In the Bunker with Obama
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Gene,
Congratulations on such a powerful experience!
I can relate to those thrills as I am the son of Max Elbin, who served as PGA of America President from 1966 to 1968 and who was the PGA head professional for 50 years at Burning Tree Club in Bethesda, Md. While at Burning Tree from 1945 to 1995, my Dad had the unique opportunity to teach six United States Presidents – Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford and Bush 41.
My Dad, who died last December, was an extraordinary man who served The PGA with honor and distinction. I agree completely with your view that the PGA Professional’s expertise in the game allows you to influence the lives of extremely influential people. And I am delighted that we have a President today who enjoys the game and is eager to improve.
You carry on a legacy of sorts, Gene. Well done. I know my Dad would be very proud.
Best wishes!
Kelly Elbin
Director of Communications and Publications
The PGA of America
Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.
Gene,
What a special, special opportunity for you!
I agree – being a PGA Professional is a wonderful career choice. In Northern Michigan we have a great event, aptly named the Harbor Cup Matches, which generates monies for local charities. In 2010 we will surpass the $100,000 for the event. So whether it’s meeting influential people or working for worthy causes, PGA Professionals continually find themselves in positions to impact the lives of others. Keep up the great work Gene!
Shaun J. Bezilla
PGA Professional
Harbor Point Golf Club
Harbor Springs, MI 49740
Gene,
Congratulations on that.
It can be an amazing position that we are put in by simply being a PGA head professional or PGA director of golf. I too have had numerous opportunities to teach a few well-known clients. Being in Trinidad, I have been fortunate to teach the likes of Brian Lara, one of the greatest cricketers of all time. I barely knew what cricket was before I moved to Trinidad, and I am sure that Vijay Singh would love the opportunity to teach Mr. Lara. And Dwight Yorke, a former soccer player with Manchester United is another player I have been fortunate enough to work with. These are two of the most well-known and respected athletes in Trinidad, and being able to help thier golf game is what our job is all about.
Go Ferris State University. Thanks Dr. Leclair, because of you, Gene and I are able to have these chances.
Kevin Boyko
PGA Director of Golf
Millennium Lakes Golf & Country Club
Tobago Plantations Beach & Golf Club
Trinidad & Tobago, West Indies
Geno,
All I have to say is you’re the man, and President Obama is fortunate he ran into a PGA Professional who has had as much bunker experience as you. Congratulations – you are a great representative of The PGA.
Best Regards,
Scott Mayer
PGA Director of Instruction
Nonesuch River Golf Club
Scarborough, Maine
Hey Gene,
Nice work! Who knew all those hours baking yourself at Hay Harbor Club would pay off so well? Got any ideas on health care :-)?
Take care,
Jeremy Greiner, PGA
Gene,
I enjoyed reading about your experience with President Obama! You should be proud of your achievements as a PGA member, and I always look forward to our next meeting! I am a part of the Harbor Cup events that Shaun Bezilla mentioned above and am certainly proud to be part of an organization that does so much for charity!
See you soon Pal!
Brian O’Neill
PGA Director of Instruction
Boyne Resorts
Boyne Golf Academy
231.526.3011
http://www.mygolfbalance.com
boneill@boyne.com