COLUMBUS, OH — The Southern Ohio PGA is proud to congratulate the newest member of the PGA of America in our section, Jared Hoelzen, PGA! Jared was elected to membership in January of 2026 and is an Assistant Professional at Scioto Country Club in Columbus.

Say hello to Jared today via email at jaredhoelzen@gmail.com.

The SOPGA caught up with Jared to talk about his journey to becoming a member of the PGA of America.

SOPGA: Who or what inspired you to get involved with the GAME of golf?

Jared Hoelzen, PGA: When I was seven years old, my dad was asked to play in a fundraising event for the private school in my hometown of Burlington, IA. I ended up going with him to the tournament and afterward he asked me if I would be interested in golf. Unsure of what I was getting into, I said yes. My dad rarely played and didn’t know a lot about golf, so he asked around town to see if there was anyone that gave lessons. Thankfully, someone told him to go see Joe Butler who was the head golf professional at Burlington Golf Club. Joe is a great guy and made the game very fun, especially for an uncoordinated second grader. After taking a few lessons with him, I was hooked and wanted to pursue golf on a serious level.

SOPGA: Who or what inspired you to get involved with the BUSINESS of golf?

JH: I would say Joe Butler from Burlington Golf Club had the biggest impact on my decision to enter the golf business. I worked for Joe throughout my high school and college years and really learned a lot from him. He was very hard working, detail oriented, and was just really good at fulfilling the various roles of a club professional. He made everyone feel welcome and was just a fun guy to be around.

SOPGA: What are you most looking forward to pursuing now that you are a PGA of America Member?

JH: I’m most excited about the opportunity to teach and inspire people through golf. It’s one of the few sports someone can enjoy for a lifetime—even into your 90s—and I want to help shape those experiences for as many players as possible. Being able to introduce new golfers to the game, while also helping experienced players continue to grow, is what drives me.

SOPGA: What about the game makes you LOVE golf?

JH: I would say throughout my life, that my love for golf comes from the desire to learn and improve as a player and instructor and just enjoying the journey. There have been many relationships built, memories had, and events experienced, of which I am very thankful for, that would not have happened If I did not pursue the game of golf.

SOPGA: Have there been any mentors who have assisted your career along the way to PGA Membership that you would like to thank?

JH: Absolutely! There are four people I would like to say a big thank you to that played a pivotal role in me becoming a member. First, I would like to thank Joe Butler. If it weren’t for Joe, I would have never developed a love for golf and be in the position I am today. Second, I would like to thank Joe Falardeau my Director of Golf at Scioto. Joe gave me the opportunity to start at the club back in 2020 and made it possible for me to pursue a role in teaching. Second, Don Sargent our Director of Instruction. Sarge was my swing coach in college and not only helped me tremendously with my game, but greatly improved my understanding of the golf swing and how to teach others. Finally, I would like to thank our Director of Youth Player Development Chris Yoder. I have worked alongside Chris for the better part of five years now and I don’t know that I could have asked for a better person to learn under. Chris has helped me grow so much not only as a professional and instructor but as a person and I very grateful for his influence in my career.