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Fore the Best: Learning from PNWPGA Legends

Fore the Best: Learning from PNWPGA Legends

By Monte Koch, PGA

We highlight "Pacific NW PGA Legends" one or two professionals at a time; by focusing on the inspirational careers, mentoring, life lessons and so much more.
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Fore The Best | Episode 25 | Part 2, Featuring Jeff Coston, PGA

Fore the Best: Learning from PNWPGA LegendsMar 17, 2022

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28:31
Fore The Best | Season 2, Episode 19 | Part 2, Featuring Jim Mapother, PGA (sponsored by Farmer's Insurance & The Jared Bouchey Agency)

Fore The Best | Season 2, Episode 19 | Part 2, Featuring Jim Mapother, PGA (sponsored by Farmer's Insurance & The Jared Bouchey Agency)

Fore The Best | Season 2, Episode 19 | Part 2, Featuring Jim Mapother, PGA (sponsored by Farmer's Insurance & The Jared Bouchey Agency)

Originally from Rochester, NY, Richard "Jim" Mapother, PGA is currently the PGA Director of Player Development at Canterwood Golf & Country Club in Gig Harbor, WA. Jim has what he refers to as a "holistic view of teaching and coaching" that needs to include club-fitting. He has said, “Golf instruction for me has always been about building relationships through engaging the student in instruction as well as playing and club-fitting. The total package of teaching, playing and equipment will add exponentially to the amount of fun the student experiences in the game.”

Other highlights:

  • Early influences: Frank Boynton, a PGA member and head professional at Ridgemont CC in Rochester NY who hired me as an outside service employee in 1964. Pat Rubino, the PGA head professional who replaced Frank Boynton at Ridgemont.
  • Switching coasts: Moved from NY to become the Head Professional at Forty Niner CC in Tucson, AZ for 16 years
  • Switching Career Paths: Jim became the Director of Sales and Training for Henry- Griffitts Inc. in Hayden Lake, ID. in late 80's
  • Shop Ownership/New Role: He opened his own golf shop in Naples, FL, in 2006. In 2013 he returned to the Pacific Northwest to take a new position with Sean Fredrickson, PGA who envisioned a relatively new role of Director of Player Development at Tualatin CC where he put all of his vast experience to use. “When it comes to teaching, coaching and club fitting, Jim is like an encyclopedia. He is a valuable asset to our staff and a vital part of our team,” said "Freddy" who was also impressed how much Jim elevated Tualatin CC and their staff to be a leading a club-fitting destination.

Recognition by peers and similar:

  • 2022 Operation 36 Top 50 Coach
  • 2018 Oregon Chapter PGA Teacher of the Year
  • 2016 Oregon Chapter PGA Teacher of the Year
  • 30-plus years of club fitting experience
Mar 23, 202331:17
Fore The Best | Season 2, Episode 18 | Part 1, Featuring Jim Mapother, PGA (sponsored by Farmer's Insurance & The Jared Bouchey Agency)

Fore The Best | Season 2, Episode 18 | Part 1, Featuring Jim Mapother, PGA (sponsored by Farmer's Insurance & The Jared Bouchey Agency)

Fore The Best | Season 2, Episode 18 | Part 1, Featuring Jim Mapother, PGA (sponsored by Farmer's Insurance & The Jared Bouchey Agency)

Originally from Rochester, NY, Richard "Jim" Mapother, PGA is currently the PGA Director of Player Development at Canterwood Golf & Country Club in Gig Harbor, WA. Jim has what he refers to as a "holistic view of teaching and coaching" that needs to include club-fitting. He has said, “Golf instruction for me has always been about building relationships through engaging the student in instruction as well as playing and club-fitting. The total package of teaching, playing and equipment will add exponentially to the amount of fun the student experiences in the game.”

Other highlights:

  • Early influences: Frank Boynton, a PGA member and head professional at Ridgemont CC in Rochester NY who hired me as an outside service employee in 1964. Pat Rubino, the PGA head professional who replaced Frank Boynton at Ridgemont. 
  • Switching coasts: Moved from NY to become the Head Professional at Forty Niner CC in Tucson, AZ for 16 years
  • Switching Career Paths: Jim became the Director of Sales and Training for Henry- Griffitts Inc. in Hayden Lake, ID. in late 80's
  • Shop Ownership/New Role: He opened his own golf shop in Naples, FL, in 2006. In 2013 he returned to the Pacific Northwest to take a new position with Sean Fredrickson, PGA who envisioned a relatively new role of Director of Player Development at Tualatin CC where he put all of his vast experience to use. “When it comes to teaching, coaching and club fitting, Jim is like an encyclopedia. He is a valuable asset to our staff and a vital part of our team,” said "Freddy" who was also impressed how much Jim elevated Tualatin CC and their staff to be a leading a club-fitting destination.

Recognition by peers and similar: 

  • 2022 Operation 36 Top 50 Coach
  • 2018 Oregon Chapter PGA Teacher of the Year 
  • 2016 Oregon Chapter PGA Teacher of the Year
  • 30-plus years of club fitting experience
Mar 16, 202334:22
Fore The Best | Season 2, Episode 17 | Part 2, Featuring Andy Heinly, PGA (sponsored by Foresight Golf)
Feb 23, 202319:31
Fore The Best | Season 2, Episode 16 | Part 1, Featuring Andy Heinly, PGA (sponsored by Foresight Golf)
Feb 16, 202329:42
Fore The Best | Season 2, Episode 15 | Part 3, Featuring Tom Addis III, PGA (sponsored by Titleist Golf)

Fore The Best | Season 2, Episode 15 | Part 3, Featuring Tom Addis III, PGA (sponsored by Titleist Golf)

Fore The Best | Season 2, Episode 15 | Part 3, Featuring Tom Addis III, PGA (sponsored by Titleist Golf)

A PGA member since 1972, Tom Addis III, PGA earned the 1989 PGA Golf Professional of the Year Award and the 1981 Professional Development Award. The third member of the Southern California PGA Section to be elected PGA president in 1995-1996. Prior to that, Addis was elected his Section's Golf Professional of the Year twice, in 1979 and 1989. Addis' commitment to the improvement of PGA Professionals continued as he stepped up to serve as Executive Director/CEO of the Southern California PGA Section.

Besides service to the PGA of America and the Southern California PGA (SCPGA), Addis has served on the board of directors for the San Diego Junior Golf Association, Lorena Ochoa Foundation and the California Alliance for Golf (CAG). Addis was, in fact, a founding member and past president of the statewide advocacy organization. Prior to his role as SCPGA CEO, Addis also served as owner and president of Medallion Golf Inc., a golf facility design, construction, operations and management services company.

From 2005-2022, his tenure as CEO of the Southern California PGA, Addis committed significant resources to developing community-based initiatives that have impacted the Southland golf environment. He worked tirelessly in support of player development programs including Golf in Schools and Neighborhood Golf. As a Conrad Rehling Award recipient, Addis has impacted the sporting world, helping establish golf as a recognized sport in the Special Olympics Games. He has ensured that everyone, including children and adults with special needs, school programs and community outreach programs, have access to the game.

Jan 26, 202324:23
Fore The Best | Season 2, Episode 14 | Part 2, Featuring Tom Addis III, PGA (sponsored by Titleist Golf)

Fore The Best | Season 2, Episode 14 | Part 2, Featuring Tom Addis III, PGA (sponsored by Titleist Golf)

Fore The Best | Season 2, Episode 14 | Part 2, Featuring Tom Addis III, PGA (sponsored by Titleist Golf)

A PGA member since 1972, Tom Addis III, PGA earned the 1989 PGA Golf Professional of the Year Award and the 1981 Professional Development Award. The third member of the Southern California PGA Section to be elected PGA president in 1995-1996. Prior to that, Addis was elected his Section's Golf Professional of the Year twice, in 1979 and 1989. Addis' commitment to the improvement of PGA Professionals continued as he stepped up to serve as Executive Director/CEO of the Southern California PGA Section.

Besides service to the PGA of America and the Southern California PGA (SCPGA), Addis has served on the board of directors for the San Diego Junior Golf Association, Lorena Ochoa Foundation and the California Alliance for Golf (CAG). Addis was, in fact, a founding member and past president of the statewide advocacy organization. Prior to his role as SCPGA CEO, Addis also served as owner and president of Medallion Golf Inc., a golf facility design, construction, operations and management services company.

