President's Report

Association Governance

I get asked quite a bit, “How do you have time to be the President of the Section and do your job?”  It always makes me chuckle when I get asked that because, honestly, it isn’t that hard and doesn’t require that “enormous” amount of time that people might think it does. It simply requires engagement.  Why am I writing about this?  I think there is a stigma that serving your association won’t allow you time with your family, or time to do your job at a high level. How many of you are on the fence and don’t want to do it because of “time”?

Now that our busy time is behind us, why don’t you consider serving?  It may sound cliché that you get more out of serving than you give, but it is the truest statement about serving your association.  We need more leaders in our Chapters, Sections and at the National Level.  It has to start somewhere, how about with you?  One of my favorite lines about my service is “if I don’t do it, who will and if I don’t do it now, then when”?

Fall elections are right in front of us, call me or email me if you want more information about serving your association.  Call any of the Section officers, call our CEO or any Chapter staff member.  They can walk you through the process and the time commitment. I promise you it will enhance your career, make you friends and connections that you would otherwise never realized and be one of the most rewarding things you could do in your career.  The association always needs new leaders, we need you!

This time of year is also a time for our awards process.Yyour awards committees at the Chapter level and then Section level will be working hard to identify the best and the brightest.  The process, which changed almost 6 years ago now, is connected to the national award winners we have had, most recently Cameron Milton and Mark Rashell.  Congratulations to both of them and I look forward to your award ceremonies at the PGA Annual Meeting in November.  Please make your nominations to your Chapter Chairperson.  Be part of the process, make your association better.

Thank you,

Greg Manley, PGA
President, PNWPGA
Meridian Valley CC
greg@meridianvalleycc.com

CEO's Report

There are just a few more days for members to enter the Pacific Northwest Section PGA Professional Championship. Entries for YOUR member championship close on September 5.  With 54 holes on a great course, only PGA members, payout to 50% of the field, and a 2017 purse of $86,000 — why would you not play? Click here for complete information and join us at Meadow Springs CC, September 18-20.

One other immediate entry deadline is our 2019 Hawaii Pro-Am presented by State Farm Jim Ostrander Agency. If you would like to join us for 8 days in the Kauai sunshine in January, contact me or Denise Bacon in the Section office today. September 1 was our entry deadline, but we may be able to add you if you act fast!

Labor Day weekend is the official time for Patriot Golf Day. Thank you all for supporting this important cause in providing assistance to the dependents of those lost in service to our country.  Remember, if Labor Day does not work for you, you are welcome to organize a program that works for the schedule at your facility. Give me a call if I can be of assistance.

Our Special Awards process is underway. The first, and most important step, is identifying deserving candidates in each chapter. Your chapter awards chairs have initiated the nomination process, please participate so we identify the many deserving professionals in every chapter. Nominate your neighbor, your staff, your boss or yourself!  This key step will help the chapter committees work through the qualifications of all who deserve recognition.  We enhanced the Special Awards process a few years ago and it has elevated our entire awards program. Once again this year we identified two outstanding professionals who will receive National Awards – Cameron Milton and Mark Rashell. It could be you or your neighbor next year – if you PARTICIPATE in the process.

The Pacific Northwest Section PGA Merchandise Show is the can’t-miss opportunity of the year. Not only do you have the chance to work with your favorite vendors, but you can team up for the Pro-Vendor, attend three different education opportunities, of course participate in the Section Annual Meeting and stay connected with your Association. Follow the links below for complete information and to register.

• Register for the Show
• Register for Education
• Register for the Pro-Vendor

If you are a PGA Associate or employ a PGA Associate, please remember the Section’s Associate Mentoring Program requires Associates to attend one meeting, one qualifying education seminar and play once.  Letters are going out shortly on your status – don’t fall short.  Meetings will all be held during September and October so don’t wait, your only chances left are the Section Annual Meeting in Tacoma and your Fall Chapter Meeting. Plan today. Chapters will fire up their education calendars soon, check in with your chapter education chair if you are short.  Finally, know your chapter event schedule, three of the chapters are about done!

