Located in the heart of Tallahassee, Florida, the Seminole Legacy Golf Club at Florida State University is a testament to the university's rich golfing tradition and commitment to excellence in sports. Designed by golfing legend Jack Nicklaus and his son Jack Nicklaus II, the club features meticulously manicured fairways and challenging greens, offering a unique experience for both seasoned golfers and beginners.
Jaxon Hardy, the PGA of America General Manager, has played a pivotal role in elevating the club's reputation. With sharp attention to detail and a dedication to excellence, Hardy has created an environment where players can thrive, and lasting memories are made. Under his leadership, the club's mission is clear: “to provide a top-tier golfing experience that excites and entices players, while fostering a community defined by a passion for the sport and unparalleled hospitality.” This mission is not just a statement but a lived reality at the Seminole Legacy Golf Club, evident through the experiences of both members and visitors.
The club has undergone significant improvements during Hardy's tenure and expanded its offerings, including innovative training programs and community outreach initiatives. The club's dedication to the community is a cornerstone of its mission and a testament to its commitment to the sport. Through our conversation with Jaxon Hardy, it becomes clear that the Seminole Legacy Golf Club is more than just a golfing destination; it's a vital part of Florida State University's sports community. The club's success and initiatives have not only elevated its reputation but also contributed to the university's overall commitment to athletic excellence.
Like many PGA of America Golf Professionals, Jaxon Hardy grew up playing junior golf and hanging out at his home club. When he graduated from high school, he applied to Florida State University without knowing precisely what he wanted to pursue in college. He knew he loved golf, but at the time, he did not consider making it a career.
It was the first year of the FSU Professional Golf Management Program, and he thought, “Wow, I could just hang out at a country club for the rest of my life.” This thought is a common thread that bonds many who get into the industry.
Hardy entered the Professional Golf Management Program at Florida State, becoming the first graduate of the program, and started his professional progression within the industry.
He got his first assistant job at Camp Creek Golf Club in Watersound, Florida, moved from assistant to head professional to director of golf, and worked there for 15 years. He then had an opportunity to join Troon Golf, which led him to the Club at Savannah Harbor. After working at Savannah Harbor for two years, Hardy received a call that would change the course of his career and bring him back to where his journey started.
The call was from Trey Jones, the FSU golf coach, who told him about the redesigned golf course at the university. They wanted Seminole Legacy to be the number one collegiate course in the country. Jones believed Hardy was the perfect person for the job, and three weeks later, Jaxon returned home to Tallahassee, where he grew up.
"We are indeed heading towards being the number one college course in the country," said Hardy. "We have become the home for several PGA and LPGA Golf Professionals. Our 18-hole Par 72 golf course can stretch the tees back to nearly 8,000 yards. That length allows it to be the best possible place for a tour-level golfer to hone in their game. We currently have the world's #1 men's and women's amateurs, with Luke Clanton and Lottie Woad honing their games here. In addition to the always perfectly maintained golf course, the FSU golf team has its own practice facility, complete with a 12-hole par 3 course that has tremendously helped the team lower their scoring averages. The men's and women's teams have finished in the top 10 every year since the redo, with the men finishing runner-up last year."
After learning about Hardy's background and the club he has helped ascend to the top echelon of collegiate golf clubs, we discussed some of his management philosophies. I asked him to share an example of an initiative or program he has implemented as the GM at the Seminole Legacy Club that has proven successful and one he felt other club managers could introduce in their operations.
"Our focus is exceeding guests' expectations. So we start with their arrival and greet them as they park. Constant use of the guests’ and members' names is critical because, as Dale Carnegie says, 'A person's name, to themselves, is the most beautiful sound in the world.' Our starter will load them up with plenty of water and help them maintain their 3 1/2-hour pace throughout the round. They will receive mango-scented towels to help cool them off during their round, and one of our associates will clean their clubs as they finish on the 18th hole. We do all of this as a non-tipping facility because we want the experience to feel genuine, not that our staff is doing it to get some money out of your wallet. All guests grab our famous freshly made cookies as they depart so they can have a sweet treat to remember the day by. It's amazing how something as simple as freshly baked cookies always on hand will drive kids to bring their parents out to the golf course for the day!"