News
Meet the Pro
Thomas Parks
After serving 25 years in the Marine Corps , at age 57 , he ’ s now sharply focused on earning PGA membership .
by Ann E . Butenas , contributing writer
As Parks steps onto a golf course , he begins to feel a sense of calm wash over him . The discipline and precision ingrained in him during his 25 years of service in the United States Marine Corps is uniquely evident in the way he approaches this game . Golf is not only a vehicle through which he can continually serve others but also a way to reclaim his sense of peace . While Parks works to earn all the requirements to become elected to PGA membership through the Professional Golf Management ( PGM ) program , he has already earned unparalleled recognition for his actions from March 20 – April 10 , 2003 . During the charge towards Baghdad that ultimately toppled Saddam Hussein , Parks served as the battalion infantry weapons officer for the 1st Battalion , 4th Marines , attached to Regimental Combat Team 1 .
Midwest Section PGA associate member and USMC ( Ret .) Tom Parks on the tee at The National Golf Club of Kansas City in 2022 .
As I began my interview with Thomas Parks , he had stepped aside from the Employee of the Month breakfast at The National Golf Club of Kansas City . While he has been honored with that recognition several times before , this particular time , it was presented to a co-worker of his . And that is just fine with Parks . He views his purpose in life as one of service , regardless of the recognition he might receive for his continual acts of faithfulness , kindness , compassion , and duty , the latter of which has been deeply rooted in his heart and soul and for good reason .
Tom Parks , Marine Gunner CWO2 , 2002 .
In a display of incredible bravery , he singlehandedly neutralized an enemy tank , a sniper , and two adversaries who dared to ambush his commanders . The swift and precise actions he took saved countless lives on the march to Baghdad , as he eliminated numerous other enemy fighters along the way . Not content with just defending his own , he fearlessly risked his own life to safeguard Iraqi families , guiding them to safety in bunkers while bullets whizzed through the air . His selfless response amidst the chaos of battle is now hailed as nothing short of heroic , rightfully earning him the prestigious Silver Star , a testament to his exceptional courage and unwavering commitment to the cause .
This may sound like something directly out of a Hollywood movie , but it is a true representation of the pages of Park ’ s life as he honorably served in the Marines . While the memories still haunt him , he has learned to channel his emotions in a productive and uplifting manner through the game of golf , a sport that he really did not connect with until just a few years ago . It was as if golf was looking for him and found him at the right moment .
Currently working in the golf shop at The National Golf Club of Kansas City , Parks is completing Level 1 of the PGM Program . He
12 August 2023 TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE