ncpga tee.shots magazine - awards edition

AWARDS ISSUE 2011 www.ncpga.com

TEE.SHOTSMAGAZINE

CONTENTS

FEATURES

ON THE COVERPGA Professional Gus Jones of the Martis Camp Club in Truckee, Calif. earns top honors as the 2010 NCPGA Golf Professional of the Year. The Golf Professional of the Year is awarded to a PGA Professional who displays the finest exhibition of spirit, determination, business acumen, professionalism, promotion of the game of golf as well as service to the Section and the Association.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA SECTION411 Davis Street, Suite 103Vacaville, CA 95688Phone: (707) 449-4742Fax: (707) 449-4755

E-mail: [email protected] site: www.ncpga.com

NCPGA OFFICERS

President - Monte Koch, Chardonnay GC

Vice President & Treasurer - Len Dumas,

Contra Costa CC

Secretary - John Hughes, Castlewood CC

Honorary President - Bob Young, Stockton G&CC

PGA DISTRICT 11 DIRECTOR

Sue Fiscoe, FM Golf – Northern California Section

NCPGA DIRECTORS

Bob Caldwell, Bodega Harbour Golf Links

Gus Jones, Martis Camp Club

Cathy Jo Johnson, GC at Incline Village

Jim Kepler, Eagle Valley GC

Dede Moriarty, Presidio GC

Tracy Stansberry, Mare Island Golf Club

Paul Wilcox, Danville, Calif.

Dan Brace, Independent Director

CHAPTER PRESIDENTS

Pat Gould - North State: Peach Tree CC

Dave Lewis - San Joaquin Valley:

Stripes Practice Center

Greg Enholm - Sierra Nevada: Carson Valley Inn

Eric Lippert – Monterey Bay: Del Monte GC

Mark Naylor - Bay Area: Castlewood CC

Greg Senestraro - North Coast: Redwood Empire Golf & CC

NCPGA SECTION STAFF

Chris Thomas, Executive Director & COO

Nancy Maul, Assistant Executive Director

Jennifer Noël, Executive Assistant

& Communications Specialist

Brandon Hill, Tournament Director

Nancy “Ida” French, Administrative Assistant

Suzy Schneider, Foundation Administrative Assistant

NCPGA CONSULTANTS

Dan Brace: Legal Counsel

Carol Pence: PGA of America

Employment Services Consultant

ADVERTISING

For advertising information, please contact:

Nancy Maul or Jennifer Noël at (707) 449-4742

pg 8 pg 12 pg 33

TEE SHOTS MAGAZINETee Shots Magazine is produced for the NCPGA

by ACE Communications & Graphics (ACE) (951) 679-9644.

Postage paid at Temecula, CA and additional offices.

Editor: Nancy MaulManaging Editor: Jennifer Noël

Production/Pre Press: Greg FloresContributing Writer: Amal Nichols

Tee Shots Magazine is distributed free to members and affiliates of the NCPGA. The articles and other

information contained within this publication are informational and do not necessarily represent the views

or opinions of the NCPGA.

The NCPGA and ACE assume no responsibility or liability for claims made for or by any product in this

publication whether reported or advertised. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission of

the NCPGA and ACE is prohibited.

10 – Professionals Gather for Annual Meeting

12 – Meet the 2010 Northern California PGA Special Award Winners

DEPARTMENTS3 – From the President: Monte Koch, PGA

4 – From the Executive Director: by Chris Thomas

6 – Employment Services: by Carol Pence, PGA/LPGA

7 – Sponsor Spotlight – Oakley Golf

8 – Internet Marketing & Social Media: by Eric Jones, PGA

20 – Tournament Recaps

28 – Member Profile: Shawn Kelly, PGA

30 – Pro-Pro Best Practices

33 – Short Shots

Northern California PGA - TEE.SHOTS Magazine 3

Strive to be a Mentor Leader By Monte KochNCPGA President

P R E S I D E N T ' S M E S S A G E

As I write this, I’ve just returned from the 2011 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Florida. As

President, it is my privilege to accompany our Section staff in a supporting role as they work the show to create and retain partnerships with sponsors for our tournament, education and meeting programming. Having seen their efforts firsthand, I can attest to how they work to ensure the success of our Sections programming. While it’s true that such efforts are part of their job descriptions, Chris Thomas, Nancy Maul and Brandon Hill, take it to the next level for the benefit of our membership. I could literally go on and on about this topic, but I’ll keep it brief. The next time you get an opportunity to speak to our partners or a member of our staff, please let them know how thankful you are for their support. (See page page 5 for a complete list of Section Sponsors for 2011.)

2010 Is History – It’s Time to Strive to Be a Mentor Leader in 2011

Has it really been a year? Part of me is glad to see 2010 go into history, but having been the Section President for one year already, does bring a tinge of dread to me. While it’s true that I’ve worked very hard representing our Section as President, I’ve also had a great deal of fun on the job. Sometimes I still ask myself, how did this happen? How did I get to this position representing a Section as outstanding as the NCPGA?

Author Ben Stein has been quoted as saying, “Personal relationships are the fertile soil from which all advancement, all success, all achievement in real life grows.” The personal relationships I’ve enjoyed since coming to the Section in 1996 prove Stein’s assertion. My professional career is based on being involved, developing relationships and learning from role models and mentors. They probably didn’t mentor me intentionally, but they still did it. They were golf professionals who took me aside, kicked me in the rear end and/or encouraged me to take the next step to serve or volunteer at a PGA event or on a Section Committee. To each of you who mentored me…I offer my sincere thanks. Your mentoring led to long-term significance in my life, and hopefully, in the lives of those I’ve tried to mentor as well.

I’ve recently been reading a good book, by Tony Dungy, (former Super Bowl winning head coach of the Indianapolis Colts) called "The Mentor Leader." Actually, I dare you to do the same. One topic Dungy highlights is the coaching tree. In this model, he promotes the idea that coaches, managers and mentors go beyond themselves to become mentor leaders.

Mentor leaders realize the end result is not for the short-

term, but for the long-term. Further, they intentionally invest themselves into their apprentices, colleagues and others in the hope that they will be equipped to lead and mentor others. I was blessed to have some of these mentors in my life, but some of our younger golf professionals may not be so blessed. As you read this, maybe you are the one to step up to lead and mentor those professionals with whom you have a relationship. Socrates said, “The unexamined life is not worth living,” so why not ask yourself these questions:

• Is your professional focus inclusive of those you manage, lead or are peers with?• Do you intentionally allow others (especially subordinates) to get credit for their efforts?• Does your team know your primary business goal(s)?• Does your team think you’re loyal to them? Do they believe you’ve got their back?• Are you accountable, genuine and willing to get dirty in the trenches with your staff?• Are you a willing listener? What would your staff say?• What do you want your legacy to be with those around you?

In closing, we are at a crossroads in our industry. On the demand side of the equation, growth is a must, and it won’t happen overnight. It starts with each of us building a relationship of significance with the next generation of golf professionals…it starts with building a relationship with new and non-golfers, etc. On the supply side, we must all be better operators, by understanding the micro-market our facility is a part of that market, in which our decisions (either good or bad) lift the group up or pull the group down. You could say that we’re interdependent and our focus should be on cooperative competition as opposed to cutthroat competition. This area of our industry is another great opportunity for mentoring. If you feel you’re weak in this area, seek out (and learn from) someone you feel is the local expert. If you are strong in a particular area as an operator, why not seek out a younger professional you can help in that same area?

