May 1, 2021

President's Report

What a great few weeks this has been for golf! Importantly, it has been a great few weeks for diversity in golf. Once again, the Augusta National Golf Club did an incredible job with the Women’s Amateur event. It was amazing to watch those talented women playing at Augusta National the week before the Masters. What a performance by the 17-year-old Japanese player Tsubasa Kajitani, winning in a playoff. Another great win the following weekend was by Hideki Matsuyama. He won the Masters with the weight of the Japanese nation on his shoulders. Sandwiched in between was the Drive Chip and Putt finals, again hosted by the Augusta National Golf Club and supported by the Masters Tournament, USGA, and the PGA of America. It was amazing watching these young men and women compete and hear their stories, seeing their mothers and fathers encouraging them, hugging them, and being supportive parents. These fantastic kids of all shapes, sizes, and ethnic backgrounds were playing the game we all love. Yes, the future of our game is in excellent hands. I can’t wait to see some of these kids come back to Augusta and compete in either the Augusta Women’s Amateur or the Masters.

Frank mentioned in his article earlier that I was afforded the unbelievable chance to attend the Masters on Thursday. Last year, a few Black PGA members suggested that it might be time to honor Lee Edler for being the first Black PGA member to compete in the Masters. The Masters’ organization agreed. For me, it was an experience of a lifetime. To finally see a man who had to endure hate mail, death threats to himself and his family for simply being invited to play in the Masters, finally being honored by the Masters is not something I ever believed I would see happen.

To see how far diversity has developed in golf over the years is fantastic. The game has come a long way. It is truly a game for all of the world to be able to play. We respect diversity and inclusion and we still have a ways to go, but I believe we are on a good path.

I hope you are all ramping up for the season. It will be a great one.

Please stay healthy and safe and reach out to someone you have not talked to in a while.

Howie Pruitt, PGA
Director, Golf Operations, Aspen Lakes GC
President, Pacific Northwest Section
Cell: 541-390-7875
howie@aspenlakes.com

Swingle Wins PNW PGA Senior Players’ Championship

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

Mike Swingle of Aldarra GC captured the PNW Senior Players’ Championship by one stroke after firing rounds of 71-71-142, 2-under par. He won by one stroke over PGA Professional Tony Robydek of Meadow Park GC and PGA Professional Mark Knowles of McCormick Woods GC.

The team four-ball competition ended in a tie between the team led by PGA Billy Bomar of Prairie Falls GC and amateur Mike Kerns and the team led by PGA Professional Scott Larsen of Larz Golf and amateur Brad Karns of Columbia Edgewater CC. Both teams made a two-day score of 135, 9-under par.

When asked how it felt to win his first PNW PGA Senior Major, Swingle responded with, “It's fantastic. I love playing the Section events and especially the senior events. It's a great few days with great friends, and to play well and somehow be on top at the end is the best. There's so many good players in the Section, it's awesome to compete with them.”

Asked what part of his game worked well with Wine Valley GC, Mike shared, “I've played WV quite a bit over the past couple years so I guess I'm pretty comfortable with the course. It's quite difficult putting, especially putting with those winds. I guess my strength is I drive it pretty well, and I feel like I'm a strong iron player, so that’s a good combo at WV. Being tough conditions and strong winds, I feel I can compete in that situation.”

The Senior Players’ Championship is a two-man team competition of one Pacific Northwest PGA Professional and one amateur playing both an individual and a four-ball competition.

Wine Valley Golf Club has been rated "One of The Top Three Golf Courses to Play in Washington" by Golfweek. It has been awarded many other honors since opening in 2009. This stunning Dan Hixson design unfolds on a grand scale, playing over rolling hills in the shadow of the Blue Mountains. Wine Valley GC has broad fairways, dramatic bunkers, and bold, undulating putting surfaces.

The Northwest Open Invitational will once again return to Wine Valley GC this August 16-18. Look for the entry forms in June.

