By Ron Stepanek, PGA
Golf has always been about more than just a scorecard. It’s the smell of fresh-cut grass on a summer morning, the laughter shared with friends after a round, and the quiet satisfaction of hitting a shot just the way you pictured it. For those of us who live and breathe this game, golf courses aren’t just places we play, they’re the heart of our communities.
Since stepping into my role as Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Golf Course Owners Association (PGO) in April of 2024, I’ve been fortunate to experience firsthand just how special this community is. Working alongside the incredible golf course owners and operators across Pennsylvania has been nothing short of inspiring. Their passion, creativity, and dedication drive not only the success of their facilities, but also the experiences golfers enjoy every single day.
I’ve been fortunate to spend more than 30 years in the golf industry, from serving as Executive Director of the Central New York and Southern Ohio PGA Sections, to my work at PGA of America Headquarters in Player and Industry Development, to more recent years with Spirit Golf Management and BrightView Golf Maintenance. And at every stop, one truth has stood out: when golf course owners and operators succeed, every golfer, whether a scratch player or a weekend warrior benefits.
That’s exactly what excites me most about the PGO. Our mission is to help golf courses thrive through networking, education, advocacy, and support. The greatest value of this organization is the way owners and operators come together sharing ideas, solving challenges, and building stronger businesses. And when courses get stronger, the entire golfing community wins with better conditions, more events, and more memorable rounds.
This fall, that spirit will be front and center at the PGO Fall Conference, October 7–8, at Carlisle Country Club. It’s going to be a celebration of everything we stand for: competition, camaraderie, and collaboration. From the Annual Crystal Cup East vs. West golf outing, to dinner for 50 , to an inspiring lineup of speakers like NGCOA CEO Jay Karen and 2026 PGA Championship Director Ryan Ogle, and a series of Master Minds brainstorming sessions, the ideas and energy shared at this event will ripple across Pennsylvania’s fairways for years to come.
To the golfers reading this, know that the PGO is working every day to make your experience better. To our owners and operators, thank you for the opportunity to support you in this role. And to our Board of Directors, I remain grateful for your trust and guidance as we continue building a brighter future for Pennsylvania golf.
As President Douglas Day always reminds us: Let’s get better together. We are PGO proud!
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