If you were one of the more than 6,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals who were at the PGA Show in Orlando in January, I hope your level of excitement was as strong as mine. Whether walking the Show floor, attending an education seminar, listening to a stage presentation or simply connecting with friends and colleagues, it’s easy to see why so many people in the industry are bullish on the game and business of golf.
As I’ve said many times, every year the PGA Show leaves us energized and inspired, setting a positive tone for the new golf season. Personally, I enjoy watching our younger professionals, many who are attending for the first time, walking side-by-side with their mentors. The growth and success of our industry is predicated on collaboration and relationships, and the PGA Show is such a critical launching pad (see story that begins on page 82).
One of the great intangibles of the Show is continuing education and coaching, which is showcased through a comprehensive schedule of more than 70 sessions on Teaching & Coaching, Executive Management, Golf Operations, technology solutions, food & beverage operations, retail strategies and more — all led by distinguished PGA of America Golf Professionals, PGA Master Professionals and top PGA Coaches.
This year’s PGA Show Week was headlined by the PGA Teaching & Coaching Summit, emceed by PGA Master Professional and 2024 PGA of America Teacher & Coach of the Year Joe Hallett (see story that begins on page 96). The Summit is the epicenter of our profession with a focus on game improvement and sharing best practices, while bringing together the best and brightest minds in teaching and coaching.
For those members who were not able to attend this PGA Show, this Coaching Issue of PGA Magazine offers invaluable insight from national award winners and well-respected colleagues and friends. This month’s cover story goes in-depth, discussing all aspects of PGA of America Education and the amazing resources available to PGA of America Members, such as PGA.Coach, PGA Careers Services, PGA.com, PGA.org and much more.
Highlighting this issue is a profile on 2025 PGA of America Teacher & Coach of the Year Jason Baile, who discusses how he creates “mesh points” combining golf instruction, fitness and mental training to help students improve and build his coaching business. The issue also features case studies explaining how many PGA Section Teachers & Coaches of the Year representing a wide range of facility types are evolving their coaching businesses with innovative ideas and programs.
Speaking of evolving the coaching business, if you haven’t already, I highly encourage you to visit PGA.Coach. Whether it’s the marketing resources provided by PGA Coach profiles, lead generation and leaderboard ads; the registration and booking tools for CRM, payments and scheduling; or the latest training and resources provided by ADM Certification, Becoming a PGA Modern Coach and new Activity Plans; PGA Coach has something that is advantageous for every PGA of America Golf Professional. I highly encourage you to use these tools for your coaching benefit.
It is the passion, skill and dedication of PGA of America Members that will drive the industry forward while sustaining the exciting momentum the game enjoys today. Effective coaches always search for new strategies to adapt and deliver world-class golf experiences that help people of all ages and levels enjoy the game.
Please take the time to read these articles to become better educated and take away ideas and opportunities to improve our profession, and your business overall. Thanks for all you do and God bless!
Sincerely,
