In this special episode of GBN University podcast, host Spencer Clouatre interviews his close friend Doug Bell, a PGA professional and general manager at American Dunes Golf Club. They discuss Doug's career journey in the golf industry, his role at American Dunes, and the touching connections through Folds of Honor that have impacted their lives. This episode is rich with stories of dedication, moral integrity, and the importance of doing the right thing.

Learn more about Folds of Honor and American Dunes Golf Club at the links below.

Folds of Honor: https://foldsofhonor.org/

American Dunes: https://americandunesgolfclub.com/

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:44 Doug Bell's Background and Achievements

03:22 The Story of Jeff Davis

05:44 Hannah Davis and Folds of Honor

16:40 Doug Bell's Journey to American Dunes

28:37 The Emotional Impact of American Dunes

42:06 The Intersection of Preparation and Opportunity

42:47 Navigating the Golf Industry's Labor Market

46:32 The Importance of Social Skills in the Golf Industry

48:59 The Value of Personal Connections and Mentorship

50:31 A Memorable Golf Trip with Blake

52:34 Lessons from Shoal Creek

01:03:26 Transitioning from PGA Pro to General Manager

01:12:13 The Role of Trust and Relationships in the Golf Industry

01:14:29 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

GBN is the leading private network for today's most successful PGA Professionals. Exclusive events at premier facilities, vendor partnerships to grow your business, education to increase your knowledge, and access to the top Professionals in the industry are just some of what membership in Golf Business Network will get you. Go to www.golfbusinessnetwork.com to find out more and become a member.

In this episode of the GBN University podcast, guest host Steve Scott interviews Greg Bisconti, the head professional at the St. Andrews Golf Club. Greg shares his extensive experience as a PGA professional, discussing his career beginnings, notable achievements, and the importance of balancing playing skills with professional responsibilities. The conversation also delves into Greg’s strategies for maintaining a competitive edge, his insights on effective practice routines, and the significance of aligning goals with club culture.

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction and Host Background

01:30 Guest Introduction and Club History

03:24 Record-Breaking Round at St. Andrews

04:54 Importance of Playing as a Golf Professional

06:00 Early Golf Career and Influences

13:48 Transition to Club Professional

17:48 Balancing Professional Duties and Personal Game

26:38 Morning Routine and Golf Practice

27:19 Challenges of Being a PGA Professional

29:36 Memorable Competitions and Achievements

38:21 The Apple Tree Performance Center

40:06 Preparing for Upcoming Tournaments

45:44 Advice for Aspiring Golf Professionals

48:52 Reflecting on Career and Future Goals

Learn more about Golf Business Network >>> https://golfbusinessnetwork.com/contact-us-form/

GBN is the leading private network for today's most successful PGA Professionals. Exclusive events at premier facilities, vendor partnerships to grow your business, education to increase your knowledge, and access to the top Professionals in the industry are just some of what membership in Golf Business Network will get you. Go to www.golfbusinessnetwork.com to find out more and become a member.

In this episode of GBN University's podcast, host Spencer Clouatre welcomes Brendan Walsh, the Director of Golf at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts. They discuss Brendan's extensive career in the golf industry, his mentorship of rising golf professionals, and the future of the golf industry. Brendan shares insights from his journey, including the importance of defining expectations, providing feedback, and developing leadership skills. He also touches on his transition to an ambassadorial role and his vision for the future of the golf industry. Listeners will gain valuable lessons on perseverance, mentorship, and maintaining a positive attitude in their careers.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:24 Brendan Walsh's Background and Career

02:58 The Legacy of The Country Club

09:44 Personal Reflections and Family Influence

15:40 Journey into Golf and Early Career

25:32 Mentorship and Leadership in Golf

30:37 Exceeding Expectations and Building Culture

31:30 Honest Conversations and Career Transitions

33:23 The Importance of Gathering Information

35:38 Mentoring Genuine Leadership Styles

36:12 Balancing Membership and Staff Relations

41:39 Perseverance and Preparation in Career Growth

45:28 Challenges and Rewards of Mentorship

53:58 Future Opportunities in the Golf Industry

58:16 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

GBN is the leading private network for today's most successful PGA Professionals. Exclusive events at premier facilities, vendor partnerships to grow your business, education to increase your knowledge, and access to the top Professionals in the industry are just some of what membership in Golf Business Network will get you. Go to www.golfbusinessnetwork.com to find out more and become a member.