From 2005-2022, his tenure as CEO of the Southern California PGA, Addis committed significant resources to developing community-based initiatives that have impacted the Southland golf environment. He worked tirelessly in support of player development programs including Golf in Schools and Neighborhood Golf. As a Conrad Rehling Award recipient, Addis has impacted the sporting world, helping establish golf as a recognized sport in the Special Olympics Games. He has ensured that everyone, including children and adults with special needs, school programs and community outreach programs, have access to the game.


Jan 19, 202323:21
Fore The Best | Season 2, Episode 13 | Part 1, Featuring Tom Addis III, PGA (sponsored by Titleist Golf)

Fore The Best | Season 2, Episode 13 | Part 1, Featuring Tom Addis III, PGA (sponsored by Titleist Golf)

Fore The Best | Season 2, Episode 13 | Part 1, Featuring Tom Addis III, PGA (sponsored by Titleist Golf)

A PGA member since 1972, Tom Addis III, PGA earned the 1989 PGA Golf Professional of the Year Award and the 1981 Professional Development Award. The third member of the Southern California PGA Section to be elected PGA president in 1995-1996. Prior to that, Addis was elected his Section's Golf Professional of the Year twice, in 1979 and 1989. Addis' commitment to the improvement of PGA Professionals continued as he stepped up to serve as Executive Director/CEO of the Southern California PGA Section.

Besides service to the PGA of America and the Southern California PGA (SCPGA), Addis has served on the board of directors for the San Diego Junior Golf Association, Lorena Ochoa Foundation and the California Alliance for Golf (CAG). Addis was, in fact, a founding member and past president of the statewide advocacy organization. Prior to his role as SCPGA CEO, Addis also served as owner and president of Medallion Golf Inc., a golf facility design, construction, operations and management services company.

From 2005-2022, his tenure as CEO of the Southern California PGA, Addis committed significant resources to developing community-based initiatives that have impacted the Southland golf environment. He worked tirelessly in support of player development programs including Golf in Schools and Neighborhood Golf. As a Conrad Rehling Award recipient, Addis has impacted the sporting world, helping establish golf as a recognized sport in the Special Olympics Games. He has ensured that everyone, including children and adults with special needs, school programs and community outreach programs, have access to the game.

Jan 12, 202335:59
Fore The Best | Season 2, Episode 12 | Part 2, Featuring Craig Griswold, PGA (sponsored by Holcomb-In-One Sales)

Fore The Best | Season 2, Episode 12 | Part 2, Featuring Craig Griswold, PGA (sponsored by Holcomb-In-One Sales)

Fore The Best | Season 2, Episode 11 | Part 1, Featuring Craig Griswold, PGA (sponsored by Holcomb-In-One Sales)

Craig Griswold, PGA, aka "Gris" or "The HOFer" has set himself apart based on many aspects of his role as a PGA professional in the Oregon PGA Chapter (and PNWPGA Section.) As stated on the University of Oregon Hall of Fame site, Griswold (you have to see the picture) has a story that reads, "Oregon’s lone first-team All-American during a 38-year span set the standard for a program which finished second in the league his freshman year. Craig Griswold knew no superiors in his sport, looming as one of only two Oregon golfers to either share or claim outright the Pac-8’s medalist honors on two separate occasions. The former Lake Oswego two-time state high school champion also garnered a trio of first-team Pac-8 all-conference tributes, including a freshman year in which he shot a pair of rounds of 70 on a final 36-hole afternoon to make up six strokes on the third-round leader and claim a share of the conference crown in 1970. In 1973, Griswold shot final-day rounds of 69 and 66 to close on the leaders and finish 10 strokes better than the Ducks’ next highest finisher, Peter Jacobsen. Capturing first-team All-America attention as a junior in 1972, he added national honorable mention acclaim his freshman and senior seasons."

Graduating from Oregon, eventually Griswold was elected to PGA membership in 1978. He continued to set himself apart as a player in Section and Chapter events including as a winner of the Oregon Open (1975), the Northwest Open (1980), in the past. Griswold's lowest competitive score as a PGA professional: 63

Griswold has been recognized by his peers in the Oregon PGA with awards for "Professional of the Year" and the PNWPGA Section's "Professional Development Award" for education in 1984. Passionate about teaching and coaching, Craig is all about "Helping golfers of all abilities improve...helping juniors get fit for the right clubs." Further, "Gris" believes "It's not rocket science...anyone can play better golf with solid fundamentals and good practice skills."

Jan 05, 202333:49
Fore The Best | Season 2, Episode 11 | Part 1, Featuring Craig Griswold, PGA (sponsored by Holcomb-In-One Sales)

Fore The Best | Season 2, Episode 11 | Part 1, Featuring Craig Griswold, PGA (sponsored by Holcomb-In-One Sales)

Fore The Best | Season 2, Episode 11 | Part 1, Featuring Craig Griswold, PGA (sponsored by Holcomb-In-One Sales)

Craig Griswold, PGA, aka "Gris" or "The HOFer" has set himself apart based on many aspects of his role as a PGA professional in the Oregon PGA Chapter (and PNWPGA Section.) As stated on the University of Oregon Hall of Fame site, Griswold (you have to see the picture) has a story that reads, "Oregon’s lone first-team All-American during a 38-year span set the standard for a program which finished second in the league his freshman year. Craig Griswold knew no superiors in his sport, looming as one of only two Oregon golfers to either share or claim outright the Pac-8’s medalist honors on two separate occasions. The former Lake Oswego two-time state high school champion also garnered a trio of first-team Pac-8 all-conference tributes, including a freshman year in which he shot a pair of rounds of 70 on a final 36-hole afternoon to make up six strokes on the third-round leader and claim a share of the conference crown in 1970. In 1973, Griswold shot final-day rounds of 69 and 66 to close on the leaders and finish 10 strokes better than the Ducks’ next highest finisher, Peter Jacobsen. Capturing first-team All-America attention as a junior in 1972, he added national honorable mention acclaim his freshman and senior seasons."

Graduating from Oregon, eventually Griswold was elected to PGA membership in 1978. He continued to set himself apart as a player in Section and Chapter events including as a winner of the Oregon Open (1975), the Northwest Open (1980), in the past. Griswold's lowest competitive score as a PGA professional: 63

Griswold has been recognized by his peers in the Oregon PGA with awards for "Professional of the Year" and the PNWPGA Section's "Professional Development Award" for education in 1984. Passionate about teaching and coaching, Craig is all about "Helping golfers of all abilities improve...helping juniors get fit for the right clubs." Further, "Gris" believes "It's not rocket science...anyone can play better golf with solid fundamentals and good practice skills."

Dec 22, 202231:18
Fore The Best | Season 2, Episode 10 | Part 3, Featuring Marcus King, PGA, CCM, CCE (sponsored by Golf Scorecards)

Fore The Best | Season 2, Episode 10 | Part 3, Featuring Marcus King, PGA, CCM, CCE (sponsored by Golf Scorecards)

Fore The Best | Season 2, Episode 10 | Part 3, Featuring Marcus King, PGA, CCM, CCE (sponsored by Golf Scorecards)

Marcus King, PGA, CCM, CCE embodies service to the Professional Golfers Association, to his fellow PGA Professionals and to the community. He has served 16 years in governance of the Pacific Northwest Section and Western Washington Chapter, highlighted by his term as president of the Section in 2013-2014. He has a record of committee service spanning three decades, including a term on the National Apprentice Committee.  Retiring in Aug 2022, King was the General Manager of Sahalee Country Club, and before that at venerable clubs including Overlake GCC, Sand Point CC and Fairwood GCC. King has mentored many PGA Members to become general managers at their own facilities. His accomplishments have earned him 10 Section awards ‒ including the highest honor of Golf Professional of the Year in 2013 ‒ and he is only the second member to have been awarded four different Pacific Northwest Section awards.

Besides his involvement in the PGA here in the PNW, Marcus King has an impressive resume in the club management portion of the golf/hospitality industry, having earned the CCM (Certified Club Manager) and CCE (Certified Chief Executive) designations from the Club Managers Assoc of America (CMAA.) King served as a Director and eventually the President of the CMAA Evergreen Chapter (for Western WA). Finally, King's greatest passion outside of his family is to give back through servant leadership and volunteer service. His deep commitment as a "champion" for the Special Olympics is the most obvious example of this. He has volunteered as a state, national and international coach and trainer for Special Olympics Golf and served as the Golf Commissioner and organizer of the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games in Seattle.

