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 Joe Grohman takes pride in giving back to those who are less-privileged. Photo by Eddie Meeks In addition to your position at the Navy Golf Course, how else do you stay involved in the community through golf? I’ve been on the tournament committee for Beverly Hospital the last eight years. I give several golf clinics every year for the less fortunate, including the junior blind, physically and mentally handicapped children, inner-city youths and disabled veterans. I also participate in several charity events throughout the year. How did you get involved in golf and the golf business? When I was 6, I discovered an old set of MacGregor Tourney irons in the garage. That led to trying to hit balls in the field across the street, and ultimately the local junior program at the base golf course. At 9, I won my first junior golf tournament and knew that this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. What are some of the biggest challenges you face in your job? The Navy is very big on safety. Every month we go through the same extensive Navy-wide safety training that sailors on aircraft carriers go through. Getting all the employees through all the safety training we have is a constant challenge. Also, recently going from a military-only golf course to one that allows public access has presented many new challenges. What’s been the key to your success? Being genuinely interested in other people is important. Being a people person has opened all the doors so far. I was blessed to be a pro at Tiger Woods’ home course here at Navy and quickly became close friends with Tiger, Earl and Tida and a member of “Team Tiger” for many years. That experience has definitely been a huge influence in my life. Also, befriending all the incredible military people — from admirals and generals, World War II, Korea and Vietnam veterans to the many young active-duty soldiers and sailors — is inspirational for me. A big part of my success has been in understanding that my job for the Navy is to make sure these heroes and their families have as wonderful an experience at the Navy Golf Course as possible. I’m proud of all of them, and I want them to have a pro that they can be proud of. What do you like most about your day job and your community involvements? I love what I do and where I work. The Navy Golf Course is a special place. As for my community involvements, what I like most is seeing how much people care and how happy that makes everyone involved. It’s a beautiful thing. It refreshes the soul. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? I once had a lengthy conversation with Earl Woods about anger management on the golf course. Outwardly, I could keep my cool, but inwardly I would sometimes get so upset at a bad shot that it would ruin the next few holes before I could get over it. He explained that if you can hear the birds chirping, your mind is clear enough to hit your next shot. If you can’t, it isn’t. To this day, when I get a little hot over a shot I didn’t like, I know I’m calm enough to hit the next shot when I can hear the birds chirping. What about your job gives you the most satisfaction? The friendships I’ve made and the people I’ve met. I feel that everyone I talk to or share a smile with enhances my life in some way. How often do you get to play golf? Three days a month plus tournaments. Do you see any major changes in golf over the next few years? Definitely in the area of disabled golf. Pete Lowery, an inventor of adjustable-angle putters and clubs, has opened the door to disabled golf with his work. Every person confined to a wheelchair or with limited use of his/her hands and arms now has a way to play golf. I couldn’t do my disabled clinics without Pete’s clubs and putters. We are now at the dawn of the day where every golf course in the world has the ability to accommodate disabled golfers on some level. The golf world has seen a recent push in helping disabled veterans, and I feel this trend will continue right into helping all disabled people. SG |
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