Golf Professional, Mentor, Husband and Father

A recognized Class A PGA Professional with over 30 years of experience.

Let me help your club attain success as individuals, as a team and as a club!

MY CORE BELIEFS

Membership

Tournament Operations

My Creed:

Professionalism, Consistency, Courtesy and Respect will lead us to success as a club and as individuals.

My Policy:

My door is always open.

My members should always feel comfortable talking with me or any of my staff about all aspects of my operation. Including the good and “needs working on!” By being an intent listener and mak

My Creed:

Professionalism, Consistency, Courtesy and Respect will lead us to success as a club and as individuals.

My Policy:

My door is always open.

My members should always feel comfortable talking with me or any of my staff about all aspects of my operation. Including the good and “needs working on!” By being an intent listener and making myself available, this allows me to know the mood, desires and needs of the membership. The continued implementation and understanding of my “Open Door” policy is accomplished by being active with the membership through involvement in club functions, on course activities and being on site to ensure proper management of this policy daily.

All staff will understand the importance in accomplishing all tasks requested by the membership and doing so in a timely manner.

My Purpose:

To create an unequaled experience for my members and their guests every time they are at the club. I always shoot for perfection and except nothing less than excellence from myself and my team.

"Success is the result of perfection, hard work, learning from failure, loyalty, and persistence."

Colin Powell

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Tournament Operations

"If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail."

Benjamin Franklin

All Golf Professionals and clubs are measured by how well they are able to host special events. I take great pride in being a Professional who's operation is desired to host events of importance.

I have been fortunate to host many local, state and national qualifiers, local,

"If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail."

Benjamin Franklin

All Golf Professionals and clubs are measured by how well they are able to host special events. I take great pride in being a Professional who's operation is desired to host events of importance.

I have been fortunate to host many local, state and national qualifiers, local, state and national championships, NCAA Conference and National Championships and PGA Tour Champions events.

I use a number of different tools in making these events memorable for all involved. First and foremost is preparation. From the greeter at the front gate, to the person grabbing the bag and finally to the way you write their score on the scoreboard. They all add to the “Experience” and I believe in exceeding all of these expectations. I also implement the use tournament software which allows for easy manipulation of the field as needed, proper signage throughout the clubhouse and a lot of preplanning.

Tournaments Hosted:

2018-PGA Tour Champions - The Sanford International

2012-2018-USGA Regional U.S. Mid-Amateur Qualifier

2015-2017-USGA Regional U.S. Boys Jr Amateur Qualifier

2016-NCAA Women’s Div II/Regional Golf Championships

2012-2014-NCAA Div I/SDSU Jackrabbit Invitational

2012-SDGA South Dakota 2-Man Championships

2008-University of Illinois Women’s Spring Classic

2008-2011-University of Illinois Men’s Illini Classic

2004-Illinois Amateur Championship

2004-NGA/Hooters Tour Ultra Classic

2005-U.S.G.A. U.S. Amateur Regional Qualifier

2007-Women’s Western National Amateur Championship

2007-National Callaway/PGA Junior Series

2009 & 2011-Mid-America Junior Golf Tour Championship

2010-Illinois Women’s Sr Amateur Championship

2007-2011-IHSA Girls Regional&Sectional Championships

2002-Indiana PGA Father/Son Championship

2002-Mt. Dew Junior Tour Championships

2002-U.S. Sr. Open Regional Qualifier

2001-Indiana Public Links Championship

2001 Indiana Amateur Championship Qualifier

1999-2002-Indiana Open Qualifier

1998-Indiana PGA Assistants Championship

1998-2001-The Chicago Open Qualifier

Rules Officiating:

