This month’s “Mentoring Matters” cover story is an in-depth feature on one of the most important aspects of our profession. PGA of America Golf Professionals – regardless of their position in the business, level of seniority or career success – know that mentoring is invaluable across every sector of the industry.
For a great majority of our 30,000 strong membership, mentorship is not just part of the job, but a passion that comes with it.
For anyone in a leadership position, you know firsthand that a mentor or mentors helped get you there. And it’s what will drive the next generation to be successful in their individual careers, plus growing the game and business of golf moving forward.
But mentorship can go both ways as a new generation of PGA of America Golf Professionals can provide members, like me, with fresh insights into where the industry is headed and the tools that can help better our operations.
This cross generational collaboration is one of the many things that makes our Association so incredible.
Within this month’s cover story, you will hear from PGA of America Golf Professionals who address why mentoring is critical for all PGA Members, and how crucial it was for their mentors to take an interest in their growth and development.
Mentoring has been such an integral part of my life and career, and it’s truly rewarding to help make a difference in a young professional’s life. Alongside several accomplished PGA of America leaders, I was happy to provide personal insight in this cover story.
You will also gain terrific perspective from some of the best of our profession, including 2025 PGA of America Golf Professional of the Year Scott Paris, Director of Golf at Plainfield Country Club in Edison, New Jersey; Cortney Shrout, PGA, Head Professional at South Hills Country Club in West Covina, California; Rich Jones, PGA, General Manager at Golf Galaxy in Bay Shore, New York; Paige Cribb, PGA, Director of Student Support at Coastal Carolina University in Conway, South Carolina; 2025 PGA Bill Strausbaugh Award winner Jason Epstein, PGA, Director of Golf & Athletics at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland; and Tony Martinez, PGA, Director of Golf at Keeton Park Golf Course in Dallas.
All of these individuals share anecdotes and experiences as they peel back the curtain and take you on a journey highlighting the importance of mentoring – detailing firsthand why this practice is critical to the success among PGA of America Golf Professionals.
The common link between education, employment and professional development is mentorship, which is essential to help position PGA of America Members for success and opportunities for career advancement.
The late Bill Strausbaugh was an accomplished PGA of America Professional who received many awards and accolades during his long and storied career, from PGA Golf Professional of the Year in 1966 to PGA Teacher & Coach of the Year in 1992. Bill was highly regarded for his excellence and contributions to professional education, and was renowned for his deep commitment to mentoring.
In 1979, in recognition of Mr. Strausbaugh’s training of young golf professionals, the PGA of America established an award in his name. The Bill Strausbaugh Award bestows special recognition on a PGA of America Golf Professional who personally displays outstanding integrity, character and leadership through a commitment to mentoring and making significant impacts on the careers of PGA Professionals. Today, this award remains the benchmark for mentoring excellence in our profession.
Being a mentor is a badge of honor for a PGA of America Member, and our success as PGA of America Golf Professionals and the future of our Association will only get stronger if we continue to help and serve each other. Tap into your network and strong relationships, and always remember the importance of mentorship to help guide the next generation through their journey. Please make sure to give back with that same unwavering dedication you received. Thanks and God bless!
Sincerely,