Golf Executive Marting, Assistant Professional of the Year Sutton, Owens Wins Sales Representative-
Davis Sutton Wins 2024 Assistant Professional of the Year
Davis Sutton of Cedar Rapids Country Club has been named the 2024 Iowa PGA Assistant Golf Professional of the Year. This honor is based on the professional’s entire record with emphasis on his performance and achievements over the past year. This is the highest honor paid to an assistant golf professional and the award committee determined this winner based on strength as a player, teacher, merchandiser, and overall golf professional, the contributions to the success of the nominees facility, the nominees contributions to the game of golf, the character of the nominee and respect for other professionals, example of professionals who have enhanced their careers through the nominee, the nominee’s ability to play golf and the previous Section awards or community involvement activities.
When asked what this means to win this award Sutton responded with, “Being an award winner in the Iowa PGA is an honor that I am very proud of. It is very meaningful and inspiring to be selected for this honor by peers and professionals that I look up to. I know what receiving this award means to those who have supported, mentored, and coached me in my early professional career. I am extremely honored to receive this award, as there are truly many great young Assistant Professionals in the Iowa PGA Section.”
Sutton’s overall performance as an Assistant Golf Professional has been on display at both Cedar Rapids Country Club and the Iowa PGA Section. He currently works as an Assistant Professional at Cedar Rapids Country Club, where he is in the middle of his sixth season at that facility. In 2024, Davis continues to help lead the golf operation at CRCC. He is actively involved in mentoring the two other Assistant Professionals, helping them work towards PGA membership and their overall growth as a golf professional. His role at CRCC finds him leading the tournament program as tournament director for all events, helping instruct the largest junior golf program in CRCC history, assisting members with their games around the practice facility, golfing with all varieties of members, and directing the outside operations staff.
Davis has been in the Iowa PGA Section for six years and has spent those years actively involved in the section by serving on committees and the board for the Assistants Association, as well as participating in many of the section tournaments each season. Davis served as the President of the Assistants Association from 2021-2023 after serving as Vice President the two years prior. He has served on the Iowa PGA Tournament Committee since 2020, where he has been involved in the decision-making covering section tournaments for his fellow professionals.
Some of the notable actions that Davis has been involved in are creation of the Assistants Teaching and Coaching Summit, adding the Assistants Match Play to the tournament schedule, and establishing a yearly PGA Level 1 workshop for associates.
While serving actively in the section, Davis has maintained a strong stance as a competitor in the section, winning his third Iowa PGA Assistants Championship this past September. He competed this May in the PGA Professional Championship held at PGA Frisco in Frisco, Texas. He has also played for Team PGA in the Iowa Cup each of the last six years, of which he takes great pride in competing against the state’s best amateurs annually. Davis enjoys being actively involved in the Iowa PGA Section, as he plays in a majority of the section tournaments and has made a lot of strong connections and friendships with fellow PGA Professionals throughout the years. He views these bonds with Iowa PGA Professionals and Associates as vital to being an active member of the section and helps his perspective serving on the various committees.
Sutton has won the Assistant Professional of the Year in 2022.
The Iowa PGA Congratulates Davis Sutton as our 2024 Assistant Professional of the Year.
###
Jim Owens Wins Sales Representative of the Year
Jim Owens of Callaway Golf Company has been named the 2024 Iowa PGA Sales Representative of the Year. This honor is based on the vendor’s entire record. This is the highest honor paid to a Sales Representative. The award is based on the following attributes, strengths in service and communication, contributions made to nominee’s company’s success, contributions to the game of golf at the section level, size and success of nominee’s line, sales call rotation and customer interaction and previous awards or community involvement.
As a member of the PGA of America for 15 years, he takes great pride in his affiliation and dedication to the industry. Within each challenging role of his career, he has strived to exceed expectations while providing a first-class experience and a level of service that is unmatched. He approaches his role as territory manager for the Callaway Golf Company with the same mindset while delivering a high level of professionalism, integrity and a strong business acumen.
Following very successful years in 2022 and 2023, he wanted to further develop and broaden the Callaway brand across the territory, while adding increased value and further compliment his dedicated partner’s business. After much discussion and discovery in territory, he wanted to focus on opportunities with the new, younger generation of golfers introduced to the game over the last few years. Capitalizing on merchandise needs in all categories, but a primary focus on the performance gear categories (Callaway bags, OGIO Bags, headwear, gloves and other various accessories) and tournament/corporate business.
The industry is no longer your grandpa’s golf industry! It is becoming more youthful and more diversified across the country. The new golfers, post Covid, are younger and looking for merchandise that is both stylish on course but also stylish & hip off course. Providing a more diverse merchandise mix of Callaway product, golf and lifestyle, in their respective shops has proven to be an absolute homerun across territory.
