What is the vision and purpose of the Golf 20/20 Diversity Task Force?

The vision of the GOLF 20/20 Diversity Task Force is “to be a catalyst for making golf look like America.”  Our immediate focus is to increase gender and ethnic diversity and inclusion in competitive and recreational play, as well as in the business of golf.

Have the diversity and inclusion efforts in golf been effective?

Yes, but more progress needs to be made. Yes, as there are positive signs that golf industry leaders are taking diversity and inclusion seriously, and have increased their efforts to hire a more diverse workforce.

More progress needs to be made because the percentage of females and minorities participating in golf has been stagnant since 2000, when the industry began collecting and reporting data.  I was fortunate to work on behalf of the Diversity Task Force, and authored the Diversity & Inclusion Report for the World Golf Foundation in 2009, and again in 2015.  Each report took an inventory of the golf industry in terms of ethnic and gender participation rates in recreational and competitive play, and golf’s workplace.  I hope to do the report a third time, and am optimistic that we’ll see improvements.

What other diversity and inclusion initiatives are you actively involved with?

Outside of family time, nearly every facet of my life is dedicated to diversity and inclusion.  In addition to serving on the Diversity Task Force, I maintain close relationships and communications with several grassroots program leaders, with the personal goal to connect them to golf industry leaders.  I also serve on the Board of Directors with the Advocates Professional Golf Association, the National Black Golf Hall of Fame and Women of Color Golf.

1. The Florida stay-at-home order permitted golf courses to remain open statewide, but three counties in the South Florida Section decided to close courses out of an abundance of caution for the COVID-19 crisis. With some courses closed and others operating under modifications, what have been the biggest challenges in helping your members navigate such an uncertain time in our history?

The biggest challenge has been that the state has allowed golf as an essential recreation activity throughout the pandemic but some of the counties have enacted local orders prohibiting golf or particular guidelines that had to be followed. We have a very dense population of golf facilities and there have been different rules for facilities that are literally right across the street from one another because they are in different counties. The other challenge has the been the interpretation of Executive Orders whether released on the local or state level. We have worked very hard to try and get clarification and send that out to our PGA members. Our local and state officials have such extraordinary responsibilities right now that it has sometimes caused a challenge in trying to get clarity on the orders.

2. As one of the largest PGA Sections in the U.S., how are you ensuring all professionals and clubs in your Section have updated information related to government orders, best practices and other resources?

Early on in this process we created a dedicated page on our section website to gather and post as much information as possible so it could be a one stop resource for our members. We have some experience in dealing with crisis situations because of the amount of Hurricanes we have faced over the years so we reverted back to some of the same strategies we have used in the past. In addition, our number of direct emails to our membership throughout this process has been dramatically increased and in many cases we are sending correspondence on a county basis since so much of the decision making has happened on the local level. Lastly, we have tried to work through a phone chain to call and check in with our PGA members to see how we could best assist them during this time.

3. What have professionals in the South Florida Section done to support their respective communities through these difficult times?

Almost all of our Charitable Foundation programs came to an immediate stop in mid-March so we have tried shift our charitable efforts to help where we could. We worked with golf facilities throughout Palm Beach County to adopt one of the 20 hospitals in the county and have been able to provide thousands of meals and gift cards to our healthcare facilities. We are also delivering food to the Quantum House to help the kids and families that are staying there as they receive care at nearby St. Mary’s Hospital. Like most others we have shifted to some virtual golf instruction for our programs as well. Lastly, we have many of the kids that participate on our Junior Tour writing thank you letters and sending them to healthcare workers in an effort to hopefully brighten their day a little.

4. The SFPGA also puts on a number of tournaments throughout the year, what are the status’ for those events?

We have postponed or cancelled all of our events into late May. It has been a challenge to really even plan a date to resume since golf facilities were closed by local order in several counties. Effective (April 29) those counties are back open. We certainly will not look to stage any golf events until we are clear it is as safe as possible for our competitors as well as our staff and we have been given the clearance by local heath officials.

5. Although the world may never look the same, what will “the new normal” look like for members of the South Florida Section?

This is such a challenging question for all of us to answer right now. For the past 6 weeks the pandemic has resulted in such an enormously quick “rate of change” that is has been so difficult to really even forecast past the current day. I think we all feel there are going to be many things currently done that will continue such as; enhanced sanitary efforts, more walking, and changes in customs like handshaking after rounds. I think many golf facilities have had to innovate to stay in line with local orders and have in some cases done technology updates that will help them in the future.

