The landscape of golf is evolving, and at the forefront of this transformation are female leaders who are breaking barriers and redefining the role of women in the sports industry. Their presence as general managers, owners and influential figures is not merely a noteworthy development; it signifies a pivotal shift toward inclusivity and diversity within an industry traditionally dominated by men.
These women are skilled in their craft and serve as powerful role models, inspiring the next generation of golfers and leaders. By occupying significant positions, they challenge stereotypes, demonstrate that leadership knows no gender and pave the way for future female athletes and professionals. Their contributions are shaping the future of golf, fostering an environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and excel. One such trailblazer, Maulana Dotch, exemplifies the impact of female leadership in golf and how it can inspire change within the community and beyond.
Maulana Dotch's passion for golf led her to earn a scholarship to Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida. As a student-athlete, she played a crucial role in helping her team capture the PGA Minority Collegiate Championship (now the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship) for all four years of her college career. She also won the Individual Women’s Division Championship during her senior season.
After graduating, Dotch continued her pursuit of golf by joining the PGA of America in 2010, becoming only the second African-American woman to earn PGA Membership, following her mentor and trailblazer, Renee Powell. She dedicated twelve years to Cedar Crest Golf Course in Dallas, where she rose to the position of PGA of America Head Golf Professional in 2014.
In 2018, Dotch was selected for PGA LEAD, a leadership development initiative designed to mentor and advance PGA Members from diverse backgrounds into volunteer leadership positions. Her dedication and visibility in the industry garnered national recognition, which included her participation in the CBS Sports “8:46 Campaign” during the 2020 PGA Championship and being featured in the 2022 “Golf Journeys: A Celebration of PGA Professionals,” presented by the PGA of America and CBS Sports.
In January 2021, she accepted the role of PGA of America General Manager at Hermann Park Golf Course in Houston, making history as the first African-American woman PGA Member to serve in a GM position at a golf facility. Dotch’s commitment to service excellence earned her the honor of being named one of Houston Woman Magazine’s “Top 3 Women in Golf.” Her goals include positively impacting everyone she meets, championing the game's growth and inspiring young girls to realize they can achieve far more than they ever imagined.
I recently caught up with Maulana and asked her about Hermann Park Golf Course, her philosophy on management and to cite one key figure in her operation with whom she works closely to make Hermann Park the success that it is.
We started with one of her favorite topics, her beloved Hermann Park Golf Course.
“I love talking about Hermann Park Golf Course. It’s right in the heart of Houston and open to the public, so you get a good mix of people and skill levels out here. The course has 18 holes and is only 6,000 yards from the tips. It is challenging enough for experienced golfers but still welcoming for newcomers who just want to get out and enjoy the game.”
“We host tournaments and special events all the time - everything from charity fundraisers to corporate outings. Plus, our golf instruction program is pretty robust with weekly junior clinics, beginner adult classes, ladies-only sessions and group clinics for folks who want to learn or sharpen their skills in a more social setting. We have lunch specials, and our clubhouse is a popular spot for parties, events and just hanging out after a round. It’s a great way to keep things lively and ensure there’s always something going on for everyone who stops by.”
As we continued to chat, I wanted to get a feel for Maulana's philosophies on management.
“One of the most essential parts of my role is building and leading a great team. With about 50 employees, it’s my job to ensure everyone is trained, supported and motivated to do their best.”
“Finding and keeping the right people is important. We look for staff who are not only good at their jobs but are also committed to providing outstanding service. Once we hire someone, we provide training so they know how to do their job well and interact with our customers in a friendly and helpful way.”
“I believe in creating a positive work environment where staff feels supported and valued. This means keeping communication open, setting clear goals and making sure that everyone knows their role in helping the course succeed. We hold small meetings to review how things are going and to get feedback from the team. When staff feels empowered, they take pride in their work, and that is reflected in the quality of service we provide our guests.”
“Lastly, retaining good employees is vital, especially since turnover can be costly. I focus on offering competitive wages and a supportive atmosphere. When employees feel like you care about them, they’re more likely to stay and contribute to our success over the long term.”
As we came to the end of our conversation, I was curious to learn about one key figure in her operation with whom she works closely to ensure success.
“I work very closely with John Barron, our Golf Shop Manager. John is my right hand - someone I can count on for honest advice, reliable support and a genuine commitment to our mission. He has a background in golf operations and sales. He brings invaluable insight to everything. Our teamwork is built on trust, open communication and mutual respect; it ensures that every department at Hermann Park functions harmoniously. By leaning on each other’s expertise and staying in sync with the business’s goals, it helps to create a seamless experience for our guests and maintain a high standard of service that keeps golfers returning to our course.”