The Callaway growth and success in the last few years would not be possible without the support and dedication of the best partners in the country! Owens takes great pride in the relationships he has formed over the last four years and constantly strives to add value to their business every day. Callaway continues to produce the best possible product that is Demonstrably Superior and Pleasingly Different, highlighted by the new Ai Smoke family (woods, hybrids, irons) and the new Chrome Tour golf ball in 2024!
It is an honor to be member of the Iowa PGA, and he is privileged to have such great friendships with so many talented PGA Professionals, merchandisers and golf shop operators throughout the Hawkeye state and the neighbors in Western IL. He continues to give back when he can, playing in various events and spending as much time as possible visiting with my fellow Professional talking about more than just “business”. He takes great pleasure in being a trusted advisor and valuable resource for all his fellow PGA Professionals and Associates with the ultimate goal of encouraging everyone to further their careers and involvement in the PGA of America.
Mark McMahon, PGA Head Golf Professional at Ellis Park Golf Course had this to say about Owens, “The biggest impressions Jim leaves on me and my business is the integrity and professionalism with which Jim handles himself. Jim is a true professional, a PGA Professional, he’s one that understands all aspects of the golf business. This is something that cannot be replicated or duplicated, Jim has learned this through his experience as a PGA Member, and the high-profile jobs he has held. Jim understands the value of relationships and customer service.”
Scott Nugent, PGA Director of Golf/General Manager at Ames Golf & Country Club had some nice comments about Owens, “During my four seasons as Golf Professional at Ames Golf & Country Club, Jim has been not only a great resource but also someone who I can count on to have the club’s best interest in mind. He gives me what I need to be able to have a good stock to offer members without giving me more products than I need to operate a profitable shop. As someone who runs a Golf Shop, having someone like Jim represent the Callaway brand makes me want to do more business with Callaway. There have been numerous occasions that Jim has went out of his way to get something delivered, in a way that was most likely not convenient for him, that has allowed me to provide exceptional service to my membership.”
Owen has won the Sales Representative in 2022 and 2023.
The Iowa PGA Congratulates Jim Owens as our 2024 Sales Representative of the Year.
###
Lance Marting Wins Golf Executive of the Year
Lance Marting of Dubuque Golf & Country Club has been named the 2024 Iowa PGA Golf Executive of the Year. The “PGA Golf Executive of the Year Award” bestows special recognition on a PGA Golf Professional who has performed outstanding services for a multiple facility/course management/ownership operation, Allied Association or golf industry executive management position. As one of the highest honors the PGA can bestow, candidates must possess outstanding qualities of leadership, vision, courage, strong moral character, and a substantial record of service to the Association and the game of golf. Individuals honored with the PGA Golf Executive of the Year award will be held as a model PGA Golf Professional.
When asked on what this means to win this award Marting responded with, “Being named the Golf Executive of the Year for the Iowa PGA Section is an incredible honor, and it’s a reflection of the hard work and dedication of the entire team at Dubuque Golf and Country Club. I’m fortunate to work with such a supportive membership that encourages us to constantly improve. This recognition would not be possible without their trust and the tireless efforts of our staff, who strive daily to enhance the member experience. As we look ahead, my focus remains on continuing to elevate what we do, always seeking new ways to improve our course and operations. This award is a testament to our commitment, and I’m excited to build on this success.”
Marting began employment at Dubuque Golf and Country Club in November of 2017 after spending 22 years in Wisconsin at the Janesville Country Club. In his last ten years in Janesville, he had the honor of being the club’s General Manager and PGA Head Golf Professional. Coming to Dubuque Golf was a homecoming of sorts; he grew up in Dubuque and learned to play golf at Dubuque Golf & Country Club. This Club was instrumental in fostering his love for the game of golf. It was also influential in directing his choice to attend the University of Wisconsin – Madison, where he received a scholarship to play golf and ultimately pursuing his career in golf as a PGA Member.
He has dedicated himself to enhancing our facility’s reputation and service standards, leading to significant growth and development. Under his leadership, Dubuque Golf has witnessed a record-breaking, 710 memberships; over 2,300 people. This was an increase from 440 total memberships in 2017. Our average age of membership has dropped by over 15 years of age. This is a testament to the vibrant and welcoming environment we have cultivated. Marting’s role has encompassed overseeing a dynamic peak-season staff of 189 dedicated individuals, ensuring that each member of our staff embodies the values and mission of our Club. Within the industry, many of our facilities had growth during the Covid-19 pandemic. We were incredibly fortunate to begin our growth and expansion in 2018 when we restructured membership classifications and began changing amenities for the membership. When the pandemic hit, our significant investments to that point could have been AND were questioned by our membership; in hindsight, our timing was perfect, and we were ready for membership growth.
