Thomas Fernandes, PGA,Assistant Golf Professional,Worcester, Massachusetts
For Thomas Fernandes, networking has never been about collecting business cards. It’s been a map for finding community, guidance and a sense of belonging within the game of golf.
“Networking has been the most organic way for me to educate myself and to better myself in terms of being a PGA Professional,” says Fernandes, the 2024 New England PGA Assistant Professional of the Year, and most recently a PGA Assistant at Worcester (Massachusetts) Country Club. “It’s also the best way to create a foundation of influence, as well. It’s important to realize we can’t do this alone. We need support, we need encouragement. Sometimes we need a tap on the shoulder during the really challenging parts of our careers. Having that support system and network is essential.”
Born in Great Britain and of Indian descent, Fernandes moved to the United States to pursue a college golf scholarship – a transition that was made possible, he says, through the relationships that shaped his life.
“I’ve had two amazing mentors who have helped me build credibility and add to my reputation as a person and as a golf professional,” he says. “Brian Nicholson, the PGA Director of Golf at Cherry Hills, and Tony Martinez, the PGA Head Professional at Keeton Park in Dallas, Texas.”
Fernandes met Nicholson when he was just 16 years old, and that connection became pivotal. “Brian was influential in helping me move to the United States when I was pursuing a college golf scholarship,” he says. “And Tony has been someone I’ve looked up to as, like myself, a minority PGA of America Member. He’s someone I admire and love, quite frankly, and he’s been extremely open and supportive about the true nature of his experience, which is invaluable.”
Those relationships gave Fernandes confidence and a model for how to mentor others. Both men showed him that strong networks are built on honesty, empathy and shared purpose. “It’s fundamental to have a network to add to your reputation and build credibility,” he says. “When people know who you are and what you stand for, doors open naturally.”
One of the most transformative chapters in Fernandes’ professional journey came through PGA LEAD Cohort V, the national leadership development program designed to identify and cultivate future PGA leaders. “It was a huge eye-opener in terms of governance and how golf works at the national level,” he says. “It really helped me create another layer of my network.”
That experience inspired Fernandes to stay deeply involved in PGA of America governance and service. “I’ve been involved in governance in every Section I’ve been in,” he says. “I’ve served on the PGA Jr. League and National Inclusion committees. There are huge opportunities for personal and professional development when you have that sort of support system.”
For Fernandes, the heart of networking lies in authenticity and courage — especially for those who may feel like outsiders in a historically traditional profession. “You really have to know yourself and understand that you belong in this business, that you have something to say and contribute,” he says. “Truthfully, I was a little hesitant and uncomfortable early in my career. But once I stepped into these different circles and bigger rooms, I realized that what I looked like or my background was not as important to others as what I was saying and doing.”
Fernandes’ message to others from underrepresented backgrounds in golf is simple but powerful: Step forward and engage.
“I’d encourage anyone from a background like mine to get involved in governance and be willing to ask questions,” he says. “No one’s going to turn you away in this business. They’ll provide the invitation you need to get more involved.”