Entries are out for the Holcomb-In-One Las Vegas Pro-Am, March 10-14, 2019. Holk always does a great job with this event and we have another fun event planned for you!

We’ve released the 2019 Section Tournament Schedule. As you can see, we have another terrific lineup. We are very fortunate to have such a great schedule. My thanks to all our 2018 host professionals and those of you who helped us add your fine facilities for 2019!

As you can see, after a very busy summer, we are headed into a very busy fall. Must be the new normal.  I look forward to seeing all of you at your chapter meetings.

Jeff Ellison, PGA
CEO, Pacific NW Section PGA

Candidates for Secretary: Marcus King & Howie Pruitt

Marcus King: The Final Question

“You’ve answered our questions…. now what else would you like the members to know about you before they vote?”

I know that a Golf Professional’s time is precious during the peak season, which makes me appreciate even more your indulgence in plowing through the position statements that Howie and I have presented to you.  Thank you for your time, and I will keep my final points short and sweet.

If you remember only one thing about me and my candidacy for Secretary, please remember this:  in serving you and growing the game, I am your champion for improving our jobs.  I have held every job at every type of club from municipals to daily fee to resort to private non-equity and equity clubs, I have walked a mile in your Foot Joys, and I know what it takes to improve your job in this era of stagnant wages.  I will serve you by working at the Section and National levels to help develop programs and resources that make us more valuable to our employers.  Growing the game—especially now—is important to our badge, to our colleagues and to our employers and is the primary method for growing our paychecks.

In closing, my previous Section leadership experience, my refreshed eyes, my relationship with our current Board members, CEO and his awesome staff, my ability to mentor new leaders, my passion for service, and my recognized voice at the PGA National level give me a solid foundation for serving you for the next 8 years.

Thank you for your time in considering Howie and I for Section Secretary.  Howie is a wonderful man and a really smart Golf Professional, and I know that both of us will carry your banner for improving your jobs and will work tirelessly on your behalf to assure that our profession continues to thrive.

I would greatly appreciate your vote for Section Secretary and I look forward to seeing you all at your Chapter meetings…or at a Special Olympics tourney, or junior golf event, or at a parade, or at a Nine ‘n Dine, or on Santa’s lap!

Marcus King, PGA, CCM, CCE
General Manager
Overlake Golf & Country Club

Howie Pruitt: The Final Question

“You’ve answered our questions…. now what else would you like the members to know about you before they vote?”

Man, I thought the other questions were hard, but this is tough. Essentially, this is the “who are you really” question. Let’s start with this, “I hate golf.” Okay, now that I have your attention, I’m a kidder, a jokester, a person who likes to have fun. I’m told that I am a great story teller. I have lived a rich life and I enjoy sharing my experiences, from growing up in a mixed middle-class neighborhood in Columbus, Ohio, the jungles of Viet Nam, to teaching skiing in the Alps of Europe. Stories are a great way to connect to people. When I tell a story, often someone else shares one and we learn so much more about each other.

I’m naturally curious. I love learning about things that challenge me. I have recently taken classes in computer programing, graphic arts, and culinary arts. What I learned is that my brain is not wired for learning programing. I tip my hat to those that can do it; the same with graphic arts. Everything looked like “stick- figures.” My success was with culinary skills. I have learned over time new and different skills in the kitchen and I love it. While structured thinking like computer programming made me crazy, cooking gives me a license to create, adding a little of this or that which is fun. Most of the time, the dishes are a success; sometimes, they are so bad they can’t be served. But like much of life is trial and error, that’s what makes it fun. While trying and learning new things is fun for me, it also leads to some frustration. Learning to play the guitar and learning to speak Spanish remain challenges that make me crazy. I lived in Germany for eleven years and could speak “passable” German. Admittedly, it got better the more beer I drank. Why I can’t get Spanish, is beside me; maybe I need more wine.

