CELEBRATING 25 YEARS

What made you apply for your first job at Porters Neck?

I was working at Woodlake CC outside of Pinehurst and I resigned around the beginning of December. While I was OK taking some time off from a job that was basically a 7 day a week job, I was needing to find a job because I was getting married in May. My future wife and I decided we would like to live in Wilmington. I applied to a few courses in town and eventually got an interview at PN. Ron Thomasson was the head pro at the time, and he hired me to be the First Assistant. I don’t think it was 2-3 months and Ron left to take another job and soon after that I was named the Head Golf Professional.

When was your first official day and do you remember much of it?

Around the 1st of March in 1998 It was a long time ago so don’t remember too much, but I do remember how dark the pro shop was

What are the biggest changes to the golf course since your first day?

The course itself has really changed very little Hurricanes and tornadoes have changed the look over the years due to the loss of hundreds of trees I have seen a few renovations done, greens twice, bunkers multiple times, addition of the new practice areas All have been great for the Club Probably the biggest change is the amount of homes that have been built along the course When I got here in 1998, there were no or only a couple homes on holes 13-18

What's your favorite memory of the last 25years?

I should have kept a journal! There are so many In the early years we had movie stars, sports stars, famous coaches, vice presidents visit PN, that was a cool time

How has the job of a Golf Pro changed over the past 25 years?

The role has transformed from that of a shopkeeper doing the odd repair job and giving an occasional lesson to one that’s far more dynamic with PGA pros involved in at least some, if not all areas of golf club management as well as coaching, PR, finance, retail and sharing general golfing expertise in equipment, technique, rules and golf technology

Today’s PGA pros must be well versed in technology and not only when it comes to instruction or club fitting. In an ever more digital world, tee bookings have moved online, as have competition draws, score entry, and the World Handicap System. A PGA professional must have a full grasp of all of these and be able to explain to members and visitors who need some guidance.

Switching from everything being done by done and handwriting to almost everything being done online has been quite a change. It takes some getting used to for many members and us more ‘seasoned’employees. We’re always happy to walk people through new apps and the functions within them but it’s certainly time consuming.

What's your favorite part of the job?

I just like coming to work every day. I have been lucky through the years to have a good staff, and the membership has always been enjoyable to be around. Who wouldn’t want to work here every day?

Final Question: How have you managed to look the same??

A case of PBR a week