It is Spring Meeting week for the Pacific Northwest Section. I look forward to seeing many of you at Tacoma C&GC. The weather looks beautiful for the Pro-Assistant. I always enjoy their beautiful facilities, and James Hochrine and Brett Eaton do a spectacular job hosting us. The weekend preceding the event, the 2024 PNWPGA Special Awards celebration presented by Titleist and Noteefy takes place on March 17.
My thanks to Frank, Denise, Marlena, and the whole section team for working to elevate this special night for our members. From the menu to sponsorships, all has been designed to make the experience more special for all who attend. If you are attending be sure to thank our partners—especially for providing all guests with two complimentary cocktails at the event, as well as a beautiful dessert! I am very excited to be a part of an elegant evening honoring the best of the best across the PNWPGA .
Earlier this month, the officers attended the PGA’s Super Regionals in Houston. The short fast-paced 48-hours included presentations by each of the four candidates for National Secretary. We also had the opportunity to spend time with each candidate and ask specific questions related to our association and how they would serve our members in the Pacific Northwest Section. The event ended with the four candidates on stage, answering questions posed by our leadership. I commend them on their willingness to serve and present in front of their peers. They were all nervous, but each candidate showed strength in leadership and a passionate knowledge of the challenges we face as PGA Professionals and as an association. Over the next couple of months, we will decide who we will support in November’s election.
2024 is also an election year for our section. In this issue, our two candidates for PNWPGA Secretary, Mr. David Owens, PGA and Mr. Ryan Young, PGA answer candidate profile questions. I wish them both the best as they share with you their vision for our section. I have had the pleasure of serving in the boardroom with both candidates. They are both strong communicators, leaders, and players in our section. I look forward to the process.
Over the past several months, I have been working with a select task force of your board members and staff to review and update the Section’s strategic plan for the next 3-5 years. It has been a rewarding process. We have many great minds in our section with dedication to the success of our association. I am always impressed by what we accomplish in the PNWPGA through our special player development programs, tournament programs, professional development programs, and governance. We have a strong leadership team in our staff. We have faced so many challenges over the last four years, and we have pressing decisions in front of us today as well.
The golf industry is incredibly strong, with record numbers of rounds and golfers playing the game. Off-course golf outpaced green grass rounds in 2023 for the first time. However, there continue to be outside pressures on where people will spend their time and money. We need to continue to provide programs to junior golfers and offer opportunities for everyone to enjoy this great game. Programs like PGA HOPE, PGA Junior League, and DCP are ways you can bring players to the game and revenue to you and your facilities. Let’s work hard to make 2024 the best golf season ever in the Pacific Northwest!
Chris M. Nowlen, PGA