Dec 15, 202221:34
Fore The Best | Season 2, Episode 9 | Part 2, Featuring Marcus King, PGA CCE (sponsored by Golf Scorecards)

Fore The Best | Season 2, Episode 9 | Part 2, Featuring Marcus King, PGA CCE (sponsored by Golf Scorecards)

Fore The Best | Season 2, Episode 9 | Part 2, Featuring Marcus King, PGA, CCM, CCE (sponsored by Golf Scorecards)

Marcus King, PGA, CCM, CCE embodies service to the Professional Golfers Association, to his fellow PGA Professionals and to the community. He has served 16 years in governance of the Pacific Northwest Section and Western Washington Chapter, highlighted by his term as president of the Section in 2013-2014. He has a record of committee service spanning three decades, including a term on the National Apprentice Committee.  Retiring in Aug 2022, King was the General Manager of Sahalee Country Club, and before that at venerable clubs including Overlake GCC, Sand Point CC and Fairwood GCC. King has mentored many PGA Members to become general managers at their own facilities. His accomplishments have earned him 10 Section awards ‒ including the highest honor of Golf Professional of the Year in 2013 ‒ and he is only the second member to have been awarded four different Pacific Northwest Section awards. 

Besides his involvement in the PGA here in the PNW, Marcus King has an impressive resume in the club management portion of the golf/hospitality industry, having earned the CCM (Certified Club Manager) and CCE (Certified Chief Executive) designations from the Club Managers Assoc of America (CMAA.) King served as a Director and eventually the President of the CMAA Evergreen Chapter (for Western WA). Finally, King's greatest passion outside of his family is to give back through servant leadership and volunteer service. His deep commitment as a "champion" for the Special Olympics is the most obvious example of this. He has volunteered as a state, national and international coach and trainer for Special Olympics Golf and served as the Golf Commissioner and organizer of the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games in Seattle.

Dec 08, 202223:39
Fore The Best | Season 2, Episode 8 | Part 1, Featuring Marcus King, PGA CCE (sponsored by Golf Scorecards)

Fore The Best | Season 2, Episode 8 | Part 1, Featuring Marcus King, PGA CCE (sponsored by Golf Scorecards)

Fore The Best | Season 2, Episode 8 | Part 1, Featuring Marcus King, PGA CCE (sponsored by Golf Scorecards)

Marcus King, PGA, CCM, CCE embodies service to the Professional Golfers Association, to his fellow PGA Professionals and to the community. He has served 16 years in governance of the Pacific Northwest Section and Western Washington Chapter, highlighted by his term as president of the Section in 2013-2014. He has a record of committee service spanning three decades, including a term on the National Apprentice Committee.  Retiring in Aug 2022, King was the General Manager of Sahalee Country Club, and before that at venerable clubs including Overlake GCC, Sand Point CC and Fairwood GCC. King has mentored many PGA Members to become general managers at their own facilities. His accomplishments have earned him 10 Section awards ‒ including the highest honor of Golf Professional of the Year in 2013 ‒ and he is only the second member to have been awarded four different Pacific Northwest Section awards.

Besides his involvement in the PGA here in the PNW, Marcus King has an impressive resume in the club management portion of the golf/hospitality industry, having earned the CCM (Certified Club Manager) and CCE (Certified Chief Executive) designations from the Club Managers Assoc of America (CMAA.) King served as a Director and eventually the President of the CMAA Evergreen Chapter (for Western WA). Finally, King's greatest passion outside of his family is to give back through servant leadership and volunteer service. His deep commitment as a "champion" for the Special Olympics is the most obvious example of this. He has volunteered as a state, national and international coach and trainer for Special Olympics Golf and served as the Golf Commissioner and organizer of the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games in Seattle.

Dec 01, 202234:05
Fore The Best | Season 2, Episode 7 | Part 3, Featuring George Mack, Jr., PGA (sponsored by Pacific Golf & Turf)

Fore The Best | Season 2, Episode 7 | Part 3, Featuring George Mack, Jr., PGA (sponsored by Pacific Golf & Turf)

Fore The Best | Season 2, Episode 7 | Part 3, Featuring George Mack, Jr., PGA (sponsored by Pacific Golf & Turf) | George Mack, Jr., PGA grew up in one of Oregon's most prolific amateur golf families with double-digit wins in the Oregon Coast Invitational by his father, himself and his three sisters. Mack was on one of Oregon’s best amateur players, winning the Oregon Mid-Amateur Championship (1989) and Oregon Amateur Championship (1990) before trying his hand as a professional.

As an engaged and committed PGA teacher and coach, Mack has primarily relied on the teachings of Chuck Hogan.  Mack has been the Director of Instruction at Black Butte Ranch (OR) and Rio Verde Country Club (AZ) for several years/seasons. 

His "Winning Philosophy" includes "Let yourself play like in your dreams...we can set up our own emotional reaction with stimulus.  Set up your stimulus and create that great shot...great golf requires reacting and blending with the target and it's conditions, making confidence a more controlled state." In this episode, Part 3, with George, we will share an excerpt from his book, "Play Like in Your Dreams" is the focus of this episode and features an "audiobook" style reading of a couple chapters focused on the mental side of playing the game at your best.


Nov 17, 202234:09
Fore The Best | Season 2, Episode 6 | Part 2, Featuring Mark Keating, PGA (sponsored by Puttview)

Fore The Best | Season 2, Episode 6 | Part 2, Featuring Mark Keating, PGA (sponsored by Puttview)

Fore The Best | Season 2, Episode 6 | Part 2, Featuring Mark Keating, PGA (sponsored by Puttview) | Mark Keating, PGA grew up in Moscow, ID very close to the University of Idaho campus. Mark began his career at Bend Golf Club as an assistant to Craig Griswold, PGA. Tour golf took him to Australia and New Zealand. He was the Head Professional at Shadow Hills for 13 years. Since then, he’s been in and around Portland, and is now back at the Meriwether National GC and is just a "few drivers" away from Craig Griswold. In that time, "Keats" (as his friends call him) was an early influencer in helping get PGA Junior League (PGAJL) established in both the summer and fall seasons in the greater Portland metro area. “I knew early on that it would be a winner, so the first year I put in a lot of time to get a nucleus going here in Portland. The program is a real winner for everyone and should last a long, long time,” said Keating.

Keating’s long been thought of as a player with his peers, some of whom he worked closely with in golf operations at various facilities. Since 1987, when "Keats" became a PGA member, he has won many events including: 

Professional Team Member, Hudson Cup Matches: 1991, 1996, 2011-2015

Pacific Northwest PGA Club Professional Champion: 1991

Pacific Northwest PGA Assistant Professional Champion: 1988

Pacific Northwest PGA Senior Players Champion: 2012, 2014

OPGA Awards - 2018 & 2019 Patriot Award Winner 

2022 Sean Fredrickson Award Winner

Keating built his brand as a leader in the Section and the Oregon Chapter as a Board Member of the OPGA from 2007-2016, and the Section BOD from 2011-2014. This service included being Oregon PGA Chapter President 2012-2014.

Nov 10, 202231:53
Fore The Best | Season 2, Episode 5 | Part 1, Featuring Mark Keating, PGA (sponsored by Puttview)

Fore The Best | Season 2, Episode 5 | Part 1, Featuring Mark Keating, PGA (sponsored by Puttview)

Fore The Best | Season 2, Episode 5 | Part 1, Featuring Mark Keating, PGA (sponsored by Puttview) | Mark Keating, PGA grew up in Moscow, ID very close to the University of Idaho campus. Mark began his career at Bend Golf Club as an assistant to Craig Griswold, PGA. Tour golf took him to Australia and New Zealand. He was the Head Professional at Shadow Hills for 13 years. Since then, he’s been in and around Portland, and is now back at the Meriwether National GC and is just a "few drivers" away from Craig Griswold. In that time, "Keats" (as his friends call him) was an early influencer in helping get PGA Junior League (PGAJL) established in both the summer and fall seasons in the greater Portland metro area. “I knew early on that it would be a winner, so the first year I put in a lot of time to get a nucleus going here in Portland. The program is a real winner for everyone and should last a long, long time,” said Keating.

Keating’s long been thought of as a player with his peers, some of whom he worked closely with in golf operations at various facilities. Since 1987, when "Keats" became a PGA member, he has won many events including: 

  • Professional Team Member, Hudson Cup Matches: 1991, 1996, 2011-2015
  • Pacific Northwest PGA Club Professional Champion: 1991
  • Pacific Northwest PGA Assistant Professional Champion: 1988
  • Pacific Northwest PGA Senior Players Champion: 2012, 2014
  • OPGA Awards - 2018 & 2019 Patriot Award Winner 
  • 2022 Sean Fredrickson Award Winner

Keating built his brand as a leader in the Section and the Oregon Chapter as a Board Member of the OPGA from 2007-2016, and the Section BOD from 2011-2014. This service included being Oregon PGA Chapter President 2012-2014.

