A Member in Good Standing Once More

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By Rick V., Team Titleist Staff

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  1. Team Titleist Staff

    Hi, everyone.

    Throughout the past year I have been working towards regaining my status as a PGA golf professional.  My friends here at Titleist have been extremely supportive throughout this process and I’m very grateful for their encouragement. I’m also indebted to a number of PGA Professionals here in the New England Section who generously passed along their knowledge and gave of their time to help me along the way.

    Thanks in very large part to this support, I’m happy to report that as of August 1st I’ve been reinstated as a Class A member of the PGA.

    It’s a great honor to be counted again among the more than 28,000 men and women golf professionals in the PGA. I’m looking forward to working even closer to the game, expanding my own knowledge and expertise and sharing some new experiences with the Team Titleist community.

    And looking back, I do have a quick story from the journey that I’d like to tell…

    As part of reinstatement, I needed to make up a number of Member Service Requirement (MSR) credits. PGA professionals fulfill these requirements in 3-year cycles by taking part in continuing education and service activities that build professional skills, grow the game and serve our local communities.

    As I started looking into MSR opportunities, I was very fortunate to meet Bob Beach, the Head Golf Professional at Braintree Municipal Golf Course in Braintree, Massachusetts.  Bob and his wife, Cathleen are legends here in New England for their dedication to helping people with mental and physical challenges through the game of golf. (In 2013, Bob received the Patriot Award, an national honor presented by The PGA of America to PGA Professionals who personify patriotism through the game of golf and demonstrate unwavering commitment and dedication to the men and women who have served and protected the United States of America.)

    Bob invited me to serve as a volunteer at the clinics he runs at Braintree Municipal for Golf For All, an organization he co-founded. GFA (http://www.golfforall.org) is dedicated to providing free accessible golf programs for children and adults with Autism and Autism-spectrum disorders, and others facing physical, emotional, or cognitive challenges, including our U.S. Military Veterans.

    (Above: Bob Beach (left) at last year’s season-ending Special Olympics tournament. That's me on the far right with medal-winner Tim, the unofficial Mayor of Braintree, MA.)

    Joining this group was a humbling and rewarding experience. My duties were very simple — I’d tee golf balls up for the participants, help them address the ball and encourage them as they hit shots on the range or putted balls on the practice green. But the joy they felt and gave back to me was an eye-opener and it reminded  that golf can be much more than just a game. It was a privilege to spend time with these new friends and I certainly received much more than I ever gave.

    The experience has inspired me to continue volunteering. Bob also runs some clinics for U.S. veterans on Wednesday nights at Granite Links GC, a great facility built around an old quarry just outside of Boston. I’m looking forward to lending a hand at some of these clinics, too.

    I’d love to hear from others out there in Team Titleist. Has golf made you aware a cause that’s now close to your heart? How has getting involved made a difference in your life? Thanks for any thoughts.

    In closing, there are many people I need to thank, but I’d like to extend special thank-yous to Mike DePaolo, Liz Valicenti, Abby Liebenthal, Karen Gray, Chris O’Rourke and Alex Stimpson of Titleist.  I’m also very grateful to PGA professionals Bob Beach, Bill Safrin, Mark Ashton, Mike Bemis and J.P. Connelly, as well as Joan Stuart of the New England PGA.

    All the best,

    Rick

  2. Speedy

    Speedy
    Newmarket, NH

    This was a great read and thank you for sharing. It's been an honor to meet you a few times over the years and can't say enough good things about you. Congrats and well deserved!

    In regards to your question, I would love to get involved with the First Tee. My boys have been doing it during the past few years and would love to get involved some how when time frees up. The First Tee does an excellent job of making the game fun for the kids and would love to be a part of it someday.

    Thanks again for sharing and wish you continue success.

  3. Team Titleist Staff
    Chris, you're too kind. And the honor is all mine! Couldn't agree more with you as far as getting behind The First Tee. I certainly wish I had had an opportunity to start playing earlier and The First Tee is making that possible for many people now. If you find a First Tee event that works for you in NH next season, let me know if you need a wingman and I'll be there!

    Thanks again, Chris!
  4. Steve S

    Steve S
    Tuckerton, NJ

    Hello Rick V. What a great post. I have worked at the same muni in southern N.J. for 21 years. Never get enough golf. Stories like that make my day. Congrats to you. I am a Titleist man for life. Stories like yours make me proud of that fact.
    Play Well,
    Steve S.
  5. Team Titleist Staff
    Steve, thanks very much for the encouragement. And thanks for supporting Titleist. I'm the same way - playing anything else wouldn't seem like golf to me!