In this episode of GBN University's podcast, host Spencer Clouatre welcomes Eric Schultz, Director of Golf at Colleton River Club in Bluffton, South Carolina. Eric shares his journey through the golf industry, discussing the importance of mentorship, leadership, and emotional intelligence. He emphasizes the value of building and nurturing relationships, both with colleagues and members, and discusses his unique approach to balancing professional obligations with personal and family life. 

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

01:18 Meet Eric Schultz: A Leader in Golf

05:07 Eric's Journey: From Humble Beginnings to Golf Professional

07:42 The Role of Mentorship in Professional Growth

17:14 Coaching vs. Mentoring: Key Differences

27:26 The Importance of Networking and Industry Support

34:08 Navigating Professional Relationships in Golf

35:08 The Gray Areas of Career Transitions

35:55 Mentorship and Open Communication

39:29 Understanding and Connecting with Members

47:55 Balancing Professional and Personal Life

51:47 The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership

57:31 The Impact of AI on the Golf Industry

01:01:17 Work-Life Harmony and Family Support

01:05:51 Final Thoughts and Reflections

A special thank you to our sponsor for this episode, Golf Genius. Golf Genius delivers innovative software to over 10,000 clubs, courses, and tours in 60+ countries, including the USGA and DP World Tour. GBN Members get waived setup fees on Golf Genius products like Tournament Management, Golf Shop, CoachNow Academy, and Operation 36.

GBN is the leading private network for today's most successful PGA Professionals. Exclusive events at premier facilities, vendor partnerships to grow your business, education to increase your knowledge, and access to the top Professionals in the industry are just some of what membership in Golf Business Network will get you. Go to www.golfbusinessnetwork.com to find out more and become a member.

In this episode of The GBN University podcast, host Spencer Clouatre interviews Sara Dickson, Director of Golf at Wilderness Country Club, and Sarah Bejgrowicz-Lewallen, Head Golf Professional at the Governors Club. The conversation delves into their career paths, the importance of team culture, challenges in the golf industry, and the evolving membership experience. The discussion highlights effective strategies for managing conflicts, emphasizing the role of time and attention in building trust and improving club dynamics.

Episode Time Stamps:
00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview

01:08 Meet Sara Dickson: Career Journey and Insights

05:47 Meet Sarah Bejgrowicz-Lewallen: Career Journey and Insights

13:41 Challenges in the Golf Industry

29:54 Membership Experience and Team Culture

33:56 Building Culture Through Daily Interactions

34:16 Addressing Conflict as a Speed Bump

36:16 Onboarding New Team Members

37:53 Peer-to-Peer Corrections and Leadership

39:12 Building Trust Through Actions

41:01 Aligning Policy with Reality

47:14 Conflict Resolution Strategies

49:03 The Importance of Time in Leadership

01:00:08 Data-Driven Decision Making

01:05:17 Final Thoughts and Reflections

A special thank you to this episode's sponsor, Tee Commerce. Tee Commerce provides golf clubs with a way to enhance their retail operations without inventory risk by utilizing a seamlessly-integrated online ordering platform. New GBN member accounts get 10% off an annual shop subscription, and existing members receive one month free on their annual subscription with Tee Commerce. Learn more about Tee Commerce >> https://www.teecommerce.shop/

GBN is the leading private network for today's most successful PGA Professionals. Exclusive events at premier facilities, vendor partnerships to grow your business, education to increase your knowledge, and access to the top Professionals in the industry are just some of what membership in Golf Business Network will get you. Go to www.golfbusinessnetwork.com to find out more and become a member.

