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Northern California Golf Associations The Expert in the Game and Business of Golf


PGA Professionals have successfully managed golf operations and have been recognized as teachers and players of the game for more than 90 years. The Northern California Section of the PGA of America was organized in 1924 and is one of 41 Sections of the PGA of America. The Northern California Section encompasses


golfers often ask. The answer is simple: because the background, education and experience of a PGA Professional make him or her the most knowledgeable in the business. Along these lines, when


all of Northern California and Northwestern Nevada and there are 1,100 PGA Professionals and apprentices employed at more than 400 country clubs, public facilities, indoor teaching centers, sport stores and more waiting to share their knowledge and love of the game with you. So you may ask, “Why do I need to take a lesson from a PGA Professional or what is the differ- ence in buying a set of clubs from my local sporting goods store than from a PGA Professional at the golf shop?” Both are great questions, and ones that many


individuals decide they would like a career in the golf industry they undergo an intense educational program that consists of various levels of coursework, interactive work activities and a playing ability test. Most individuals can complete the program in four years, depending on family and work commitments; it can take individuals longer to complete all phases of training to achieve PGA membership. The final result is a well-rounded expert in the game and business of golf. You can learn more about becoming a PGA Professional by visiting PGALinks.com and clicking on the Become a PGA Member icon. PGA Professionals are not


only teachers and players who help you improve your swing or make that next putt with ease, they fill other roles as well. Some jobs that may be held by a PGA


PGA Professional Tim Berg from Cherry Island GC helps students improve their short game during a group clinic.


Professional include general man- ager, director of golf, head golf professional, sales representative or director of instruction. The best way to find a PGA Professional in your area is to visit NCPGA at ncpga.com and click on the Pro- Finder icon or Play Golf America icon on our homepage. Through Pro-Finder, you will be able to search for instructors by name, by facility or enter your zip code to find a PGA-staffed facility. Visit PlayGolfAmerica.com to find special learning and playing programs.


New Days and Fresh Ideas


The Women’s Golf Asso- ciation of Northern California is about women serving women— females with a passion for the game of golf and dedicated to meeting the needs of members. This was my dictate as I assumed office in January of this year and one I have enthusiastically embraced from that very first day. Golf leaders must realisti-


cally assess the times in which we live and the opportunities afforded our organizations and members. With every year women become more of a force


By Marilyn Nicholls WGANC President


within the golf community. Yes, we all know about the competi- tive female golfer—whether a junior girl, current club champion or longtime participant in Open Days and tournaments—but we also must eagerly support and welcome the social golfer who loves to stroll the fairways with her friends and family members. She too has discovered the appeal and lure of this captivating game. And these same women golfers eat, drink and shop whenever given the opportunity, much to the delight of golf shop and club owners. In every way we must encourage females in their individual golf pursuits. Golfers in 2011 (whether


male or female) are faced with many challenges including


72 / NCGA.ORG / SUMMER 2011


personal discretionary time for playing the game as well as for volunteering to give back to the sport. No longer can all events be held on weekday mornings at 9 a.m. with an expectation that everyone is available. Saturday play days, evening “three-five- nine-and-wine” activities, later afternoon starting times and cre- ative thinking must be considered as we do our planning. Volunteer positions must be varied in time demands. Many individuals are willing to accept a lesser commit- ment rather than broad respon- sibilities; thus the WGANC has created director-at-large positions for specific tasks. Envision the same for your local club. The expense of involvement must be a consideration as we


plan events for potential entrants. The WGANC has moved from historic gold medallions for tournament prizes to utilizing silver. As you can well appreciate this is a cost-saving consideration for 2011 tournament participants. Varied starting times—1:00 p.m. shotgun day #1 and 8:30 a.m. day #2—for multiple day tourna- ments allow for limited overnight stays. Again, we are attempting to meet the needs of our members, maintain the integrity of our events and minimize expenditures. The times are ripe for expan-


sion in our ranks; the opportu- nities are great. No, it cannot remain “business as usual.” New days call for fresh ideas, renewed enthusiasm and reaching out to all potential golfers.


Whether it’s fixing your


swing, fitting your clubs, running your tournament or making sure you have the latest in golf apparel, make sure you look for the letters PGA after your golf professionals name as the PGA Professional can help you get more out of your love for the game of golf.


By Chris Thomas NCPGA Executive Director/COO


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