Nov 03, 202228:42
Fore The Best | Season 2, Episode 4 | Part 2, Featuring George Mack, Jr., PGA (sponsored by Pacific Golf & Turf)

Fore The Best | Season 2, Episode 4 | Part 2, Featuring George Mack, Jr., PGA (sponsored by Pacific Golf & Turf)

Fore The Best | Season 2, Episode 4 | Part 2, Featuring George Mack, Jr., PGA (sponsored by Pacific Golf & Turf) | George Mack, Jr., PGA grew up in one of Oregon's most prolific amateur golf families with double-digit wins in the Oregon Coast Invitational by his father, himself and his three sisters. Mack was on one of Oregon’s best amateur players, winning the Oregon Mid-Amateur Championship (1989) and Oregon Amateur Championship (1990) before trying his hand as a professional.

George’s greatest success as a golfer came in 1992 in the second stage of the PGA Tour’s National Qualifying School, when he closed strong with a 3-under 33 on the back nine to advance into Q-School’s final stage. That earned him exempt status on the 1993 Nike Tour (now known as the Web.com Tour), where he logged five top-25 finishes. In 1994, George moved on to the Asian Tour. In 1995, Mack joined the PNWPGA Section and became a PGA member where he has won many events including the PNWPGA Senior PGA Championship in 2015.

As an engaged and committed PGA teacher and coach, Mack has primarily relied on the teachings of Chuck Hogan.  Mack has been the Director of Instruction at Black Butte Ranch (OR) and Rio Verde Country Club (AZ) for several years/seasons. His "Winning Philosophy" includes "Let yourself play like in your dreams...we can set up our own emotional reaction with stimulus.  Set up your stimulus and create that great shot...great golf requires reacting and blending with the target and it's conditions, making confidence a more controlled state."

Oct 27, 202230:14
Fore The Best | Season 2, Episode 2 | Part 2, Featuring Doug Hixson, PGA & Dan Hixson, PGA (sponsored by Grant Holcomb and the Holcomb-In-One Las Vegas Pro-Am)

Fore The Best | Season 2, Episode 2 | Part 2, Featuring Doug Hixson, PGA & Dan Hixson, PGA (sponsored by Grant Holcomb and the Holcomb-In-One Las Vegas Pro-Am)

Fore The Best | Season 2, Episode 2 | Part 2, Featuring Doug Hixson, PGA & Dan Hixson, PGA (sponsored by Grant Holcomb and the Holcomb-In-One Las Vegas Pro-Am) | As sons of their highly regarded PGA father, Harvey Hixson, PGA, Doug and Dan Hixson have certainly made their own impacts on the game of golf in the PNWPGA Section and specifically the Oregon PGA Chapter.

Doug Hixson, PGA | Like his father, Doug is an accomplished professional, and is well known in the Oregon PGA as both a player, a teacher and a golf operations leader. His many accomplishments include qualifying to play in the 1992 PGA Championship, playing several times in the National Club Professional Championship, and he was the 1996 Northwest Open Champion. Doug has played in the Hudson Cup matches in 1982, 1988, 1991 and 1992. Doug was recognized by Golf Digest as one of the “Best Teachers in the State of Oregon” 2011 -2012."

Dan Hixson, PGA | Former PGA head golf professional at various clubs including the venerable Columbia Edgewater CC. Interested in being a golf course designer since the age of 7, Dan began chasing his dream when he launched Dan Hixson Golf Design in 2001. His first standalone track, Bandon Crossings (Bandon, OR) is still getting rave reviews, but he's known for other great courses including Wine Valley (Walla Walla, OR), Silvies Valley Ranch (Seneca, OR) and most recently Bar Run (Roseburg, OR). He's also known for his "respectful touch" with his collaborative renovation efforts at venerable PNW clubs including Columbia Edgewater CC, Tualatin CC, Illahe Hills CC, Bend GC, Oswego Lake CC, Trysting Tree GC, Meridian Valley CC and most recently Portland GC. Also known as a good player, Dan qualified for the Hudson Cup team in 1990 and 1993.

Oct 20, 202228:10
Fore The Best | Season 2, Episode 3 | Part 1, Featuring George Mack, Jr., PGA (sponsored by Pacific Golf & Turf)

Fore The Best | Season 2, Episode 3 | Part 1, Featuring George Mack, Jr., PGA (sponsored by Pacific Golf & Turf)

Fore The Best | Season 2, Episode 3 | Part 1, Featuring George Mack, Jr., PGA (sponsored by Pacific Golf & Turf) | George Mack, Jr., PGA grew up in one of Oregon's most prolific amateur golf families with double-digit wins in the Oregon Coast Invitational by his father, himself and his three sisters. Mack was on one of Oregon’s best amateur players, winning the Oregon Mid-Amateur Championship (1989) and Oregon Amateur Championship (1990) before trying his hand as a professional.

George’s greatest success as a golfer came in 1992 in the second stage of the PGA Tour’s National Qualifying School, when he closed strong with a 3-under 33 on the back nine to advance into Q-School’s final stage. That earned him exempt status on the 1993 Nike Tour (now known as the Web.com Tour), where he logged five top-25 finishes. In 1994, George moved on to the Asian Tour. In 1995, Mack joined the PNWPGA Section and became a PGA member where he has won many events including the PNWPGA Senior PGA Championship in 2015.

As an engaged and committed PGA teacher and coach, Mack has primarily relied on the teachings of Chuck Hogan.  Mack has been the Director of Instruction at Black Butte Ranch (OR) and Rio Verde Country Club (AZ) for several years/seasons. His "Winning Philosophy" includes "Let yourself play like in your dreams...we can set up our own emotional reaction with stimulus.  Set up your stimulus and create that great shot...great golf requires reacting and blending with the target and it's conditions, making confidence a more controlled state."

Oct 20, 202232:20
Fore The Best | Episode 1, (Season 2) | Part 1, Featuring Doug Hixson, PGA & Dan Hixson, PGA (sponsored by Grant Holcomb/Holcomb-in-One Pro-Am)

Fore The Best | Episode 1, (Season 2) | Part 1, Featuring Doug Hixson, PGA & Dan Hixson, PGA (sponsored by Grant Holcomb/Holcomb-in-One Pro-Am)

Fore The Best | Episode 1, (Season 2) | Part 1, Featuring Doug Hixson, PGA & Dan Hixson, PGA (sponsored by Grant Holcomb and the Holcomb-In-One Las Vegas Pro-Am) | As sons of their highly regarded PGA father, Harvey Hixson, PGA, Doug and Dan Hixson have certainly made their own impacts on the game of golf in the PNWPGA Section and specifically the Oregon PGA Chapter.

Doug Hixson, PGA | Like his father, Doug is an accomplished professional, and is well known in the Oregon PGA as both a player, a teacher and a golf operations leader. His many accomplishments include qualifying to play in the 1992 PGA Championship, playing several times in the National Club Professional Championship, and he was the 1996 Northwest Open Champion. Doug has played in the Hudson Cup matches in 1982, 1988, 1991 and 1992. Doug was recognized by Golf Digest as one of the “Best Teachers in the State of Oregon” 2011 -2012."

Dan Hixson, PGA | Former PGA head golf professional at various clubs including the venerable Columbia Edgewater CC. Interested in being a golf course designer since the age of 7, Dan began chasing his dream when he launched Dan Hixson Golf Design in 2001. His first standalone track, Bandon Crossings (Bandon, OR) is still getting rave reviews, but he's known for other great courses including Wine Valley (Walla Walla, OR), Silvies Valley Ranch (Seneca, OR) and most recently Bar Run (Roseburg, OR). He's also known for his "respectful touch" with his collaborative renovation efforts at venerable PNW clubs including Columbia Edgewater CC, Tualatin CC, Illahe Hills CC, Bend GC, Oswego Lake CC, Trysting Tree GC, Meridian Valley CC and most recently Portland GC. Also known as a good player, Dan qualified for the Hudson Cup team in 1990 and 1993.

[This episode is the launch of Season 2 of Fore The Best!]


