Director of Student Support,Coastal Carolina University,Conway, South Carolina
Paige Cribb’s job title at Coastal Carolina University is Director of Student Support for the school’s PGA Golf Management University Program, where she teaches classes for Level 1 PGA of America education and provides academic advising. But she says her job title could be something different.
“My job title could just be ‘Director of Mentoring,’ says Cribb, the 2023 Carolinas PGA Section Golf Professional of the Year. “These students come to us at age 18, and the mentoring starts immediately to help get them through the start of their adult life, not to mention meeting the PGA of America requirements.”
Like other PGA of America Golf Professionals and educators, Cribb has seen a shift in behavior among incoming students post-COVID. That’s leading to changes in the way she and others mentor these potential golf professionals.
“A lot of them seem really unsure of themselves, and they have struggles with communication and accountability; that’s where we need to mentor them,” says Cribb, the first woman to serve as President of the Carolinas PGA Section and currently District 10 Director. “We talk about the process, about how there’s a reason they’re being asked to do the things they’re being assigned to do. There’s no blanket way to do it, but you have to approach them where they are. It’s a conversation I have with my fellow PGA Professionals all the time: How can we make these young students successful and keep them in the golf business?”
Cribb, who serves on the PGA LEAD Selection Committee, says the key to mentoring Generation Z is helping them find the purpose in their profession.
“Young people today, more than ever in my 28 years in golf, want to be a part of something. They want to know that their contributions are important,” Cribb says. “I try to meet them where they are and not push them all in the same direction. And I try to show them a progression in the business. ‘If you want to do this, you can build these skills and that will help you get there.’ But they need a game plan, and sometimes they need some tough love to stick with it.”
For PGA of America Golf Professionals who don’t spend as much time with college-age future professionals as Cribb does, she suggests adjusting your mentoring style to cater to today’s young people.
“Many PGA of America Golf Professionals already do this, but I’m always saying it: Listen to learn,” Cribb says. “Instead of starting by telling people what you think they need to do, listen to them and let them talk about what they see themselves doing and why they want to go that direction. Then you can figure out a plan to help them gain the knowledge and experience they need to get to that level they’re seeking.
“It really helps to get a plan down on paper. Whether it’s playing for a living, becoming a coach or going into management, let’s get a plan together and get you in touch with people who can help you do your thing. That’s the biggest mentoring moment you can give to a young person.”