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On the Job
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 If Nikki Gatch wasn't in the golf business, she'd like to be working for the Dallas Cowboys (Photo: Eddie Meeks). Nikki Gatch sees golf as a growth industry, even in these tough economic times. That’s because growing and promoting the game is basically in the job description of the assistant executive director and foundation director of the Southern California PGA Section office. Her enthusiasm for the task comes naturally, since her father is in the golf business and she has been able to see all facets of the industry up close. How long have you been in this position? I began working for the SCPGA in 1998 within the junior golf department. After a short stint back east, I returned in 2002 as junior golf director and then foundation director. I became assistant executive director in 2007. Explain your job in 100 words or less. My job is simply to promote the game of golf. We accomplish this through junior golf programs, growth of the game initiatives, PGA professional education and tournaments, and securing partners throughout the golf industry and beyond. Each of these aspects is extremely important to not only the future of the game, but for the betterment of our PGA professionals. What is the biggest challenge you face in your job? The biggest challenge for me is really just the balancing act required to be successful not only at my job but for my family as well. What do you like most about your job? The people I work with. Both in and out of the office we have a great staff, and we also have great PGA professionals within the section. This business gives you a great opportunity to meet all walks of life. How did you get involved in the golf business? With a father as a PGA professional, I think I’ve been in the business in some form since I was about 12. I started with helping out in the golf shop on weekends, then that led to becoming an assistant professional after college, and then into the golf administration world I’m in now. What’s been the key to your success? Take pride and ownership in what you do, and always treat people fairly and with respect. What would you be doing if you weren’t in the golf business? I truly can’t see myself doing anything else, but if I had to choose something, it would be working for the Dallas Cowboys. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Work hard and play harder. How often do you get to play golf? I have played three times in the last three months, so I guess it’s safe to say that I average once a month. Pretty embarrassing. What is your handicap? Since I’m now a professional, I guess I need to answer scratch, but that is certainly not the case. I’m probably around a 5 or 6 now. What are your favorite courses in Southern California? I plead the Fifth! What’s your personal motto on the golf course? I used to have more of a competitive motto, but lately it’s just to have fun. What is your most treasured golf possession? The scorecard from the first time I beat my father. |
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