August 15, 2023

CEO's Report

Frank Talarico | ftalarico@pgahq.com

Identifying Opportunities: A Personal and Professional Requirement

I learned a long time ago from mentors far smarter than I that when we stop moving forward, we die. I mean that figuratively, of course, but the sense that progress is non-negotiable is one that has benefited me, as well as the organizations to which I have devoted my career. It is a professional obligation, and, as many people miss, it is a personal responsibility as well.

Opportunities are not always obvious or easily recognizable. They often come disguised as challenges, change, or even setbacks. As leaders, we must cultivate the ability to identify these hidden gems and transform them into stepping stones toward personal and professional greatness.

1. A Mindset of Exploration

At the core of identifying opportunities lies the mindset of an explorer. Personal and professional growth are intertwined, and we must be open to stepping out of our comfort zones. A curious mindset allows us to see possibilities where others see barriers. Encourage your teams to adopt this mindset by fostering an environment where curiosity is rewarded and failure is seen as a stepping stone, not a stumbling block.

2. Embrace Change as an Ally

Change is often the harbinger of opportunity. In the dynamic world we operate in, change is constant. Instead of fearing change, we should embrace it as an ally. We should be attuned to shifts in our industry, golf and related market trends, and emerging technologies. These changes can spark new avenues for innovation and growth, both personally and professionally.

3. Networking: A Gateway to Discovery

Our networks are treasure troves of opportunities waiting to be discovered. Professional relationships can lead to collaborations, partnerships, and even unexpected career advancements. Encourage your team to attend industry events, engage in online communities, and build meaningful connections. Remember, the person you strike up a conversation with today could be the key to a future opportunity.

4. Reflect on Your Values and Goals

Personal and professional opportunities should align with your values and goals. Take time to reflect on what truly matters to you and your organization. Opportunities that align with your core values are more likely to lead to meaningful and sustainable success.

Seizing the Moment: Making the Most of Opportunities

So, you’ve identified the opportunity, now what? Identifying opportunities is just the first step. Seizing them requires strategic planning, dedication, and hard work. Here are some tips on how you can make the most of these opportunities.

1. Set Clear Objectives

Define your goals and expectations for each opportunity. Having a clear vision will guide your actions and decisions, ensuring that you stay focused on the desired outcome.

2. Embrace Continuous Learning

Opportunities often require us to acquire new skills and knowledge. We should embrace a mindset of continuous learning, both individually and organizationally. We should invest in training and development programs that enhance our team’s capabilities. This is one of several areas where our section offers substantial value. Webinars and conferences, such as the upcoming Mentoring Conference, are resources that we proudly provide for our members’ continuous learning.

3. Be Adaptable

Flexibility is key when pursuing opportunities. As circumstances change, be prepared to adapt your approach and strategies while keeping your end goal in sight.

4. Measure and Evaluate

Regularly assess the progress of your efforts and measure the outcomes against your objectives. This not only helps you stay on track, but it also provides valuable insights for future endeavors.

Special Appreciation and Some Important Reminders…

The PNWPGA is proud to extend its deepest gratitude to Wildhorse for 21 years of partnership. I personally thank Mr. Mike Hagerty, PGA, for ensuring that our relationship thrives and benefits our members. Additionally, I would like to extend a VERY SPECIAL thank you to our cherished Washington Open Sponsors. Specifically, please join me in thanking Kim Ponti of Adidas, Robert Su of TaylorMade, and Mac Mitchell of Club Car. Finally, my thanks go to Mark Hoff, PGA, and Bud Garmany of Garmany Golf. A reminder to those members in the field at the Washington Open Championship: this is your final chance to qualify for the 2023 Garmany Shootout!

If you have not yet done so, please mark your calendars NOW for the 2023 Fall Meeting on September 19 as well as the 2023 Mentoring Conference on November 1-2.

Some Very Special Announcements…

The Section is always looking for new and value-laden opportunities to forge new and long-term partnerships.  I have the pleasure of announcing our two newest partners to you this month.

I am pleased to announce that Branded Bills has signed-on as the Official Headwear partner for the 75th Annual Hudson Cup Matches.  Since day one, Branded Bills has been focused on building long standing relationships through innovative and premium headwear.  By identifying a need for elevated products that align with the values and commitment to quality their clients strive for, they have always been a step ahead of the industry.  For more information, I urge you to contact Brendan Rice, brendan@brandedbills.com.

Next, I am thrilled to announce that Noteefy, Inc. is now a valued partner of the PNWPGA, and has signed a three-year sponsorship agreement with the Section. Noteefy (pronounced ‘notify’) is bringing cutting edge technology and innovation to golf operators. Noteefy has the first automated tee time assistant / waitlist for golfers and golf courses to improve the golfer booking experience, while accelerating course revenue and efficiency. The Noteefy booking assistant enables golfers to input their personalized playing preferences, then get a real time notification when their desired tee time comes available. The golfer then books on the existing POS tee sheet as they normally would and the course keeps 100% of the revenue.  Our section facilities are already enjoying these benefits, with both Chambers Bay and The Home Course now Noteefy clients.  For more information, I encourage you to contact Jake Gordon, jake@noteefy.app.