Oct 06, 202229:19
Fore The Best | Episode 30 | Part 2, Featuring Jerry Mowlds, PGA (sponsored by Pelzer Golf Supplies)

Fore The Best | Episode 30 | Part 2, Featuring Jerry Mowlds, PGA (sponsored by Pelzer Golf Supplies)

Fore The Best | Episode 30 | Part 2, Featuring Jerry Mowlds, PGA (sponsored by Pelzer Golf Supplies) | Mowlds is the most decorated professional in the history of the Pacific Northwest Section, and the Section's only professional to be awarded with the PGA of America Golf Professional of the Year Award. He won this award on four occasions on the Section level as well as the Teacher of the Year Award. He served with distinction as the head professional at Columbia Edgewater CC for 17 years prior to becoming Director of Golf at the newly opened Pumpkin Ridge GC in 1991. He has served at every level of the Chapter and Section, culminating as Section President in 1982-83. His expertise was recognized on the national level, where he chaired numerous committees and later served on the PGA's Board of Directors. Jerry was one of the Section’s finest players for many years. A 12-time Hudson Cup team member, he counts the 1964 Oregon Open and the 1974 Section Championship among his titles.

[This episode is the finale of Season 1 of Fore The Best: As of May 1, 2022, we are taking a break but we hope you'll check out our previous episodes and then join us again in Sept 2022 when we launch Season 2 of Fore The Best!]

Apr 28, 202230:03
Fore The Best | Episode 29 | Part 1, Featuring Jerry Mowlds, PGA (sponsored by Pelzer Golf Supplies)

Fore The Best | Episode 29 | Part 1, Featuring Jerry Mowlds, PGA (sponsored by Pelzer Golf Supplies)

Fore The Best | Episode 29 | Part 1, Featuring Jerry Mowlds, PGA (sponsored by Pelzer Golf Supplies) | Mowlds is the most decorated professional in the history of the Pacific Northwest Section, and the Section's only professional to be awarded with the PGA of America Golf Professional of the Year Award. He won this award on four occasions on the Section level as well as the Teacher of the Year Award. He served with distinction as the head professional at Columbia Edgewater CC for 17 years prior to becoming Director of Golf at the newly opened Pumpkin Ridge GC in 1991. He has served at every level of the Chapter and Section, culminating as Section President in 1982-83. His expertise was recognized on the national level, where he chaired numerous committees and later served on the PGA's Board of Directors. Jerry was one of the Section’s finest players for many years. A 12-time Hudson Cup team member, he counts the 1964 Oregon Open and the 1974 Section Championship among his titles.

Apr 21, 202233:52
Fore The Best | Episode 28 | Part 2, Featuring Chris Nowak, PGA HOPE Military and Veteran Liaison and Chris Runyan, PGA (sponsored by PGA HOPE)

Fore The Best | Episode 28 | Part 2, Featuring Chris Nowak, PGA HOPE Military and Veteran Liaison and Chris Runyan, PGA (sponsored by PGA HOPE)

Fore The Best | Episode 28 | Part 2, Featuring Chris Nowak, PGA HOPE Military and Veteran Liaison and Chris Runyan, PGA (sponsored by PGA HOPE) | Part Two of the conversation with "Chris & Chris".

Chris Nowak, Military and Veteran Liaison, PGA HOPE | Nowak lost his leg in a friendly-fire training accident, but the Marine Corps veteran doesn’t let his injury keep him from his work with the PGA's Hope program, dedicated to helping veterans heal through the game of golf. "This has been the best therapy I have ever done," said Nowak. "They are interacting with their fellow veterans, integrating back into society, but more importantly giving them that moment in time [where] we are allowing them to focus on something other than their injury." The PGA Hope program has helped thousands of veterans enjoy the game through the camaraderie of like-minded patriots. Clubs across the nation have volunteered to host six-week programs allowing wounded veterans the opportunity to learn from top professionals and play exclusive courses at no charge.

Chris Runyan, PGA, 2020 PGA of America Patriot Award winner, Marine Corps veteran and GolfTEC teaching professional | A multiple year winner of the PNWPGA Section's Patriot Award, Runyan is a full-time teaching professional at GolfTEC in Spokane, WA. He is very involved in the activation and training of PGA professionals to coach/teach in local PGA HOPE programming, and he is the founder/director of "Inland Empire PGA" Veteran-centric charitable programming including "Vets On The Green" and "Northwest Golfers for Warriors". Click here to learn more.

Apr 14, 202233:06
Fore The Best | Episode 27 | Part 1, Featuring Chris Nowak, PGA HOPE Military and Veteran Liaison and Chris Runyan, PGA

Fore The Best | Episode 27 | Part 1, Featuring Chris Nowak, PGA HOPE Military and Veteran Liaison and Chris Runyan, PGA

Fore The Best | Episode 27 | Part 1, Featuring Chris Nowak, PGA HOPE Military and Veteran Liaison and Chris Runyan, PGA (sponsored by PGA HOPE) | Part One of the conversation with "Chris & Chris". 

Chris Nowak, Military and Veteran Liaison, PGA HOPE | Nowak lost his leg in a friendly-fire training accident, but the Marine Corps veteran doesn’t let his injury keep him from his work with the PGA's Hope program, dedicated to helping veterans heal through the game of golf. "This has been the best therapy I have ever done," said Nowak. "They are interacting with their fellow veterans, integrating back into society, but more importantly giving them that moment in time [where] we are allowing them to focus on something other than their injury." The PGA Hope program has helped thousands of veterans enjoy the game through the camaraderie of like-minded patriots. Clubs across the nation have volunteered to host six-week programs allowing wounded veterans the opportunity to learn from top professionals and play exclusive courses at no charge.

Chris Runyan, PGA, 2020 PGA of America Patriot Award winner, Marine Corps veteran and GolfTEC teaching professional | A multiple year winner of the PNWPGA Section's Patriot Award, Runyan is a full-time teaching professional at GolfTEC in Spokane, WA. He is very involved in the activation and training of PGA professionals to coach/teach in local PGA HOPE programming, and he is the founder/director of "Inland Empire PGA" Veteran-centric charitable programming including "Vets On The Green" and "Northwest Golfers for Warriors". Click here to learn more.

Apr 07, 202228:08
Fore The Best | Episode 26.2 | Part 2, Featuring Pat Huffer, PGA

Fore The Best | Episode 26.2 | Part 2, Featuring Pat Huffer, PGA

Fore The Best | Episode 26.2 | Part 2, Featuring Pat Huffer, PGA (sponsored by Farmer's Insurance - Jared Bouchey Agency) | Part One of the conversation with Pat Huffer, PGA. Huffer (or "Huff" to his many friends) was the PGA Head Professional at Crooked River Ranch from 2006-2020, until he moved back to his "hometown" area and became the HP at Wenatchee G&CC. Prior to Crooked River Ranch, Huffer was a fixture for 25 years in Roseburg, Oregon, first at Roseburg CC and finally at Stewart Park GC. Huffer has consistently served his golfers, community and fellow PGA Professionals. He spent over 20 years in the governance of the Pacific Northwest Section and Oregon Chapter PGA, serving on the Board of Directors and culminating as President of the Pacific Northwest Section in 2007-2008.

Huffer was inducted into the PNWPGA Hall of Fame in 2015 and is the 57th Inductee. He has received the Bill Strausbaugh Award 6 times for his service to his fellow professionals in the area of employment and club relations. A fixture on the National PGA scene, Huffer served on the PGA of America Employment Committee and numerous Task Forces. Huffer was a "driver" in the creation of the Central Oregon Golf Forum, which connects industry stakeholders enhancing the golf experiences available in the region. Under Huffer’s leadership, the Central Oregon Golf Trail was formed to market central Oregon as a golf destination.

Mar 31, 202227:24
Fore The Best | Episode 26.1 | Part 1, Featuring Pat Huffer, PGA

Fore The Best | Episode 26.1 | Part 1, Featuring Pat Huffer, PGA

Fore The Best | Episode 26.1 | Part 1, Featuring Pat Huffer, PGA (sponsored by Farmer's Insurance - Jared Bouchey Agency) | Part One of the conversation with Pat Huffer, PGA. Huffer (or "Huff" to his many friends) was the PGA Head Professional at Crooked River Ranch from 2006-2020, until he moved back to his "hometown" area and became the HP at Wenatchee G&CC. Prior to Crooked River Ranch, Huffer was a fixture for 25 years in Roseburg, Oregon, first at Roseburg CC and finally at Stewart Park GC. Huffer has consistently served his golfers, community and fellow PGA Professionals. He spent over 20 years in the governance of the Pacific Northwest Section and Oregon Chapter PGA, serving on the Board of Directors and culminating as President of the Pacific Northwest Section in 2007-2008. 