For 2011, let’s all strive to be more other-focused and less us-focused, all the while impacting lives (one at a time) with the PGA brand through the game of golf.

Ever grateful to serve,

4 Northern California PGA - TEE.SHOTS Magazine

With the new year in full swing, and off to a great start, it is a time for planning and resolutions.

I want to thank each of you for continued support and participation in our PGA of America National and Sectional Programs, merchandise shows, PGA club professional events, and NCPGA meetings. We have some great events planned this year and I would like to highlight some of them for you.

With the PGA of America Member Service Requirement cycle coming to an end this June, we have numerous educations seminars, Chapter meetings and Section Town Hall Meetings scheduled for you to attend. On March 28th at Crystal Springs Golf Course, brush up on your rules of golf by registering for this informative seminar led by NCGA Director of Education Ryan Gregg. Andrew Wood, President & CEO of Legendary Marketing, will be joining us on April 11th at North Ridge Country Club for a one-day seminar where he will share tips, strategies and proven techniques to help your club make money, attract players and boost membership. The popular Teachers Teaching Teachers Seminar, featuring talented NCPGA teaching professionals as the instructors, will be held on May 10th at Presidio Golf Club. PGA Professionals will earn MSR education credits for each of these informative seminars in addition to staying on the cutting edge of the industry.

In addition to education, your Chapter representatives have been working hard to provide education, meeting and playing opportunities for you. Please visit your Chapter webpage located at NCPGALinks.com for the full schedule of activities in your regional area. If you would like to attend an event outside of your Chapter, please contact the President of that Chapter to discuss your interest in participating. Remember, 54 credits are required overall and of those 54, 12 credits are required in education and 12 are required in meeting attendance. If you are unsure of your current status or need some guidance in obtaining credits, I highly encourage you to contact Ida or Jennifer at the Section Office.

We have some great competitive events planned for you this year. Presented by Nike Golf & the Eldorado Hotel Casino Reno, the NCPGA California State Club Championship (formerly the TaylorMade-Adidas Champions Championship) will be held this April 25-26 at ArrowCreek Country Club in Reno, NV. Bring your club champion to this long standing event and plan on the same two great days of tee prizes, golf, food and beverage and camaraderie as there have been the last 31 years. Please visit the calendar of events on NCPGALinks.com for more information and for other opportunities available to you.

I am pleased to announce that the Northern California PGA and the Northern California Golf Association have merged our respective junior tours to create the Junior Tour of Northern California. This merger allows our associations to offer Junior Golfers in Northern California the ability to compete and develop their skills against the top players in the region. The 2011 season will consist of 36 hole, two day tournaments administered by top staff and rules-trained volunteers scheduled at some of Northern California’s best courses. If you would like more information about the Junior Tour of Northern California, please visit NCPGA.com and click on Junior Tour or visit NCGA.org.

Please join me by encouraging your fellow professionals, family members and friends to participate in these fun and worthwhile events. Let’s add these to our calendars and make 2011 an even more successful year for golf in Northern California and Northwestern Nevada.

Sincerely,

E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O R ' S M E S S A G E

New Year,Many OpportunitiesChris ThomasNCPGA Executive Director/COO


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P G A E M P L O Y M E N T C O N S U L T A N T

Give Your ShopA Little Spring Cleaning By Carol Pence, PGA/LPGA – PGA Employment Consultant

As you tackle getting ready for golfers to return, go beyond cleaning the carpets and shining

the counters, and let a little clean-up trickle to your operations too. Here are some things you may do that can help shake off winter and get you and your staff enthused for the upcoming season:

De-clutter and Organize: Think about the kind of impression you give your customers/members who walk into shop. What do they see or sense? Give the shop and your office a once over. Clean out desk drawers, counter drawers and cubby holes as well as storage rooms. Take a look through lost and found and donate that that has been there awhile. File the piles of paper cluttering counters and offices. Clean up and organize your computer files and email boxes. Be sure to err on the side of organization, because it presents a better appearance and saves time searching for things.

Ready: This is also a good time to get ahead of the game a bit. Make a list of projects and prioritize what needs to get done before the season really kicks in. Get ready as many details as possible on programs new and old in the coming season. Calendar monthly dates to review progress on 2011 goals. Prepare all of the information available for this year’s monthly calendars. Freshen up your business card, flyers and other marketing materials. If the facility’s website has not been updated, take the time to prepare new updated material. This may include adding a blog, survey or some video. Perhaps ask for client testimonials. Write and practice an elevator speech for staff and new members/customers. Develop a good process to track ideas for new programs, revenue-producers, etc. Consider blocking off some time to share some fun with staff.

Streamline: What processes or procedures can be updated and simplified? Take a close read of the Shop’s Policies and Procedures Manual and Safety Manual. Refine report forms and processes that are too cumbersome or ask for unnecessary data. Perhaps there is a need to develop new forms. Simplify the organization or filing of computer data. Check on the integrity of backed up data and update it. Run virus scans on your computer.

Repair: What are those little items that have been overlooked? Whatever it is, now is a good time to get it handled. Perhaps the entry or counter area needs a quick facelift, or the door frame is splitting, or a back window is cracked. Take a good tour of the grounds and Golf Shop and make note of all of the things needing repair. Then decide who can take care of them. Assign and note a goal for completion.

Review: Before things get crazy busy, take some time to examine and share. Sit down with key staff to go over this season’s plans. Review and update your list of programs and services. Get rid of unnecessary ongoing business expenses. Review member/customer agreements and make any necessary revisions. Review and update all email rules and filters.

This is a great time of year to get re-invigorated and inspired, and it can be infectious. Cleaning out can stir things up for the better. What will you do to spring clean your Golf Shop?

Carol Pence is a PGA and LPGA member serving the Northern California Section. She can be reached at (510) 706-1583 or [email protected].


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N C P G A S P O N S O R S P O T L I G H T

Oakley Golf is proud to announce that Rory McIlroy will rely on the company’s unrivaled performance golf apparel and eyewear as he

continues to make his mark in the sport, advancing a promising career. A native of Northern Ireland, McIlroy currently ranks 10th in the Official World Golf Rankings.

“Our partnership with Rory is a deliberate step toward Oakley becoming a recognized and respected golf performance apparel brand,” said Scott Bowers, SVP of Global Marketing and Brand Development at Oakley. “Golf pros respect the unbeatable performance of Oakley apparel and eyewear, and we are honored that Rory has chosen to rely on Oakley technology as he advances his phenomenal career. It is a testament to the dedication that drives our innovation as we bring the ultimate in performance, comfort and style to golfers who demand the very best,” Bowers concluded.

“When I considered teaming up with a new apparel sponsor, I looked at all the alternatives, but kept coming back to Oakley because the truth is, other brands just can’t compete,” said McIlroy. “Oakley is as ambitious as I am and they suit my style perfectly. I look forward to becoming an ambassador for Oakley in the golf industry,” concluded McIlroy.

