July 1, 2023

President's Report

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.

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 super growth in our sponsorships, which has directly impacted our programs to serve our professionals and improved purses for Section events. As of July 1, section sponsorship is already a significant increase over 2022, a record breaking year for our section.

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 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!
 

Chris M. Nowlen, PGA
cnowlen@pga.com

Prante Wins Pelzer Golf Oregon Open Invitational

by Grant Tribolet, Tournament Intern

The Pelzer Oregon Open Invitational, held June 13-15, 2023, returned to Eagle Crest Resort for the first time in 17 years. Champion Shane Prante of The Home Course battled the fierce wind of The Ridge Course to secure his first major victory since 2019. A success that can be summarized into one word: Redeeming. At an event he lost in a playoff the year prior, Shane returned and re-wrote the story with a much sweeter ending.

Despite the challenging conditions, there were still low scores being posted. PGA Professional Blake Snyder and amateur Cole Reuck posted a pair of first-round 64's. Prante was not distracted by the competition and posted a few of his own, shooting 67 and 65 in the first two rounds.

“I played conservatively off the tee overall and just tried to hit solid irons and leave myself consistent birdie looks,” Prante said.

Stepping onto the first tee of the final round, Prante held a one-shot lead over Snyder and amateurs Cole Reuck and Dylan Cramer. His game plan was simple: “shoot under par.”

Prante did just that, carding a bogey-free 34 on the back nine to seal the victory with a two-putt par on 18.

WA Golf U on Course program keeps college students in the game

by  WAGolf Staff

Since its launch in 2018, the WA Golf U on Course program has been a hit with the college student community, providing an exceptional opportunity to enjoy affordable golf at participating U on Course facilities. For an annual fee of $25, students can keep playing the game in a budget-friendly way with a U on Course membership.

The program offers green fee discounts at nearly 20 great courses across the state, catering specifically to college students and young adults aged 18-25. New courses have recently been added in Eastern Washington and North Idaho.

U on Course is committed to making golf more accessible and affordable for young adults, allowing them to keep playing the game while on a student budget. The program has been successful so far. In 2022, participation in the program grew by 22 percent over the previous year, with 2023 already seeing similar growth.

Holk's Highlights: Wesley Boone, PGA

This month we feature Wesley Boone, winner of the 2022 PNW PGA Assistant Golf Professional of the Year award. Wes excels in his duties, especially in the fields of player development, junior golf and member service. Additionally, he mentors his fellow PGA Associates, providing opportunities for them to grow their resumes and generate additional income. He understands the demands of the golf industry and keeps staff members motivated and compensated, with the hopes of retaining them. Even with his full workload, Wesley also takes the time to be involved in the PGA, volunteering on the Western Washington Chapter PGA Community Outreach Committee. Watch Monte's interview with Wesley Boone.

Facility: Overlake Golf & Country Club

PGA Member Since: 2019

Player of the Year Points