Page 1 of 7 *Note: The format of this newsletter is not fully compatible with Microsoft Outlook. Please view the newsletter in your web browser for the best On the Fringe experience.* October 25, 2016 Issue Number: 32 Presented By: 2017 CPGA Major Tournament Schedule Announced The initial schedule for our 2017 Majors has been announced! Bolded items are confirmed locations as of October 25. We will continue to provide updates as progress is made by our tournament team. www.carolinas.pga.com Featured Partner National Car Rental CPGA Las Vegas Pro-Am IN THIS ISSUE 2017 CPGA Major Tournament Schedule Announced Global Golf Sales Par-3 Challenge Update Meet Rick Murphy, PGA Off Season Workout BlueGolf Carolinas App Tournaments, Education & Meeting Opportunities East Coast Junior Golf Summit US Kids Golf Certified Coach Seminar Educational Seminar In Case You Missed It March 20-21 Head Professional Champ. / RBC Heritage Member Qual. Wexford GC April 3-4 Tar Heel Cup Matches River Landing CC May 8-9 Nat l Car Rental / Harrah s Casino Pro-Am Cherokee National GC May 22-24 (M-W) 66th South Carolina Open Dataw Island Club June 6-8 53rd SignArt North Carolina Open The Club at Irish Creek July 17-18 Pro-Assistant Championship River Landing CC August 1-3 93rd Carolinas Open Presented by BB&T Bryan Park GC September 18-20 (M-W) Section Professional Championship Sea Pines Resort (Harbour Town & Atlantic Dunes) October 3 Club Car / National Car Rental Pro-Official Championship Grandfather G&CC November 28-30 E-Z-GO Pro-Pro Championship TBD TBD Section Assistant Professional Championship TBD TBD Section Senior Professional Championship TBD TBD OMEGA Match Play Championship TBD Follow CPGA STAY CONNECTED WITH THE CPGA Global Golf Sales Par-3 Challenge Update Throughout this season, Section Professionals have had the opportunity to earn points toward the enhanced Global Golf Sales Par-3 Challenge. It will take place on Monday, November 28 (the day before the Pro-Pro Championship) on Pinewild CC of Pinehurst s nine-hole par-3 Azalea Course. The Par-3 Challenge will have a $10,000 purse! Over the nine-hole competition, there will be nine $1,000 skins up for grabs. If there is no skin on a hole, those tied for the lowest score will share the $1,000 for that hole. No carryovers. The remaining $1,000 from the purse will be awarded on total score. 72 competitors will be invited to participate - 20 will be the team champions from the 10 Area Challenge events. - 12 will be sponsor exemptions to be used by Global Golf Sales. - 40 will qualify through a mix of tournament participation, service to the Section, and growth of the game activities.
Page 2 of 7 The current standings are available by clicking here. We ask that all Section Professionals review their point tallies and communicate any omissions no later than Monday, October 31 at 5:00 PM. After that time, the field will be set, and invitations will be communicated. CONTACT US Jeff Abbot, CPA Executive Director jabbot@pgahq.com 336.398.2676 Kurt Battenberg, PGA Assistant Executive Director Operations & Finance kbattenberg@pgahq.com 336.398.2672 We hope to see you there! Meet Rick Murphy, PGA Candidate for PGA of America Secretary PGA members Russ Libby, Rick Murphy and Jim Richerson are the declared candidates for the office of PGA of America Secretary. The election will be held on Nov. 11, 2016, at the 100th PGA Annual Meeting in New York City (via PGA of America). We're thrilled to see our very own PGA Professional Rick Murphy running for this role. Rick Murphy, PGA is the owner/director of instruction of the Rick Murphy Golf Academy & Practice Center and Greensboro National Golf Club in Greensboro, North Carolina. Cory Armstrong Assistant Executive Director Tournaments & Business Development carmstrong@pgahq.com 336.398.2677 Mike Whitenack Assistant Tournament Director mwhitenack@pgahq.com 336.336.2679 Christopher Gaines, PGA Tournament Official cgaines@pgahq.com 336.398.2848 Liz Muroski Director of Media & Promotions lmuroski@pgahq.com 336.398.2675 Throughout his career, in addition to many other honors and accomplishments, Rick has received numerous awards including the Carolinas PGA Palmer Maples Teacher of the Year award, the PGA Professional of the Year, recognized as a Golf Magazine Top Teacher in the Southeast, ranked by Golf Digest as a Top 10 Teacher in North Carolina, and nominated to Golf Magazine s Top 100 Teachers in America. Check out his campaign video HERE! Off Season Workout Submitted by Don Sweeting (Employment Consultant for the PGA of America) Fall marks the start of the season when many PGA Professionals will be turning their sights to seeking a new position and going through the job search process. Just as in every other business, candidates are responding to the challenges a more competitive job market poses. PGA Employment Consultants experience working with employers as well as counseling PGA job seekers has provided us a unique perspective on the factors that may go into an employer s hiring decision. As we assist candidates, it is common and appropriate for them to focus on their resume and cover letter. However, there are many other factors, much like fitting together the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, to being invited to an interview and being selected over a quality field. The key element that many candidates overlook is identifying and solving the 3-4 puzzle pieces that the employer feels are absolutely critical. Just as every PGA Professional is unique, every facility is unique with its own history, DNA and culture as well as its strengths and challenges. Therefore, each will weight puzzle pieces uniquely. Below is an illustration of some fundamental components that employers may use to differing degrees in deciding who they interview, and ultimately who they hire: Nazmieh Daniels Tournament Coordinator ndaniels@pgahq.com 336.398.2678 Talma Kee Membership Coordinator tkee@pgahq.com 336.398.2852