Oakley is the industry leader in sport-specific eyewear for golf, and the company currently has hundreds of professionals worldwide relying on its products. The company has applied substantial resources to perfecting its golf apparel line. Arguably one of the most influential young players in the game, McIlroy will further extend Oakley brand recognition as the company solidifies its position in providing premium performance products.

“Rory will take advantage of the latest innovations in Oakley golf apparel,” said Raphael Peck, VP of Global Apparel, Footwear and Accessories at Oakley. “Our golf apparel technology includes hyper levels of moisture management, ensuring 18 holes of cool, dry comfort. We engineer weather protection that ranges from UV shielding to breathable water resistance, so Rory can face the harsh elements that come into play when he is out on the tour. Fit and freedom of movement are critical performance issues, so Rory will utilize Oakley golf pants engineered with four-way stretch that allows maximized torque rotation while reducing friction and eliminating abrasion.”

Peck added, “As Oakley gains worldwide recognition in golf apparel technologies, the company will continue to lead in style innovation. Rory strives for greatness while bringing the kind of irreverence that makes for a true original -- someone who respects the game but refuses to accept conventional ideas of style and possibility -- so he is a perfect fit for the Oakley brand. The art that wraps our science allows golfers like Rory to express their originality with confidence that gives a performance edge. Oakley brings style and technical excellence that lets players push the limits of possibility,” Peck concluded.

On and off the course, McIlroy faces numerous visual challenges that must be addressed with corrective lenses, glare reduction and impact protection. By teaming with Oakley, he now has access to the latest technologies in optical innovation including Oakley True Digital™ corrective lenses, HDPolarized technology and High Definition Optics® (HDO®).

McIlroy made his mark in the United States in April 2010 when he won the Quail Hollow Championship on the PGA Tour. With that victory, he joined Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Seve Ballesteros as the only golfers since 1970 to win on the PGA before turning 21.

Visit Oakley.com to learn more about the company’s sport performance innovations and get the latest updates on its growing family of professional golfers.

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Let's not over-complicate this whole social media thing. There are just a few basic things you want to do: Share,

listen, and interact. You can create a very robust social media presence and a fantastic way to enhance your relationship with your customers with just a few tools. All you need is a blog, a social media platform, a review site, and a multi-media outlet. They are all free, and they may be your best form of marketing.

Take a look at this simple diagram. Incorporating just four cornerstones of the social media scene will make a dramatic impact on your website's appeal.

Blogs: I'm partial to Wordpress. It's free, but it does require on-going maintenance. You can go even simpler with blogger.com. Create a link from your website to your blog, and from your blog to your social media site (Facebook) to auto-update your profile page and keep the content fresh. You have one thing your customers can't get enough of: knowledge. Share your knowledge, and consider it a gift to your customers. They'll repay you with loyalty and more business.

Multimedia: YouTube dominates the video scene. Grab your Flip camera, record a testimonial from a customer, and upload it to YouTube. Put the embed code from YouTube into your blog post, write a short note, auto-update your Facebook page, and send out an email. Better yet, run a contest inviting your customers to create their own video and repeat the process. You'll create a ton of content which can be used multiple times through multiple channels.

Social Sites: Create a Facebook account, and then create a Fan Page for your business. (Tip: Make the Fan Page your Default Landing Page!). Offer a nice freebie (your knowledge in the form of a report or email series) or a contest on your Fan page and a way for visitors to "Like" you and join your email list. Pull updates automatically from YouTube and your Blog into your Facebook wall to keep the content fresh.

Review Site: Yelp is the biggest source of on-line reviews. Set up an account and invite your customers to post a review. This might be a little scary, but Yelp reports that 66% of its reviews are 4- or 5-star ratings, and only 2% are 1-star. People are already talking anyway, and isn't the point of social media to find out what is being said? Brace up. The good reviews will make you glow, and the tough knocks will make you better.

Keeping your social media simple will get you in the game without adding much burden. You'll benefit with better customer relationships, more loyalty, and more business.

Eric Jones is a Class A PGA Professional and World Long Drive Champion. He holds a masters degree in Sport Psychology, is the author of two golf books, and is an expert in social media and internet marketing. Eric's passion is helping golfers learn, play better golf, and have more fun. Eric is the creator of the "Golf Coach Program," an innovative teaching model that provides golfers greater access to instruction at an affordable price. Eric teaches at the Pleasanton Golf Center in Pleasanton, CA. His website is http://www.targetcenteredgolf.com and he can be reached at [email protected]

Social Proof: The Basics of Social Media for Golf by Eric Jones, PGA

M A R K E T I N G & S O C I A L M E D I A


N C P G A A N N U A L M E E T I N G

Section Professionals Gather at Special Awards Ceremony and Annual Meeting at North Ridge Country Club


Event sponsors Spencer Hughes and Adrian Meyer representing E-Z-GO Textron were present Sunday evening to honor our 2010 Special Award recipients.

NCPGA Assistant Professional of the Year Ryan Farb (c) was joined by National Award partner Taylormade-Adidas representatives John Schock (l) and Craig Patchin. Farb received a one-year staff con-tract as well as a $1,500 scholarship in honor of his contributions to the Assistant Apprentice Division.

Two-time recipient of Player of the Year honors Jason Schmuhl was presented with a check by NCPGA Assistant Executive Director Nancy Maul on behalf of Player of the Year sponsor Yamaha Golf Cars. Schmuhl was awarded $3,000 for excellent play throughout the 2010 season and also earned exemptions into the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Nationwide Tour Stonebrae Classic and the Reno-Tahoe Open.

Special Awards Committee member representing the Monterey Bay Area Chapter Mark Lavin with PGA Head Professional Jin Park of Spyglass Hill Golf Course at the Special Awards Dinner.


N C P G A A N N U A L M E E T I N G

Section Professionals Gather at Special Awards Ceremony and Annual Meeting at North Ridge Country Club


Showing their support of the special award winners are (pictured L to R) Rick Gielow, Nike Golf Western Region Sales Manager, Edgewood Tahoe GC PGA Director of Golf Randy Fox and Dan Beiber & George Marshall with SRI Golf.

Outgoing Director Mike Dowd (l) was awarded with a plaque for ser-vice on the Section Board of Directors from 2008-2010 by President Monte Koch at the Annual Meeting.

Honorary President Bob Young swore in Directors Gus Jones, Paul Wilcox, Jr and Tracy Stansberry to their three year terms on the NCP-GA Board of Directors.

The Employment Symposium presented by E-Z-GO Textron and moderated by NCPGA Golf Professional of the Year Gus Jones featured a panel of NCPGA Golf Executives and Industry Leaders Jeff Christensen, Steve Harker, RJ Harper, Rod Metzler, Ken Morton Sr and Jeff Wilson who addressed trends in the industry in regards to employment.


N C P G A S P E C I A L A W A R D S

Golf Professional of the Year Gus Jones, PGAMartis Camp Club – Truckee, California

The Northern California PGA is proud to honor

Gus Jones, PGA Head Golf Professional at Martis Camp Club in Truckee, California with this year’s Golf Professional of the Year Award, one of the highest honors the Association can bestow on a working club professional whose total contributions to the game best exemplify the complete PGA Professional. Gus is being recognized for his great leadership, his efforts to grow the game, and his expansive volunteer work.