The other big challenge for me is “tools.” I have hand tools and power tools, but I’m a bit lost when it comes to using them. I’m not a fixer! I fully support mechanics, carpenters, plumbers and other trade professionals as they pursue a living. I once called a repair person to come and fix our clothes washer. It turns out, I had forgotten to close the lid. $85 later, he closed the lid, and the washer started. I’m sure he still tells that story. So, plan on the fact, that if we are traveling and the car breaks down, I will be the first to call AAA.

I am a huge sports fan!  At the risk of offending some; I am a fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes, the Texans in the NFL, San Jose Sharks in hockey, and the SF Giants in baseball. I played rugby for 12 years and cheer for the American Eagles, out national rugby club.

I spent 10 years on active duty as an Army commissioned officer, Army Ranger and helicopter pilot. I worked as a Department of the Army civilian and held numerous Human Resources positions in Silicon Valley prior to moving to Oregon.

I have been married to my best friend for 32 years and counting. We have two grown boys and four grand-kids. I am still in mourning over the loss this year of my second love, our 14-year chocolate lab, Maxine.

Since this is the last article (I hope), I want to thank our current leadership for providing such challenging questions. Thanks to the Section staff for getting articles out to our membership, and lastly to Marcus for your great articles.

I look forward to meeting you in the upcoming Chapter meetings.

Howie Pruitt, PGA
Director, Player Development/Head Golf Professional
Aspen Lakes Golf Club
Sisters, OR 97759
541-549-4653
Cell-541-390-7875
www.aspenlakes.com
Director, Oregon Chapter, PGA of America
2017 Oregon Chapter, PGA of America, Patriot Award Winner

Prante Defends Northwest Open Title

By Nathan Pajutee, PNW PGA Tournament Intern

Nestled perfectly in Eastern Washington next to the Blue Mountains, the scenic Wine Valley Golf Club played host to the 2018 Northwest Open Invitational for a ninth consecutive year. This par-72, 6,980-yard course posed a unique challenge to the 163 PGA professionals and amateurs competing in the tournament. With the leaderboard becoming incredibly tight over three rounds, PGA Professional Shane Prante of The Home Course emerged victorious to defend his title and claim his third Northwest Open Invitational.

Coston Triumphs Again at the Senior Oregon Open Invitational

By Nathan Pajutee, PNW PGA Tournament Intern

Wildhorse Resort & Casino was a familiar sight at the base of the Blue Mountains in Pendleton, Oregon, where the 6,640 yard, Par-72 course hosted the 2018 Senior Oregon Open Invitational. Since its induction in 1996, this tournament has brought together the best players 50 years and older all across the Pacific Northwest. Although the competition was extremely tight yet again, PGA Professional Jeff Coston of Semiahmoo G&CC defended his title and emerged victorious to claim his sixth Senior Oregon Open victory.

Fisher Captures National Car Rental PNW Assistant PGA Professional Championship

By Molly Cooper, PGA - Director of Tournament & Member Programs

Fifty-three PGA Assistants and Associates battled in the National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship at The Home Course in DuPont, WA with the hopes of representing the Pacific Northwest Section in Florida in November. The 42nd National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship will be held at the famed PGA Golf Club’s Wanamaker course in Port St. Lucie, Florida – November 15-18, 2018. At the conclusion of the 36-hole event, Fisher secured his victory and his first PNW PGA title.

Pacific Golf & Turf PNW Pro-Am Championship

A Fun Experience for Professional and Amateur Alike

“The PNW Pro Am Championship should be on everyone’s list of tournaments to play. Every year the event is held at the best courses in the Northwest, including this year at Tumble Creek and Rope Rider. It is also a great opportunity to bring one of your best amateurs from your club or area and play in a fun yet competitive atmosphere.” – Corey Prugh

Play Suncadia

Stunning views. Incredible design. Immaculate conditions. All surrounded by the rolling pine forest and towering granite peaks of the sunny, eastern slopes of the Cascades. From beginner to advanced, Suncadia offers the Pacific Northwest’s finest mountain golf experience.