1. The Sony Open in Hawaii is one of the longest running PGA TOUR events, and one of the longest continuously played at a site, Waialae Country Club. How has this become a staple on TOUR?

Much of the incredible “run” of this staple on the PGA TOUR can be attributed to four key factors:

First: The commitment by Sony Corporation executives to the vision of a true partnership designed to engage the best of Hawaii with Sony’s best resources. This vision was generated by Sony Corporation co-founder, Akio Morita, who found in Hawaii the kind of support and introductions he needed to launch Sony’s first global product – the Sony transistor radio. Hawaii won a place in his heart and life, and became a second home to Morita, his family and his business endeavors. The Moritas were members of Waialae Country Club when United Airlines withdrew its support of the annual PGA TOUR competition (The Hawaiian Open). Sony became the obvious viable entitlement sponsor of a new chapter under the auspices of Friends of Hawaii Charities, Inc.

Second: The storied history of the tournament venue, Waialae Country Club, since 1963, which makes it the 4^th longest, continuously played venue on the PGA TOUR.

Third: Waialae’s reputation among golf professionals for its exceptional greens, consistently receiving high favorability ratings.  In fact, 2002 Sony Open champ Jerry Kelly and PGA TOUR 6-time champion Rory Sabattini have played in all 23 Sony Open tournaments.

Fourth: The statewide support of both public and private sectors, with the State of Hawaii Tourism Authority providing the second-highest single sponsorship investment annually.

2. The Sony Open is Hawaii’s largest charitable sporting event! You’ve raised over $19 million since 1999. Your primary beneficiary is Friends of Hawaii Charities. How does the Sony Open support their mission?

From its inception, Friends of Hawaii Charities, Inc. defined its mission as bringing together financial resources from the private sector and spirited volunteerism from the community, with the extraordinary natural resources of Hawaii to produce sports and cultural events that generate funds for qualifying, not-for-profit endeavors throughout the state, benefitting its women, youth, elderly, and needy.  The Sony Open serves as its flagship fund-raising event, now generating $1.2 million annually for grant recipients! Over 150 Hawaii charity organizations statewide receive annual project grants, largely directed toward small organizations in Hawaii, which compete on a level playing field with nationally-sponsored organizations. Many of these smaller non-profits are viable to this day because of grants received through the Sony Open in Hawaii.

3. Your team also manages the LPGA’s LOTTE Championship on Oahu. Heading into its 9^th year, what synergies are there between the growth of this tournament and women’s golf overall?

We actually jumped into LPGA golf tournaments back in 1988 on Maui. Hawaii was positioned well geographically, weather-wise, and multi-culturally, as the Asian players got significant traction. Motivated Asian sponsors deemed the LPGA and Hawaii a good fit for them and their constituents.

Hometown golf prodigy, Michelle Wie, was also a big boost to ladies’ golf globally, but especially here in Hawaii. When Michelle played in the Lotte Championship at Ko Olina, she was essentially playing on her home course. Now, many LPGA players from around the world have strong followings at the Lotte Championship.

4. What experiential elements make these tournaments unique on the PGA TOUR and LPGA?

Hawaii no ka oi! “Hawaii is the best” so we have exceptional experiential elements built into the event because of its unique island culture, beauty, climate and aloha. The aloha is more than skin deep, however, and distinguishing markers of the Sony Open in Hawaii experience include premiere opportunities that strengthen and showcase Hawaii’s strong junior golf programs, in the form of the annual Sony Open “Hawaii Tourism Pro-Junior Challenge.” This event pairs the top 5 Hawaii juniors with 5 top PGA TOUR professionals in a shot-making showdown during tournament week. The event also engages junior golfers and young media enthusiasts in mentorship programs coordinated by our tournament Media Director and the Department of Education.

Aloha is not reserved for island ka’amaina (natives or long-timers). Over one-quarter of the 1500-1600 volunteers who serve at the Sony Open are from the armed services. It isn’t uncommon to see a 3-star general parking cars, and to have a retired Navy Admiral serving on the Board of Friends of Hawaii Charities. Special programs for both active-duty and retired military and their dependents at the Sony Open include complimentary private hospitality, free admission, and the Wounded Warriors caddie-for-a-pro program on the 18^th hole during Pro-Am.