2016-NCAA Women’s Div. II Regional Golf Championships

2012-2015-SDSU Jack Rabbit Invitational

2012-2018-USGA US Mid-Amateur Regional Qualifier

2015-2017-USGA US Boys Jr Amateur Regional Qualifier

2009&2011-Mid-America Junior Golf Tour

2007&2009-PGA/Callaway Junior Series

2004-2011-IHSA Girls Regionals

2004-2011-University of Illinois Illini Spring Classic

2004-NGA/Hooters Tour

2004-Illinois Amateur Championship

1998-2001-Chicago Open Qualifier

1999-2002-Indiana Open Qualifier

1998-2002-Indiana Mt. Dew Jr. Tour

1998-Indiana PGA Assistant’s Championship

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Merchandising

Tournament Operations

Management Philosophies, Leadership & Mentoring

Golf Shop:

I have been awarded the PGA Facility Promoter of the Year in 2018 for the Minnesota Section and the PGA Merchandiser of the Year in Illinois in 2005, 2010 and 2011. I take great pride in my merchandising abilities and how I can make my Golf Shop a special destination point for purchasing and comradeship at my club. My Golf shop is always comfortable, friendly, clean, neat, organized and seasonally decorated to enhance the experience for my team, my members and our guests. Merchandise will always be displayed professionally by the use of a myriad of non-golf related props such as antiques, collectibles and art such as paintings, carvings and bronzes to help bring out the theme, season and desired mood of the Golf Shop as well as every display.

Inventory:

Soft Goods:

I stock a wide selection of the latest products from traditional golf companies as well as small non-golf/lifestyle collections from specialty companies such as Filson, Will leather and ML Leddy tied directly to our local community and its' activities. The majority of brands, products and pricing structure will be dictated by past buying histories of the members and this will be derived from sales reports and the past buying history and successes of the previous Professionals. Member requests and my desire to provide cutting edge and innovative products not readily available in our immediate area greatly influence my purchasing and inventory offerings. In order for a Golf Shop to run efficiently and profitable, the merchandise must be turned at least 3-4 times annually. I have learned through by incentivizing your team, proper displays, rotating of merchandise and active floor sales this is attainable.

Hard Goods:

Hard goods merchandising is similar to getting a new suit. We are now able to truly custom tailor every order for our members and guests. I believe all Professional staff should have a separate corporate relationship with the different manufacturers in the market today and will be certified fitters with their partner. These relationships are paramount in the timeliness of order placement, shipping and product favoritism. Much of the success of growing hard goods sales is the proficiency of all staff and their ability to give pertinent and professional advice using technology as our advocate and to the benefit of our client.

Special Events:

I believe in the idea of having something for all Members. I host bi-annual trunk shows for men and women to accommodate seasonal buying trends. We host a Special “Demo Day Extravaganza” to satisfy the early season cravings for the latest in hard goods.

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Management Philosophies, Leadership & Mentoring

Professional Affiliations, Continuing Education & Teaching Philosophies

Management Philosophies, Leadership & Mentoring

Communication:

Communication is Key!

Through proper communication, I am able to express my expectations, understanding, appreciation and loyalty. When everyone knows the role they play is important and understands what is expected of them, we will succeed not only as individuals, but more importantly, as a team.

Information must flow in all

Communication:

Communication is Key!

Information must flow in all directions to allow the Superintendent, Club/General Manager, and Golf Professional to properly schedule and operate. The Director of Golf and Golf Professional hold the position of being a liaison to all at the club. He must be able to analyze each situation of concern, compile information as related to the golf operation and then report those findings and/or opinions to the Superintendent, Club/General Manager, Committee, Board of Directors or Owners.

Delegation and Training:

"Tell me, and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me, and I learn." Benjamin Franklin

I believe training/learning is something that is ongoing and continual, created by situations that occur daily. By the use of written training policies and procedures, we are able to create standards in how our team acts in all situations. The team will understand their responsibilities and how those tasks, when performed consistently, affect our club's success in providing an unmatched level of experience for the member and guests. Through cross–training they know what part they play, have confidence and the ability to assist in all tasks, and understand what is required by all to accomplish our goals as a team. During this process, I am close to help with all questions that may arise. Allowing and managing failures of my staff is one of my greatest tools in teaching how to succeed in their job, in this business and in life. One of favorite sayings with my team; "I will teach you how to sail the ship. I will let you sail the ship but I am here to ensure that you don't sink the ship!" My teams’ decisions and actions will always be made in the best interest of the club, adhering and mirroring the club’s rules, policies and procedures.