Rope Rider Golf Course opened the summer of 2011 and was named Best New Course of the Year 2011 by Golf Magazine. It is a beautiful Jacobsen Hardy course that tests experienced golfers with more than 7,300 yards.

Tumble Creek Golf Course, which opened in the summer of 2006, is a private club course designed by Tom Doak. It flows through forests, along the river bluff, and across expansive meadows creating an extraordinary golf experience.

Sign up your team today!

PNW Pro-Vendor Invitational

Thank You For Supporting Our Vendors and Sponsors

This year’s event will be held at The Home Course on Monday, October 22. The 8:30 AM shotgun start will give professionals and golf reps some quality time to play together before the vendors move into the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center for the Merchandise Show. The cost is just $80 per team and includes lunch and range balls. 

“Our sponsors and vendors are the lifeblood of our Section Operations and Tournament Program.  Playing in the Pro-Vender allows those relationships to flourish and it’s a chance for us Professionals to further these relationships.  I encourage all Section Professionals to be available and invite a vendor who you would like to further a relationship with.  It will benefit your own business, career and the business of the Section.  Thank you for supporting our vendors and sponsors!” – Greg Manley, PGA

Go for the Trophy

The winning team will get their names etched on this fabulous trophy, and the winning vendor will get to show it off at their booth! Last year, PGA Professional Greg Manley from Meridian Valley CC and Mike Sica from TaylorMade Golf won the Pro-Vendor Invitational with a four-ball score of 63.

Get Ready for Vegas in March!

New Accommodations

After 14 years at the Monte Carlo it’s time for a change. We are excited to report that the 2019 Holcomb-In-One Las Vegas Pro-Am will move to the Luxor Hotel & Casino. We will stay in their newly remodeled Tower rooms. Check out the pictures of these nicely appointed rooms, we’ve seen them, they are very nice. There are also plenty of suite options for those who would like to upgrade.

By popular demand, we upgraded the opening night from a simple reception to a buffet dinner. Don’t worry, the drink tickets are still part of the program!

Favorite Courses

Last year’s venues were such a hit, we are repeating the lineup! You will enjoy three very popular golf courses – Las Vegas Country Club, TPC Las Vegas and we’ll conclude again with the final round and dinner at Anthem Country Club.

Enter Today!

We are limited to the first 24 teams. The cost increases $150/player after November 30, so enter now! Entering with TBA’s is acceptable.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity, which includes:

• 4 Nights lodging at the Luxor Hotel & Casino
• 3 Rounds of Golf w/ Carts and Range Balls
• Welcome Reception & Awards Dinner
• $19,000 Prize Fund (based on 24 teams)
• Tee Prize Package

PNW PGA Professional Championship

September 18-20

Richland, WA - Meadow Springs CC

Register for this event through PGA of America Membership services by calling 800-474-2776 or online at http://www.pgatournaments.com. The entry deadline is Wednesday, September 5th at 11:59 PM (PDT).  No late entries will be accepted!

PNW Hawai'i Pro-Am

January 10-17

Kaua'i - Hokuala Ocean Course & Poipu Bay GC

We can take a few more teams on our annual trip to paradise. Call Denise or Jeff right away to secure your spot! 800-688-4653.