Adjacent to Skybox Central, Sony builds an expo center. Right after the annual Consumer Electronics Show on the west coast, Sony Open guests are provided an interactive experience of Sony’s latest technology and products. Spectator Village offers attendees free golf swing analyses by Aloha Section PGA pros, mailing each participant their own customized analysis. For the past 10 years David Havens of “Spare for Change” offers free, fitted, “repurposed” clubs for beginning golfers—over 25,000 to date.

With strong support from Sony Corporation, the Sony Open “Go Green” initiative has been recognized by the State of Hawaii as an event model for four years running. The tournament’s proximity to Waikiki has garnered the important support of hospitality industry partners, including hotels, transportation, entertainment, and restaurants for cross-promotion and outreach to the state’s visitors and residents alike.

5. The Hawaii Tourism Authority has a long-standing partnership with the PGA TOUR to promote the state’s golf and tourism industry. What are the economic and social benefits of golf in Hawaii?

• $19.2 million donated to Hawaii nonprofits to date
• 350 local nonprofits funding since 1999
• Aired in 201 countries and territories
• 1,500 volunteers to produce the tournament
• 125 sponsors
• Sony is tied for the 3rd longest title sponsor on TOUR
• 930 million households reached worldwide
• 54 years of PGA TOUR competition at Waialae Country Club, making it the 3rd longest-running host course

Minchew worked at the Arnold Palmer Design Company through 2007 as a Senior Golf Course Architect, Director of Design Services and Vice President. In these roles, he was involved in the design of more than 140 golf courses worldwide, from conception to completion.

In 2008, Minchew launched his own firm titled Harrison Minchew Golf Course Architecture out of Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., Loving both the game and its beautiful playing field, Minchew has a penchant for creating fun, traditional and challenging golf courses. He and his team are dedicated to meeting the needs of every golfer and enhancing each environment with a respectful attention to preserving its natural beauty. The company’s goal is to emulate the timeless character, strategy and design principles of the Golden Age of golf architecture.

Sustainability is an important topic for golf courses. How do you design layouts that are environmentally friendly?

Designing a course that is environmentally friendly is a vital component to the overall economic viability of a golf course facility.

Golf is all about experiencing a game with friends and family, outdoors on an expansive ‘playing field’. Other than the game itself, the essence and uniqueness of golf is the variety of the settings it’s played in, experiencing plants, animals, and the ever changing weather as you play the game.

Arnold Palmer very much understood this about golf therefore always felt that the courses we designed with him should preserve the natural attributes of a site or to re-create a beautiful and environmentally sustainable golf course.  After all experiencing the nature and setting of a golf place is as much the attraction as the golf architecture itself. Augusta National and Pebble Beach are two very different and wonderful examples of this.

When an architect is presented with a site his main goal should be to not only work with the terrain but all the other natural systems the land has to offer, the existing vegetation, the natural way water flows thru it and the animals that live on it.

We as golf architects obviously are going to impact the land somewhat. And as a profession we all strive to do so responsibly. After all Golf is a way to preserve and maintain open spaces within our communities. Therefore it’s very important to create a course that uses the land so that the golf course portion of the open space is designed and constructed in a way that will not waste water, minimize the need to apply chemicals while enhancing and creating plant animal habitat

Using water responsibly is key.  A golf course can use and should always use treated effluent for irrigation -a wonderful way to recycle our precious water. Technology and design techniques have  advanced tremendously in the last 20 years so that golf features are built so they perform efficiently, golf irrigation piping that have  no leaks, sprinkler heads and computer software that apply water extremely efficiently on to very advanced turf species.

Advanced Turf grasses that allow a golf course Superintends to very much minimize the use of expensive water, chemicals, and maintenance hours. Environmentally friendly golf architecture allows a golf course to be not only environmentally sustainable but economically viable.

What steps can an architect take to make the game more enjoyable for beginners?

This is a great and very important question, essential for the future of golf. To attract and keep beginner golfers -children to seniors -interested and engaged, it is important for the traditional golf clubhouse facility to provide non-golf recreational draws. A community facility with innovative attraction points to bring people to the golf course that might not visit otherwise. A place where people come and enjoy a meal, a drink or just relaxation in a beautiful golf setting.

