For more than 40 years, the Pennsylvania Golf Course Owners Association (PGO) has served as a unifying force for golf course operators across the Commonwealth. With more than 600 facilities represented and an official affiliation with the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA), the PGO has long provided advocacy, best practices, and community to an industry that contributes more than $6.3 billion to the Pennsylvania economy.
But something has shifted in recent years. A new energy. A new vision. A renewed sense of purpose. And at the center of that shift is Douglas Day, a visionary leader whose influence extends far beyond the fairways. As President of Golf and Resort Operations, one of six presidential-level roles he holds within the expansive St. Barnabas Health System, Douglas brings executive leadership, business wisdom, and a deep passion for the game. Now in his third year as PGO Board President, his steady, forward-thinking leadership has quietly but profoundly modernized the organization.
Douglas doesn’t just lead, he builds the framework for progress. In 2024, he introduced the guiding theme “Traction to Momentum,” setting the tone for a year of rapid organizational growth. In 2025, his mantra, “Let’s Get Better Together!” has driven a culture of unity and continuous improvement across the state. These aren’t just slogans; they reflect a clear, results-driven leadership style that the PGO has embraced at every level.
His style isn’t about flash or ego, it’s about collaboration, consistency, and follow-through.
“He’s one of the most selfless leaders I’ve ever had the privilege to work with,” says Josh DeNinno, who now serves under Douglas at Conley Resort & Golf Club and Suncrest Golf & Grille. “His professionalism and drive are unmatched. He’s a connector and he does it all. First he listens, acts second, and is always focused on the betterment of the group.”
Josh first met Douglas in 2022 at the NGCOA Golf Business Conference in Orlando. At the time, Josh was GM at Moon Golf Club, and Douglas was already leading golf operations at St. Barnabas and serving on the PGO board. Despite their parallel paths in the industry, the two had never crossed professionally until then. “We hit it off immediately,” Josh recalls. “We shared the same philosophies, the same frustrations, and the same desire to see the PGO become something more engaging, more connected, and more impactful, especially for Western Pennsylvania.”
Douglas saw that opportunity and acted. Under his leadership, the PGO is now more active and organized than ever before:
And recently, the PGO’s reach extended even further, all the way to Capitol Hill.
As part of the National Day of Golf, the PGO proudly represented Pennsylvania course owners, PGA professionals, and GCSAA members in Washington, D.C., joining over 250 golf leaders from across the country. Douglas and other PGO representatives were advised by professional lobbyists before making their rounds through Senate and House offices. “I loved it, and it was mutually impactful for all involved,” Douglas said. “We were there to ensure our lawmakers understand the importance of golf to Pennsylvania’s economy, workforce, and communities.”
Douglas’s influence is also bolstered by the reach of the St. Barnabas organization, which spans Allegheny, Butler, and Beaver counties in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Operating under the St. Barnabas Hospitality Group umbrella, his golf and facility oversight is part of a much larger ecosystem of hospitality and health services, further reinforcing the caliber and credibility he brings to the PGO.
The PGO’s growing reputation nationally is further evidenced by its recent climb to becoming the third-largest NGCOA affiliate in the country. The organization now works closely with NGCOA leadership, including their CEO, and several PGO board members, including Douglas, have joined the NGCOA Champions Circle, strengthening the PGO’s legislative voice and legal advocacy efforts.
That kind of national collaboration didn’t happen by accident. From the beginning of his tenure, Douglas Day was a man on a mission, intent on making a difference for the game both inside and outside of Pennsylvania. His path led him to form a friendship and working relationship with PGA of America President Don Rea. The two first met when Rea was serving as Secretary of the PGA, and as Don rose to Vice President and now President, the connection only deepened. Also, Douglas formed an incredible relationship with another individual on the national stage. Jay Karen, the CEO of the NGCOA. The two, are close collaborators, speaking regularly about ways to grow the game and advance the industry’s interests nationwide.
None of this progress would be possible without a like-minded team, including PGO’s recently appointed Executive Director, Ron Stepanek, PGA. With decades of experience, from Spirit Golf to the PGA of America, Ron brings both credibility and passion to the organization. He’s already building on the foundation laid by Douglas and the board. “In many ways, this is my dream job,” said Stepanek. “The PGO is positioned to make a real impact for golf facilities across the state, and I’m proud to be part of that.”
Yet while the PGO story is one of progress and purpose, there’s another story here too, one rooted in professional respect and the power of relationship. The connection between Josh and Douglas didn’t end in Orlando. It laid the groundwork for something more.
When a leadership transition was needed at Conley Resort & Golf Club, Douglas saw an opportunity to bring Josh into the fold. And Josh, ready for a new challenge, recognized the chance to work with someone who shared his vision and values. “It’s really the embodiment of what we hope the PGO can offer,” Josh said. “Not just networking for the sake of it, but real connection, real collaboration, real opportunity.”
Now working together at St. Barnabas and its golf properties, Douglas and Josh are showing what modern, mission-driven golf leadership can look like. Their dynamic is built on trust, shared goals, and a mutual desire to raise the standard, not just for one facility, but for the industry at large.
And as fate would have it, Josh, the current Vice President of the PGO, is also slated to become the next President of the organization, a natural continuation of the work he and Douglas have already been doing behind the scenes. “Even if I had stayed at Moon, that’s the way the succession plan was designed,” Josh notes. “But to now be part of this leadership team, while also working daily alongside Douglas in our own facilities, it just all reinforces the power of this organization and what it can foster.”
The PGO’s recent momentum and vision are driven not only by Douglas Day’s leadership but also by the dedication of a committed Board of Directors. This diverse group of seasoned golf professionals and owners brings a wealth of experience from across Pennsylvania and beyond. Their collective efforts help ensure the PGO’s initiatives and programs meet the needs of every member facility, from small public courses to large private clubs.
“It’s truly a team effort,” says Douglas. “Our board members bring passion, insight, and a shared commitment to elevate golf in Pennsylvania. Without their help, none of this progress would be possible.”
The PGO’s board and experience represent all corners of Pennsylvania, ensuring that voices from every region are heard and considered. This statewide representation gives the organization a strong, well-rounded perspective on the needs of its members.
Among those lending their leadership are industry veterans like Mike Attara, PGA, serving as Secretary/Treasurer; Robert Kleckner, PGA, the Past President with decades of insight; Steve Graybill, also a Past President with a strong voice for the membership; and others including Jonathan Byler, John Gehman, Scott Reis, Eric and Julie Prebula, Samantha Swartz, and Rob Stiefel. Each contributes unique perspectives and a willingness to collaborate for the good of the game.
This united, statewide leadership team, alongside Executive Director Ron Stepanek, is creating a strong foundation for the future, making the PGO a model of effective governance and industry support.
The PGO is growing. Golf in Pennsylvania is booming. And the people at the helm are proving that humility, vision, and connection still matter in this business.
It is clear that the PGO didn’t stumble into relevance by accident. It happened because the organization had the right person at the right time, someone who not only saw what was lacking but had the experience, relationships, and vision to lead it forward. Douglas Day’s leadership marks a pivotal chapter in Pennsylvania golf, and his ongoing influence will continue to shape its future.
If you’re a course owner, operator, or corporate partner, this is your invitation to get involved and to build something meaningful.
To find your own path to betterment, visit www.golfinpa.com.