Gus entered the PGA Program in 1987, officially becoming a member in 1991. He started his golf career at Tenison Park GC, a busy 36-hole municipal facility hosting up to 120,000 rounds per year. Today he is at Martis Camp Club, a private club hosting more than 5,000 rounds per year.

Throughout the years Gus has contributed significantly to growing the game of golf. The types of activities he developed included an extensive junior program, free weekly ladies clinics, couples and mixer events that combine golf and social activities, as well as PGA National programs such as Free Lesson Month, Get Ready for Golf, Patriot Golf Day, and Bring Your Daughter to the Course. At each event, the objective was to make it fun as well as to encourage same day and future golf participation. In the community, Gus has been an ardent supporter of his Chapter’s initiative to raise the level of girl’s high school golf programs with each program having a PGA Professional as their assistant coach. In addition, Gus has volunteered at numerous junior and family golf days run by PGA Sections and industry-related associations.

Gus has spent the last five years serving on the Section’s Sierra Nevada Chapter Board of Directors, the last two as President. He has also served as the Chapter’s Education Chair since 2005. In 2008 and 2009, he served on the Langley Committee, supporting the NCPGA Foundation’s premier fundraising event. From 1992-1997 he served on the city of Palm Deserts’ Sister City Committee, hosting its annual conference. Gus was previously recognized with the 2008 NCPGA Horton Smith Award and the 1996 Teacher of the Year Award from the Inland Empire Chapter of the Southern California PGA Section.

Gus uses his leadership position to share his vision and then empower and assist others in pointing their efforts toward that goal. As a result, he has successfully lead sports teams, work teams and volunteer teams.

Gus is a long-time supporter of Section and Chapter activities and programs. Jones pictured with daughter Mel at the Fred & Judy Alexander Foundation Golf Clinic in 2005.

Jones (L) with PGA Tour Player Dennis Watson (C) at the Masters in 1986.

Gus’ main focus is on serving the members/customers at the facilities where he has worked and truly enjoys being with them. Over the years Jones has taken club members on nu-merous trips to exotic locations such as Africa, China, Australia and New Zealand. Jones pictured with wife Karen while on a member trip to China in 2007.


Jones truly enjoys mentoring his shop staff and working together as a team. The staff from Martis Camp were present to show their support (Pictured L to R) PGA Professional Tony Neadeau, Merchandise Manager Megan Klein, Assistant Professional Jesse Mason, NCPGA Golf Professional of the Year Gus Jones and PGA Professional Jeff Shadoian




Teacher of the Year John Snopkowski, PGASanta Teresa Golf Club – San Jose, CA

PGA Golf Instructor John Snopkowski is

recognized for his mastery of teaching and coaching over the past 20 years. This includes a leading junior golf program, beginner adult program, and book entitled, “The Practice Effect.”

With more than 500 hours of seminars and workshops as well as eight NCPGA annual teaching summits, John has built up a vast knowledge base in the art of

teaching. He started his career teaching juniors, group lessons and then private lessons.

In 1997 he began to look at golf in a new way and started implementing a non-judgmental approach to learning called “coaching” that he vows to share for the rest of his life. With this approach, the student becomes an active participant in the learning process. As such, the student becomes the source of their development when coached in feeling distinctions in the swing rather than being instructed to do the latest information. This has proven to make a big difference in the successful development of John’s students. He uses a combination of video, knowledge as a certified club fitter, his competitive experience as a player in local PGA events, as well as his inner game and coaching skills to help students focus on the fundamentals and distinctions that last a lifetime.

His goal as Head Professional and Director of Instruction was to have a family of instructors/coaches who share in this coaching philosophy. John is proud to say that over the past 11 years, he has done just that.

Santa Teresa Golf Course is well recognized for its leading junior program. One of the first innovative programs that John initiated 10 years ago was the “Little Linkster Program” for juniors nine and under. Its success led to the creation of the “Little League for Golf” program, now in its third year. This program is comprised of a spring, summer and fall series of four teams of six juniors learning the competitive setting. Another program he developed was “Clubs to Course” for adult beginners.

Club Fitter of the Year Shaun Barnes, PGAHaggin Oaks Golf Complex - Sacramento, CA

PGA Professional Shaun Barnes is well

known for his exceptional skill in fitting golfers with the right equipment.

Throughout his five years coaching and fitting at Haggin Oaks Golf Complex, Shaun has created a fitting philosophy that “less is more” for a majority of his customer base.

Before the club fitting begins he will ask questions that pertain

to what the customer is currently playing, what level of golfer they are, and preferences they might have for a club manufacturer. However, the most important variable he looks at during the fitting is the ball-flight the customer is producing with a specific club.

He will educate the player on what effects head style, shaft type and flex, length and lie angle can all have on the ball flight trajectory and direction. With this information communicated simply and directly, the customer will leave confident their new clubs will maximize the scoring opportunities on the golf course.

Shaun has attended training classes and has received certificates as a certified/trained fitter from Adams Golf, Callaway, Cleveland Golf, Cobra, Mizuno, Nike Golf, Ping, Titleist, and Tour Edge. He has given more than 500 club fittings during the past year on all types of clubs. The club fitting program at Haggin Oaks Golf Complex is very advanced and offers six fitting levels that leverage a mix of the latest technologies.

Are you or someone that you know making significant contributions to the game, the Association or to the community?



Junior Golf LeaderStuart Smith, PGASomersett Golf and Country Club – Reno, NV

PGA Director of Golf Stuart Smith

is recognized for his leadership, dedication and contributions to junior golf programs.

Stuart is currently in his second year as a Board Member for the First Tee of Northern Nevada. The recent affiliation with The First Tee has allowed Stuart to introduce the teaching of life skills in tandem with the teaching of golf skills, thus promoting character development. In addition

to learning a lot about the game, the kids really have fun, learn about themselves and enjoy their time with Stuart.

He has established a monthly family golf day on Sundays in season with scramble golf and family friendly dinner following with awards. He has also opened the facility up to the University of Nevada Men’s and Women’s Golf Teams.

He has created a successful junior golf program at the club level that includes golf instruction, golf etiquette, playing, play days with the pros, special events, prize baskets and field trips. He has leveraged the U.S. Kids program and customized it with many of his own teaching techniques and philosophies. The program goes beyond 7-12 year olds to include a teen program as well as a toddler program.

Bill Strausbaugh AwardJohn Hughes, PGAPGA Life Member - Reno, NV

PGA Life Member John Hughes of Reno,

Nevada is honored with the Bill Strausbaugh Award for his leadership, mentoring and charitable involvement.

John has at least 15 former employees who have gone on to become either a PGA head golf professional or PGA director of golf in five different Sections of the Association. Throughout his career, he has always maintained an “open door” policy and reached out to assist not only those under his employ but anyone in need within the Chapter

and Section. He especially helped their understanding and knowledge of the business in the areas of merchandising and tournament operations. He also has an excellent track record in securing financial aid for many apprentices working their way towards membership. His generosity toward his fellow members and apprentices includes paying for their apprentice program or PGA education.