PNW PGA Merchandise Show, Fall Meeting & Education

October 22-24

Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center

• Register for the Show
• Register for Education
• Register for the Pro-Vendor
• Meeting information

OMEGA Player of the Year Points

1. Prante, Shane - 372.5

2. Inglis, Colin - 355

3. Grove, Russell - 350

OMEGA Senior Player of the Year Points

1. Coston, Jeff - 385

2. Gibbons, Rob - 252.5

3. Carranza, Joe - 235

Assistant Player of the Year Points

1. Prante, Shane - 612.5

2. Inglis, Colin - 542.5

3. Cassidy, John - 492.5

Hudson Cup Points

1. Grove, Russell - 342.5

2. Benzel, Ryan - 315

T3. Feenstra, Tim - 245
T3. Prugh - Corey - 245

Senior Hudson Cup Points

1. Coston, Jeff - 752.5

2. Gibbons, Rob - 597.5

3. Bomar, Billy - 560

Holk's Highlights: Bryce Fisher

This month we interview Bryce Fisher, first-time PNW PGA champion! Learn a little about the 2018 PNW Assistant PGA Champion.

Facility: Arrowhead GC

Hometown: Oregon City, Oregon

Year became a PGA Associate: 2016

Tell us a little bit about your career. Who or what inspired you to be a PGA Professional?

Golf and sports in general has always been a big part of my life. I grew up in a golfing family. The game has blessed me and my family in many ways. I feel very lucky to be able to play the game regularly. Post college golf, I turned professional and went on to play full-time for a couple years. After getting married in 2006, I hung the clubs up to be able to see my family more often...

Pros on the Move

by Michelle Parish, Tournament & Membership Coordinator

Employment Changes

• Marti J. Loeb, PGA (A-1) - from Waverley CC to The Children's Course
• Carl J Nagel (B-8) - from Marias Valley G & CC to Twin Lakes Village GC
• Austin T. Landis (B-8) - from Trails End Golf Center to Stone Creek GC

Class Changes

• Rickie P. Spurgeon, PGA (Larchmont GC) - from A-8 to A-1

New Associates

• Blake M. Bowen (B-8) - Illahe Hills CC
• Zebadiah C. Burki (B-8) - Linden G & CC
• Eric E. Stevens (B-8) - Lake Spanaway GC

Newly Elected Members

• Adam Long (A-8) -  Whitefish Lake GC

Time to Ask the Right Questions

Monte Koch, PGA of America Employment Consultant

As I write this article, I am using a Macbook (This is not an ad for Apple). Funny thing, if we go back into Apple’s history. Like some other major multi-national companies, Apple nearly went bankrupt. The legendary Steve Jobs had been fired/forced out of the company, and the new leadership had taken the company into a “muddled, rudderless posture” that increased overhead and thoroughly confused the customers.

For a bit of context, let me encourage you to watch this video of Steve Jobs  right after he had come back to Apple. At the time of this video, it’s 1997 and Jobs has only been back for eight weeks. Historians estimate that Apple had about 90 days of funds left before they would be bankrupt. We can assume that many outside the company saw its impending demise, some were rooting for it in fact.

Early in the meeting, Jobs says, “We’re not trying to do something really high fallutin’ here. We’re trying to get back to the basics…” He then lists the basics for Apple (great products, great marketing and great distribution… essentially the same things for everyone, including golf facilities). He continues by saying, “…Apple has pockets of greatness, but in some ways, we’ve drifted away from doing the basics really well.”

How to Get to a Million Dollar Retirement in 25 Years

Blake Parrish, CFP®

The new Tesla Roadster goes from zero to 60 mph in 1.9 seconds.  Pretty amazing!  But, as a financial advisor how do I get clients to go from zero to a million dollars invested in 25 years?

It’s easy, just start today.

If ever there were a time to go all in with your retirement savings, it’s now!  Just make sure you’ve done a couple of key steps first.  Start an emergency fund in your savings account that will afford you three to six months of expenses if something were to happen unexpected, and clear all debt (other than your primary home mortgage). With a little intensity, this can often be done in two or three years.

So what does it take to rack up a cool million by retirement?

"Certified Financial Planner Boardof Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® (with plaque design) and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements."