Erik Wilson, PGA head professional at The Grand Golf Club in San Diego, was honored as 2018 PGA of America Merchandiser of the Year Award for Resort Facilities during an awards ceremony at Mission Inn Resort & Club in Howey-in-the-Hills, Fla.
Wilson, a Southern California PGA member, has been head pro at The Grand Golf Club since 2012, and his pioneering philosophy has helped deliver a steady growth in sales at the club.
“We’re nothing without the team we surround ourselves with,” Wilson told the 200 guests at the ceremony. “At our facility, we’re very prideful of the guest experience—what our guests expect in a certain level of service.
“We try and match that day in and day out, and our golf shop retail experience is part of that journey.”
Wilson’s commitment to fostering personal relationships with golf vendors and customers has been a key to the facility’s success, along with his belief that a knowledgeable, motivated and empowered staff is his most valuable asset.
His use of a full-time club fitter and weekly fitting experiences through different vendors has led to a 40 percent increase in custom club sales. His willingness to take a chance on smaller growth brands has also been fundamental to his shop’s success.
Nick Muller, PGA Director of Golf at the Country Club of Lincoln in Lincoln, Neb., was honored as 2018 PGA Merchandiser of the Year Award for Private Facilities.
Mark Rashell, PGA Director of Golf at The Golf Club at Newcastle in Newcastle, Wash., received the award 2018 PGA Merchandiser of the Year Award for Public Facilities.
“Tonight, we honor three very deserving PGA Professionals,” said President Suzy Whaley of the PGA of America. “The amount of time and effort they put into their profession to be honored this evening is something I hope they will cherish.
“They’re trendsetters and innovators who set the bar high for the rest of us to aspire to one day achieve such an accolade. They’re also the ones who give, not just to their facilities, but to their communities and their fellow PGA Professionals.”
The ceremonies were led by Whaley, host David Marr III and PGA Magazine President Brian Folino.
