There are hundreds of PGA of America professionals at golf courses in Las Vegas, and work is underway for this large group to get more involved at every level of golf in Las Vegas. Matthew Grobe, Las Vegas Chapter, Southwest Section PGA, President, says many pros are reaching out to local organizations to make a bigger, positive impact on golf in Las Vegas. "We have really focused in and asked collectively, as a group, 'What can we do to help?'" says Grobe, the Head Professional at DragonRidge Country Club. "We want to elevate the game here by helping at all of the major events, at the junior level and anywhere we can."
One of the biggest programs the group has created is that they are offering a personal PGA pro–at no charge–to any high school golf team that requests one. And sponsors, like Titleist and ClubCar, are helping all of the chapter's efforts.
"When we were looking at areas to focus on, we thought that we could help make an impact on junior golf and high school golf," says Grobe. "We want to help Las Vegas become a place that is known for producing quality players, and help our young golfers receive scholarship offers and move on to play the game at the highest levels."
The Las Vegas Chapter is also working with the The First Tee of Southern Nevada and the Southern Nevada Junior Golf Tour, the competitive schedule that The First Tee operates. The chapter has been key in helping move the tour to the next level.
And the Chapter is involved in the creation of the Las Vegas US Pro Kids Golf Tour and the Antigua Junior Tour events. Stay tuned to GolfLasVegasNow.com for all details.
Titleist has been a large sponsor of the Las Vegas Chapter PGA, and John Kirouac, the Titleist representative, is a former Las Vegas Chapter, PGA, Person of the Year. Grobe is excited about continuing the terrific relationship, and determining how to create more opportunities in the future.
"Titleist is an incredible partner, and John Kirouac is terrific," Grobe says. "He does a wonderful job of getting Titleist involved, and he does many things to stay involved with our chapter such as sponsoring events and competitions."
Richard Aldrich was the 2006 Person of the Year, and represents ClubCar. According to Grobe, Aldrich is always there when asked and is supportive of many of the chapter's goals and initiatives.
Grobe also says that the Las Vegas Founders and Charlie Baron have been a big help in getting the chapter more involved. Pros from the chapter have assisted at the FRYS.com Open and recently helped with both the mens and womens UNLV golf events, among other efforts.
Other Las Vegas Chapter sponsors include Zero Restriction Wear, Tournament Expert, Sharpie, PING, Pepsi and Footjoy.