As always, if I or any member of our Section team can serve you, please contact me directly at ftalarico@pgahq.com.

For the thousands of us for whom golf is a profession, for the millions who invest their time, treasure and passion into it as an avocation, for those with merely a passing interest, for some in our government and even for many who typically have no interest at all, golf is in the news.

Of course, at the top of the media pyramid is the PGA Tour/LIV Golf entanglement and would-be reconciliation that has commanded wide attention within and without the golf industry.  Sadly for golf, in my opinion, the narrative has become principally about money, the riches Tour players didn’t get paid and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its limitless wealth, in essence, buying a seat at the table. That and the unconscionable fact that Tour members were kept in the dark while existential decisions were being made by just a few within their organization.  At this writing, an amicable solution seems distant.

But looking past this mushroom cloud, there is much more to know, engage in and be proud of as we turn our gaze inward.

The comment period for the USGA and R&A’s proposed Model Local Rule to restrict or roll back the distance a golf ball can travel for “elite” players ended August 14.  As you may know, the World Alliance of PGA’s issued a statement in opposition to the proposal signed by each of the allied associations that includes the PGA’s of America, Australia, Canada, Germany, Great Britain & Ireland, Holland, South Africa and Sweden. 

The statement wisely argued the need for more time for study and an agreed upon standard for measuring distance statistics and caution on the prospect of a rules “bifurcation” and where that might ultimately lead.  The PGA Tour has also indicated they would not implement the MLR for Tour competition.  There is merit to the USGA and R&A position if you believe “elite” players hitting 7-irons into par 5’s runs counter to the game’s intent.  There is not a consensus for what constitutes an “elite” player or competition and it would fall to PGA Professionals to implement the MLR at the club level if desired.  More time for study seems prudent.

Deferred Compensation for PGA Members appears to be off to a solid start. There are now 4,235 enrolled Members with about 250 already with approved points.  As I’ve mentioned previously, if you have not considered or explored PGA Deferred Compensation before, I urge you to do so at www.pga.org.  It’s kind of a no-brainer.

Much has been accomplished since the recent opening of our new Home at PGA Frisco.  In addition to hosting the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship and the upcoming 13u National Car Rental PGA Junior League Championship, the just completed PGA Buying and Education Summit was met with rave reviews by attracting more than 1,000 professionals from 44 states, 8 different countries and 166 different golf brands, arguably the most impactful PGA Show ever.

PGA Associate enrollment is up.  Impressively.  As of 5/1/23, 4,477 Associates were registered as compared with 3,686 as of 5/1/22.  This total is more than at any time in the past 8 years.  And every so often, a satisfaction survey of PGA Members is taken to gauge our “satisfaction” with National.  That number is now measured at 70% which represents a 23% increase since 2018.  For a significant majority of PGA Members, the Association is performing well.

Finally, the Ryder Cup, the unique and vaunted place it occupies in the game and all that goes with it is about to capture the attention of the world for all the right reasons.  What a great time to be a PGA Professional.

Malby Wins Back-to-Back Senior Oregon Open Titles

by Grant Tribolet, Tournament Intern

The 21st annual Senior Oregon Open took place at the Wildhorse Resort Golf Club and the Golf Course at Birch Creek and was an excellent host to our full field of 300 players. A hidden desert oasis, the two courses provided an exciting event that crowned a more than worthy champion. PGA Professional Ryan Malby of Kalispell, Montana, won the 2023 Senior Oregon Open Championship for the second year in a row with a three-day total of  201, 15 under par.

The championship commenced on August 1st, and the players were ecstatic to hit the ground running. The players started hot as low rounds came in spades. After round one, PGA Professional of Awbrey Glen Golf Club Tim Fraley fired a first-round 66 at Birch Creek and grabbed on to a one-shot lead over amateurs Erik Hanson of Sahalee Country Club and Pendleton local Joe Reyes of Birch Creek. But business was being handled on Wildhorse as defending champion PGA Professional Ryan Malby fired a first-round 68 and sat two shots off the lead.

Round two was a different story as the defending champion took a significant step towards retaining his title, posting a seven-under 65 and taking a four-shot lead. A confident player, the Kalispell, Montana Professional enjoyed the test of the two different courses and even felt at home on one of them. “I love the feel of Birch Creek. You Definitely have to place tee shots in more specific locations on several holes to really be able to attack certain pin locations. The shapes and undulations can certainly put you in awkward places if you are a bit off. To me, Birch Creek really has a Montana feel to it as well!”