Seeing adults and children having fun in a golf setting non-golfers will be drawn to give it a try. Therefore as golf architects we need to allow the space during the master plan phase to create a welcoming learning and practice facilities with a beautiful driving range, a fun short game area, and short course areas along with a putting course. Anyone can strike a putt at a hole so the putting course will draw a visitor to try the game and progress thru the other practice facilities.

On a grander scale, RainDance National Golf Club, a new course that Fred Funk and I are designing NE of Denver is a part of a regional recreational complex in a huge residential community. Adjacent to the golf clubhouse is, an outdoor recreational facility that will have winter and summer activities that includes a small inn with cottages..  A snow hill for beginner skiers for family that don’t want the expensive trek into the mountains for the kids to learn how to ski. In the warm months the open grass area will be used for all sorts of family activities including outdoor concerts.

Providing a fun enjoyable golf course for all skill levels is essential. A routing that a quick 3, 6 or 12 hole loops returning to the clubhouse can be enjoyed.

But most importantly proper tee locations are essential.  Several years ago Barney Adams, inventor of the tight lie fairway metals,  addressed the American Society of Golf Architects. He thanked us for making him rich by locating tees that required the average player to use long irons or woods to approach a green while the scratch player was using a short iron while playing the course back.

It’s essential that we layout equitable tee locations so that all players using an appropriate tee, after a solid strike will be able to use the same approach club to a green that the scratch player would use playing from the back tees. This will make golf more fun and reduce the time it takes to play a round of golf.

What are key takeaways for a successful partnership with golf course ownership groups?

It must be understood an architect does not show up having all the answers to the Individual needs of a facility. His job is to team with an ownership and help analyze all aspects of an existing or a new golf course including the existing and potential customer base.

From his knowledge of the successful trends in the golf industry and architecture he will go thru a very analytical step by step process that enable him to present Innovative ideas that meet the needs of a particular ownership and golf facility. By working with the ownership team, they will together devise a master plan and budget that defines a comprehensive solutions to the design opportunity. A master plan with Innovative designs of all components of a facility.  A well thought out and funded Master Plan will help insure an existing or a new golf course to be economically viable well into the future.

How has membership in the American Society of Golf Course Architects influenced your career growth?

The ASGCA is a great group of some of the most talented architects in the world. Chad Ritterbusch and the entire ASGCA staff keeps us informed on the most up-to-date trends in golf and does a fantastic job promoting the trends in golf architecture and our impact on golf.

Our annual meetings, consisting of as little meeting time as possible and as much golf as possible on the US’s great courses. These ‘golf outings’ very much inspires all of us to even greater Designs’. The ASGCA also organizes Golf Architecture study tours to the world’s classic courses.  This allow us to discuss and learn from each other and also from members of the European Institute of Golf Architects and the Society Australian Golf Architects that join us.

What advice would you give to those looking to work in golf course architecture?

I would suggest that anyone that truly has a passion for Golf and creative side to them absolutely pursue golf architecture.

It’s a multi-faceted field that includes a unique blend of agronomics , soil science, drainage ,understanding topography along with a knowledge of how to integrate a course into a development. After all people are attracted to live and play on golf open spaces.

I don’t really see anywhere close to the number of new courses being built like we saw in the 80s 90s and early 2000’s. Therefore I suggest the golf architects of the future be willing to diversify into other fields of our wonderful golf industry. Some of our very best courses were done by “part Time Designers”; Cpt. George Thomas- Riviera- LA Country Club and Dr. Alister MacKenzie Augusta National, Cypress Point…..

1. The Handicap Index System has been humming along for decades, why the need to change and why now?

Golf has become such a global sport, with a single set of playing Rules since 1952, a single set of equipment Rules and a single set of Rules of Amateur Status – the missing link is handicapping, and after significant engagement and collaboration with the existing handicapping authorities and National Associations, it was unanimous that the time was right to bring the different handicap systems together and to create a single measurement of a golfer’s ability for golf.

