In the small family that is administration within golf associations, it
is all about relationships.
The PNGA is so very fortunate to enjoy longstanding and cooperative
relationships with each of our allied golf association partners in the
region. It is an honor to work alongside them to promote and nurture such a
great game.
In the 15 years I have had the privilege of serving as PNGA Executive
Director, I have especially enjoyed working with my executive director
counterparts in the region, both past and present. Change is again at hand
as one of the classiest individuals in our industry is moving on to bigger
and better things.
After 10 years as Executive Director of the Pacific Northwest Section of
the PGA (governing body for PGA club professionals in the Northwest) Jerry
Pearsall is stepping down. He had come to the realization his job had
changed in recent years and he just wasnšt enjoying it as he had a few years
back. Befitting his gracious nature, he will remain on staff through
September to facilitate the transition with his successor.
Simply stated, Jerry is one of the most thoughtful and talented
individuals in our industry. Through the past decade when we have worked on
numerous projects together, his honesty and integrity have shown brightly.
Hešs a credit to the PGA and a tremendous friend to amateur golf. There have
been many highlights in working with Jerry and his staff during his tenure.
Hudson Cup Matches For more than half a century, the PNWPGA has
conducted these Ryder Cup-style matches pitting the best professionals and
best amateurs. Jerry has seen to it that the amateur associations have
always been equal partners in these prestigious matches, further
strengthening the bond between the associations.
Evans Cup Tournaments Jerry and the PNWPGA have been strong supporters
of our Evans Scholarship Program, especially our Evans Cup fundraising
tournaments. For the past several years, Jerry has personally seen to it
that our tournament auctions in Portland and Seattle have received hard to
obtain and very valuable Ryder Cup tickets, as well as tickets to the PGA
Championship each year.
Magazines As a contributing association with the PNGAšs two
publications, Pacific Northwest Golfer and Golf Northwest Magazine, the
PNWPGA and Jerry have faithfully attended all of our Editorial Committee
meetings and helped to make both periodicals better.
Seattle Golf Show This annual consumer golf show, which the PNGA and
PNWPGA inaugurated together in 1998, is undoubtedly our most significant
cooperative venture. The PNWPGA has been a magnificent partner in every way
in what has been a very successful venture.
More than anything else, it has been Jerryšs thoughtful management
style that we most enjoyed the most over the years. He always considers the
impact of his actions and his words on others before charging forward. That
style has benefited his PGA members and all of amateur golf.
Jerry will be a success at whatever he decides to do. I personally and
selfishly hope he remains in golf so I will have the opportunity to work
with him again.
