Presidents Report

President’s Message

Let Your Relationships Support You In Times Of Stress

Fellow PGA Professionals,

2020 has certainly continued to keep us on our toes and who’d have thought that a global pandemic would send the golf industry into overdrive? With some reports showing national golf rounds up over 18%, it has been a great time for growth of the game programs, customer engagement and merchandise sales. It may seem like sometimes we are just keeping our heads above water on the day-to-day operations, but I hope that you can find the time to make those lasting relationships and customer connections that allow you to retain this influx going forward.

Ben Welsh, PGA

President Colorado PGA Head Professional Frost Creek bwelsh@pga.com P | (970) 328-2326 C | (970) 688-0115 I also want to extend a genuine concern for you, the Colorado PGA Member, and all that you may be dealing with personally this year. Amid the pandemic, increased rounds, potential financial stressors at home and now an ever-changing school calendar for your families, it is important to take care of yourself. The work-life balance is always a challenge in our business. With the added pressures this year, I encourage you to reach out to those closest to you for help if you need it or maybe to talk things through. Just sharing your challenges or commiserating with an old friend can help and hopefully allow you to be present for your family when you are home. You may even be able to help someone else get through these times.

This month, we get to celebrate more of our Colorado PGA Member’s successes with the award winners highlighted in this issue. I want to give my personal congratulations to Nick Clearwater (Teacher of the Year), Scott Erwin (Bill Strausbaugh), Mark Bacheldor (Professional Development) and Joe Assell (Warren Smith) for all their achievements. Please read on and get to know these exceptional PGA Members.

Lastly, the Section Championship reminded us all of the game we love and gave us a chance to compete for a spot in the PGA Championship. It was great to see many of you there and I want to thank Barry Milstead, PGA, and his team at Valley Country Club for hosting us.

I wish you the best with the remainder of the golf season and a healthy fall for your families.

Ben Welsh, PGA Head Golf Professional President, Colorado PGA Section 970-328-2326 (Work) 970-688-0115 (Cell)