2. What changes will U.S. golfers notice most under the new WHS?

While the WHS was modeled closely after the USGA Handicap System, these changes will be most visible to U.S. golfers:

• The current ESC will change to Net Double Bogey for the maximum hole score for handicap purposes (Par + 2 + handicap strokes)
• The Course Handicap will convert to a Playing Handicap for playing purposes, which will vary more from tee to tee than previously
• Handicap Revisions will now be Daily as opposed to every two weeks

3. How has your career evolved with the USGA?

My career with the USGA began as a GHIN regional association services manager focusing on handicap products to support the USGA Handicap System, later transitioning into focusing on the governance side as with the new Rules of Handicapping as under the World Handicap System – which was a multi-year collaborative effort.

4. What is the USGA doing with regard to outreach efforts in educating golfers on what’s going to take place in 2020?

To prepare those who help administer the game, outreach began at the top with training and educating over 100 countries around the world, and all 59 Allied Golf Associations (AGA) within the U.S.  Many golf clubs have now participated in a WHS workshop within their area.  For golfers, we began a social media campaign earlier this year highlighting the key features of the WHS.  We have also developed a robust library of resources available to AGAs, Clubs, and other industry stakeholders such as the PGA of America, NCGOA, etc. to engage with golfers directly.  This includes a series of videos, resource guides, change summaries and FAQs, and posters and infographics.  Education targeting the golfer directly will continue at launch and into the new year.

5. What advice would you give to those looking to work on the business side of golf?

Working within the game has been an extremely rewarding career path, filled with establishing relationships with many great people (professional and volunteers).  It can allow those that love the game to pursue their passion by “working” in the game.  The game will always have various ways for people to get involved.  Take advantage of every opportunity,  and make every opportunity count.

1. What is unique about Speedgolf?

Speedgolf is a faster, fitness-oriented version of the traditional game. Speedgolfers keep track of their time in addition to their golf score, and then add them together at the conclusion of play. In Speedgolf, one minute is equivalent to one stroke. For example, shooting a score of 90 in 60 minutes would produce a Speedgolf score of 150. In competition, the player with the lowest combined score wins.

The pace of play in Speedgolf is about 3-4 times faster than traditional golf. Players with modest aerobic fitness can complete nine holes in 35 to 40 minutes, or eighteen holes in 90 minutes or less. To avoid disrupting regular play, Speedgolfers are given the first tee time in the morning, are sent off the back 9, or wait until the last hour of daylight too tee off.

Speedgolfers typically play with 4 to 6 clubs – carried by hand or in a lightweight bag; wear running shoes, moisture wicking athletic apparel, and rain gloves to manage the moisture from sweat or dew.

2. How does this format appeal to both regular golfers and those who may not play regularly?

Speedgolf is the perfect life hack for golfers. Since 2012 I’ve witnessed hundreds of people play Speedgolf for the first time: men and women of all ages, skill levels, and fitness profiles. Some have been avid golfers, others play golf once or twice a year. Most show up looking for a way to fit more golf into their busy schedules.

All of them, without exception, finish playing with a huge smile on their face. Why? Because Speedgolf is an exhilarating golf experience that unlocks the door to a whole new world of possibilities on the course. It’s like discovering a glitch in the matrix. You get more golf, fun, and fitness in less time and for less money than a traditional round.

3. What does the Speedgolf season look like? How has it evolved over the years?

Speedgolf USA launched its inaugural tour season in 2017. The 7 event series was scheduled from August to October, with our first national championship held in December.

In 2018, the US tour season grew to 10 events beginning in March and culminating with back-to-back US & World Championships in October. Two more events were added to the 2019 season, with several tournaments expanding to 2 days and 36 holes.

In 2020 Speedgolf USA will host 15 events and implement a tiered event structure (​local, regional, national ​ ), along with player memberships and a tournament points system.

4. How has the development of Speedgolf been so far in America? What are your plans going forward?

While the competitive side of the sport has enjoyed steady growth since 2017, our current estimates suggest there are only around 2,500 casual Speedgolfers across the US. When compared to a recent study by Sports Marketing Surveys USA – which found there are 6.5 million people who play golf and run each year, it’s clear we have a lot of work to do to spread awareness of Speedgolf and to make it more accessible to the masses. To that end, Speedgolf USA focused on two big grassroots initiatives in 2019.

First, and most importantly, was the development of a Speedgolf-friendly Course Network and Starter Kit. Most people who learn about Speedgolf are interested in giving it a try, but until now there has been no good answer to the question, “Where can I play?”

