In the realm of high-end private golf clubs, the spirit of teamwork transcends the competitive nature of the sport, weaving a tapestry of camaraderie and collective pursuit of excellence. Nowhere is this more evident than at Old Memorial Golf Club in Tampa, Florida, where every facet of the club operates in unison, guided by the exemplary leadership of its PGA of America General Manager, Rob Anderson.
Rob Anderson, a revered figure in the golfing community, has been at the helm of Old Memorial for over a decade. His insights into the importance of teamwork offer a compelling narrative of how collaboration not only propels the club's success but also enriches the members' experience, inspiring and motivating them to be part of this journey.
The collaborative spirit at Old Memorial speaks volumes about the role of teamwork in fostering a high-end, private club atmosphere that is both exclusive and inclusive, ensuring every visit is a unique and memorable experience.
Rob Anderson attributes his entry into the golf industry primarily to two people as he grew up in Windermere, Florida. A close friend, David Coates, would stay at his home over the winter months and work on his PGA Golf Professional Training Program (GPTP) coursework during his off-season. In the winter of 1998-1999, Coates encouraged Anderson to reach out to Gregor Jamieson, the PGA of America Director of Golf at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club at the time to seek advice on entering the golf business and the GPTP program.
"Gregor, who was my golf instructor during my high school and college years, quickly encouraged me to attend the evening festivities of his annual Pro-Pro event the day before the PGA Show. He told me to wear a jacket and tie and be prepared to meet some of his PGA friends. Gregor introduced me to each professional at the dinner event, which resulted in two work experiences for the coming year."
Anderson's first opportunity came at Caves Valley Golf Club in Owings Mills, Maryland, where he worked under Dennis Satyshur, PGA, and was followed the following winter season, when he worked under Buddy Antonopoulos, PGA at The Medalist Golf Club in Hobe Sound, Florida.
"I could not have been more fortunate to start my career in the golf industry under two better PGA Members, both exceptionally successful and with totally different styles,” Anderson says.
Anderson stayed at Caves Valley throughout three additional seasons before moving to the Bonita Bay Club in Naples, Florida. After attaining his PGA Membership in September 2002, he transitioned into his first PGA of America Head Golf Professional role under Tom Hilliard, PGA at Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, Florida.
In 2004, Anderson had the unique opportunity to serve as the opening PGA of America Head Golf Professional at Frederica Golf Club in St. Simon's Island, Georgia, and the stunning new Sea Island Company property. The following summer, he transitioned to PGA of America Director of Golf at Belfair Plantation in Bluffton, South Carolina.
In 2011, Anderson’s next work experience took him back to Naples as the Director of Golf at The Club at Mediterra. Then, in the summer of 2018, he joined the Monterey Peninsula Country Club staff as PGA of America Director of Golf
In the summer of 2020, Anderson was offered an opportunity that would bring him home to Florida.
"As a Florida native, and with COVID-19 changing our world, I was extremely fortunate to receive an opportunity to return to my home state and make the professional transition to the role of PGA of America General Manager at Old Memorial Golf Club."
With a career path that has been anything but ordinary, Anderson considers himself extremely fortunate for the many diverse opportunities he has had.
"My wife Sheila and daughter Isabella have been unbelievably supportive, and we have thoroughly enjoyed every stop along the way, meeting some of the most amazing people,” he says.
Rob Anderson, drawing from his experiences working with industry-leading general managers and Board and Committee Members, has learned the value of including department leaders and club staff in the decision-making process. This approach, which he now practices at Old Memorial, underscores the importance of every team member's role in shaping the organization's future.
"Since I arrived at Old Memorial, we have instituted weekly team meetings as well as others on an as-needed basis in the off-season,” he says. “These meetings ensure that our discussions are purposeful and decisions well-informed. Every participant at the table is encouraged to voice their thoughts, and when a decision is reached, we move forward as a unified team.”
“From there,” Anderson adds, “it is critical to engage all staff, regardless of position. Team members need to feel genuinely valued, and that can only happen when they know you care and provide honest feedback. We have also worked hard to celebrate and honor our teammates with service anniversary awards, a summer staff party, enhanced Christmas party, improved benefits and improved technology."
As the organizational leader, Rob Anderson understands that the team's success is crucial to achieving the desired vision. Therefore, he is committed to providing the necessary resources and tools to empower every team member to perform at their best. This commitment not only fosters a sense of unity but also inspires the team to embrace the organization's vision, knowing that their leader is dedicated to their success.