6 minute read
Quarter Century Club Inductees: Ainsworth, Clinton and Carson
Quarter Century Club
Celebrating 25 Years of Service as a PGA Member
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PGA Members who have served the PGA of America with honor and pride for 25 years are elected to the Quarter Century Club. Their steadfast promotion of our great sport is recognized with a letter from the PGA President, a special Quarter Century Club certificate and a gold Quarter Century lapel pin. This month, the Colorado Section is proud to feature Quarter Century Club Members Eddie Ainsworth, PGA, Mike Clinton, PGA, and Kendall Carson,PGA
Eddie Ainsworth, PGA
CEO and Executive Director of the Colorado PGA
Where did you grow up?
I was the son of a 30-year Air Force Veteran, so I lived in multiple states and Europe.
What was your first introduction to the game of golf?
My first introduction to golf was playing and caddying with my father.
Why did you choose to become a PGA Golf Professional?
I love the game and wanted a career in golf.
What makes you most proud about being a PGA Professional?
All the things PGA Professionals do make me proud, “One Badge, Many Roles.” We get to the best part of people’s day!
What golf facilities have you been employed at and in what capacity?
· Whispering Winds Golf Course at Cannon AFB, New Mexico – Head Professional /G.C. Superintendent · Palm Meadows Golf Course at Norton AFB, California – Director of Golf · Manatee Cove Golf Course at Patrick AFB, Florida – Director of Golf · Eisenhower Golf Club at USAFA, Colorado – Head Professional/General Manager
What do you feel is the most meaningful contribution to the game of golf you have made?
Hopefully, I have brightened someone’s day or helped parents to build on their relationships with their kids. To me, it’s all about relationships.
What hobbies do you have outside of golf?
I enjoy spending time with my family and fly fishing.
If you could have a dream foursome, who would it be?
It would be a five-some: my father and three brothers. Nothing is more important than family.
THIS OR THAT SHORT PAR 5 OR SHORT PAR 3 MATCH PLAY OR STROKE PLAY pizza or tacos music on the course: off or on attire on the course: shorts or pants chocolate or vanilla favorite fastfood chain: in & OUt
Kendall Carson, PGA
Pins & Fins, LLC
Where did you grow up? I grew up in Fort Collins, CO.
What was your first introduction to the game of golf?
My father introduced me to golf at about age six.
Why did you choose to become a PGA Golf Professional?
Bill Metier, Collindale GC
What makes you most proud about being a PGA Professional?
I am proud of the fact that I have been able to figure out how to stay active and give back to a game that has given me so much.
What golf facilities have you been employed at and in what capacity?
Too many to count
What do you feel is the most meaningful contribution to the game of golf you have made?
Remaining relevant and starting involved in the growth of the game
If you could have a dream foursome, who would it be and why?
Babe, 'Ol Tom, and Payne Stewart
Carson teeing off in Colorado
Mike Clinton, PGA
GOLFTEC MN Franchise Owner - A9
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Mt Horeb WI, which is a small town outside of Madison.
What was your first introduction to the game of golf?
I was lucky that my dad was an avid golfer, and he took me to the golf course with him when I was a little kid. We grew up playing golf in local tournaments, and generally just enjoying the game. My hometown had a 9-hole course called Norsk Golf Bowl – it had 9 holes, 8 lanes of bowling, and a bar. Pretty much your typical Wisconsin small town. (Note: As you might guess, you will not find Norsk Golf Bowl on any Top 100 lists)
Why did you choose to become a PGA Golf Professional?
I got introduced to the PGA PGM program at Mississippi State, and that was a perfect path for me as I enjoyed both business and golf. The PGA PGM program was a perfect blend of the two for me and it led me to some great places and many great people.
What makes you most proud about being a PGA Professional?
It is easy to be proud of the PGA mission and the many great things our organization does for the game of golf. From helping juniors with PGA Jr. League, to the PGA REACH programs that support our military, there are so many great things in the community. That in addition to the day-in and day-out work that is done by all PGA Members to just generally be ambassadors and leaders in this great game.
What golf facilities have you been employed at and in what capacity?
I moved to Colorado to take an internship working for Clayton Cole at Cherry Hills CC. From there, I co-founded GOLFTEC with Clayton and Joe Assell some 25+ years ago.
What do you feel is the most meaningful contribution to the game of golf you have made?
The creation of GOLFTEC from a startup idea to where the company is today, with hundreds of domestic locations as well as international locations. GOLFTEC has taught millions of lessons and helped so many students improve their games. To me, coaching and helping clients improve is really what our profession is all about. There are a lot of great ways to be involved in the golf industry, but helping people play better golf is at the center of everything.
What hobbies do you have outside of golf?
Generally anything my kids are into – a lot of sports – golf, basketball, softball, and just generally being outside and active.
If you could have a dream foursome, who would it be?
Seriously, how do you narrow this down? I would have to say my grandfather, dad, and son, Nicholas. My golf dream foursome is Jack, Tiger, and Ben Hogan. My all-time golf partners are Brian Haroldson, Todd Townsend, and Derek Stendahl. Really there are too many great foursomes to consider.
Mike Clinton (Left) and Joe Assell (Right) pose next to the map pinpointing all the U.S. GOLFTEC locations
