Hartnett Honored as 2021 Southern Ohio PGA Assistant Professional of the Year

Evan Hartnett, PGA, Assistant Professional at Columbus Country Club, is the 2021 Southern Ohio PGA Assistant Professional of the Year. In just three years as a PGA Member, Hartnett’s passion for the sport has led him in setting a strong foundation to becoming a well-rounded golf professional. Learning the industry from 2020 SOPGA Private Merchandiser of the Year recipient Ryan Coll, PGA and 2020 PGA Bill Strausbaugh Award recipient Larry Dornisch, PGA, Hartnett strives to exceed expectations daily. He fully understands the importance of mentorship, leadership and building a strong network in this industry. He looks forward to sharing his knowledge with peers and new professionals as he continues to grow throughout his career.  The 2021 Assistant Professional of the Year award is Hartnett’s first recognition for industry success in Southern Ohio.

Read below to hear Evan’s thoughts on becoming a successful PGA Professional.

SOPGA: What does it mean to you to be named the Southern Ohio PGA Assistant Professional of the Year? 

EH: Being named the Southern Ohio PGA Assistant Professional of the Year means so much to me. It was a goal of mine to get at some point and I’m very honored to receive it and represent the SOPGA for this award. Being included in the list of former SOPGA Assistants of Year and seeing where they are in their careers is very inspiring to me. Hopefully this award can help set me apart and reach my future goals as a PGA member.

SOPGA: What inspired your passion to become a PGA Professional? 

EH: Simply the great game of golf. I think every PGA Pro gets into this profession because they love the game of golf and that love branches into so many other parts of the golf world with teaching, playing, and serving our members and guests.

SOPGA: What do you think makes a successful Assistant Professional? 

EH: Someone that is eager to learn and soak up everything they can while being an Assistant Professional. Putting in the time and effort every day to become the best you can be.

SOPGA: What does it mean to you to be a PGA Professional? 

EH: Aside from my parents, all of my mentors and role models have been PGA Professionals. I’m so grateful for my time at Muirfield Village Golf Club and working for Larry Dornisch was such an incredible opportunity. Working for a club like that and such a legendary Golf Professional really helped me set my goals and mold me into my career path. Now working for Ryan Coll at Columbus Country Club has been so impactful for my career. He took me under his wing and polished me as a PGA member and he continues to push me along in my career. Learning from them and seeing how they represent the PGA has impacted me and my career in so many ways. It makes me want to be the best I can possibly be and hopefully one day can become a great mentor and inspire others to become PGA Professionals.

SOPGA: What has been the most impactful advice you’ve received since becoming a PGA Professional? 

EH: The most impactful advice I’ve received would be networking. Networking with other PGA Professionals, other industry professionals and members you meet. You never know where life can take you and if you make a great impact on others you meet it can only help you in your career. Keep your head down, work hard, and network as much as you possibly can.

SOPGA: Is there any advice would you give to someone thinking about getting into the industry?

EH: The main bit of advice I would give someone is to make sure they truly love helping others. At the end of the day this industry is all about service and hospitality and if they don’t have a passion for that they will get into the industry for the wrong reasons. I would also tell them to reach out to some local PGA Professionals and sit down and talk with them about their careers.

About the Award: 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.