First Community Expands Partnership With Southern Texas PGA

Q1: What do you see as the most important priorities for District 12 under your leadership? Constant and consistent communication and representation for District 12 and the PGA of America will be my number one priority over the next three years. Representing all three sections and their membership will be my number one priority. Q2: Can you share your journey with the PGA of America and what inspired you to take this role? Since 1990, I have been serving the PGA of America through all the seats both in the Chapter and the Section. I have served on the PGA of Americas Board of Control for four years along with serving on PGA of America committees. My experience with the PGA of America and my current role as a National Board of Director representing District 12 and Texas certainly highlights my commitment and expertise both to the Section and the PGA of America. Q3: What inspired you to run for District 12 Director after 30+ years as a Southern Texas PGA Member? I believe that my deep passion for the game of golf and my commitment to its continued growth are what drive and inspire me every day to continue to serve. My continued service to our over 30,000 PGA of America Members inspires me to work hard to make their jobs and lives better. Q4: What skills or experiences from your previous roles within Southern Texas will most benefit your work as District 12 Director? Serving in all chapter and section leadership roles has given me the foundation to gain the skills and understanding of our Section. Also staying involved with the current PGA business long after my Section service I believe has helped round out my knowledge and expertise for serving. Q5: How do you plan to support and engage with PGA professionals within your district? My plan will be to attend as many Section functions as possible hosted by the three districts I represent. I will also make sure that my email address and phone number are readily available for their members. I will also send out monthly BOD updates so that the Section Executive Directors can answer questions and explain any current and new programming that we may have. Q6: Are there any specific initiatives or programs you’re excited to introduce or enhance during your tenure? Improving our Governance and election process is something that I hope to help lead the initiative on. I believe that running for National office and while serving on the National BOD is a conflict of interest. I would like to see all those wanting to run have an equal playing field and not have their elections compromised by confidentiality and District differences. I would also like to see our headquarters in Frisco truly become the only home of the PGA and all PGA members have some type of discount to stay and play and experience our new home. Q7: What challenges do you foresee in this role, and how do you plan to address them? As only one Board member like all political challenges, it is imperative to build a coalition with other members that reflect not just our District but all fourteen districts across the country and what is right for the PGA of America. This is a serious challenge and something that comes with building loyalty and respect within the boardroom. Another challenge that I see is the PGA of America and the PGA TOUR working relationship. I believe that we must build strength in all our golf alliances so that we all can continue to grow this great game. Q8: What are golf professionals' biggest challenges today, and how can the PGA of America assist? I believe that one of our biggest challenges is the ever-changing job market in our industry. Golf Professionals' roles have changed over the years, and the PGA of America and our education department and career services department must continue to evolve. Over the next few years, we will see over 8,000 PGA Professional reach retirement age which opens the job market to many of our members and associates but also presents other challenges for those retirees. Q9: Is there a particular leader or mentor within the PGA or golf industry who has inspired your approach to this role? I have been blessed to have so many mentors regarding the job market and bettering our PGA of America Members. Past President Paul Levy works diligently to make sure every PGA member has the best opportunity and income available to them. Having him as a mentor in this area truly improves my knowledge and understanding of our changing job market. Q10: How do you stay current with trends and changes in the golf industry, and how might these influence your work as District 12 Director? As a PGA of America BOD, I am fortunate to have access to industry periodicals and websites that keep me current with what is happening in the golf industry today. As a Board of Directors, we get updates daily on industry changes. Being co-chair on the National advocacy and legislative committee helps keep me informed on how governmental changes or affecting our industry. Q11: What are your long-term goals, both for District 12 and for yourself, within the PGA of America? My goal as District 12 Director would be simply to improve communication and improve input and transparency from the national board to all three sections. I must never forget that I set on the National BOD to represent District 12, and my first responsibility is to those who chose me to represent them on a national level. As for myself, my goal would be to continue to give back to an association and the game of golf two that has been and means so much to myself and my family. Q12: What advice would you give aspiring PGA Professionals who want to contribute to the organization in leadership roles? My advice to other PGA members and associates would be to get involved! Whether on a chapter, section, or national level what you receive back from that service will always outweigh what you give in. My career of service to the PGA of America would have never been what it is today had fellow PGA Professionals, W Kit Thomson and past section President Bob Putt did not encourage me to get involved and serve. Q13: How should PGA Members reach out to you or connect if they have something they want to share with you from a national perspective? I would encourage all PGA members to reach out to me at dalemorgan@pga.com with any questions are concerns they might have regarding the PGA of America from a National perspective. It is truly an honor to serve District 12, and I look forward to the next few years! Dale Morgan, PGA