Thanks to PGA Professional Chris Isaacson and owner Jim Pliska, we are confirmed to return to the Senior Players’ Championship again next year. Seniors, plan on playing next year!

Both Senior Player of the Year Points and Senior Hudson Cup Points were earned for top finishers. CLICK HERE to view Senior Hudson Cup Points & Senior Player of the Year Points.

Player of the Year Points Lists

Be Featured in Our Next PGA Coach Email!

If you haven't been PGA.coach certified yet, why not?

"I have seen 10 leads in the last two weeks so it must be working!" said Carissa Shaw, PGA, after filling out her PGA.coach profile, a new product from the PGA designed to help you market yourself to the millions of people that visit PGA.com monthly.

Now is the time to capitalize on the renewed interest in golf. People are searching for golf lessons and watching golf tip videos online. If you have a PGA.coach profile, and/or post videos with golf tips online, we at the Section want to feature you!

To be featured in email communications to our opt-in database of avid golfers, please complete this short questionnaire. We are looking to promote YOU in making this golf trend stick. Having a PGA.coach profile is recommended but not required.

Oregon Open Invitational Entries Available

Play in Your Section Qualifier!

Entries are now available for the National Car Rental PNW Assistant PGA Championship, PNW PGA Professional Championship presented by presented by Cadillac, Club Car and Rolex, and the PNW Senior PGA Championship presented by Cadillac. You may register through PGA of America Membership Services by phone: (800) 474-2776 or online at www.pgatournaments.com. We hope to see you compete!

Upcoming Events

PNW PGA "Stay Involved" Education Series

• May 5 @ 2 PM: Using Social Media Effectively - presented by Michael Chupka, PGA
• May 19 @ 9 AM: Growing Your Business with PGA Coach - presented by Ryan Young, PGA

Holk's Highlights: National PPC Qualifiers

Bo Baker, Derek Berg, Darren Black, Tim Feenstra, Russell Grove, Colin Inglis, Corey Prugh and Brady Sharp represented our Section at the The 54th PGA Professional Championship on April 25-29. Way to go, gentlemen! Colin Inglis, Corey Prugh, Tim Feenstra and Russell Grove all made the cut after round two of the championship.

Bo Baker – The Creek at Qualchan

"Being able to represent the Pacific Northwest PGA Section is beyond humbling."

Derek Berg – PNW Golf Academy

"Anytime you get a chance to compete with other highly skilled golfers on a big stage is a honor.”

Darren Black – Rainier G&CC

“I have been eligible for this event for 12 years and this is only my third time going to the national event. It is difficult to qualify and such an honor to represent our section, our fellow professionals, and my membership at Rainier.”

Brady Sharp – Wine Valley GC

"There’s a couple things that go through your mind after tournaments like this. One being - 1 stroke, that’s what it was to make the top 90 of 312 players this week at The PGA Professional Championship. The next thing is what did I learn? For that one it’s simple, golf is always going to be a game that will never be perfected nor conquered, it will always leave you with ways to improve mentally, physically and emotionally. It can rip your heart out with one swing and the very next you think you’ve figured it out. Which is why I love it, enjoy it and embrace it as just that. I do wish to have back the 40 minutes of mental mistakes I made on the first day, but that’s long gone! I’ll leave it with this... boy I made it entertaining for our volunteer walking scorers."

Tim Feenstra – Broadmoor GC

“The National PPC is a chance to see how your game stacks up against the best playing PGA Professionals."

Tim scored: 75-70-75-74–294 (T-48)

Russell Grove – North Idaho College

“What I look forward to most is the chance to qualify to play with the best players in the world and my idols growing up.”

Russell scored: 73-72-72-78–295 (T-55)

Colin Inglis – Shadow Hills CC

“This event means a lot and any chance you have to qualify for a major championship adds that much more.”

Colin scored: 73-67-71-80–291 (T-35)

Corey Prugh – Community Colleges of Spokane

“The National PPC is my favorite tournament to play because I love the big stage.”