In addition to John’s service to the PGA at the Chapter and Section level, he has spent countless hours working on charitable events and junior golf instructional camps that promote the image of the PGA Professional, furthering the values of our association. His philosophy is to “lead by example” through actions and recognize others for their contributions. His ultimate objective is to see a task through to a successful conclusion with the assistance and recognition of others.

He has served the Section and Association in countless roles throughout the years. John served as a NCPGA Tournament Committee member and handicap chairman for seven years, updating and rewriting the committee’s by-laws. He also served three years as the NCPGA Rules Committee Chairman. He was the first NCPGA Tournament Director and has been on the NCPGA Board of Directors for six years. He also participated on the Sierra Nevada Chapter Board of Directors for 19 years, recently rewriting the chapter’s by-laws to conform to those of both the Section and National by-laws.

As a life member of the PGA, John has organized and coordinated golf events at numerous facilities in Northern Nevada for charitable organizations such as the Parasol and Northern Nevada Foundation that have raised in excess of $7 million to benefit the local area. In his current role, he has spearheaded events that raise money for local flood victims, high school golf teams of Northern Nevada, and the community food bank.

Three Easy Steps to...

Special AwardNominations

Learn more on page 32



Horton Smith AwardScott Prenez, PGADiamond Oaks Golf Course – Roseville, CA

Throughout the years, PGA Head Professional

Scott Prenez has advanced educational programs through the Section. Serving as Co-Chair for the Player & Teacher Development Forum from 2006-2010, Prenez coordinates nationally renowned PGA Professionals and Top 100 Teachers to present in the forum as well as serves as event moderator.

Scott was one of the founding members of the Apprentice Peer Cluster Host/committee (2007-2009) working to launch this new program. He has also served on the Education

committee for the last several years, contributing ideas that have assisted in the improvement of new and ongoing programs within the Section.

Scott’s contributions have also helped advance the PGA PGM Program. He has served as host to Apprentice Peer Cluster groups; assisting local apprentices attain PGA membership and also promote the National PGM through the special incentives he extends to his staff. These incentives, along with pro-active apprentice mentoring, have encouraged many new assistants to join the PGA ranks over the past 10+ years that he has been at Diamond Oaks.

Scott extends his contributions to educational materials as well. He has an ongoing golf education video spot on the local cable channel and has been featured in several magazines and other periodicals for his teaching insight and golf education overall.

Scott promotes the game of golf and inspires his fellow NCPGA professionals with his numerous voluntary efforts. His charitable efforts and tireless dedication as Event Director/Founder of the Athletes vs. Cancer Celebrity Golf Invitational, have helped expose the game to many people, some underprivileged, who would not normally get to see or participate in golf activities, while raising awareness and valuable funding for cancer research. Scott has been a regular volunteer instructor in the Saving Strokes program as well as instructor at Play Golf America Days the last five years, promoting all facets of the game of golf to new players in a non-threatening, fun environment.

Lastly, he has hosted and participated in organizing the Golf Branch of the Special Olympics of Placer County at his facility for the past 10 years. Participation has grown significantly over the years and the program is very well respected in the region.

Growth of the Game AwardPresident's Plaque Angie Rodriguez, PGAMountain Course at Incline Village – Incline Village, NV

Over the past five years, PGA Head

Golf Professional Angie Rodriguez has introduced thousands of people to the game and helped them recognize the many benefits of golf.

Since joining the Golf Courses in Incline Village in 2005, growing the game became a focal point for her business and for the professionals working at the facility. Each season she recruits PGM interns who specifically learn

to run and promote these programs to the general public and other PGA professionals through newspaper articles, marketing tools, website, and word of mouth.

Angie has spearheaded many Growth of the Game initiatives at her facility including the Nine and Wine program, which has a strong social component, and has grown by 1778 rounds. The Aspiring Golfer Series includes eight lessons which covers full swing, chipping, putting, etiquette, bunker play, and on-course playing time. Implemented in 2006 with a beginner class, it has expanded to beginner, intermediate, advanced, senior, and business women's classes. The 6 After Six program, implemented in 2008, was designed for the golfer who has only taken lessons on the driving range and has not yet found the confidence to try their skills on the golf course. They start this program with a short clinic followed by six holes and emphasis on a great deal of fun.

With Angie’s direction, the Mountain Course has created and hosted many community and national programs including Golf in the Schools, Incline After School Program, Incline Village Golf Stimulus Program, Take Your Daughter to the Course Week, Women in Golf Month, and Get Golf Ready.

Angie believes that a good player development program plays to many different demographics to attract a variety of players to the game. The golf in the schools program is important because it touches so many players who may not otherwise be exposed to the game. While the stimulus program is important because it moves some of the barriers to starting the game by offering free golf clinics, the other programs all have a target demographic and are designed to make the game fun and remove the fear factors from beginners.



Merchandiser of the Year - Public FacilityRodney Wilson, PGAHarding Park Golf Course – San Francisco, CA

Assistant General Manager & PGA Director of Golf Rodney Wilson’s merchandising philosophy is very simple – “know your customer.” He strives to put together a buying

plan of 80 percent basics and 20 percent fashion apparel that is relevant for his course and customer base. He schedules the appropriate level of inventory shipments throughout the year and understands the weather patterns that affect the customer’s buying decisions. He also asks the staff to sit in on sales calls so they are well informed on all new merchandise coming into the shop.

Rodney spends approximately 30 percent of his time in the merchandising area of the facility and changes displays every month. Approximately 55,000 rounds are played each year at Harding Park Golf Course.

Merchandiser of the Year - Private FacilityPat Gould, PGAPeach Tree Country Club – Marysville, CA

PGA Head Professional Pat Gould describes his merchandising philosophy as “turn, turn, turn.” He wants to stay fresh with his merchandise and if a certain product isn’t

moving, he marks it down. He believes it is important to keep the product clean and fresh. His professional staff is an integral part of the facility’s success and Pat involves his entire staff in the product education and ordering.

Pat dedicates an estimated 30 hours per week to the golf shop sales and merchandising. Displays are rotated quarterly with a weekly changing of position and stock for members and guests, who play approximately 36,000 rounds of golf each year at the facility.

Merchandiser of the Year - Resort FacilityLou Eiguren, PGAGenoa Lakes Golf Club and Resort – Genoa, NV

At Genoa Lakes Golf Club and Resort, PGA Director of Golf Lou Eiguren strongly believes that the “personal touch” never goes out of style and therefore it remains his

merchandising philosophy. This is comprised of offering members and visiting guests the most outstanding personal service and unique care possible. His main goals are to offer quality, variety, value and product knowledge.

Lou spends 30-40 percent of his time in the merchandising area, changing displays approximately every 2-3 weeks. There is an average of 61,000 rounds of golf played each year at Genoa Lakes Golf Club and Resort.


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PGA Professional Bobby Schultze of Oakley and

Icon Sports, a division of Oakley, in Foothill Ranch, Calif. is recognized as the Sales Representative of the Year. Bobby brings both expertise and excitement to the products he sells, delivering exceptional service and product education to our Section members.

Bobby oversees 151 Oakley golf accounts in Northern California, ranging from eyewear and apparel to footwear and watches. His priority is to develop a trusting relationship with each of his accounts. He prides himself on the high level

of care, service, education and support he provides his customers. With a large territory to cover, he has outlined strategic travel loops that allow him to visit every customer on a regular basis. He is an expert on his product line and remains current on new releases. Most of all, he sells with passion because of the pride he feels for the Oakley brand.