Huffer was inducted into the PNWPGA Hall of Fame in 2015 and is the 57th Inductee. He has received the Bill Strausbaugh Award 6 times for his service to his fellow professionals in the area of employment and club relations. A fixture on the National PGA scene, Huffer served on the PGA of America Employment Committee and numerous Task Forces. Huffer was a "driver" in the creation of the Central Oregon Golf Forum, which connects industry stakeholders enhancing the golf experiences available in the region. Under Huffer’s leadership, the Central Oregon Golf Trail was formed to market central Oregon as a golf destination.

Mar 24, 202230:13
Fore The Best | Episode 25 | Part 2, Featuring Jeff Coston, PGA

Fore The Best | Episode 25 | Part 2, Featuring Jeff Coston, PGA

Fore The Best | Episode 25 | Part 2, Featuring Jeff Coston, PGA (sponsored by Open Rounds) | Part One of the conversation with Jeff Coston, PGA. As a youngster, Jeff shares that watching Jack Nicklaus tee off in the 1965 Greater Seattle Open Invitational at Inglewood Country Club as the moment he realized he wanted to dedicate his life to golf. He joined the PGA Tour in 1985, and that year at the Buick Invitational Championship, a 14-year-old Phil Mickelson carried the scoreboard for the playing threesome of Coston, Steve Pate and Chris Perry. Coston played on the PGA Tour in 1985 and 1988. His best finish was a tied for seventh at the 1988 Anheuser-Busch Golf Classic. From 1991 to 1994, he played on the Ben Hogan/Nike Tour (now Nationwide Tour), winning once, at the 1991 Ben Hogan Shreveport Open.

Coston runs the Jeff Coston Academy, located at the Semiahmoo Resort near Blaine, Washington, opened in 1994. In 2000 he qualified for the U.S. Open, finishing 53rd. He is the second most prolific winner of the Pacific Northwest Senior PGA Championship since 1970, and the only player to have won it five times consecutively, having won the championship every year between 2006 and 2010. He has also won the Washington Senior Open every year between 2006 and 2010. He has been Pacific Northwest Player of the Year in 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007 and 2010 and PGA Senior Player of the Year consecutively in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010. Coston qualified for the 2015 Champions Tour by finishing third at qualifying school in 2014.

Mar 17, 202228:31
Fore The Best | Episode 24 | Part 1, Featuring Jeff Coston, PGA

Fore The Best | Episode 24 | Part 1, Featuring Jeff Coston, PGA

Fore The Best | Episode 24 | Part 1, Featuring Jeff Coston, PGA (sponsored by Open Rounds) | Part One of the conversation with Jeff Coston, PGA. As a youngster, Jeff shares that watching Jack Nicklaus tee off in the 1965 Greater Seattle Open Invitational at Inglewood Country Club as the moment he realized he wanted to dedicate his life to golf. He joined the PGA Tour in 1985, and that year at the Buick Invitational Championship, a 14-year-old Phil Mickelson carried the scoreboard for the playing threesome of Coston, Steve Pate and Chris Perry. Coston played on the PGA Tour in 1985 and 1988. His best finish was a tied for seventh at the 1988 Anheuser-Busch Golf Classic. From 1991 to 1994, he played on the Ben Hogan/Nike Tour (now Nationwide Tour), winning once, at the 1991 Ben Hogan Shreveport Open.

Coston runs the Jeff Coston Academy, located at the Semiahmoo Resort near Blaine, Washington, opened in 1994. In 2000 he qualified for the U.S. Open, finishing 53rd. He is the second most prolific winner of the Pacific Northwest Senior PGA Championship since 1970, and the only player to have won it five times consecutively, having won the championship every year between 2006 and 2010. He has also won the Washington Senior Open every year between 2006 and 2010. He has been Pacific Northwest Player of the Year in 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007 and 2010 and PGA Senior Player of the Year consecutively in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010. Coston qualified for the 2015 Champions Tour by finishing third at qualifying school in 2014.

Mar 10, 202230:22
Fore The Best | Episode 23 | Part 2, Featuring Bruce Wattenburger, PGA

Fore The Best | Episode 23 | Part 2, Featuring Bruce Wattenburger, PGA

Fore The Best | Episode 23 | Part 2, Featuring Bruce Wattenburger, PGA (sponsored by Kids Center, Official Charity of the 2022 Oregon Open Invitational) | Part One of the conversation with Bruce Wattenburger, PGA | Wattenburger has served his fellow PGA professionals like few before him. As Head PGA Professional at Juniper Golf Course, Bruce served two terms as the Oregon Chapter President, two terms as the Pacific Northwest Section President, one term on the PGA of America Board of Directors and a four-year stint on the PGA Board of Control. After serving PGA of America, Bruce served again as the Oregon Chapter President. Bruce served on virtually every Chapter and Section committee, and was honored with the Golf Professional of the Year award (3x) and the Professional Development award. At Juniper Golf Course, Bruce managed the expansion from nine to 18 holes and in 2005 moved the club to a completely new site and golf course.

Mar 03, 202234:26
Fore The Best | Episode 22 | Part 1, Featuring Bruce Wattenburger, PGA

Fore The Best | Episode 22 | Part 1, Featuring Bruce Wattenburger, PGA

Fore The Best | Episode 22 | Part 1, Featuring Bruce Wattenburger, PGA (sponsored by Kids Center, Official Charity of the 2022 Oregon Open Invitational) | Part One of the conversation with Bruce Wattenburger, PGA | Wattenburger has served his fellow PGA professionals like few before him. As Head PGA Professional at Juniper Golf Course, Bruce served two terms as the Oregon Chapter President, two terms as the Pacific Northwest Section President, one term on the PGA of America Board of Directors and a four-year stint on the PGA Board of Control. After serving PGA of America, Bruce served again as the Oregon Chapter President. Bruce served on virtually every Chapter and Section committee, and was honored with the Golf Professional of the Year award (3x) and the Professional Development award. At Juniper Golf Course, Bruce managed the expansion from nine to 18 holes and in 2005 moved the club to a completely new site and golf course.

Feb 24, 202231:34
Fore The Best | Episode 21 | Part 2, Featuring Doug Doxsie, PGA

Fore The Best | Episode 21 | Part 2, Featuring Doug Doxsie, PGA

Episode 21 | (sponsored by Sterling Cut Glass) | Part Two of the conversation with Doug Doxsie, PGA | Doug Doxsie, PGA Head Golf Professional at Seattle Golf Club. An accomplished player and distinguished PGA Member since 1988, Doxsie has earned numerous awards and accolades in the Pacific Northwest PGA Section, highlighted by being named PGA Golf Professional of the Year three times (1999, 2003, 2005). He was the recipient of the Section’s 2017 Bill Strausbaugh Award and was named the PGA Merchandiser of the Year—Private Category in 2000.

A 1983 graduate of the University of Puget Sound, with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Doxsie was a NCAA Division II Golf All-American in 1982 and 1983. In 1996, he became the first and only golfer elected into the University of Puget Sound Athletic Hall of Fame. Committed to volunteerism, Doxsie’s passion to serve steered him to several leadership positions within the Pacific Northwest Section PGA. A member of its Board of Directors, Doxsie served as president in 2003-2004. Since 1995, he has also served as chairman of six committees on behalf of the Section. In 2019, Doxsie started his 3-year term as the District 14 Director for the PGA of America's Board of Directors.

Feb 17, 202228:07
Fore The Best | Episode 20 | Part 1, Featuring Doug Doxsie, PGA

Fore The Best | Episode 20 | Part 1, Featuring Doug Doxsie, PGA

Episode 20 | (sponsored by Sterling Cut Glass) | Part One of the conversation with Doug Doxsie, PGA | Doug Doxsie, PGA Head Golf Professional at Seattle Golf Club. An accomplished player and distinguished PGA Member since 1988, Doxsie has earned numerous awards and accolades in the Pacific Northwest PGA Section, highlighted by being named PGA Golf Professional of the Year three times (1999, 2003, 2005). He was the recipient of the Section’s 2017 Bill Strausbaugh Award and was named the PGA Merchandiser of the Year—Private Category in 2000. 