Corey scored: 71-75-74-74–294 (T-48)

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. 

Listed in order of “most recent first”. These are listed as of 2 pm, Apr 30, 2021 or were slated to close on/or before 4/30/21. Each posting is subject to the “resume close date” and will close at the time set by the employer.

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

• ASSISTANT GOLF PROFESSIONAL – Tualatin CC, Tualatin, OR
• ASSISTANT GOLF PROFESSIONAL – Battle Creek GC, Tulalip, WA
• ASSISTANT GOLF PROFESSIONAL – Portland GC, Portland, OR
• ASSISTANT GOLF PROFESSIONAL – Seattle GC, Seattle, WA
• 2nd ASSISTANT GOLF PROFESSIONAL – Indian Summer G&CC, Olympia, WA
• ASSISTANT GOLF PROFESSIONAL – Useless Bay G&CC, Langley, WA
• ASSISTANT GOLF PROFESSIONAL – Washington National GC, Auburn, WA
• ASSISTANT GOLF PROFESSIONAL – Bandon Dunes GR, Bandon, OR
• ASSISTANT GOLF PROFESSIONAL – Twin Lakes GCC, Federal Way, WA
• ASSISTANT GOLF PROFESSIONAL – Bandon Dunes GR, Bandon, OR
• ASSISTANT GOLF PROFESSIONAL – Meadow Lakes GC, Prineville, OR
• ASSISTANT GOLF PROFESSIONAL – Iron Horse Golf Club, Whitefish, MT
• ASSISTANT GOLF PROFESSIONAL - CLUBFITTER  – REDTAIL GC, Beaverton, OR

Teaching and Coaching Positions

• STAFF INSTRUCTOR – Indian Canyon GC, Spokane, WA
• CERTIFIED PERSONAL COACH – GOLFTEC - Redmond, Redmond, WA
• CERTIFIED PERSONAL COACH – GOLFTEC - Southeast Portland, Portland, OR
• CERTIFIED PERSONAL COACH – GOLFTEC - Southcenter, Tukwila, WA
• CERTIFIED PERSONAL COACH – GOLFTEC - Lynnwood, Lynwood, WA
• CERTIFIED PERSONAL COACH – GOLFTEC - Tualatin, Tualatin, OR
• DIRECTOR OF INSTRUCTION – TopGolf, Hillsboro, OR
• JR GOLF DIRECTOR & FULL TIME INSTRUCTOR – REDTAIL GC, Beaverton, OR
• FULL-TIME TEACHING PROFESSIONAL – REDTAIL GC, Beaverton, OR

• HEAD GOLF PROFESSIONAL – Glacier View GC, West Glacier, MT
• HEAD GOLF PROFESSIONAL – Indian Summer G&CC, Olympia, WA
• HEAD GOLF PROFESSIONAL – Veterans GC, Walla Walla, WA (This is an RFP)

Compensation Matters to Every PGA Professional

Help Yourself & Help Your PNWPGA Peers

We have now launched the updated and simpler Compensation Profile/Survey for PGA professionals. Like the changes we’ve made to the Job Preferences Profile, I'm excited to say the new Comp Profile is much more concise as a survey than it was previously. It will still have all the needed components you, employers and other industry decision makers all are looking for in comp reports. A key feature is that it is going to be more timely, current and relevant…you can update it whenever you make a job change, negotiate a raise, etc. As before, the information you submit is confidential and viewable/editable only by you.
 
In the past 18 months, many of you have reached out to me for comp reporting and I’m happy to share that many of these reports have resulted in increases in compensation, negotiation successes and more. But, these current reports take a lot of time (but they are worth it.)
 
With your help and that of your peers, these reports will be easier to complete, they’ll be even more accurate AND more in the eyes of our employers/owners. For those of you in smaller markets, and/or those in teaching/coaching roles and similar non-traditional positions, your participation is imperative.
 