That four-shot lead carried over into round three as Ryan Malby secured his victory and won the Senior Oregon Open for the second year in a row. His first win of the season, Ryan’s game was not up to his standards until a few good rounds at the Rosaeurs Open Invitational put him in a good rhythm that helped him “peak at the right time.”

Daniel Campbell Takes Home Assistant Championship

by Grant Tribolet, Tournament Intern

The National Car Rental PNW PGA Assistant Professional Championship took place on August 7th at Tualatin Country Club in Tualatin, Oregon. For 36 holes, 36 assistants and associates battled for the championship and a chance to play in the 47th annual PGA Assistant Championship this November at PGA Golf Club, Wanamaker Course in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

After the first round, Daniel Campbell of Bellingham Golf and Country Club sat atop the leaderboard after an opening round of -6 66. “The course set up well for my game. I'm generally really solid off the tee, and putting is also pretty solid, but my wedges this week were spot on, which led to a lot of good looks for birdie.” But there were still another 18 holes to play, and a familiar name chased down the leader. Multi-winner of the event, Shane Prante of The Home Course, sat one shot back of Daniel after round one.

As the 36 holes came to a close, it proved that it would not be enough to decide the victor as Daniel Campbell and Shane Prante sat atop the leaderboard tied at -7. Both players have already had an exceptional season, with a major victory for each of them; it was sure to be an exciting conclusion to the event.

The playoff commenced on the 1st hole following the conclusion of play. Daniel Campbell came out on top after the first hole. When asked about his strategy, Campbell said he “[Wanted] to be aggressive and hit the driver and then just try to get it up down for birdie. [His] pitching and chipping had been great all day, so [he] believed that [he] could get it up and down for birdie if [he] hit a good drive.” He was able to do just that!

Nurturing Young Golfers: A Checklist for Parents to Enhance Their Child’s Sports Experience

As dedicated golf coaches, our goal is to provide a positive and enriching sports experience for every young golfer. To achieve this, we believe in collaborating closely with parents to understand their child’s needs and aspirations. Here is a checklist designed to help you, as golf coaches, guide parents in nurturing their young golfers and creating a supportive environment for their sports journey:

• Discover Your Child’s Motivation: Encourage parents to have open conversations with their child about why they want to play sports. Whether it’s to have fun with friends, compete at a higher level, or simply stay active, understanding their motivations will help us tailor the golf program to meet their social and emotional needs.
• Explore Various Sports Options: Many children get directed toward a few popular sports, but there are numerous options available. We encourage parents to ask their child about their interests beyond golf and explore different sports together. This exposure to various sports can contribute to better athletic development and enhance their overall enjoyment of sports.
• Balance Organized and Unstructured Play: Remind parents of the importance of unstructured play. Encourage them to build an ethos of “love of the game” into their child’s sports experience. Unstructured play, akin to pickup games, allows kids to develop creativity, passion, and joy for the sport.
• Support Multi-Sport Participation: Highlight the benefits of multi-sport participation for young athletes. As parents often receive pressure to focus on one sport year-round, we can provide insights on the research that supports diverse sporting experiences for better athletic development.

By sharing these essential points with parents, we can help them become more informed and proactive in their child’s sports journey. Golf is not just a game; it’s an opportunity for children to learn and grow. As golf coaches, we are committed to working with parents to ensure their child’s sports experience is fulfilling, well-rounded, and fosters a love for sports that will last a lifetime. 

For further resources and valuable insights on nurturing young golfers, parents can visit pga.coach/coach-parents. Together, let’s make a positive impact on the lives of our young athletes and create a supportive and inspiring environment for them to flourish in the sport of golf.

Check out the  ADM Golf Parent Checklist

Sincerely,
Patrick Oropallo

Norm Blandel Honored with 2023 PGA Master Professional Lifetime Achievement Award

Norm Blandel, PGA Master Professional, was recently honored by the PGA of America as the recipient of the 2023 PGA Master Professional Lifetime Achievement Award. The award was presented to Blandel at the 2023 PGA Master Professional Summit in Frisco, Texas.

Blandel has been a PGA Member for over 40 years and has served in a variety of roles throughout his career. He is a past president of the Oregon PGA Chapter and has been a member of the PGA Master Professional Program since 1996. Blandel is also a strong advocate for PGA HOPE, a program that provides golf instruction and access to the game for people with disabilities.

In his acceptance speech, Blandel thanked his wife, family, and colleagues for their support throughout his career. He also spoke about his passion for golf and his commitment to growing the game.

“We have two objectives: to grow the game and serve the Member. This group and the PGA of America can do it better than anyone can imagine,” said Blandel.

Employment Opportunities

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

Note: Monte's monthly articles have now moved to the "first of the month" edition