99th Annual PGA Meeting & Leadership Session
By: Luke Millhouse
This past November I was presented an incredible unexpected opportunity; I was invited to represent the Mississippi State University PGA Golf Management Program at the 99th PGA Annual Meeting and University Program Leadership Session. It was a very fun, but busy week at PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, FL.
We first arrived at the Flagler Museum for the welcome party. At the dinner, I was able to speak with several PGA Professionals about the industry and their advice for aspiring professionals, which was very insightful.
Day two was the introduction to the PGA Annual Meeting, where new regulations were introduced to the delegates. There were four regulations proposed by the Board of Directors, and two regulations proposed by the Sections. It was interesting to see this process unfold, as it was very organized and impassioned.
Informal sessions followed a similar process, as delegates from different Sections proposed new regulations and voting followed, although not every delegate cast a vote. The true voting took place on the final day of the PGA Annual Meeting.
One of my favorite parts of the entire week came next, which was when all of the PGA Past Presidents that were in attendance shared their tremendous knowledge. The best advice that I took away was from Dick Smith, PGA. He told us that it is imperative to get involved in the industry, to never settle, and to pursue what you love doing the most.
After each PGA Past President had a chance to speak, the students were paired off and
directed to sit in on various committee meetings. I observed the Section Executive Directors, and their main focus of discussion was Section Championships. Topics included deadlines on registrations, number of alternates, and championship dates. It was inspiring to see how much passion and care each committee member demonstrated.
On day three, students were invited to play a round of golf with PGA Past Presidents and PGA officers. I had the honor to play with PGA Past President Dick Smith, PGA and incoming Board of Directors member, Glenn Lee, PGA. This was my favorite day of the week because I learned how they have impacted the game and their vision for where golf is headed, while getting to know these fine gentlemen.
The final day consisted of the actual PGA Annual Meeting. The keynote speaker, Dave Ridley, former CMO of Southwest Airlines, spoke about leadership and going above and beyond simple everyday tasks at work. After Mr. Ridley spoke, the final agenda items at the meeting were voting on the newly proposed regulations.
This was an incredible experience that I will never forget. I learned a great deal about how PGA governance operates, and saw first-hand the passion, dedication, and commitment to growing the game of golf that the PGA Professionals all across the country possess. I would like to thank the PGA of America and especially our Program Director, Mr. Jeff Adkerson, PGA, for making this experience the best of my life so far.
Photo credit: PGA of America