In 2020, Speedgolf USA will offer golf course operators the tools, resources, and support they need to add rounds, increase revenue, and grow participation through Speedgolf. As the Speedgolf-friendly course network grows in 2020, we expect participation to increase exponentially.

Second, we invested in the proven power of technology to bring communities together by developing a smartphone app exclusively for Speedgolfers. The Speedgolf App is scheduled to launch in early 2020, and will help players find Speedgolf-friendly courses, log rounds, and share their activity with followers.

5. What advice would you give to a player looking to get into Speedgolf?

Here are 3 pieces of advice to consider if you’re thinking about playing Speedgolf.

1) Speed is a relative word.

A common misconception is that Speedgolfers sprint from shot to shot. In reality, most Speedgolfers alternate between jogging and walking fast between shots. Aim to play at a pace you can manage for the duration of the round.

2) A new routine.

Tour pros are meticulous about their pre-shot routines, which often involve multiple practice swings and a series of well rehearsed steps before they hit the ball. Minutes go by when seconds is all they really need. On the other hand, a good Speedgolf routine should take no more than 10 seconds. As soon as you’ve chosen your club, step up to the ball, take a deep breath, and let it rip. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the results.

3) Invite a friend

Social fitness has become a popular concept in today’s fast-paced world. Crossfit. Boot camp. Tough Mudder. Speedgolf brings the idea of social fitness to the golf course. Playing in groups of 2 or 3 at a conversational pace is a great way to catch up with friends and share the best (and funniest) moments of a rewarding activity like Speedgolf.

For more information about Speedgolf USA visit ​www.speedgolfusa.com​ or contact Scott Dawley at 832.524.9994.

What’s your inspiration for building Brough Creek National (BCN)?

The HORSE Course at the Prairie Club and the Sandbox at Sand Valley were influential. Mostly that you can have thoughtful, exciting and fun golf come in many different packages. The main inspiration, however, was the need to travel 8+ hours for GREAT golf. Kansas City really lacks in that category. The ability to have easily accessible, thoughtful, fun golf built around a community  was too big an opportunity to pass up.

Without a background in construction or agronomy, how did you build a golf course in your backyard?

Research and networking. Being unafraid to ask questions. We were very lucky to have received as much support from superintendents and industry folks as we did.

How do you juggle building BCN while also maintaining a full-time job?

Not well. Real job certainly suffered the last year. It was a full commitment from sun up to sun down. Any and every moment we could spare had to be used on progressing the course.

This is essentially a crowd-funded golf course and you’ve built an admirable membership base already – Why do you think so many are connecting with this project without ever meeting you or seeing the property?

Great question and I’m not sure. I think folks understand that we are coming from a good place and want to provide this type of option for free. Also think there is a sense of community – which is the most important thing after all. There is also an appetite for short courses and unconventional golf. Think our content and social media helped curb that appetite for some. Lastly, can’t ignore that this is something many golfers have dreamed about – having a course or hitting area in their backyard. Not many have gone through with it and built it, but we did, so folks will resonate with that.

How do you see BCN affecting the golf course design industry going forward?

Tough question as I’m not quite sure. I hope it shows what is possible when you get community around you. I’d love folks to think about golf in different ways. Mainly that you can have fun and enjoy courses that are less then perfect from a maintenance prospective. Providing a different lens to look at golf can only help the industry at large. Especially when this lens is less cost and time intensive.

I immediately think of what was born from the incredible shared vision of Mr. Kohler and Mr. Dye to create a golf experience that is really unlike anything else found in the United States. We often state that if you drop someone onto the Straits Course, they wouldn’t immediately know if they were standing in Scotland or Ireland looking over the shores of the North Atlantic, when indeed they are in Wisconsin viewing the scenic coastline of Lake Michigan.

I also think of the amazing atmosphere that will be created from the unique combination of Wisconsin sports enthusiasts, and those guests joining us from around the globe.

2. The President’s Cup and Ryder Cup are men’s team events (versus individual stroke play). How does this format affect the on-site spectator experience?

The difference when you are part of a team and playing for country…it evokes a kind of passion that of course fuels both teams, but also translates through to spectators on-site and those viewers joining us from across the world.

One of the experiences unique to a Ryder Cup is the energy surrounding the first hole. It is one of those areas on-site, where you truly see that passion come to life. I’m extremely excited to see the first hole at Whistling Straits during Ryder Cup week. Certainly, on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during Match Rounds, but also during other times throughout the week, like the Junior Ryder Cup Friendship Match that will be held on Wednesday, and the Celebrity Match which will be held on Thursday.