    Best regards,

    Rick
  6. Tyler H

    Tyler H
    Appleton, WI

    Congratulations on regaining your PGA status Rick. It is great to hear another story of how golf is impacting those facing challenges and a testament to PGA Professionals, like yourself, that take the time to reach out and share this great game we all love to play called, golf.
  7. Team Titleist Staff
    Thank you, Tyler. I really appreciate the kind thoughts.
  8. James C

    James C
    Braintree, MA

    I live in Braintree and I've had the pleasure to meet Bob on a number of occasions-what he does for the handicapped and veterans is tremendous.
    Over the years I've donated clubs and balls to Bob and he was always most grateful.
    Good for you to get involved!
  9. Team Titleist Staff
    James, I couldn't agree more. The world needs a few more Bob Beaches in it. I consider myself very lucky to have spent some time with Bob and it's amazing to see the impact he has every day on so many people's lives. Really inspiring.

    Thanks for helping the cause!
  10. Robert C

    Robert C
    Maryland

    Congratulations Rick, that's quite an achievement and just as much, a great cause you got involved with at Braintree.

    Just from our few short conversations at Pinehurst I could instantly tell you are a true professional and more than that a truly genuine and caring person. It was a great honor to meet you at the TT Invitational.

    Autism is a cause that is very important to me, as close associate of mine has a son on the spectrum, and he is truly a special young man. As I begin my career in the golf industry I have and will continue to look for ways to help support this cause.

  11. Team Titleist Staff
    Robert! Great to meet you at the Invitational as well! Really humbled by your words - it was truly our honor to spend a few days with you and get to know everyone in our group a bit better.

    Please keep us posted as you explore ways to help the Autism cause. It's amazing when you start talking to folks to see how widespread Autism is. And like you mention, we're talking about a very broad spectrum of people affected and the degrees of severity range widely. Really good to see that we're understanding more about it and learning how to help the individuals and families that are impacted. Good luck!

    FYI, your Compass Point Pro V1s are on full display in my cubicle! Thank you, again. The team really appreciated the gesture.

    Much appreciated.

    Rick
  12. Robert C

    Robert C
    Maryland

    Rick V., Team Titleist Staff said:

    Robert! Great to meet you at the Invitational as well! Really humbled by your words - it was truly our honor to spend a few days with you and get to know everyone in our group a bit better.

    Please keep us posted as you explore ways to help the Autism cause. It's amazing when you start talking to folks to see how widespread Autism is. And like you mention, we're talking about a very broad spectrum of people affected and the degrees of severity range widely. Really good to see that we're understanding more about it and learning how to help the individuals and families that are impacted. Good luck!

    FYI, your Compass Point Pro V1s are on full display in my cubicle! Thank you, again. The team really appreciated the gesture.

    Much appreciated.

    Rick

    Rick,
    That really means a lot that you have our logo'd ProV on display. Just a small thank you for all you and the team did at for the event.

    here is a link to a story that I'm close to. I cover the Towson Men's Basketball team during the season for a local radio station.

    I've got to know Coach Pat Skerry very well over the last 5 years, and the story his son and Pat's efforts to bring national awareness is something that I try to support in anyway I can. It's great every February to see all the coaches Nationwide wearing the pins.

    www.ncaa.com/.../college-basketball-towsons-skerry-powering-forward-raise

  13. Tim Tiger

    Tim Tiger
    Tucson, AZ

    Rick,
    Congrats on your accomplishment. I know you will do great things in that realm. And teaching a whole new generation the Scorpion whip.
    Enjoy my friend.

    TT
  14. Team Titleist Staff
    Ha! Thanks very much, Tim. Unorthodox, but watch out - the Scorpion'll getcha!

    Much appreciated!

    Rick
  15. Mike C

    Mike C
    Dallas, TX

    Congratulations on regaining your PGA status Rick and thanks for sharing some of your experiences with your volunteer work throughout the process. It's great to see examples of how we all love this game so much and are able to share it with others in different ways.

    Whenever we have had the chance to talk at various Titleist events I have always walked away thinking what a kind and genuine person you are. You are truly an asset to the Titleist organization and a great example of what a PGA Professional should be. Congratulations!

    Mike
  16. Team Titleist Staff
    Mike, extremely kind of you to reach out and extend the thoughtful words. The sentiments are mutual! Hope to see you again (and tee it this time!) in the very near future!