Page 3 of 7 So, the Off Season Workout is to improve your education, skills and materials to prepare for the next opportunity. There are questions and comments for each part of the puzzle below; can you utilize PGA Resources (including me) for improvements? Resume & Cover Letter Is your resume content targeted to the job and the facility? Is the information presented in a logical and easy to read format? Have you included specific accomplishments that are relevant to the job you are seeking? Does the cover letter connect with the employer and pique their interest? Are the cover letter and resume free of spelling and grammatical errors? Remember, the first reader of your resume is looking for a reason to exclude yours! Interview Do you know the format for the interview and who will be interviewing you? Have you prepared for the questions you may be asked? Do you know the do s and don ts of interviewing? Are you prepared for a telephone, skype or in-person interview? Portfolio Have you prepared an interview portfolio with information that illustrates your unique qualifications, targeted to the position and presented in an easy to follow format? Research Prior to sending your resume and/or interviewing, have you researched the job so you are knowledgeable about the facility? Do you know the employer s key issues, needs, and priorities? Expect the interview committee to sense when a candidate hasn t done their research. Network Have you utilized your network of contacts and references to learn about the facility, promote your candidacy, and help you get your foot in the door for an interview? While it is true in every industry, it is especially valid in golf - people interview and hire people who have developed a strong support group who are eager to promote them. Geography Are you within the geographic region where the employer is willing to consider candidates for an interview and possible relocation? If not, what can you do to overcome this hurdle? Perception In sales, there is a maxim that it is possible to overcome any buyer s objection except the unspoken objection. As you prepare, it is wise to consider how the employer may view you and your candidacy. Does your resume and work experience create the right impression of you in the eyes of the employer, based on what they are seeking in candidates? Are you an experienced Head Professional or an up and coming Assistant? Are you perceived as a teacher, player, business oriented, strong manager, innovative promoter, etc.? Do you have a private club background, or will you be viewed as a public course professional? If the employer s opinion of you doesn t fit their perceived model, how can you meet that objection and change their mind? Cultural Fit Do you fit the culture and environment of the facility, owner/gm/board, community, region, clientele, etc? If not, is this the right job for you? Education Does your level of education match the employer s requirements or preferences? If not, can you make up for this through your experience and a history of continuing professional education? It is more critical than ever that PGA Professionals truly are the experts in the game and business of golf. In addition to the above factors, most employers are also looking for experience in the following areas, based on their needs and priorities, along with evidence of quantifiable accomplishments or a proven track record:
Page 4 of 7 Operations / Business Management Supervising daily operations, coordinating activities and events, managing the merchandise concession, handling business functions is more important than ever at all facility types. Customer Service While technical skills are important, customer service and interpersonal relationships are absolutely fundamental to a Professional s success. Staff Management Increasingly, PGA managers are evaluated on their ability to recruit, hire, train, manage, develop, motivate, evaluate and mentor those they supervise. Finance Developing and managing budgets, maximizing revenues, controlling costs, understanding basic accounting principles, providing financial and operational reports and recommending real time adjustments are another essential skill set. Technology Virtually every facility values the ability to use golf operations and POS applications, Word, Excel, e-mail, database and contact management, website development and social networking sites. It is important to stay up to date. Marketing / Player Development At almost all facility types, developing and implementing programs and activities to increase rounds, participation, memberships, customer base and create new players is necessary. Teaching / Playing Fortunately, providing instruction programs to all skill levels, coordinating junior golf programs, playing golf with members/customers, playing competitively and Pro-Am participation is still viewed as an asset only the PGA Member provides. Don t allow your teaching and playing ability to deteriorate and become a negative to your career as well as your enjoyment of it. Finally, think of the job search as a golf tournament. Only in this tournament there is only 1 st place. Make sure that you have done everything possible to set yourself up for success including conferring with your PGA Employment Consultant. Don t hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss your own job search strategy or for assistance with any PGA employment services. Don Sweeting is an Employment Consultant for the PGA of America and can be contacted at (704) 440-8025 or by e-mail at dsweeting@pgahq.com. Do you have our BlueGolf App? Enjoy FREE, unlimited access to our member and facility directory, tournament info, and partner listings. For further details about the app, how to download, access and navigate, please SEE HERE or click the image above Tournaments, Education and Meeting Opportunities Section Majors, Senior/Junior Tournament and Assistants Association Events October 23-27: National Car Rental CPGA Las Vegas Pro-Am November 1-2: Pine Needles/Mid Pines CPGA Senior Open November 2-3: OMEGA CPGA Match Play Championship - For a full list of upcoming tournaments, see here East Coast Junior Golf Summit East Coast Junior Golf Summit Congressional Country Club --- November 2-3, 2016 Eagle Partner
