"No written word nor spoken plea can teach our youth what they should be, nor all the books on all the shelves....it's what the teachers are themselves."
-John Wooden
One of the main topics of conversation in the classroom this academic year was the state of the industry. Due to being one of the few things that could be done safely, the game of golf has grown in popularity during the pandemic. The details of the growth will be disucssed later in this publication, but I truly believe golf professionals have served a unique role in the mental and physical health of all particpants in the game of golf. We have seen demand for interns and graduates at a rate of which I have never experienced. The challenge now will be to keep our members/customers engaged as we move forward.
In the program and golf course, we have experienced a number of staffing changes. Erika and I have hired Heather Schmitt to the role of Program Assistant. This role requires Heather to take care of the administrative needs of the program and she has had an immediate impact. At the golf course, Assistant Professional Ryan Wilhelm left after almost 6 years in his role. Assistant Professional Chelso Barrett also departed after his wife, former Assistant Coach for the MSU Women's Golf Team Kortnie, took a position with San Jose State University. We wish them well in their futures as both of them did a great job for us. Upon their departure, Head Professional Tim Basel was able to add MSU PGA Golf Management gradaute Nate Kitson in the role of Assistant Golf Professional. Nate has been in the same role at Old Waverly Golf Club for the past 5 years. We are thrilled to have him with us!
For this next departure, no amount of words I can put here will serve his service to Mississippi State. After 25 years, Mr. Pat Sneed will retire from his role as the Head Golf Course Superintendent at the MSU Golf Course. You will find a more proper write up later in this publication but Mr. Sneed has been an important and consistent piece to the golf course. His impact on students (both turf and PGA Golf Management) cannot be measured. From my point of view, Mr. Sneed is one of the finest individuals I have ever known from a professional and personal standpoint. We will miss him dearly! We have elevated Jimmy McPherson to the role of Head Golf Course Superintendent and he hired recent MSU Graduate Jake Sorrells in the position of Assistant Golf Course Superintendent.
The summer of 2021 provided the entire Bulldog Nation with something no one in maroon and white has experienced: A NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP! Campus and Starkville was electric for weeks afterwards as we all beamed with pride in our M over S logo shirts and hats. Congratulations to Coach Chris Lemonis and his entire team for their win in Omaha.
Finally, we met with the PGA of America this month for our 5-Year Accreditation and Evaluation Review. I am happy to report that with the daily efforts of all involved in the program, the PGA was positive and complimentary in their review of the program. President Mark Keenum, Dean Sharon Oswald, and Marketing Department Head Melissa Moore were all in attendance to hear the PGA's praise of the program. We are excited about our continued partnership with the PGA of America!