensation and standards of employment for us, we have new opportunities. As a committee member on the National Junior Player Development Committee, I have had the pleasure of listening to some impressive leaders in our industry talk about the American Development Model and how it will change the face of teaching junior golf and junior golf programs. This is one example of amazing growth and progress! Recently, we also learned that the number of new associates getting into the PGA program is at a record high. That is definitely growth!
In our Section, we have had tremendous growth in our sponsorships. This has directly impacted our programs to serve our professionals and improved purses for Section events. I am also very excited for the plans to grow our Section Championship by coupling a pro-pro event, and our fall meeting into the same week, as well as a fun and engaging gathering of vendors to engage with our PGA Professionals in the long tradition of “trunk shows,” to show their product lines and write orders. Venue details are still being finalized, but will be a part of the larger PPC weekend itinerary.
As you navigate this season, I hope you find an opportunity to turn change into growth. I wish you great success!