November 1, 2020

President's Report

This month, I donated my article space to Chris Nowlen, our new Section VP, to introduce himself - Howie Pruitt, PGA

This is a wonderful time and opportunity to write an article for the Foreword Press. Thank you, Howie, for giving me the space and time. As I traveled across a very snowy Montana last week, I listened to an audio book by Angela Duckworth, titled GRIT, The Power of Passion and Perseverance. It is easy to relate grit to our PGA Professionals and the tenacity you all have shown to overcome the COVID-19 era!

At last year’s annual meeting, I heard the statement from a presenter that golf is more than just a game. The game gives us so much more than just golf. The relationships, opportunities and community impact the game provides are a platform for passion and personal growth. Where there is passion, there seems to be grit. This year we have all been inspired by hardship, and I applaud you for your perseverance!

2020 is a year we will never forget. As we work through the fourth quarter of the year, dealing with another curve ball in inclement weather and I begin planning for 2021, I am forced to evaluate the impact of everything that has transpired. The relentless pandemic, the loss of an amazing friend, Sean Fredrickson, the toxic and divisive world of politics, fires, smoke, harsh weather… Wow! I thoroughly hope 2021 brings us some joy!

From small victories we have each had in our golf operations, to the impressive victory I witnessed for Cory Prugh at the Section Championship, to Don Rea’s win in this week’s PGA Secretary election, we are seeing golf professionals show tenacity and discipline, while adapting to the ever changing protocols COVID has created. I applaud all of you for your ability to do more with less, overcome obstacles, and be creative in your efforts. Golf is on the rise, and the passion you have given to your facilities, members and the business of golf have given so many golfers the outlet they need to get through it all.

This year I am reminded that we all need mentors and to be mentors. Doug Doxsie, Greg Manley, and Roger Wallace continue to give me guidance in my governance roll at our Section. I applaud you gentlemen for your dedication and resilience through this year, along with the rest of the Section and Chapter boards and staff. I would also be remiss if I didn’t mention how, on many occasions, I have asked myself, “What would Freddy do?” when making decisions on your behalf, and in my own business. He was an impressive man. We joked on several occasions about who was mentoring who over the past two years. I was right, he was mentoring me. Additionally, I am encouraged by Sean’s passion for mentorship. I have worked to be a mentor through this year, as many of you have. Reaching out and sharing ideas, giving opportunities where there are none, supporting tough decisions for our peers, or giving support in hardship can make a huge difference in people’s lives.

In closing, as I read back through this slightly sappy article, I am thankful. COVID has heightened my focus on relationships and what is important. The game continues to foster my personal growth and passion for service above self. I encourage all of you to be inspired by our hardship of 2020. See it as opportunity. Take the hits of 2020 and persevere with your passion and grit. Set clear and concise goals for 2021. Establish clear lines of communication in your life and work, hold your family close, and keep your faith. I wish you all the best.

Chris M. Nowlen, PGA
GM/Director of Golf, Missoula Country Club
Vice President, Pacific Northwest Section PGA
cnowlen@pga.com

Coston Wins Senior Oregon Open Invitational

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

PGA Professional Jeff Coston of Semiahmoo G&CC emerged victorious after rounds at both The Golf Course at Birch Creek and Wildhorse Resort to capture his eighth Senior Oregon Open Invitational Championship and fourth consecutive win.

“Four consecutive wins is wonderful and eight overall in this wonderful event feels gratifying for sure!” Coston said of his victory. “Senior Player of the Year is always one of my many goals that I have written on my ‘Dream Board.’”

For the 18th year in a row, Wildhorse Resort & Casino located in beautiful Pendleton, Oregon hosted the Senior Oregon Open. This year due to COVID, the event was moved back from the normal dates in late July to a two-day event. We played two golf courses this year, Wildhorse Resort and the recently purchased and improved The Golf Course at Birch Creek.

“I decided to embrace all adjustments. That was fun and key!” Coston said of the unique event. Another new feature, due to the date change, was the weather.

“The wind in round two was amazing and challenging to say the least!” Coston noted. “It made me stand up and be accounted for. For that I am grateful. I learned and re-learned much about myself and a proper mindset. I’m gonna get this game YET!”

This event showcased players aged 50 years or older from all over the Pacific Northwest competing both in individual and team competitions. Each four-player team included one PGA Professional and three amateurs. There was team competitions as well as individual competitions.

The winners of the team competition were the team led by PGA Professional Scott Larsen and amateurs Brad Karns, Gary Graybeal and Bill Boggs.

Brad Karns of Columbia Edgewater CC took home low amateur honors while Bob Christensen of Coeur d’Alene Resort GC won the amateur net competition. PGA Professional Steve Prugh and Joe Peccia tied to win the super senior competition.

Coston said it best when he remarked, “The golf courses were in wonderful condition and a pleasure to play. Wildhorse did an amazing job for safety during COVID. Thank you! I look forward to 2021, a regular schedule and 54 hole events!”

We would like to thank Wildhorse Resort & Casino and The Golf Course at Birch Creek for their continued support of our championship. Special thanks go to PGA Director of Golf Professional Mike Hegarty and his golf operations staff along with Superintendent Phil Lagao and his grounds crew. We look forward to returning to Wildhorse Resort & Casino in 2021!

Final Results

72nd Hudson Cup Matches & 29th Senior Hudson Cup Matches

The 72nd edition of the Hudson Cup Matches took place at Meadow Springs CC in Richland, WA on October 22-23. This event pairs the top 10 PNW PGA Members against the top 10 PNW amateurs. The 29th Senior Hudson Cup Matches were held concurrently, where the top 10 PNW PGA Senior Members compete against the top 10 Senior PNW amateurs.

