PO Box 14819, Tumwater, WA 98511-4819
Email: pacnw@pgahq.com Website: Pacific Northwest Office: (360) 456-6496
Click here to view Pacific Northwest PGA Section's Staff Listing
Click here to view Pacific Northwest PGA Section's Board of Directors
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As we begin 2026, the Pacific Northwest PGA Foundation is energized by the leadership of Eric Jones, PGA, Foundation Director, and Paul Russo, PGA, Player Development Coordinator. Since joining the Foundation in late 2025, both have brought experience, passion, and purpose to advancing our mission.
Eric’s journey in golf began at 14 years old, cleaning clubs and parking carts to save for his first car. That humble beginning led to a 20-year PGA career in teaching and coaching. A collegiate golfer at Stanford, Eric later returned as the university’s inaugural Assistant/JV Team Coach, discovering a deep passion for instruction.
In 2003, he entered a long drive competition on a whim—and went on to win the World Long Drive Championship. Twelve years competing on the world stage sharpened his understanding of performance and the mental side of the game, leading him to earn a master’s degree in sport psychology. Along the way, he was honored by the Northern California PGA Section as Teacher of the Year, received the Professional Development/Education Award, and earned the Strasbaugh Mentoring Award. Today, Eric is focused on strengthening programs that serve members, youth, veterans, and communities across the Pacific Northwest.
Paul Russo, PGA, brings strong experience in player development and a commitment to growing the game. A graduate of the University of Idaho PGA Golf Management Program, Paul gained valuable experience through internships at premier facilities, including The Plateau Club, TPC Sawgrass, Gozzer Ranch, and the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at Sahalee Country Club. After becoming a PGA Class A member in 2018, he served at Tualatin Country Club and later at Meridian Valley Country Club as First Assistant Professional and Player Development Coordinator.
Together, Eric and Paul continue to build momentum for the Foundation. The Pacific Northwest PGA Foundationis a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to youth development, veteran support, and community impact through golf.