Bobby has grown up in the Northern California PGA section and feels blessed to have received guidance, life lessons, and instruction from some of the finest professionals in our section. He recently became a Presenting Sponsor for the Northern California Section this last year and continues to support Section programming and competitive tournaments. Bobby also supports the Section at the Chapter and Division level as well, serving as event partner for the Monterey Bay Area Chapter and NCPGA Senior and Assistant Apprentice Divisions. He recognizes the value of the Ambassador events, focusing on creating fun events for the NCPGA apprentice/assistant professionals. More importantly is the support and guidance he gives to the assistant professionals working through the PGA Program. He listens to their stories and gives them ideas and strategies to tackle the long road to becoming a Class A Member.

He is continuously involved with playing in, and supporting our Section tournaments as he feels they are an important part of his professional career. During his career, Bobby captured the 2006 PGA Match Play Championship.

Playing since he was a junior, he supported the NCPGA Junior Tour in 2010 and has been involved in golf within his community for most of his life. Starting as a volunteer for many charity golf events when he was a junior golfer and now he donate funds, time, and a lot of Oakley product to programs like The First Tee, The Good Riddance Inc program (Wounded Warriors), and Play Golf America. He has also donated product, instruction, and guidance to his local high school and community college golf teams. He has hosted several Oakley Junior Clinics as well as The Oakley NorCal Junior Shootout Golf Championships.

Finally, he is very involved with the NCGA Foundation. He plays in and donates to the Pro-Am every year to support junior and amateur golf in Northern California, the same place he played 30 years ago.

Sales Representative of the Year Bobby Schultze, PGAOakley and Icon Sports – Foothill Ranch, CA



Two time winner PGA Head Professional Jason Schmuhl of Windsor Golf Club in Windsor, Calif. earns top

honors as Player of the Year (Regular Division).

After 13 events, Jason ended his tournament season with a total of 1,076.75 points. His outstanding performance throughout the year was highlighted by him earning an automatic berth to compete in the 92nd PGA Championship at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wisconsin. As winner of the Northern California PGA Professional Championship at TPC Stonebrae (Hayward, Calif.), he led six other Section PGA Professionals to compete in The 44th PGA Professional National Championship at the Hershey (Pa.) Country Club. He also placed first in the Senior &

Regular Pro-Scotch Championship in June and the AA Medal Play #5 in September. He tied for second place in the Bonus Points tournament, tied for third in the Match Play Championship and tied for fourth in both the Pro-Series 2 and the 4-Pro Scramble.

Born in Phoenix, Arizona and raised in Sebastopol, Calif., Jason turned professional in 1996 and became a PGA Member in 2002. He was awarded the 2008 NCPGA Player of the Year award after winning the 2008 Northern California PGA Professional Championship. He was also runner-up in the 2007 Match Play Championship. Schmuhl guided teams to second (2007) and third (2008) places in The McGladrey Team Championship in Pinehurst, N.C.


Player of the Year Jason Schmuhl, PGAWindsor Golf Club – Windsor, CA

PGA Head Professional Mike Cook of Mountain Springs Golf Course in Sonora, Calif. garners our

Senior Player of the Year award. Mike finished the Senior Division tournament season with a total of 765.25 points.

Mike competed in 21 Section, Division and Chapter events during the 2010 season. He won both the Senior & Regular Pro-Scotch Championship in June and the Nor Cal Sr. PGA Professional Championship & Stroke

Play Championship as well as tied for first in the Senior-Junior Championship. He came in second place in the Sr. Pro-Pro 1 and tied for second in three other tournaments – the 2010 Pro-Series 2, the 2010 Pro-Series 3, and Bonus Points. Overall, he was in the top of the field in 10 Senior Division events.

Now a four time recipient of senior player of the year honors, Mike has been a member of the PGA of America since 1989 and has been serving as the head professional at Mountain Springs Golf Course for the last 16 years.

Senior Player of the Year Mike Cook, PGAMountain Springs Golf CourseSonora, CA

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We are proud to honor PGA Life Member Gary Plato of San Jose,

Calif. with the title of Super Senior (65+ years) Player of the Year. Gary finished the Super Senior Division tournament season with a total of 142.25 points. Gary competed in nine Section, Division and Chapter events during the 2010 season.

He won both the Senior/Super Senior Match Play Championship in April and the Super Senior Stroke Play Championship in August. Gary tied for second place in the Senior Nor Cal Open in September and tied for fourth in the Sr. Pro-Pro 7. He has been a member of the PGA of America since 1971 and has served as our Section President in 1978 as well as Senior Division President from 2008-2010. Gary was also a recipient of the NCPGA Golf Professional of the Year Award in 1980 and NCPGA Horton Smith Award in 1978.

Super Senior Player of the YearGary Plato, PGALife Member - San Jose, CA

PGA Apprentice Steve Watanabe, Jr. of The Bridges Golf Club in San

Ramon, California earned honors as the 2010 Assistant Apprentice Player of the Year.

Steve finished the Assistant Apprentice tournament season with a total of 919.50

points. A strong competitor, Steve competed in 16 events over the season, winning the AA Medal Play 3 Championship in April and the AA Medal Play 4 Championship in June. He also tied for first place in the AA Medal Play 2 Championship, the 2010 Pro-Series 4 & MPQ, and the AA Two-Person Championship.

Steve came in second in the AA Match Play Championship. Overall, Steve was in the top of the field in nine events. An active competitor and talented instructor, Steve joined the PGA PGM program in 2008 and is currently working to complete the program and attain PGA Membership

Assistant ApprenticePlayer of the Year Steve Wantanabe, PGAThe Bridges Golf ClubSan Ramon, CA



Ryan Farb, PGA Assistant Professional at Poppy Hills Golf Course, is the recipient of the Assistant

Golf Professional of the Year award for his leadership roles within the NCPGA Assistant/Apprentice Division.

Ryan is an active member of the NCPGA and currently serves on the Tournament Committee for the Assistant Apprentice Division and participates in

many Section events. He has supported the Assistant Apprentice Division in several ways, most notably the Tournament Committee.

Ryan’s goal is to help Apprentices make their way through the PGM program. Through Peer Clusters and connections made at different checkpoints, Ryan assists and tutors other apprentices in preparation for their checkpoints. In 2009, Ryan completed the PGA PGM program and attained PGA membership. Beyond the PGM program, he proceeded to become certified in the Golf Operations career path of the Certified Professional Program.

Through the NCGA Foundation’s Youth on Course program, he has been able to help juniors enjoy the game of golf. He has given and participated in rules clinics for juniors, assisted and run clinics for junior golfers, and even run tournaments that the junior members have enjoyed. Each summer, he helps instruct at the AT&T Junior Golf Clinics held on the Monterey Peninsula as well as discounts his private lesson rates for juniors.

Assistant Golf Professional of the Year

Ryan Farb, PGAPoppy Hills Golf Course - Pebble Beach, CA

Frank LaRosa of ESPN 1320 AM radio in Sacramento, Calif. is our Sports Media Person

of the Year. With his daily radio golf reports, blogs on the station website, and golf column for Senior Magazine, Frank has been a loyal supporter and participant for numerous NCPGA events and a 2005 recipient of this award.