The Matches ended with the Professionals winning with a two day point total of 13 ½ to 6 ½ points in the 72nd Hudson Cup Matches. In the 29th edition of the Senior Hudson Cup, the Professionals won the Matches with a two day point total of 11 to 9.

The Charles Congdon Award went to Bjorn Bjorke (voted on by the professional team) and the Larry Lamberger Award was presented to Matt Epstein (voted on by the amateur team). In the Senior Matches, The Bill Eggers Award was presented to Walt Porterfield (voted on by the senior professional team) while Steve Prugh was bestowed the Bob McKendrick Award (voted on by the senior amateur team). Matt Epstein is the only one who was undefeated in all of his matches this year.

CLICK HERE to view 72nd Hudson Cup Match Results

CLICK HERE to view 29th Senior Hudson Cup Match Results

Points Lists

View Full Points Lists

OMEGA Player of the Year

1. Brady Sharp - 485
2. Corey Prugh - 335
3. Darren Black - 281

Assistant Player of the Year

1. Shane Prante - 520
2. Brady Sharp - 467.5
3. Colin Inglis - 465

OMEGA Senior Player of the Year

1. Jeff Coston - 450
2. Tom Sovay - 277.5
3. Mark Keating - 270

"Stay Involved" Education Series

November 4 @ 10 AM: Physics and Principals versus Tips and Opinion, presented by Jeff Coston
November 10 @ 1 PM: Contactless Golf with Golf Genius, presented by Bob Wampler and Justin Scott
November 12 @ 5 PM: 2020: Not Only Surviving, But Thriving! with Barb Trammell
November 18 @ 3 PM: How to Boost Event Income through Grants, presented by Justin Gravatt
November 24 @ 2 PM: PGA Junior League In-House Leagues, presented by Branden Thompson

Full Schedule

Holk's Highlights: Hudson Cup Captains

Jason Aichele, PGA - Meadow Springs CC
Professional Team Captain

“At the beginning of the year everyone’s goal is to make the Hudson Cup team. That means you had a good year playing. It’s an honor to be the Captain of the 10 best PGA Professionals in the Pacific Northwest Section and being part of the prestigious event and leading the professionals to another victory.”

Doug Newman, PGA - Pendleton, OR
Senior Professional Team Captain

"It was an honor to just be around these fine players and to root them on to victory!"

Employment Opportunities

Monte Koch, PGA of America Employment Consultant

These are primarily “PGA Professional” only positions posted on the PGA Career Services Job Board: https://jobs.pga.org

Internship, non-PGA positions, strictly retail and “franchise” ownership positions will not be listed here.Please visit jobs.pga.org to see these types of opportunities.

Note: these are listed as of 7 AM, October 30, 2020. Positions listed here are not guaranteed to be available. Visit jobs.pga.org to see the most current listings.

Assistant Golf Professional Positions (Full-time, not Internships)

Job Title	Facility	PGA Contact
ASSISTANT GOLF PROFESSIONAL	Lake Spanaway GC, Puyallup, WA	Brian Petoletti, B1

Teaching and Coaching Positions

Job Title	Facility
JR GOLF DIRECTOR & FULL TIME INSTRUCTOR	RedTail - Beaverton, OR

Management Positions

Note: not all positions like these will be posted here in all cases; instead, postings here will, generally, be at the request/approval of the Employer.

Job Title	Facility
HEAD GOLF PROFESSIONAL	The Wilderness Club, Eureka, MT
HEAD GOLF PROFESSIONAL	Washington National Golf Club, Auburn, WA

It's Time to Say Goodbye to Your Careerlinks Profile

CareerLinks is Phasing Out Soon! Take Just a Few Minutes and Update Your Job Preferences Today

If you want to see current job opportunities, you need to update your Job Preferences on PGA.org. Unlike the old CL profile, this just takes 2-3 mins (not 20+).

By updating your "Job Preferences" on pga.org, you'll start to see open positions similar to your preferences listed on your PGA.org dashboard (see picture below).

We are asking PGA Members and Associates to make these updates by clicking here, even if you aren't an active job seeker.

Pros on the Move

by Robin Lindsey, Tournament & Membership Coordinator

Employment Changes

Cole J. Clearman, PGA (A-1) - from The Club At Snoqualmie Ridge to Twin Lakes G&CC

Classification Changes

none

New Associates

Bradley A. Blocker (B-6) - Colwood GC
Matthew L. Lollar (B-8) - Meadow Park GC
Andrew N. Moore (B-8) - Sunriver Resort-Woodlands Course

Newly Elected Members

Joseph R. Cain, PGA (A-1) - The Cedars At Salmon Creek
Andrew J. Osburn, PGA (A-8) - Meriwether National GC
David W. Peake, PGA (A-8) - Rose City GC
Troy T. Smith, PGA (A-8) - Trailhead at Liberty Lake GC

Transfers INTO the Section

Andrew T Carter (B-8) - to Fairwood G&CC from Northern Texas
Garrett M.D. Payton, PGA (A-8) - to The Club At Snoqualmie Ridge from Rocky Mountain
Ryan J. Silverstein, PGA (A-13) - to Gozzer Ranch Golf & Lake Club from Southwest
Elizabeth A. Tinsley, PGA (A-8) - to Fircrest GC from Carolinas

Transfers OUT of the Section