With that said, I am asking you to take a few minutes to complete your Compensation Profile Survey today.
 
Thank you in advance for helping me “help you and your fellow Section professionals” in this area that is so important to each of us as PGA professionals. If I can assist you or one of your peers with a compensation report, please reach out to me.

Regards, Monte

Pros on the Move

by Robin Lindsey, Tournament & Membership Coordinator

• Anthony J Graham (B-8) - from Suncadia Resort to Tumble Creek Club @ Suncadia
• David A Grove (B-8) - from Willamette Valley CC to Langdon Farms GC
• Jesse A. Heinly (B-8) - from Parscription Golf to Broken Top Club
• Loren E. Jeglum, PGA (A-8) - from Red Wolf GC to Palouse Ridge GC
• Dave Lewis, PGA (A-1) - from Teleli GC to The Links at Silvies Valley Ranch
• Jacob T. Lippold, PGA (A-1) - from Chambers Bay to Sahalee CC
• Adam P. Markman, PGA (A-1) - from Interbay Golf Center to Canyon Lakes GC
• Lucas J. McLeod (B-8) - from Legion Memorial GC to Bear Creek CC
• Erik J. Mettille, PGA (A-24) - from The Oregon GC to Bend GC
• Connor J. Moran (B-8) - from Overlake G&CC to Waverley CC
• Joshua D. Olson, PGA (A-1) - from Chewelah G&CC to Stoneridge GC
• Todd A. O'Neal, PGA (A-14) - from Riverside G&CC to Broken Top Club
• Alan N Patterson, PGA (A-8) - from Kitsap G&CC to Canterwood G&CC
• David L. Patterson (B-8) - from Eagle Crest Golf Resort to Orchard Hills CC
• Alex M. Plusquellec (B-8) - from Oswego Lake CC to Tualatin CC
• Joshua R. Scothorne, PGA (A-1) - from White Horse GC to Walter E. Hall GC
• Bill Shea, PGA (A-1) - from The Cedars at Dungeness to Suncadia Resort
• Wallace D. Small, Jr. (B-8) - from Bear Creek CC to Sahalee CC
• Steven D. Stensland, PGA (A-1) - from Everett G&CC to Bear Creek CC

• Bradley T. Dorau, PGA (Gamble Sands) - from A-8 to A-1
• Thomas M. Graves (Salishan Spa & Golf Resort) - from B-1 to B-4
• Jon E Larson, PGA (Bear Creek CC) - from A-1 to A-4
• Matthew R. Mandell, PGA (Canyon Lakes GC) - from A-1 to A-4
• Michael J. Montgomery, PGA (Glendale CC) - from A-1 to A-4

New Associates

• Anne M. Bahr (B-9) - Meadow Park GC
• Jeffrey M. Gustafson (B-8) - Vanco Driving Range

Newly Elected Members

• Andre P. Chiddick, PGA (A-8) - Riverside G&CC
• Anthony D. Wik, PGA (A-4) - Claremont GC

• Marcus A. Geer, PGA (A-8) to Iron Horse GC from Rocky Mountain
• Jared A. Lambert, PGA (A-1) to Salishan Spa & Golf Resort from Southern California
• Edward Leinenkugel, PGA (LM) to Astoria, OR from Middle Atlantic
• Bruce A. Lewis, PGA (A-14) to The Highlands GC from Northern California
• Ryan S. Malby, PGA (A-8) to Kalispell, MT from Southwest
• Harrison M. Taylor, PGA (A-8) to Buffalo Hill GC from Southwest

• Matthew C. Baum, PGA - from Gamble Sands to Sun Country
• Kyle Long, PGA - from Columbia Falls, MT to Rocky Mountain
• Ryan P. Martin, PGA - from Pumpkin Ridge GC to Metropolitan

• JD Cline: 4/16/1949 – 4/15/2021
• Al Mengert: 4/7/1929 – 4/6/2021