2015 PGM Intern Conference
at Quaker Ridge Golf Club
On Thursday, July 23rd, sixteen PGA Golf Management students from seven universities gathered at Vineyard Vines Headquarters and Quaker Ridge Golf Club for the 5th Annual PGA Golf Management Intern Conference. This year’s event was highlighted by a tour of the impressive new facilities at Vineyard Vines, with an insider’s look into how the company has found success in the retail industry.
After an insightful tour of the historical Quaker Ridge Golf Club by host PGA Professional Brian Gaffney, students enjoyed an expert panel discussion with Gaffney, Sam Wiley, PGA Head Professional at Wee Burn Country Club, and Charlie Robson, Executive Director of the Metropolitan PGA Section. During the discussion, the panelists offered excellent career advice, stressing the importance of representing one’s self professionally, the impact of mentoring, and how to advance in the industry.
A few highlights of the discussion are found below:
Brian Gaffney
“Whatever I do or say, I am representing my club. That is a huge weight to bear, and I make sure to impress upon my assistants how important professional representation of the club is for all of us.”
“I want people who want success. That’s how I hire. If a candidate comes to me with his or her dreams, and then specific goals on how to reach those dreams, that candidate will have made an impression on me.”
“Be very honest with yourself with what you want in the golf business, then separate yourself. Be the best at a specific skill required to be a great professional. If you differentiate yourself with that skill, you will find success.”
Brian encourages his staff to write their goals on a sheet of paper, hang that sheet of paper on their bathroom mirror, take a picture, and show that picture to Brian. That way, he knows that his staff is always striving towards their goals.
Sam Wiley
Sam uses as many barometers as possible to evaluate candidates interviewing for a position on his staff. He’ll evaluate based on playing ability, how the candidate presents himself or herself at meals, and takes feedback from current staff very seriously.
“I hire ladies and gentlemen first. I can teach the golf industry skills, but the ‘base’ is so important in this industry.”
“It is important for PGM students to know that yes, you have a great skill set and training in place, but it takes patience to find your way in this industry. With the correct training, passion, and some patience, you can go far in this business.”
Charlie Robson
“The greatest professionals in golf mentor and produce the next generation of great professionals. Therefore, success breeds success.”
“Find a role model who you can use to direct your steps in this industry. If you can find a role model who cares about your future, you will be better off for it.”
Round Table Discussion
The evening concluded with a casual conversation among the sixteen students and the expert panel about the golf business. A few notes below came from that excellent discussion:
-
Use drones to shoot GoPro footage of the golf course for excellent overhead views of the course to help promote the facility and events
-
The expert panel agreed that knowing about finance (both personal and in the business world) and being current with the news is important as a golf professional who interacts with members every day
-
Students should sit down with host professionals at the beginning of each internship and set goals based on where the student needs more training and experience
-
Personal finances emerged as an important topic in the discussion. Students were encouraged to take lesson revenue and set up a modest IRA account as soon as possible to start saving for retirement
