Arizona Golf Association
executive director Ed Gowan said Hawken is an integral part of PING’s reputation not only for quality but for dependability and excellent service. “When it comes to junior golf and
college golf, over the past 30 years, there has been no one else in the golf industry who has been as cognizant of the needs of the players and has attended to those needs,” Gowan said. “That goes for his whole staff, from John Solheim, who is the conduit for most of their activity, all the way down. “When we send people there, we
know they’re going to get 100 percent service. And obviously Doug is the one coordinating all of that and supporting it.” That passion for quality is evidenced
by the fact that PING is the only golf equipment company in the nation to achieve ISO certification — a globally- recognized quality management system dependent on continuous improvement throughout an organization. Hawken, 67, also has been
instrumental in evolving the company’s supply chain management strategy
and he has overseen marketing efforts, leading to the development of a program essential to PING’s custom-fitting processes. “Doug has been a great leader
and employee advocate for PING and a great partner for us. He has always looked out for our business,” said Rick Levy, vice president of operations for Van’s Golf Shops. “He has so many great people working
under him and they are a reflection of what he has created and what he has done with the Solheim family.” Hawken says he will be forever
grateful for the opportunities provided by the Solheim family and for that vote of confidence he received as a new college graduate. Since that day, PING has grown exponentially, particularly with its global expansion, and its employment rolls have grown by 30 times during that period. Just as impressive, Phoenix facilities have expanded from three acres with two buildings covering 25,000 square feet to 52 acres with 25 buildings covering 480,000 square feet. “We’re in the business of creating
and sustaining meaningful jobs,” Hawken said. “We accomplish this by designing and manufacturing the best golf equipment in the world. It’s an innovative approach that I’m passionate about and one I’ll endorse over any other. “Our decisions are predicated on
protecting our employees and their families and therefore we have made good long-term decisions. That’s been a big part of our success. We put employees first and that’s a very good strategy. Loyalty is hard to put a metric to, but it’s certainly something that has sustained us through difficult times.” Above all of the manufacturing
excellence and business acumen, Hawken is known throughout the industry as a “people person,” which has been a perfect fit for the PING brand. “He has a way of connecting with
our employees at every level, mentoring and challenging them while still being a friend,” John Solheim said. “His strong relationships throughout the industry, including with our accounts, media and vendors, have earned him great respect in every facet of our business.” n
Stop searching for your oasis. It’s right here. You’ll be amazed at the stories you can tell with Tucson as your escape.
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ANNUAL 2016 | AZ GOLF Insider | 27
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