3. What are key takeaways for a successful partnership with each host venue?

Each venue is so unique and presents both opportunities and challenges that are specific to that community or host course.

One key to success in my view is building a strong relationship with the Host Committee and venue leadership as far in advance of the event as possible. In my experiences, our staff offices have always been on-site at the venue, in most cases for 2-3 years in advance of the event itself. Being accessible and getting to interact with the key staff, membership, or site leadership on a daily basis pays huge dividends when the clock starts moving faster during the year of the event.

4. How has your career developed with the PGA of America?

Prior to my time with the PGA of America, I spent several years serving on the team that operated the PGA TOUR’s Buick Open, mostly on the tournament’s sales and marketing efforts. My first position with the PGA of America was as the Operations Manager for the 2008 PGA Championship at Oakland Hills, which gave me a great perspective over the “opposite” side of the business, so to speak. From there, we moved our family to Atlanta for the 2011 PGA Championship, and then to St. Louis for the 2013 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, my first event as the Championship’s Director. From there we moved to Kohler for the 2015 PGA Championship, then to Charlotte for the 2017 PGA Championship, and now back to Kohler for the 2020 Ryder Cup.

I firmly believe the team we have working on the 2020 Ryder Cup, whether it is our on-site staff, our colleagues at PGA of America HQ, the 2020 Ryder Cup Host Committee, or our many service providers, represents one of the finest collaborations in all of golf.

One constant throughout the nearly 20 years I have now spent in the golf business, is I have had the opportunity to learn from and work alongside some of the most passionate and influential people in our business. I still enjoy coming into the office each day, and I sincerely look forward to the continual opportunity each day provides to keep learning and trying to improve.

Additionally, I should mention the wonderful support I have received from Jill and the kids at home. Obviously with our frequent moves, they are getting a very unique life experience to say the least!

5. What advice would you give to those looking to work on the business side of golf?

Seek out internships and volunteer experiences, as they are out there, but it is a competitive industry, so begin looking into those opportunities as early as possible. One of the best examples of how to get your foot in the door is the PGA of America’s Operations Assistant program. It gives you great insight into how our numerous service providers, design teams, and staff come together during the final few months to execute one of the highest profile sporting events in the world. Maybe most importantly, it allows you to get a sense for the heightened pace leading into event week.

I think every current member of our operational management team across our events came up through that program.

You have spent 45+ years playing professionally. Which event is your favorite on each tour and why?

PGA TOUR: AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am (Pebble Beach, CA) – This event and venue has always been special for me. Their history and scenic views cannot be matched!

PGA TOUR Champions: Dick’s Sporting Goods Open (Endicott, NY) – I’ve been playing at En-Joie Golf Club since my early days on TOUR, where I’ve met many lifelong friends here in the years I’ve played.

Korn Ferry Tour: New Mexico Classic (Santa Ana Pueblo, NM) – I won by seven shots in 1999 at the age of 48!

European Seniors Tour: The Senior Open Championship (Scotland) – I love the challenges of links golf. Thus far, I’ve earned two 3^rd place finishes in this championship.

What advice would you give young players looking to play professionally?

To find out what they do well and perfect it. Focus on the scoring clubs. You also have to learn how to compete. Have a routine of good balance between practice, playing, competition and rest. If you are drive and perform these aspects well, you can reach the next level of professional golf.

You also serve as PGA Professional Emeritus and Director of Instruction at Poplar Grove Golf Club in Virginia. What is your favorite part about teaching?

I enjoy seeing players learn how to hit shots they never knew they could hit. Observing a 15-handicaper hit a solid iron shot that draws 5 yards when all they’ve hit were weak slices is a fulfilling moment.

Your son, Jacob, is the Head Golf Professional at Poplar Grove. What do you enjoy most about working in golf together?

Not many father/sons get to work together on a daily basis. Often what I enjoy most is a late evening 9-hole round, or simply hitting a few balls together on the range after work. We bounce ideas off each other and talk golf swing, what’s new on TOUR and the latest new swing theories.

Your father taught you the game, and you have since brought Jacob into the sport. What key elements help parents make golf fun for children?