The end result of a properly trained and motivated staff…….

High morale, high confidence and high-quality customer service.

Leadership:

"The single biggest way to impact an organization is to focus on leadership development. There is almost no limit to the potential of an organization that recruits good people, raises them up as leaders and continually develops them."
-John Maxwell

I believe a club's team of its' General Manager, Director of Golf, Food & Beverage Director, Chef, Superintendent and other department heads, when given the club's direction, will support their individual teams and promote others by securing/supplying the appropriate education, training, tools, support and incentives to help grow the club's whole team. By encouraging and having thoughtful conversations about operational improvement with their teams and transparency by these department heads on goals set within budgets for staff recruitment and advancement, increasing revenue drivers, etc... we encourage our team to participate with not only their opinions but in their actions of assistance to the plan and their teammates.

* Successfully Mentored Assistant Professionals moving them into Head Professional and GM positions at Private Facilities as well as multiple others through their PGA Golf Professional Training Program (G.P.T.P.).

* 1999 - 2003 - Invited to be key instructor in PGA of America pilot program, “Golf, Business and Life”

Purdue University(3 sessions/125 students per session)

* 2004-2012 - Host and creator of “Golf, Business and Life” program for University of Illinois, Hoeft Technology Management Studies (3 sessions annually/15 students per session)

* 2010-2012 - Lead Instructor of “Sunshine Through Golf” program designed to teach golf to individuals with disabilities.

Section Awards & Activity:

* 2018 - Minnesota Section PGA Facility Promoter of the Year

* 2005, 2010 & 2011 - Illinois PGA Section Merchandiser of the Year

* 2004 - 2010 - Nominated for Illinois PGA Merchandiser of the Year, Public Sector

* 2008 - Member of Illinois PGA Heartland Cup Team

* 2013- 2022 - PGA Leaders Program

* PGA Magazine Feature Articles (1999, 2014, 2015 & 2023)

- March 1999 - work with children

- November 2014 - tournament operations

- February 2015 - creation of women’s/couples programs to facilitate new member growth

- February 2023 - PGA Merchandise Show activity

* 1992 - President, Indiana Apprentice Assistants Association

* 1998 - 2000 - Nominated - Indiana PGA Merchandiser of the Year

* 2001 - Qualified for National Oldsmobile Championships

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Project Planning & Management

Professional Affiliations, Continuing Education & Teaching Philosophies

Design/Build Project:

* WCGC: Transitioned and overhauled the business operations from a small office setup to an enterprise and business class operation by implementing best practices around security, capabilities, efficiencies, hardware, and technologies.

* WCGC: Directly involved in managing the acquisition of stock & club purchase from

Design/Build Project:

* WCGC: Directly involved in managing the acquisition of stock & club purchase from 27 owners to single ownership.

* WCGC: Interviewed, secured and worked in conjunction with golf course Architect (Todd Clark/Brent Hugo) creating golf course, range and grounds long range plan and budget.

* WCGC: Identified and partnered with local MSP (managed service provider) to implement a robust and uniform business class infrastructure and security practice to protect the club’s information systems, people, data and technology.

* WCGC: Developed a standardized and uniform hardware practice for business class devices and capabilities for ease of use, reliability, service, and predictable lifecycle replacement schedule.

* WCGC: Consolidated vendors and services by identifying a strategic partnership which provided the club with greater uptime, expedited service and economy of scale.

* WCGC: Implemented a dedicated fiber optic service to allow the club staff, members, and guests to experience a business class wireless environment for greater efficiencies, workflows, and reliability.

* WCGC: Implemented cloud-based solutions for POS, restaurant & kitchen delivery systems, document management, document collaboration, accessibility, security, and back-up.

* WCGC: Initiated, negotiated and finalized city sewer hookup for club prior to 2021 construction & renovation project.