A 1983 graduate of the University of Puget Sound, with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Doxsie was a NCAA Division II Golf All-American in 1982 and 1983. In 1996, he became the first and only golfer elected into the University of Puget Sound Athletic Hall of Fame. Committed to volunteerism, Doxsie’s passion to serve steered him to several leadership positions within the Pacific Northwest Section PGA. A member of its Board of Directors, Doxsie served as president in 2003-2004. Since 1995, he has also served as chairman of six committees on behalf of the Section. In 2019, Doxsie started his 3-year term as the District 14 Director for the PGA of America's Board of Directors.

Feb 10, 202230:57
 Fore The Best | Episode 19 | Part 2, Featuring Greg Manley, PGA

Fore The Best | Episode 19 | Part 2, Featuring Greg Manley, PGA

Episode 19 | (sponsored by Muckleshoot Casino) | Part Two of the conversation with Greg Manley, PGA | Greg Manley, PGA was the General Manager/Director of Golf at Meridian Valley Country Club until the end of 2021. At that time, he moved out of the PNWPGA Section to be the "Director of The Kingdom at TaylorMade Golf." During his tenure at MVCC, starting as an Assistant in 1994, Manley served the Western WA PGA Chapter and eventually the PNWPGA Section as a committee member, board member and officer, including President of the Section.

Manley was recognized for his leadership at MVCC, where he has worked for nearly three decades. He has developed a successful golf shop with award-winning employees, section officials said. Manley 20+ years of service to the association on the chapter, Section and national level. He was vital in the implementation of the Sections Strategic Plan and the Washington Open’s support for the Folds of Honor, a program that provides educational scholarships to spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled service members.

In this episode, Manley reminisces about some of the Section leaders who mentored him, some of whom have been guests in previous Fore The Best podcasts. Plus, Manley talks about one "DO", one "Freddy" and two "BTs."

Feb 03, 202230:28
Fore The Best | Episode 18 | Part 1, Featuring Greg Manley, PGA

Fore The Best | Episode 18 | Part 1, Featuring Greg Manley, PGA

Episode 18 | (sponsored by Muckleshoot Casino) | Part One of the conversation with Greg Manley, PGA | Greg Manley, PGA was the General Manager/Director of Golf at Meridian Valley Country Club until the end of 2021. At that time, he moved out of the PNWPGA Section to be the "Director of The Kingdom at TaylorMade Golf." During his tenure at MVCC, starting as an Assistant in 1994, Manley served the Western WA PGA Chapter and eventually the PNWPGA Section as a committee member, board member and officer, including President of the Section. 

Manley was recognized for his leadership at MVCC, where he has worked for nearly three decades. He has developed a successful golf shop with award-winning employees, section officials said. Manley 20+ years of service to the association on the chapter, Section and national level. He was vital in the implementation of the Sections Strategic Plan and the Washington Open’s support for the Folds of Honor, a program that provides educational scholarships to spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled service members.

In 2018, Manley received the Pacific Northwest Section’s highest honor, the Golf Professional of the Year. In 2020, he was also honored by his peers as the Patriot Award winner, created to recognize the Section professional for their support of programming to support our Nation's veterans.


Jan 27, 202230:08
Fore The Best | Episode 17 | Part 2, Featuring Roger Wallace, PGA

Fore The Best | Episode 17 | Part 2, Featuring Roger Wallace, PGA

Episode 17 | (sponsored by Rosauer's Market) | Part Two of the conversation with Roger Wallace, PGA. (PNWPGA Hall of Famer)

Roger Wallace has been the driving force at Polson Bay Golf Course for the past 30 years. He has been instrumental in raising funds for local organizations, and together with his staff has built a junior program in which over 400 kids participate annually.

He served on the PGA of America’s Board of Directors and was President of the Pacific Northwest Section in 1999-2000. He was also President of the Western Montana Chapter, and served on the chapter’s Board of Directors on four separate occasions.

Roger was recognized as Golf Professional of the Year on three occasions. He is a four-time recipient of the Pacific Northwest Section Bill Strausbaugh Award, and was awarded on the national level with the 2014 PGA of America Bill Strausbaugh Award. This award recognizes PGA members who are exceptional mentors.

Born in Whitefish, MT, Wallace grew up in Washington, attending high school in Ephrata and Yakima, where he excelled on the Eisenhower High School golf team. He played golf at Spokane Falls Community College and at Eastern Washington University.

Jan 20, 202235:41
Fore The Best | Episode 16 | Part 1, Featuring Roger Wallace, PGA

Fore The Best | Episode 16 | Part 1, Featuring Roger Wallace, PGA

Episode 16 | (sponsored by Rosauer's Market) | Part One of the conversation with Roger Wallace, PGA. 

Roger Wallace has been the driving force at Polson Bay Golf Course for the past 30 years. He has been instrumental in raising funds for local organizations, and together with his staff has built a junior program in which over 400 kids participate annually.

He served on the PGA of America’s Board of Directors and was President of the Pacific Northwest Section in 1999-2000. He was also President of the Western Montana Chapter, and served on the chapter’s Board of Directors on four separate occasions.

Roger was recognized as Golf Professional of the Year on three occasions. He is a four-time recipient of the Pacific Northwest Section Bill Strausbaugh Award, and was awarded on the national level with the 2014 PGA of America Bill Strausbaugh Award. This award recognizes PGA members who are exceptional mentors.

Born in Whitefish, MT, Wallace grew up in Washington, attending high school in Ephrata and Yakima, where he excelled on the Eisenhower High School golf team. He played golf at Spokane Falls Community College and at Eastern Washington University.

Jan 13, 202230:08
Fore The Best | Episode 15 | Part 2, Featuring Bill Rosholt, PGA
Dec 31, 202132:52
Fore The Best | Episode 14 | Part 1, Featuring Bill Rosholt, PGA
Dec 23, 202134:06
Fore The Best | Episode 13 | Part 2, Featuring Howie Pruitt, PGA

Fore The Best | Episode 13 | Part 2, Featuring Howie Pruitt, PGA

Episode 13 | (sponsored by Golf Scorecards) | Part Two of the conversation with Howie Pruitt, PGA. Listen to Howie's stories for how he got started playing golf, and then took that love of the game to the US Army where he played the game from Georgia, to Korea and then in Germany. You'll enjoy Howie's stories while serving as a pilot in Vietnam, as he flew the CH-47 Chinook helicopter on many interesting missions. Howie's story of finding the game, serving his Country, being a leader in the corporate world (in Silicon Valley after the Army) and then as a PGA professional and golf coach. Howie is the current PNWPGA President and a proud alum of the original PGA LEAD, Cohort I, Class of 2016-2017.

Dec 16, 202129:15
Fore The Best | Episode 12 | Part 1, Featuring Howie Pruitt, PGA

Fore The Best | Episode 12 | Part 1, Featuring Howie Pruitt, PGA

Episode 12 | (sponsored by Golf Scorecards) | Part One of the conversation with Howie Pruitt, PGA. Listen to Howie's stories for how he got started playing golf, and then took that love of the game to the US Army where he played the game from Georgia, to Korea and then in Germany. You'll enjoy Howie's stories while serving as a pilot in Vietnam, as he flew the CH-47 Chinook helicopter on many interesting missions. Howie's story of finding the game, serving his Country, being a leader in the corporate world (in Silicon Valley after the Army) and then as a PGA professional and golf coach. Howie is the current PNWPGA President and a proud alum of the original PGA LEAD, Cohort I, Class of 2016-2017.

Dec 09, 202133:18
Fore The Best | Episode 11 | Part 2, Featuring Mike Coury, PGA

Fore The Best | Episode 11 | Part 2, Featuring Mike Coury, PGA

Episode 11 | (sponsored by Les Schwab Tire Centers) | Part Two of the conversation with Mike Coury, PGA. Listen for intriguing stories of Mike's career path before he became a Class A PGA professional, the General Manager of Canterwood Golf & Country Club and eventually the Executive Director of the Western WA PGA Chapter. Listen as Mike tells stories of how he was a 'non-member head professional', a certified SCUBA diver for his work at a driving range, a small business owner and more, including what he learned from some PGA professionals in his 'golf career' that started (whether he knew it or not), around the time he was 14 years old.

Dec 02, 202133:43
Fore The Best | Episode 10 | Part 1, Featuring Mike Coury, PGA

Fore The Best | Episode 10 | Part 1, Featuring Mike Coury, PGA

Episode 10 | (sponsored by Les Schwab Tire Centers) | Part One of the conversation with Mike Coury, PGA. Listen for intriguing stories of Mike's career path before he became a Class A PGA professional, the General Manager of Canterwood Golf & Country Club and eventually the Executive Director of the Western WA PGA Chapter. Listen as Mike tells stories of how he was a 'non-member head professional', a certified SCUBA diver for his work at a driving range, a small business owner and more, including what he learned from some PGA professionals in his 'golf career' that started (whether he knew it or not), around the time he was 14 years old.

