Don Rea, Jr., the 44th President of the PGA of America, has emerged as one of golf’s most innovative leaders. Elected to the presidency in November 2024, Rea brings his unique perspective and entrepreneurial spirit to our organization, representing nearly 31,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals and Associates.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to serve alongside our officers, Board of Directors and the more than 31,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals,” said Rea in a PGA.com article. “Our members and associates are serving millions of golfers through this amazing game every day. I’m incredibly proud of the lives we impact collectively along the way, shoulder to shoulder with our 41 PGA of America Sections. It is our top priority to serve our PGA of America Golf Professionals and provide resources to allow them to thrive and continue to lead as experts of the game.”
I had the privilege of having Don on my “Monday Evening Tee Time” livestream show on the Golf Live app recently, and I also chatted with him for this article. One of his most endearing qualities is how personal he is, which made these recent interactions very enjoyable, informative and inspirational.
A Second Career in Golf
Don Rea’s journey to becoming a leader in the golf industry isn’t your typical story. Before finding his calling in golf management, Rea spent nine years as a professional baseball umpire. His entry into golf began at Augusta Ranch Golf Club in East Mesa, Arizona, where he started in outside services before working his way up through the ranks.
“I was a second-career guy,” Rea told me. “After transitioning from baseball, I moved through various positions at Augusta Ranch, eventually becoming the PGA of America Head Golf Professional.”
His career continued to advance as he took on the role of PGA of America Head Golf Professional at The Golf Club at Eagle Mountain, eventually rising to PGA of America General Manager and Senior Vice President.
When Eagle Mountain was sold, Rea’s entrepreneurial spirit kicked in. He established a management company to oversee Augusta Ranch, and when that property came up for sale, he assembled a group of investors to purchase it.
His leadership in the golf industry extends beyond facility management, however, as he serves on the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Board and has been actively involved with the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA). Rea also served as PGA Secretary from 2020-2022 and Vice President from 2022-2024.
Augusta Ranch: More Than Just Golf
Under Rea’s leadership, Augusta Ranch Golf Club has become a model for modern golf facility management. The par-61 course features seven par fours and eleven par threes, making it an ideal entry point for new golfers. But what sets Augusta Ranch apart isn’t just its layout - it’s the facility’s commitment to being a community hub.
“We’re situated in a single-family community, not a retirement development,” Rea explains. “With an elementary school down the street and a high school and junior high across the way, we’ve made engaging with these institutions a priority.”
The facility’s Scratch Pub and Grill has developed such a strong reputation that, as Rea puts it, “It’s not a restaurant at a golf course - the golf course just happens to be at the restaurant.” The addition of 21 Toptracer bays has further transformed the facility’s ability to attract new participants to the game.
The Role of Short Courses in Growing Golf
Rea believes short courses are uniquely responsible for growing the game, but require a proactive approach. “While we’re naturally an easier entry point into golf, we can’t just wait for people to come to us,” he emphasizes. “Short courses need to actively reach out to their communities.”
His strategy includes:
· Creating familiarization trips for local businesses
· Developing partnerships with nearby schools
· Implementing recreational programs during off-school hours
· Integrating golf into local PE programs
· Promoting the health benefits of golf, including its 10,000-step potential and 2,000-calorie burn
One Great Idea: The Toptracer Revolution
One of Augusta Ranch’s most successful innovations has been the implementation of Toptracer technology. Rea’s approach to this investment went beyond basic installation, including:
· Wider bays (10-11 feet versus standard 9-foot bays)
· Covered areas
· High-quality monitors
· Focus on the social experience
“Toptracer isn't consumed by individuals - it’s enjoyed by groups having fun and eating together,” Rea noted. “It’s about creating your own funnel to bring new people into golf.”
He emphasizes the importance of marketing Toptracer differently than the traditional range facilities. “Don’t just promote it to your existing database. Reach out to families and non-golfers through social media, particularly Instagram for younger audiences and Facebook for seniors. It’s about creating an inclusive, family-friendly environment where people can enjoy golf in a new way.”
By focusing on community engagement and innovative technology, Rea has demonstrated how traditional golf facilities can evolve to meet the changing demands of modern consumers while growing the game for future generations. As PGA President, he continues to champion innovation and accessibility in golf, drawing on his diverse experience to lead the organization into a new era.