Renovation of Ross Course
Paris’ leadership and organizational skills were in the spotlight again at Plainfield starting in 1999 when the club decided to renovate and modernize its 100-year-old, Donald Ross-designed championship course. The project called for the removal of more than 1,200 trees, the expansion of 16 greens, lengthening of 12 tees, restoring several bunkers from the original Ross design and creating chipping areas by Ross-renovation specialist Gil Hanse and his team.
“My primary role was helping to educate our members on why Gil Hanse’s master plan was the right thing to do,” says Paris. “Initially, it was an emotional and divisive initiative. When Gil explains his plans, it is so easy to understand. I simply shared his logic behind restoring our Donald Ross gem. Gil did an exceptional job selecting the first few holes to be renovated.
“Once the membership saw the first few holes finished, the questions changed from ‘Why are we doing this?’ to ‘When are we going to do more?’ Today, the golf course is universally praised and is a testament to a well-thought-out and executed plan.”
The renovation has not only returned the venerable Ross course to its original grandeur, but has helped Plainfield land three major USGA national events — the 2025 U.S. Amateur Four-Ball Championship, the 2031 U.S. Senior Women’s Open and the 2037 U.S. Senior Open after the New Jersey venue previously hosted the 1978 U.S. Amateur, 1987 U.S. Women’s Open, and a 2011 and 2015 PGA TOUR FedEx Cup playoff event.
A Popular Personnel Manager
Paris’ multiple business skills were recognized in 2018 when the PGA Director of Golf also became the first Chief Operating Officer at Plainfield Country Club, overseeing approximately 100 employees during peak season. He takes tremendous pride in mentoring and providing a pathway to a career in golf for those who show a desire to make the business their long-term livelihood. Paris has an open-door policy for his team members, encourages associates to enroll in PGA of America education programs, and leads by example in inviting them to become involved in PGA Section programs.
Why is he such an advocate of mentoring? Perhaps because the former ski racer was the recipient of first-class mentoring himself after he decided to make golf his vocation.
“Mentoring is what we do as PGA of America Professionals,” insists Paris, who has also employed more than 50 interns from PGA Golf Management University Programs during the past 20 years. “I’ve asked several PGA Professionals for help over the years and the answer was always ‘yes.’
“We all help each other. That is one of the special things about our Association and about our game. Mentoring is a win-win for everyone and is incredibly rewarding.”
Mentors who helped Paris shape his career as a player, manager and all-purpose PGA of America Professional include Gary Reynolds, PGA, at Hartford Golf Club; James Masserio, PGA, and Jim Mancill, PGA, at Aronimink Golf Club; Simon Holmes at his teaching academy; and a long list of talented PGA of America Professionals in the Philadelphia, New Jersey and North Florida PGA Sections. On the fitness side, Ben Shear and TPI founders Greg Rose and Dave Phillips, PGA, have educated Paris about the importance of the body, staying fit and the golf swing.
Recruiting, Retaining Talent
Paris considers recruiting and retaining talent at Plainfield one of his highest priorities – and one of his greatest challenges.
“We have been successful in recruiting and keeping talent by investing in their careers while developing a team attitude – when one person succeeds, we all succeed,” says Paris. “By helping employees define career goals and shaping plans to achieve those goals, our employees and the organization benefit. By helping them earn PGA Memberships, CMAA Memberships, GCSAA certifications, etc., and developing the skills needed to move on, the product we provide improves.
“We also show our commitment to team members through improved benefits, meals, competitive compensation and renovated housing facilities. The talent on our team has never been better, and our membership has benefited from that tremendously.”
A special Alumni Wall at Plainfield Country Club (PCC) pays tribute to the contributions of major team members who gained valuable experience at the club under Paris’ tutelage to advance their careers. To date, the Alumni Wall includes more than 20 PGA of America Members who now serve elsewhere as Head Professionals, Directors of Golf, General Managers, etc.
“The Alumni Wall keeps growing,” laughs Paris. “It includes head professionals, teaching professionals, green superintendents, general managers, executive chefs, accountants, sales executives and others who used PCC as a springboard for their careers. PCC is a better place because of their contributions, and I learned tremendously from them. We are only as good as our team, so we make their development and work experience a priority.”
Learns to Overcome Adversity
Into every life some rain must fall, and Paris has faced his share of challenges – challenges for which they do not prepare you in business school. Consider that the longtime New Jersey Section officer and former President has maintained one of the busiest schedules in golf while helping his wife, Rachel, fight breast cancer -- not once, but twice.
“Rachel and I were in shock when she was first diagnosed with breast cancer,” admits Paris. “I draw a lot of my mental strength and compassion from Rachel. We needed to quickly get educated and understand options to get her healthy.
“The Plainfield Country Club membership knocked down walls to get her in front of the best medical team around. Then we stuck with their plan, week after week after week, until treatment was complete. During her treatment, the PCC family and our family/friends provided meals, rides for our kids and constant support. It is situations like that where you understand quickly that we are all a big family – the Plainfield Country Club family, the New Jersey Section family and the PGA of America family.”
There were understandably tears in Paris’ eyes when he qualified for the 2019 U.S. Senior Open won by Steve Stricker in South Bend, Indiana, and his wife arrived for Friday’s second round with the couple’s three children after Rachel had undergone chemotherapy the day before.
“Rachel had chemotherapy Thursday while I was competing in the first round. Then she hopped on a plane with my three kids, sister-in-law and nephew and arrived during the second round,” reflects Paris. “She is such an inspiration. I will never forget their arrival. The entire week was incredible, but two days too short.
“I will never forget the very special things the Plainfield membership did to help me and my family that week. Being inside the ropes with players I have idolized for years was special. I also played practice rounds with Jay Haas, Jeff Sluman and Billy Andrade. I didn’t have my best that week, but played well for the first round (72).”