Nov 18, 202128:20
Fore The Best | Episode 9 | Part 2, Featuring Bob Marshall, PGA

Fore The Best | Episode 9 | Part 2, Featuring Bob Marshall, PGA

Episode 9 | (sponsored by Jared Bouchey & Farmers Insurance) | Part Two of the conversation with Bob Marshall, PGA. As the "B" in OB Sports with his longtime friend, mentor and business partner, Orrin Vincent, PGA, Bob takes us on a path through his development, Orrin's investment and coaching of him, how he applied it to his own leadership style and more on the large number of facilities he was part of developing from the very beginning to the grow-in, etc. Note: With a sense of timing, Bob is interviewed on this episode, just a little over a week after the passing of his longtime friend and mentor, Orrin Vincent, PGA...it wasn't easy for Bob, but to honor his buddy "O", he stepped up. (Thanks Bob!)

Nov 11, 202136:04
Fore The Best | Episode 8 | Part 1, Featuring Bob Marshall, PGA

Fore The Best | Episode 8 | Part 1, Featuring Bob Marshall, PGA

Episode 8 | (sponsored by Jared Bouchey & Farmers Insurance) | Part One of the conversation with Bob Marshall, PGA. As the "B" in OB Sports with his longtime friend, mentor and business partner, Orrin Vincent, PGA, Bob takes us on a path through his development, Orrin's investment and coaching of him, how he applied it to his own leadership style and more on the large number of facilities he was part of developing from the very beginning to the grow-in, etc. Note: With a sense of timing, Bob is interviewed on this episode, just a little over a week after the passing of his longtime friend and mentor, Orrin Vincent, PGA...it wasn't easy for Bob, but to honor his buddy "O", he stepped up. (Thanks Bob!)

Nov 04, 202134:56
Fore The Best | Episode 7 | Featuring Grant Holcomb, Andy Hollister, PGA, Garth Mattson, PGA and Craig Pelzer

Fore The Best | Episode 7 | Featuring Grant Holcomb, Andy Hollister, PGA, Garth Mattson, PGA and Craig Pelzer

Episode 7 | (sponsored by Wildhorse Resort & Casino) | Part Two of the conversation with Grant Holcomb, Andy Hollister, PGA, Garth Mattson, PGA and Craig Pelzer. A highly regarded and respected "foursome" of sales reps in the PNWPGA Section. In this episode, listen for "lessons and learnings" from some great PGA pros in the PNW who helped Grant, Andy, Garth and Craig become the professionals they are today. Listen to them talk about their experiences, how they got started, who inspired them and mentored them.

Oct 28, 202129:09
Fore The Best | Episode 6 | Featuring Grant Holcomb, Andy Hollister, PGA, Garth Mattson, PGA and Craig Pelzer

Fore The Best | Episode 6 | Featuring Grant Holcomb, Andy Hollister, PGA, Garth Mattson, PGA and Craig Pelzer

Episode 6, Part 1: (sponsored by Wildhorse Resort & Casino) | Featuring Grant Holcomb, Andy Hollister, PGA, Garth Mattson, PGA and Craig Pelzer. A highly regarded and respected "foursome" of sales reps in the PNWPGA Section. In this episode, listen for "lessons and learnings" from some great PGA pros in the PNW who helped Grant, Andy, Garth and Craig become the professionals they are today. Listen to them talk about their experiences, how they got started, who inspired them and mentored them.

Oct 21, 202131:05
Fore The Best | Episode 5 | Featuring Dudley Beard, PGA

Fore The Best | Episode 5 | Featuring Dudley Beard, PGA

Episode 5 | (sponsored by Pelzer Golf Supplies): Featuring Dudley Beard, PGA, who retired from Meadowlark CC in Great Falls, MT after 34 years as the PGA Head Golf Professional. Dudley played collegiate golf at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, where his father Dudley Sr. was the Registrar/Head of Admissions and golf coach. Dudley spent five years working as an assistant golf professional in Palm Springs, California and two summers in Steamboat Springs, Colorado before making his way to Great Falls in 1984. He spent two years as the Assistant Golf Professional to Frank Koegan, PGA before following Mr. Koegan after he retired.

Though retired, Dudley opened Beard Performance Golf, his new golf academy in 2020 at nearby Hickory Swing GC in Great Falls, MT. Beard is excited to bring his experience, knowledge, and enthusiasm to his golf instruction and golf fitness programs at BPG. 

Oct 14, 202141:24
Fore The Best | Episode 4 | Featuring Steve Prugh, PGA

Fore The Best | Episode 4 | Featuring Steve Prugh, PGA

Episode 4 | (sponsored by Rosauer's Supermarkets): Featuring Steve Prugh, PGA. Steve Prugh has served his entire 36-year career at Manito G&CC in Spokane, Wash. Prugh’s first three years were under the mentorship of PNW PGA Hall of Fame member Jim Shriver, while his last 33 years were as PGA Head Professional. In this episode, Steve shares stories about what he learned from Shriver and other mentors, he talks about what the word "professionalism" means to him, how to be a great parent for aspiring young golfers and much more.

A bit more about Steve Prugh | He played for the University of Oregon before turning professional. His impressive playing record as a professional includes playing on 4 Hudson Cup and 9 Senior Hudson Cup teams, as well as competing in the 2006 U.S. Senior Open and 5 PGA Professional National Championships. Prugh has a history of service to his fellow PGA Professionals. A long-serving member of the Board of Directors, Prugh was Pacific Northwest Section President from 2011-2012. Junior Golf is a passion for Prugh, as witnessed by his three decades of service as a District Director for the Washington Junior Golf Association. 

Golf is a family business for the Prughs. Steve's wife, the "amazing Susan" is the leader in serving as a USGA/WA Golf and WJGA Rules Official; daughter Hillary, played golf at Montana State; son Corey, is a PGA Teaching Professional at Manito G&CC and Head Golf Coach for the Community Colleges of Spokane; and son Alex, has played on the PGA Tour.

Oct 07, 202151:59
Fore The Best | Episode 3 | Featuring Jim Mapother, PGA and Michael Marcum, PGA GSEB
Sep 30, 202144:41
Fore The Best | Episode 2 | featuring Jim Pike, PGA
Sep 23, 202145:05
Fore The Best | Episode 1, Part 2: featuring Norm Blandel, PGA MP

Fore The Best | Episode 1, Part 2: featuring Norm Blandel, PGA MP

Episode 1, Part 2: (sponsored by Club Car) | Featuring Norm Blandel, PGA Master Professional (MP), a PGA golf professional for more than four decades. In part 2 of this episode, we talk about Norm's perspectives on the value of lifelong learning, including pursuit of PGA Specialization, Certification and eventually becoming a Master Professional. We talk a little more about "Mr. Langley" as well as Dow Finsterwald, Sr. and Norm's career focus during the last 10 years of his career. Don't miss part 2 with Norm!

Brief Bio on Norm Blandel, PGA MP: Upon receiving an honorable discharge from serving as a U.S. Marine, Blandel entered the Los Angeles Police Academy the following day as a Police Officer. Upon graduation received the Achievement Award as "The Honor Graduate", one of his most memorable personal achievements.  The motto for every Police Officer of the LAPD is "To Protect & Serve" is the personal philosophy for his life and working career.  In 1979, Blandel resigned from the Laguna Beach Police Department after serving several years as a Police sergeant in various roles in law enforcement to pursue a new career path as a PGA Golf Professional.

Throughout his 40 year career as a Golf Professional, Norm Blandel has been a leader and PGA professional in six (6) of the 41 PGA Sections in The PGA of America in roles in all three career paths; Executive Management, Golf Operations, and Teaching & Coaching.  In 1996, Blandel earned was elected as a PGA Master Professional after completing required work and writing his thesis entitled "The Role of The Golf Professional in the Development of a PGA Recognized Golf Facility".

Throughout his PGA career, Blandel has always placed the highest priority on education and career development, with a commitment and dedication to lifelong learning. At this stage, Norm desires to inspire and coach other PGA professionals to pursue lifelong learning with PGA Education including Specialization, Certification and eventually Master Professional designation.

Sep 09, 202125:28