Keep it simple! Parents should be positive when guiding their children into golf. If a young player doesn’t enjoy the game, it may be hard for him/her to stay with it. Encouragement is key.

Start the kids out with short game and hitting drivers. Tell them to hit as far as they can. Tee it high and let it fly!

1. What is PGA Magazine’s role within the golf industry?

PGA Magazine’s primary role is to help the 29,000 members of the PGA of America share ideas to help them manage more successful golf facilities.  The experts in the game are the one’s who live it every day and interact personally with the industry’s customers that pay the bills – they are PGA Professionals.  So our mission is to allow them to learn from each other.  We cover all golfers: public, private, resort guests, new players, core players, women players, baby boomers to the youngest golfers.  We cover the issues that golfers care about from the PGA Professional’s perspective: leadership, pace of play, coaching & teaching the game, new management technology, trends, player development and retention, customer service, staff training, retailing, equipment, the range, marketing, tournaments & outings, golf travel, environmental impact, diversity and inclusion, community.  It’s a long list.   But it is also very important to point out that PGA Magazine has matured over its 100 years of publication, and today the brand not only publishes a print magazine with more than 200 pages each month, it also conducts over 150 events for PGA Professionals each year and has a significant digital presence.

2. How has the media landscape in golf changed over the years with more and more independent outlets coming onto the scene?

The internet has changed the game for all magazines.  For some titles, they have cut their number of annual issues, for almost all of the consumer titles, we have seen dramatic losses in their page counts and in advertiser revenues.  Basically, the consumer print media has seen a reduced influence as Google, social media outlets and other digital marketing has grown. PGA Magazine is in a different world, the world of B2B.  And we actually believe that the internet is helping us – it has created more clutter and confusion and the consumer is seeking out people who really understand the game.  The “pyramid of influence” is more important than ever and the PGA Professional is at the top of that pyramid at the grass roots level.

3. Was there a specific moment in your life that helped propel you into the golf industry?  

I was very fortunate.  Both my mother and father loved the game and I got introduced to golft early.  But I was certainly not a great player and played very little until I was about 35 years old.  My “specific moment” came in 1987 when I wanted to go on a golf vacation with a friend and had a difficult time finding the right resort that our non-golfing spouses would also enjoy.  That trip went well, and on returning, the idea for Great Golf Resorts of the World was born. I  knew I needed a strong partner, and fortuitously got connected with none other than Jack Nicklaus who helped launch the company in January, 1988.  While Great Golf Resorts of the World is a very small part of what we do today, being the CEO of that division of the company has been a pretty sweet title to have for someone who loves the game.

4. What excites you the most about the direction golf is going?

I’ve always been so impressed by how much golfers absolutely love the game.  Compare it to most customer experiences and you should feel very good about its future.  The game has so many positive aspects: hit a few good shots and you will probably want to come back, getting people outside in a beautiful setting, letting them play with friends and family, a game you can play when you are very young until you are very old, all skill levels can play together, an exciting number of tour stars on television every day, the list goes on and on.  That said, and like all businesses, golf has to evolve to stay relevant to its customers.  Just like I described above, the publishing business has had to reinvent itself, and golf is slowly but steadily having to find new ways to attract more customers while keeping its existing players.  Those new customers are out there and the best golf facilities and PGA Professionals are finding ways to bring them into the game.  I’m bullish that if golf facility owners and managers understand that real change is going to be required, they can meet the challenges.  They need good people to lead.  They need to compensate them appropriately.  They have to give them the resources to do their jobs.  They have to really understand what their customers are seeking from the game.

5. Who do you consider a mentor within the golf industry?

I see them more as friends.  Each of them have different skill sets that have helped me see the world from different perspectives.  What Mike Keiser (founder of Bandon Dunes and other leading resorts) has achieved in golf is so impressive.  I’ve learned so much from watching him stay true to his “customer-first” vision and in focusing on the details.  Joe Steranka (former CEO of the PGA of America) has taught me to take the long view.  Major Dan Rooney, PGA (founder of the Folds of Honor) helped me understand that giving back is important but even more important is that he showed me how many lives can be changed by the early efforts of one passionate person.   And Phil Owenby, PGA, reminds me everyday that so much depends upon building strong personal relationships and working with the right people.  I’m an old dog, but thanks to all of them, and many others, I think I am still learning new tricks.