Parks ’ father also served in the Marines for four years , and , as Parks puts it , “ I did the rest !”
“ My dad always said that if they didn ’ t have the Marine Corps , they ’ d have to invent one for me !” laughed Parks , whose dad , now suffering from Alzheimer ’ s back in Parks ’ hometown in New Hampshire , is clearly one of his heroes .
Parks is equally enthusiastic about his association with the Midwest Section PGA and salutes the organization for the unwavering support of its members .
“ The Section has been amazing ,” he reflected . “ I enjoy going to meetings and getting to know everyone , including Adam Greeno , Executive
Parks , Drill Instructor of the Year 1997 , Marine Corps Recruit Depot , Parris Island , SC .
Director ; Nolan Becerra , Director of Communications ; and , of course , Jacque Madison , my career counselor . It is a great community .”
While Parks may undoubtedly have the opportunity to one day rise to the status of general manager for a golf course , he feels most at home on the links .
Parks with his wife , Stephanie , during a 2021 visit to the 1st Battalion 4th Marines .
aspires to one day teach golf , but he does have those occasional “ scratch your head ” moments when he contemplates how and why he got here .
“ Who does this ?” he questions , referring to his work in the pro shop at age 57 after a quarter of a century of distinguished service in the Marines , followed by several years working in the corporate world , including stints in finance and as a business consultant . “ Every day here is a humbling experience , as my peers are high school and college-age kids .”
But when you discover you are a service-oriented person , according to Parks , you simply budget for that .
“ When I began the PGA program , my passion for the game pushed me to do this ,” explained Parks , who recently completed his certification for PGA HOPE ( Helping Our Patriots Everywhere ). He looks forward to working with veterans through that avenue , connecting with them through the game of golf , something he sees as important to assimilating back into civilian life .
“ It took me seven years to be able to handle life ,” said Parks , referring to the mental health challenges he has endured after completing seven combat tours throughout his career . “ Golf is soothing for me , and getting involved with the PGA HOPE program is something I felt I had to do .”
“ I want to teach others the game ,” he said , smiling . “ I simply want to help people through this game . I am proud to represent the game of golf through what I do , honoring the Section and my dad .”
For Parks , life is all about taking deep breaths , helping others , and using the game of golf to help and serve others .
“ I try to stay in good shape , and I want to be of service in this way ,” said Parks , who also looks forward to taking the PGA HOPE program to the next level . “ This program helps vets get out of their comfort zone , and I know what that is like because — I have been there and done that .”
All Thomas Parks photos contributed .
Ann Butenas is a contributing writer for the Midwest Section PGA . For more information about the Midwest Section PGA , call 816.229.6493 or visit www . midwest . pga . com .
TeeTimesMagazine . com TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE August 2023 13