Page 5 of 7 The East Coast Junior Golf Summit, Presented by LOOPER Golf is just around the corner! There is enough room for about another dozen Professionals. Attendance will be limited to 50 to keep the intimate, interactive & supportive atmosphere, so if you haven t signed up yet, now is the time. If you have a friend who you d like to join in the fun, make sure they don t miss their chance. The East Coast Junior Golf Summit started in 2013 with a vision --- To make the lives of Junior Golf Professionals and the Kids they teach richer by providing a respectful environment for meaningful dialogue where panelists and attendees interact as equals. We ended up with something even more valuable: - A COMMUNITY of Junior Golf Leaders who interact throughout the year, - A GROUP of kindred spirits who know that golf makes the lives of kids and families richer - A MOVEMENT to elevate the impact and status of junior golf Through asking great questions, we challenge our own beliefs about the right way to do things and learn new ways from others. Last year, 52 Professionals & Industry Leaders came together and did just this, and left the Summit with new ideas and energy! Click here to register!!! The goal of the 2016 Summit remains the same; To bring together the best Junior Golf Leaders on the East Coast to share success stories and practices that work, and to return to your home facility with new ideas and enthusiasm. Come together on November 2-3 at the beautiful and historic Congressional Country Club with the best junior golf Professionals from the Middle Atlantic, Philadelphia, Met, New England & Carolinas Sections. For the Summit to be successful, please come prepared to both impart your wisdom and receive new ideas. Bring your junior golf materials to share with other Junior Golf Advocates. Photos of special events, copies of junior program, screen shots of junior websites, etc. If you have a method of recognizing the progress and participation, please bring photos and materials that you use for that purpose to share with the group. Comfortable Golf Apparel is appropriate for the Summit and please wear shoes that are appropriate for movement as some of the activities are hands on. Hotel Suggestions (All within 10 miles 25 minutes of Congressional and under $125/night when booked through secondary marketing websites on October 15) - Double Tree Bethesda - Hyatt Bethesda - Bethesda Marriott If you have any questions or ideas, please contact Mike Aldrich at 703-728-9033 or maldrich@pgahq.com. US Kids Golf Certified Coach Seminar If you re looking for practical tools and fresh ideas to enhance your youth golf program, we invite you to participate in one of the upcoming U.S. Kids Golf Certified Coach Seminar being held at Longleaf Golf & Family Club in Southern Pines, NC. While earning up to 10 education credits from the PGA or LPGA, you will learn how to implement an organized instructional program and gain expert insight into many aspects of youth golf development.
Page 6 of 7 These include club fitting, swing speed development, proper course length, and utilizing gamebased instruction to assure kids have fun while learning. Both indoor and outdoor sessions are included along with live demonstrations of club fitting, swing speed development, and the use of games. For more information about Certified Coach Seminars, please visit uskgcoach.com. Already a USKG Certified Coach? Learn how you can attend a seminar at a discounted rate by sending an email to coach@uskidsgolf.com Educational Seminar: Links O Tryon Golf Course (Area I) What: Educational Seminar - "Implementing a Putting Instructional Program for Your Club" by Mike Shannon, PGA - Putting Instructor @ Sea Island Resort, Ga. and One of America's Top 100 Instructors. When - Friday, November 11th - 9:00 am to 12:00 Noon Where - Links O' Tryon GC, Campobello, SC 29322 MSR - 3 MSR credits Registration: Contact host Professional, Marc Brady, PGA at 864-468-5099 or via e-mail marc@mbradypga.com Mike Shannon, a native Tar Heel counts many Touring professionals and Tour winners as his students. He says host Pro Marc Brady s, " program is excellent and everyone will go away with new found knowledge which will enhance their instructional programs at their club and help with their own putting as well" In Case You Missed It Miss an issue of On the Fringe? Check out our past issues here New Member/Facility App Directory Now Available for CPGA Online Member Changes Advertising Opportunities Partnership Opportunities Follow the Carolinas PGA on Social Media! Help us grow the game online! Click the links in the sidebar to follow along with the CPGA on social media!
Page 7 of 7 Would you like to see your story in a future issue of "On the Fringe"? Featured Partner National Car Rental CPGA Las Vegas Pro-Am Paiute Golf Resort - Las Vegas, NV Sunday - Thursday, October 23-27, 2016 Close Window