* WCGC: Initiated, negotiated and finalized change over from single phase to 3 phase power prior to construction/renovation project.

* WCGC: Directed 2021/2022, $7m, 29,000 sq.ft. Clubhouse renovation and locker room expansion project (12 month build).

* WCGC: Worked directly with GC and subcontractors through construction, Hiring of Architect, Locker production, Interior Decorator and AV professional.

* WCGC: Worked directly with architect/contractors during design and construction of new 6,800 sq ft clubhouse putting green.

* WCGC: Directed $1.5m building of 3800 sqft, 4 Bed, 4.5 bath Members Cabin on 18th Green. Worked directly with GC and subcontractors through design, construction, Hiring of Architect and Interior Decorator.

* MCC: Served on selection committee in the hiring of new golf course architect (Ron Force) for golf course long range plan, renovation project and property additions.

* MCC: Worked with course architect and Superintendent through the design/construction of new short game area and redesign project.

* MCC: Managed Golf Shop renovation project in spring of 2017

* MCC: Served as intermediary in the absence of CEO/GM with contractors during lower level and total clubhouse renovation.

Liaison to Membership

* MCC: Served as liaison for club in creating interest and support amongst membership for $1.9M clubhouse lower-level renovation project.

* MCC: Served as liaison for club in creating interest and support amongst membership for $7.7M 10,000 sq ft expansion and clubhouse renovation project.

* MCC: Served as liaison for club in actively campaigning for and securing membership support for PGA TOUR Champions event.

* MCC: Presented National and local TV, Print and radio interviews on behalf of club to build awareness of PGA TOUR Champions event and benefitting charities.

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Professional Affiliations, Continuing Education & Teaching Philosophies

Professional Affiliations:

* PGA of America

Elected to Membership - 1992

Quarter Century Member - 2017

* AGM - Member since 2009

* CMAA - Member since 2021

* Master Staff member - Titleist & Footjoy

* Club Fitter - Titleist, Callaway, Taylor Made and Ping.

Continuing Educations:

*Over 400 hours of advanced product training, National and Section

Professional Affiliations:

* PGA of America

Elected to Membership - 1992

Quarter Century Member - 2017

* AGM - Member since 2009

* CMAA - Member since 2021

* Master Staff member - Titleist & Footjoy

* Club Fitter - Titleist, Callaway, Taylor Made and Ping.

Continuing Educations:

*Over 400 hours of advanced product training, National and Section PGA continuing education seminars:

Club Operations:

Jonas, Club Essentials, Country Club Systems, Fore Reservations

Tournament Operations:

Golf Genius, TPP, Viper Tournament software

PGA Advanced Professional Training:

Rules of Golf, Teaching & Coaching, SNAG Golf(Certification Instructor & Certified Teacher), Junior golf, Club Management, Tournament Operations, Club fitting, Speed of play, Hosting Championships, CPR/AED Advanced life saving and Turf grass diseases and chemicals.

Teaching Philosophies:

Passionately dedicated to teaching the game of golf and sharing all its’ rewards. Having a proven track record in successfully improving all levels of play regardless of abilities or disabilities for juniors, ladies and men. Using a myriad of tools to help in reaching our final destination of an overall appreciation of their time spent on the golf course and the club.

Teaching Technology:

- TrackMan, Sky Trak, Foresight and Ernest launch monitors

- Arcos Golf

Mentors who helped me acquire Teaching Skills:

Mr. Jackie Burke, Mr. Jimmy Demaret (Owners, Champions Golf Club)

Mr. Jim Flick, Mr. Chuck Cook, Ms. Dee Dee Owens (Golf Digest Schools, The Golf Club at Desert Mountain)

Mr. Dick Hyland, Mr. Don Padgett, Sr., Mr. Ed Knych, Mr. Doug Booth, Mr. John Dunham, Mr. Jack Barber, Mr. Mike Peterson and countless other PGA Professionals who allowed me to look, listen and learn while observing different teaching styles and methods.

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