Cincinnati, OH — The Southern Ohio PGA is proud to congratulate one of the newest members of the PGA of America in our section, Michael Shontz, PGA!

Congratulate Michael today via email at mlshontz@gmail.com!

The SOPGA caught up with Michael to talk about his journey to becoming a member of the PGA of America, his deep roots in junior golf, and his plans for the future.

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

Michael Shontz, PGA: My inspiration and love for the game of golf can be traced back to my family. My grandparents, Jack and Rosie, introduced me to the game at a young age, supplying me with equipment and other golf experiences, including lessons and attending professional tour events. Some of my fondest golf memories are those spent on the golf course with them as a kid playing the 9-hole course in McComb, Ohio.

We were also fortunate to have a great junior golf program growing up in Findlay, Ohio called the Findlay Area Golf Association. There was nothing better than paying $15 to play 18 holes for a trophy and getting a hot dog at the turn with our friends. My mother, Dawn, also deserves a lot of credit for putting up with driving 4 to 6 boys around the area to play golf each week during the summer. It was the best!

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

MS: My first experience working in the business of golf was working in the bag room at Findlay Country Club in my early 20s. The Head Golf Professional at the time, Chad Bain, and his Assistant Golf Professionals, Garrett Korte and Adam Craig, were extremely inspiring to me and made me want to make a career in the business. I still use a lot of what I learned from them on and off the golf course.

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

MS: Now that I am a PGA of America Member, I am most looking forward to continuing to grow the game of golf by sharing my love for the game with members and guests at my facility. As a wise mentor of mine told me upon being elected, this is the beginning of the journey, not the end. I have been very fortunate to work alongside and learn from some of the best in the business and I am excited to see where the rest of my journey takes me.

SOPGA: What about the game makes you LOVE golf?

MS: What makes me love the game of golf is the challenge of the game itself—giving it your best effort on every shot and accepting the results, both good and bad. I very much enjoy being able to play the game with a variety of people in a variety of locations. The game provides numerous life lessons that have a much broader application than golf, and it truly is a beautiful game.

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

MS: I have been fortunate to have so many mentors along my journey. I would like to say a big thank you to:

  • Chad Bain

  • Garrett Korte

  • Adam Craig

  • Chris Casto

  • Jimmy Logue

  • Brian LeCrone

  • Peter Zellmer

  • Dan Gage

  • Matt Brewer

  • Joe Zinchini

  • Jim Irvin

  • Tom Cecil

Thank you all!