Q & A with PGA President, Gregg Schubert

The following question and answer appeared in the July issue of PRO:Files magazine.

***

Gregg Schubert is the 44^th President of the PGA of Canada, a position that is the culmination of a life in golf. Growing up in Alberta, Schubert felt a connection to the game and began working at the Broadmoor Golf Course in Sherwood Park at the age of 17. Now nine years into his role as Head Professional at Cottonwood Golf & Country Club, Schubert, 40, took on the role of President of the PGA in April following the term of Glenn Cundari. A former PGA of Alberta Assistant Professional of the Year who was twice nominated for PGA of Alberta Club Pro of the Year, Schubert says the new role allows him to give back to an organization that has been so central to his life.

Who is Gregg Schubert – not the golf pro, but the man that goes home every night to his wife and kids?
Gregg Schubert is a regular guy, a husband and a father. I love the fact that my kids are getting older, so they are spending more time at the golf course and starting to enjoy the game. That has never been a problem for my wife, she loves to play and now that they are older, it is easier for her to play more as well. Another passion of mine is watching my kids participate in their various activities throughout the year. I have been fortunate to have had the chance to help coach and be on the ice with my son’s hockey team for the past five years. I am just hoping that my daughter continues to play this year as well, because I would love the chance to help coach her team.

I’m also a sports nut. I will openly admit that I live and die with the fortunes of the Edmonton Oilers, and I will tell you there has been a lot more suffering the past few seasons that I did not care for. As the eternal optimist, I keep telling myself that this upcoming year cannot be worse than the last as it relates to my beloved Oilers.

What does it mean to be President? What does it mean for the members?
For the members of the PGA of Canada, I hope it means that they know that their Association is positively moving forward, one step at a time, making decisions on their behalf for the greater good of the entire membership. As President, I am one small part of the bigger group -- the National Board of Directors -- that works in unison with the national staff to investigate, create, discuss and implement new programs and events, while always keeping in mind that that whatever we do is in the best interest of the entire membership. The president title is just that -- a title. But at the core root of it, I still am and will always be a proud PGA of Canada member.

How beneficial has your time been on the board over the past number of years?
The time that I have spent on both the PGA of Alberta and PGA of Canada boards has been invaluable to me over the years. I do know that I could not put a price on how much my time on the board has meant to me professionally and personally. I know that I am a better golf professional, a better leader, a better critical thinker and definitely a better listener because of my time on the board. This may sound strange to some, but I would not give back any of the time that I have spent sitting around a board table. Being in a room of 12 or 13 other PGA members discussing and dissecting the future of the PGA really fires me up.

Where do you see the PGA in two years?
It would be easy to pick so many things, but capital - both human and financial - restricts this list to a few key things. One significant undertaking is our involvement with National Golf in Schools. I want to see the elementary program with a penetration rate that is over 50% of the country. And I want to see programs such as MAP (Member Assistance Program) continue to grow and expand providing services and benefits to the members of the PGA of Canada.

I’m also thrilled at what has gone on with the national events – and want to see the PGA Championship of Canada and the other events continue to gain in popularity amongst the membership.

Finally, I’d like to create a national networking event. I have been fortunate to meet members from across the country. Had I not been on the National Board, I probably would have never met or had the chance to develop the friendships that I am so fortunate to have now. With that in mind I would love to see a national conference that allows those members who want to participate in a networking/educational program.

Why should members say they are proud to be part of the PGA of Canada?
I am not sure that it is up to me to say why a member should be proud to be a member of the PGA of Canada. I know why I am a proud. I am a member of the PGA -- one of the most respected and recognized acronyms in the world. I am a member of an association in Canada that is 3,800 plus members strong, dedicated to growing and making the game of golf better.