Frank has been providing golf information for more than 18 years across radio, television, newspaper,

magazine and the Internet. Currently he writes, produces and serves as the voice for daily golf reports on ESPN radio Sacramento. He complements his radio shows by blogging. He also writes a monthly golf column for Senior Magazine and produces various videos and/or commercials in the golf world.

Frank has been a member of numerous committees in support of NCPGA events including Play Golf America Day, The Langley, and Saving Strokes. For these he often wore two hats — assisting in planning the events and representing the Section in negotiations for paid and unpaid promotional support on broadcast media. Where appropriate, he also served as master of ceremonies for many of these events. Promoting the work of the members and the NCPGA, he always endeavors to create exposure among the general public for any Section business or professional news coming out of the NCPGA office and has encouraged others in the media to do the same.

Sports MediaPerson of the Year Frank LaRosaESPN 1320 - Sacramento, CA


tournament recaps

Hannah-Wehrman Cup Team Members (Back L to R) Eric Lippert, Greg Rodgers, Mitch Lowe (Middle L to R)Jeff Anderson, Ken Powell, Steve Hummel, Jason Owen (Front L to R) Rick Leibovich, Jason Schmuhl, Hae Young Lee, Don Winter.

Staedler-Jetter Cup Team Members (Back L to R) John Abendroth, Ric Burgess, Mike Beveridge, Mike Paul, Chris Bitticks, Mike Cook (Middle L to R) Charlie Gibson, Dave DeLong, Rick Dudley, Mitch Thomas (Front L to R) Al Krueger, Eddie Duino, Rick Jetter, Gary Plato, Raul Quezada.


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tournament recaps

The 2010 NCPGA Assistant Apprentice Division Cup Team claimed victory at the Annual AA Division North South Cup Matches held November 22-23 at The Journey in Pechanga (Temecula, Calif.). The annual event features individual and team match play competition and promotes networking between assistants and apprentices from the NCPGA and SCPGA. Congratulations to the members of the victorious NCPGA Assistant Apprentice Division Cup Team. Back (L to R) David Solomon, Chris Galvin, Joe Moulton, Grant Haney, Eric Lippert, Joe Dolby, Brad Lozares Front (L to R) Walt Thompson, Eric Goettsch, Mitch Thomas, Hae Young Lee, Joe Carlton. Not pictured: Assistant Captain Brandon Hill.

NCPGA Women’s Cup Team Members (Back L to R) Bob Young, NCPGA Honorary President, Dede Moriarty, Shannon Sweeney-Donlon, Denise Fass, Angie Rodriguez, Trisha Hinze, Cathy Jo Johnson, Chris Thomas, Executive Director/COO (Front L to R) Katherine Marren, Kathy Dais, Christie Quinn, Jody Lindroth, Krystal Shearer-Kelly, Wendy Stuart.


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Shawn Kelly, PGAHead Golf ProfessionalThe Ridge Golf Club

MEMBER PROFILE

M E M B E R P R O F I L E

How did you get your start in the golf business and what made you decide to become a PGA Professional?

I started in the golf business when I was 16 years old picking range balls and running carts at San Jose Country Club under PGA Head Professional Gary Plato. I decided to become a PGA Professional after spending a lot of time and effort to make it on the PGA TOUR. My desire to play competitive golf had not gone away and I had some friends that were PGA Members that were playing in some great tournaments at the Section and National levels. With their encouragement I decided to join the PGA and start the PGA Apprentice program.

What positions have you held throughout your career?

My first job was at Ancil Hoffman Golf Course where I worked as an Assistant Professional and instructor from 1988-1992. After achieving PGA Membership in 1993, I accepted a position at Cherry Island GC, were I was a Class A Teaching Professional until 1998. In early 1999 I was hired as an Assistant Professional and helped open the doors at the Ridge Golf Club in Auburn. I have been the PGA Head Professional at The Ridge since 2003.

Tell us about your involvement with the NCPGA Tournament Committee and your new position.

I have been a member of the NCPGA Tournament Committee for the past seven years; it has been exciting and fulfilling to represent the NCPGA Membership and to work side by side with other committee members to create the best tournament program for our fellow members. I was recently asked by tournament committee chairman Tracy Stansberry if I was interested in taking over as chairman in 2012. At first I wondered what I did to make him mad at me, but after a short deliberation I was honored to accept the position. I am currently serving as Vice-Chair of the committee and am looking forward to the challenges that this position will bring and excited to keep tournament play in our Section at the highest level.

Who would join you in your fantasy foursome?

My fantasy foursome would include my father, my son and Jack Nicklaus. My two biggest fans and the greatest player of all time. If we played Pebble Beach that would make it the greatest round ever.

Other facts on Shawn…

I was the first recipient of the Hershel Noonkester Award for Assistant Professionals in 1991. I am a four time NCPGA Player of the Year and was the recipient of the 2005 NCPGA Club Fitter of the Year Award. In 1999, I captured 3rd place at the PGA Professional National Championship and earned a spot on the victorious 2000 PGA Cup Team held at Celtic Manor in Wales. I have two Northern California Open Championship titles, and along with many PGA Tour events I have played in four Majors: the 1996 US Open and three PGA Championships (1997, 1999, and 2000). When I am not playing golf I write a weekly article for The Auburn Journal and enjoy fishing, playing poker and spending time with family and friends.

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Gary Olson on the importance of offering learning opportunities for junior golfers:

I grew up in Turlock and was introduced to golf by my father at age 11. I played at the Turlock Country Club and began competition at age 12 with the junior golf program. It was a wonderful experience for me and the last several years have given me the opportunity to give back to the community and to junior golf.

I am a golf instructor at Rancho Del Rey in Merced and heard about the “College for Kids” summer program at Merced Junior College a few years ago. I was approached to host a class on golf through this program at my facility.

There are two sessions – each four days, Monday through Thursday. The class is two hours per day. There were about 25-30 kids in each session, ages 6-17 but most were 6-12. The college charged students $55. I made a classroom setting at Rancho Del Rey for the theoretical part of the class. Day 1 focused on safety, clubs (including swing weight scale), a tour of the facility, scoring, the teeing ground rule and tee plaque yardage signs. I invited the parents to sit in on the class so they learned about golf clubs when they go to purchase them for their kids. We also went to the driving range and worked on stance and grip. I had a helper work with me on Days 2-4 as I needed to break the students into two groups. On Day 2 they learned about the full swing and the short game. Day 3 continued to focus on the short game and on Day 4 we reviewed both the short game and the full swing. Unfortunately there is not enough time to go out on the course. I will usually just take them to one hole to explain the water hazard and putting green rules. Each day I included etiquette and rules.

History of the game is important for kids to learn and appreciate so I provide a handout with different players, golf courses, architects and equipment for them to research on the Internet. Time permitting, they can print out the information and present it to the class.

The NCGA has a program called “Youth on Course.” I integrated the rules test the students take online and printed out and signed a certificate for the students who passed. The certificate entitles them to a discount on Northern California courses.