    All the best,

    Rick
  17. DV

    DV

    Rick,

    Your story is uplifting. It made me wish I had grown up in the Braintree area. Thanks for educating us as to what the word "Pro" in being a PGA Certified Pro means. It is a great credential to have after your name. Kudos for your professional acheivement and I am looking to hear more about the great things you are doing to help others in the community you serve during your career.

    Best Wishes!
  18. Team Titleist Staff
    Thank you, DV!

    I really appreciate your kind words and wishes and I'll do my best to represent the PGA well.

    Warmest regards,

    Rick

  19. Chris Hatem

    Chris Hatem
    Boston

    Rick V, I am very proud of you and I extend my congratulations out to you for a job well done. I remember discussing this with you during our round at TPC Boston. I'm happy that you followed through and hope to see you and the crew soon!
  20. Team Titleist Staff

    Chris Hatem said:

    Rick V, I am very proud of you and I extend my congratulations out to you for a job well done. I remember discussing this with you during our round at TPC Boston. I'm happy that you followed through and hope to see you and the crew soon!

    Thanks you so much, Chris! Yes, fingers crossed for another round before the weather turns!

    Much appreciated.

    Rick
  21. Edward K

    Edward K
    Wesley Chapel, FL

    Military
    Congratulations Rick!. While I have been unable to participate in any local events recently, we've sponsored numerous outings and tournaments. People don't realize the effort and dedication required to keep programs and events going. It takes guys like you with that dedication to make it happen. Thank You!!.....I've been all Titleist/FJ for many years. Can't imagine using anything else.......EK
  22. andy r

    andy r
    Cheshire, CT

    That's awesome, congratulations.
    Its a very important and easily overlooked occupation but all who love golf appreciate what you do in terms of growing this great game !!
  23. Team Titleist Staff

    andy r said:

    That's awesome, congratulations.
    Its a very important and easily overlooked occupation but all who love golf appreciate what you do in terms of growing this great game !!

    Thanks for the encouragement, Andy! I sincerely appreciate it.

    Rick
  24. Chris P

    Chris P
    Katy, TX

    Congrats Rick. Hard work and a love for the game are a great thing. The next generation is lucky to have you behind them.
  25. Team Titleist Staff

    Chris P said:

    Congrats Rick. Hard work and a love for the game are a great thing. The next generation is lucky to have you behind them.

    Thank you very much, Chris! I'm very grateful for the support!

    Rick
  26. greg p

    greg p
    Chicago 'burbs, IL

    Awesome story! Congratulations on your achievement and best wishes for continued success.
  27. Team Titleist Staff

    greg p said:

    Awesome story! Congratulations on your achievement and best wishes for continued success.

    Greg, thank you for the kind words and encouragement. Much appreciated!

    Rick
  28. CoolBreeze

    CoolBreeze
    Sudbury, MA

    Congratulations Rick on your PGA status! Its great to have great people like yourself as a member of the organization and the game! Keep up the great work with all you do with Titleist and giving back to initiatives such as those created by Bob Beach! #ThxAPGAPro !
  29. Team Titleist Staff

    CoolBreeze said:

    Congratulations Rick on your PGA status! Its great to have great people like yourself as a member of the organization and the game! Keep up the great work with all you do with Titleist and giving back to initiatives such as those created by Bob Beach! #ThxAPGAPro !

    Sean, thanks very much for the kind words! It means a great deal to me. Hope everything is going well for you!

    All the best,

    Rick
  30. Thomas Y

    Thomas Y
    Wenham, MA

    Rick,

    I am happy that you are again doing something that makes you happy and inspires you to help others. I do remember you when I worked at a 'sister' club on the North Shore. I'm at another North Shore facility now, directing a small caddie program that we started in 2014. It's my 'little' way to give something back to a game that has given me so much as well.

    Best of fortune to you!

  31. Team Titleist Staff

    Thomas Y said:

    Rick,

    I am happy that you are again doing something that makes you happy and inspires you to help others. I do remember you when I worked at a 'sister' club on the North Shore. I'm at another North Shore facility now, directing a small caddie program that we started in 2014. It's my 'little' way to give something back to a game that has given me so much as well.

    Best of fortune to you!

    Really good to hear from you, Tom! Thanks very much for the kind words. I still have a copy of your famous yardage book from MHC that I used to train caddies myself back in the day. Glad to hear that you're passing on your great knowledge of the game to the next generation. Wising you all the best and hope to run into you again up in horse country!

    Rick

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