Our first development named Project 365 (promoting year-round use) include the Lodge, a state-of-the-art simulator building devoted to golf. The Lodge includes three Trackman launch simulators, a putting area, fitting equipment from Mitchell golf for iron and putter bending, a SAM PuttLab, a full bar and entertainment area. This has not only become a wonderful location for our members to utilize, but also designed to employ two additional PGA members and apprentices year-round. Additional parts of Project 365 included a 14,000 sq/ft underground racquet sports complex, a racquet retail shop with fitting equipment, new outside tennis courts, new pickleball courts, outdoor fire pits, two additional outdoor areas for members to enjoy, adding permanent heaters to existing screened-in porch areas, and a completely new parking area. Other projects included redesigning three bar areas, the accounting/business offices, banquet space and hundreds of gallons of paint have been part of updating Dubuque Golf. His staff and Marting continually develop plans for our golf course and facility to accommodate changing membership and recommendations made through our professional organizations. If it improves the experience, it will be discussed, budgeted for and implemented.
Marting’s commitment to the local PGA Section and the broader association has been a cornerstone of his professional journey. Although his first years of employment in Iowa did not include participation in many section events, his vision still aligns to the mission of the PGA. He contributes to PGA initiatives, by supporting various programs like Operation 36, PGA Junior League, and Coaching initiatives. His service extends beyond supporting programs; it involves fostering strong relationships within the community and advocating for the interests and growth of our sport. He promotes the interest of a “Professional” in golf. His golf staff is expected to grow as PGA members. He continues to budget and add golf professionals to our organization and covers 100% of professional fees and education. In 2023, we had seven Golf Professionals at our facility that in previous seasons had as few as one. He promotes from within if at all possible and recognizes growth of our staff to our membership.
Leadership, to Marting, is about guiding a team towards a shared vision while empowering each member to excel. He has worked diligently to build a cohesive team that is passionate and understands our mission. His approach involves transparent communication, strategic planning, and a focus on professional development. This leadership style has fostered a culture of excellence and collaboration within our organization. He feels at the end of his career, he will be judged on not how much he was paid or what he has accumulated, but by the health of his facility and the entire staff’s reputation. He tells the management team, we not only have the ability to work with other professionals when we come to work, we also have the unique honor to have so many first time/job employees. It’s our duty to make sure these young staff members remember their first jobs as a positive experience. They are our future customers!
Inspiring fellow golf professionals involves leading by example and sharing a vision of growth and opportunity. Through actions and initiatives, he strives to demonstrate what can be achieved with dedication and innovation. Whether it’s through hosting successful events, providing mentorship, or championing new ideas, he aims to inspire others to pursue excellence and embrace the evolving landscape of golf. Ownership of one’s job is very important to our success. Marting wanted AND needed staff to spend their time looking for ways to improve our team. He prides himself that there isn’t a task here that we aren’t unwilling to do. From trash collection or dishes to writing budgets. We all need to understand what the end product needs to be. The old adage, if you don’t know where we’re going, it’s difficult to get there.
Marting’s commitment to growing the game of golf is reflected in our facility’s efforts to engage junior golfers. Between our regular junior golf mornings, play days, PGA junior league, advanced junior golf lessons and group coaching sessions, we have well over 200 young people taking instruction at our facility. In addition to having strong instructors, he believes our success in this area stems from establishing expectations within each of these groups. Most instructors that have spent time with young people in groups have experienced times when a better player in a group may receive less instruction while the newer player demands our focus. We strive to educate parents and grandparents on what the best program is for their child to learn. For example, if someone has already had tournament experience, most likely our normal morning junior golf programs may not be their best place to grow. They may benefit from one of our advanced coaching groups instead.
Additionally, we strive to provide a platform for local high schools and colleges to play and excel. This initiative not only promotes the sport but also nurtures the next generation of golfers and members of our Club.
Its recognition as Iowa Golf Association’s Club Manager of the Year in 2021 was a proud moment, affirming the impact of our collective efforts and dedication. This accolade stands as a testament to the hard work and commitment of our entire team.
Daniel F. Rank, Trustee, Dubuque Golf & CC had these nice comments to say about Lance, “Every junior player knows him and he knows them all by first name. Our community outreach programs to the High Schools and Colleges (free golf!) are something Lance promotes and usually has to defend with members who are lukewarm on the level of play we give to these students.”
Anna Their, Board of Directors at Dubuque Golf & Country Club had this to say, “I’ve recently been informed that our General Manager, Lance Marting has been nominated for the Golf Executive of the Year for the Iowa Section. My family are very active members of Dubuque Golf and Country Club and are involved with golf, tennis, pickleball, and social aspects of the Club. Lance’s leadership at Dubuque Golf and Country Club has made these different areas highly respected in the area. With respect to golf, Lance consistently promotes the enjoyment of the game through the implementation of year-round youth and adult golf clinics, lessons, and programming.”
This is Martings’ first Iowa PGA Section award.
The Iowa PGA Congratulates Lance Marting as our 2024 Golf Executive of the Year.
###
Follow the Iowa PGA
For more information and schedule updates, fans can follow the Iowa PGA on Facebook (facebook.com/Iowapga), Twitter (@iowapga) and YouTube (youtube.com/iowapga). Fans can also get a behind the scenes look on Instagram (@iowapga).