FAIRBORN, OH – The Southern Ohio PGA is excited to name Ben Collie, PGA Assistant Professional at Scioto Country Club, the 2023 SOPGA Assistant Professional of the Year.
Ben Collie, PGA Assistant Professional at Scioto Country Club, has made an impactful mark on the golf industry as a servant leader in his short time as a PGA Professional. Inspired by the ending of the 2008 U.S. Open, the game of golf quickly consumed Collie’s life. His passion for playing turned into a desire to pursue a career in the game through the PGA Professional Golf Management Program at Eastern Kentucky University where he learned the importance of creating a remarkable experience for all to enjoy the game. Upon graduation in 2018, Collie was elected to PGA Membership in February 2019 and has since done his best to make a positive impact while growing as a professional, leader and mentor. The example he sets daily inspires others around him to continue raising the bar. He also motivates the staff at Scioto Country Club through his reinvention of the PGA Internship Program and establishment of a Professional Development Series bringing in industry professionals and members from the club to conduct seminars on a variety of topics. Collie’s excitement about being a PGA Professional shines through as a contributing member of the SOPGA Membership Committee where he provides his expertise and viewpoint in creating a welcoming environment for professionals and interns throughout the Section. The 2023 Assistant Professional of the Year award is Collie’s first recognition for success working in the industry in Southern Ohio.
Q: What does it mean to you to be named the Southern Ohio PGA Assistant Professional of the Year?
BC: It means that I am making a positive impact on the members and guests at Scioto Country Club, my peers, and aspiring professionals. It is an honor to receive this award, but more importantly, it reassures me that my hard work and passion for this game is making a difference.
Q: What inspired your passion to become a PGA Professional?
BC: I was first inspired to play the game of golf after watching Tiger Woods win the Monday playoff against Rocco Mediate at the 2008 U.S. Open. Once I began playing, golf consumed my life. It quickly became my greatest passion. I never thought about a career in golf until I learned about the PGA Professional Golf Management Program offered at Eastern Kentucky University. The idea of making my passion a career seemed like a no brainer, so I applied.
Q: What do you think makes a successful Assistant Professional in the industry?
BC: The great thing about being a golf professional is that we can wear a different hat each day. One day we can merchandise in the shop, the next day we could run a tournament, and the next we could teach a lesson. There are so many ways to be successful. However, I believe success comes when assistant’s focus on their P’s (Passion, Professionalism, Positivity, Proactive).
Q: Since beginning your career, what has been the most surprising and/or interesting thing about you’ve learned about yourself or the industry?
BC: The thing that has surprised me the most thus far in my career is the power of investing in others. Fortunately, I have many great mentors that have invested in me through wisdom, advice, time, and direction. Without their mentorship I would not be where I am today. I am grateful for those that have invested in me, and in return I have done my best to pass it along and invest in others.
Q: What does it mean to you to be a PGA Professional?
BC: Being a PGA Professional is one of my greatest accomplishments. Each day I go to work and have the ability to make a positive impact and bring joy to someone’s day through the game of golf. Having those three letters following my name identifies me as one of the 28,000 experts in the game of golf.
Q: What has been the most impactful advice you’ve received since becoming a PGA Professional?
BC: The most impactful advice I have been given as a professional was to maintain a positive attitude no matter the situation and to turn opportunities into strengths.
Q: Is there any advice you would give to someone thinking about getting into the industry?
BC: Follow your passion and allow the game to take you on an adventure. Golf has taken me to places I never thought I would visit and allowed me to meet people that have changed my life.
The SOPGA recognizes the PGA Member and Associate Assistant of the Year for their growth in their development as a golf professional as well as commitment to a career in the PGA. Criteria for these awards are based on: 1) overall performance as an Assistant golf professional; 2) services to the Section, Chapter or Association; 3) leadership ability and; 4) promotion of golf. Click here to learn more about the Southern Ohio PGA Special Awards and to view previous recipients.
Collie and all the 2023 Southern Ohio PGA Special Award recipients will be recognized at the annual Special Awards Celebration on Friday, October 13, 2023 at Montgomery Inn in Montgomery, OH. All members of the Southern Ohio PGA golf community are invited to join in the celebration. Click here for more information.