Gary Olson on the business impact of offering learning opportunities for junior golfers:

We really need juniors to keep golf alive. Through the “College for Kids” program I was able to expose many youngsters to the game. Many began taking private lessons from me and their parents bought new equipment for their kids. It really brings families together as now parents who may not have played golf in a while have an opportunity to engage in a new activity with their kids.

I participate in a few other community-sponsored golf programs in addition, to “College for Kids.” I teach a college-level course on golf at Merced College from January through May. It is a weekly three-hour class. Even more rewarding, I am a golf instructor for low-income housing kids, leveraging USGA grants that are available. A city bus brings in groups of 25-30 kids four times per week for a dozen sessions. We divide them by age group — ages 6-12 and 13-17 —and each group attends twice per week. Through this program, we are exposing the kids to something they would never have had a chance to learn or play. It teaches them life values and lessons that they can take with them, and once again illustrates that golf is more than just a game.

Best Practices:Offering Educational Opportunities to Junior Golfersby Gary Olsen, PGA

N C P G A B E S T P R A C T I C E S

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Three Easy Steps to NCPGA Award Nomination Step 1:Nominate an NCPGA Member or Industry LeaderVisit NCPGALinks.com – Member Services Special Awards. If you would like to nominate an individual, Click on the nominate a Professional Link and a member of the Special Awards Committee will be in contact with them or contact the Awards Committee Member in your Chapter (listing available online). Please be sure to include the nominee’s name, facility name and the award in which you are nominating them for. Also, be sure to include details regarding why they are being nominated for the award.

Step 2: Download & Complete the Award Nomination FormNomination forms are available online. Most individuals who are nominated complete this form themselves as they are best able to provide the details needed for the nomination. Be sure to include as much information as possible and include descriptive examples in order to emphasize your achievements. Remember, this form is what the committee will use to evaluate your nomination. Be sure to save this document to your computer (Save As - My Documents/Desktop) prior to answering the questions and/or closing the document.

Step 3: Submit Your Completed Award Nomination FormNomination Forms for the 2011 Awards Program must be received by June 1, 2011. Send in your completed nomination form to Jennifer Noel at the NCPGA Section Office - (emailed word documents are preferred) [email protected] or fax (707) 449-4755.

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PGA Apprentice Steve Watanabe, Jr of The Bridges Golf Club and wife Traci welcomed their first born daughter Ella Bee Makua 'aina Watanabe to the world

on December 28, 2010. Ella Bee weighed in at 6 lbs 10 oz. and was 22 inches long. Congratulations Watanabe Family!....The NCPGA Special Awards Committee is pleased to announce that the nomination period for 2011 NCPGA Special Awards begins March 1st! Please visit NCPGALinks.com (Member Services – Special Awards) to download your nomination form, to learn more about the program or to nominate a fellow professional. The deadline to submit nominations is June 1, 2011!...

N C P G A S H O R T S H O T S

Justin Williams of Poppy Hills Golf Course was congratulated by Chapter President Eric Lippert on receiving the Inaugural Monterey Bay Area Chapter Golf Professional of the Year Award. Williams, along with seven other Chapter professionals, were presented their awards at their Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony held this last December at Poppy Hills Golf Course.

The Player and Teacher Forum this last January boasted keynote speakers PGA of America Past President Jim Remy, CBS Broadcaster Gary McCord, NCPGA Teacher of the Year John Snopkowski and renowned PGA Tour coaches Randy Myers & Mike Taylor (Pictured L to R) NCPGA Executive Director & COO Chris Tomas, Player & Teacher Forum Co-chair Tom Morton, PGA, Nike Golf Representatives Megan Michel, Darren McCray, Jon Schubb, Nancy Tomich, Chris Gaeckle, Player & Teacher Forum Co-chair Scott Prenez and keynote speaker Gary McCord.

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It might be said that the TPC Network of Clubs has customer service down to a science. Its customer “contact standards,” for example, require four “touch points” during the round for each member or guest, two per side by the attendant driving a food and beverage vehicle. When that objective became harder to accom-plish because of frequent trips to the clubhouse to restock drinks, many of which now come in 20-ounce containers rather than 12-ounce cans or bottles, the TPC decided that lowering its service standards was not an option. “If someone wants a beverage or a snack and can’t get it for whatever reason, that’s a prob-lem,” says Bill DeGrafft, TPC director of food and beverage quality control. It’s a service problem with revenue implications, too. As DeGrafft says, “We’re not making any money if our beverage vehicles are sitting around waiting to be refilled.” Club Car and its Solutions Network supplier, Carts of Colorado, met with their longtime customer over a two-year period to understand TPC’s needs. � eir solution was a custom-designed vehicle built on a larger and stronger chassis with 1.5 cubic feet of additional storage capacity. � e Café Express Deluxe SE improves pro� tability and the golfer’s experience, according to DeGra� . “We can now have product available pretty much whenever a member or guest wants it,” he says.

club operations at Bear Mountain Resort, thinks so. “We’re probably saving $75,000 to $100,000 in repairs and maintenance costs because of the control we now have over our golf cars,” Dysart says. The Victoria, British Columbia resort, with two Jack Nicklaus-designed courses, also realizes revenue gains by placing ads on the 10.2-inch Visage screen for its F&B, resort lodging and new Bear Mountain Golf Academy. By combining Visage with Club Car’s Guardian SVC fleet protection system, the staff limits vehicle movement, controls the cars’ speed in pre-determined areas and can review a history of where each car has been driven. “We have some dramatic elevation changes and pretty severe topography here,” Dysart says. “We’ve had a fair amount of damage to front and rear bumpers and control arms over the years. But with Visage we’re now seeing huge, huge savings in repairs and maintenance.”

Frank Todd, the second-generation president of Etowah Valley Country Club in Hendersonville, N.C., is tired of golf getting a bad rap when it comes to the environment. “Golf used to be con-sidered something good for the environment, but it’s lost that reputation,” Todd says. “It’s time we looked at our entire industry to see what we can do to make it greener and cleaner.” Todd has changed Etowah Valley’s gas-pow-ered golf car fleet to Club Car’s Precedent elec-tric vehicles, eliminating emissions and reducing environmental noise.

New F & B Vehicles Drive Increased Service and Revenues for TPC

A fleet of golf cars is among the most expensive purchases a course makes. But could it also be one of the largest revenue generators and a key to lowering costs and bringing customers backto your facility? Shayne Dysart, director of golf

Visage Adds Control at Bear Mountain

Shayne Dysart checks fleet status at his Visage control center

Club Car products and services are helping Bear Mountain, Etowah Valley and the TPC Network increase revenues, lower costs and improve their customers’ golf experiences.

Res urce-Full

Etowah Valley opened 43 years ago on the site of a former brickyard. “It was basically a clay mine, and the land was pretty scarred,” Todd recalls. “A golf course was one of the best land reclamation projects that could have happened here, and we’re committed to continuing our stewardship of the environment.” The welcome news: doing well by the environment is also good for business. Although rounds were down for 2010 from prior years, Todd says the new Precedent fleet saved Etowah

Valley more than $12,000 last year based on the difference in gas and electricity prices, as well as savings from parts and maintenance.

Doing Well by Doing Good at Etowah Valley guest wants it,” he says.

One additional benefit: The ability to shutter several halfway houses throughout the TPC network, lowering electrical, inventory and labor costs.

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