In this episode, host Spencer Clouatre interviews James "JR" Pond, who shares his unique journey from serving as a head golf professional to becoming the program director for the Professional Golf Management degree at PennWest California. JR discusses the challenges and accomplishments of his diverse career, the importance of service, and his passion for mentoring the next generation of golf professionals. The conversation also delves into JR's core values of service to others, family, and love, emphasizing the holistic benefits of the game of golf for physical and mental well-being.

Learn more about Donald Ross— https://donaldross.com/

Show Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:50 JR's Early Life and Introduction to Golf

03:46 High School and College Golf Journey

06:21 Transition to Professional Life and Challenges

09:29 Academic Pursuits and Career Shift

26:32 Core Values and Guiding Principles

42:29 Embracing Failure in Player Development

43:33 Student Leadership and Renewed Excitement

45:24 Challenges of the PAT Exam

48:00 Teaching Mindfulness and Staying Present

52:52 Evolution of Golf Technology and AI

55:48 Balancing Work and Life in the Golf Industry

01:00:32 Building Effective Systems for Success

01:06:31 Core Values: Family and Love

01:11:35 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

GBN is the leading private network for today's most successful PGA Professionals. Exclusive events at premier facilities, vendor partnerships to grow your business, education to increase your knowledge, and access to the top Professionals in the industry are just some of what membership in Golf Business Network will get you. Go to www.golfbusinessnetwork.com to find out more and become a member.

In this episode, host Spencer Clouatre talks with Chris Rowe, the Director of Golf at Whispering Pines Golf Club. They delve into Chris's journey in the golf industry, discussing the importance of hard work, taking risks, and having mentors. Chris shares valuable insights on building a brand, being authentic, and the significance of giving back to the next generation of golf professionals.

GBN is the leading private network for today's most successful PGA Professionals. Exclusive events at premier facilities, vendor partnerships to grow your business, education to increase your knowledge, and access to the top Professionals in the industry are just some of what membership in Golf Business Network will get you. Go to www.golfbusinessnetwork.com to find out more and become a member.

In this episode, Spencer Clouatre interviews Travis Wehrs, the Director of Golf at Boca West Country Club. They discuss Travis's journey from working in a bag room to becoming a head professional, emphasizing the importance of hard work, trust, and lifelong learning. Travis shares insights on leadership, building team trust, creating work-life harmony, and the significance of continual self-improvement.

GBN is the leading private network for today's most successful PGA Professionals. Exclusive events at premier facilities, vendor partnerships to grow your business, education to increase your knowledge, and access to the top Professionals in the industry are just some of what membership in Golf Business Network will get you. Go to www.golfbusinessnetwork.com to find out more and become a member.

In this episode, host Spencer Clouatre sits down with Heather Angell, the Director of Instruction at the Golf Club at Fiddler's Creek. Heather shares her journey from playing golf at a collegiate level and then professionally, and eventually transitioning into teaching and coaching. She highlights her passion for teaching, her involvement with PGA HOPE, and her innovative approach to instruction that engages players of all levels. Heather also emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, and touches on her time teaching in the PGM Program at Florida Gulf Coast University.

GBN is the leading private network for today's most successful PGA Professionals. Exclusive events at premier facilities, vendor partnerships to grow your business, education to increase your knowledge, and access to the top Professionals in the industry are just some of what membership in Golf Business Network will get you. Go to www.golfbusinessnetwork.com to find out more and become a member.

In this episode,  golf professional Cameron Chhim reflects on his journey and leadership in the golf industry. Cameron, who is an Assistant Golf Professional at Southern Hills Country Club, discusses his early passion for golf inspired by his father, his development through the PGM program at Mississippi State, and how he balances maintaining personal excellence with fostering a strong team environment. The discussion also touches on the importance of effective communication, understanding human nature, and leading from any position within an organization.

GBN is the leading private network for today's most successful PGA Professionals. Exclusive events at premier facilities, vendor partnerships to grow your business, education to increase your knowledge, and access to the top Professionals in the industry are just some of what membership in Golf Business Network will get you. Go to www.golfbusinessnetwork.com to find out more and become a member.