FAIRBORN, OH – The Southern Ohio PGA is thrilled to recognize Chase Wilson, PGA Director of Instruction at Columbus Country Club, with the 2022 Player Development Award.
Chase Wilson, PGA Director of Instruction at Columbus Country Club, is the 2022 Southern Ohio PGA Player Development Award recipient for his outstanding contributions in the areas of player development and instruction. Growing up in Zanesville, OH, Wilson’s love of the game began with junior golf. As his excitement grew, so did his experience playing in competitive events, leading him to success as a four-year contributor on the High Point University’s Men’s Golf Team between 2009-2013. One aspect of the game Wilson learned early on was the importance of setting proper goals, both on and off the golf course, which he now teaches his students to assist with new player retention. Since beginning the PGA Associate program in 2018, he has created a multitude teaching opportunities from PGA Jr. League and Junior Academy group lessons for younger players to Couples Clinics and a Ladies Sip & Chip program for adults. Wilson not only provides instruction on the swing, but aims to develop the whole golfer with on-course guidance and advice inside the golf shop about clubs, shoes and other items. Since his election to PGA Membership in 2019, Wilson has already impacted more than 400 students through a variety of programs developing golfers of all ages and skill levels. In addition to helping others become the best golfers they can be, he continues to develop his own game playing in competitive events within the Southern Ohio Section and throughout the PGA of America community. He earned the Southern Ohio PGA Player of the Year honor in 2021 and the Associate Player of the Year honor in 2018, but the 2022 Player Development Award is his first recognition for outstanding work in the business.
Q: Can you define, in your own words, what “Player Development” means to you?
CW: Player development is the opportunity to grow relationships with my students while helping them grow their skill set and enjoy the game. Most importantly I want to help set proper goals and create the best process possible for each individual.
Q: How has your approach to player development changed throughout your career?
CW: Player development has become more about my students goals and creating plans to help them make numerous small gains which add up over time.
Q: Which demographic of golfers has been the most interesting to develop throughout your career?
CW: Junior golfers especially those ages 7-13 in our pga junior league program have showed major growth and increased interest in the game. One of our juniors I have grown close to started with me at age 14 shooting around 110 and recently as an 18 year old senior he shot 69 in a high school match. A major milestone in his career.
Q: In your opinion, what has the largest impact when it comes to retaining new golfers in the game?
CW: Creating consistent practice and playing opportunities is key to developing routines for my students. A routine has been key to helping them stay more involved with the game of golf.
Q: Is there a “Best Practice” you have utilized in developing golfers?
CW: Carving out time to get my students on the course has been the most important aspect of helping them improve at a faster rate. There are so many great conversations that happen on course which would not have developed had we been at the practice facility.
Q: Have there been any mentors or peers who have had a significant impact in your development as a golf instructor?
CW: I have numerous PGA professionals beginning from my junior golf days to thank – Mike Kaido, PGA, Ryan Coll, PGA, Danny Ackerman, PGA, Jeff Olson, PGA, Doug Spencer, PGA and Josh Coad, PGA to name a few; many of them still help me with my own game. They helped me grow my knowledge for the game and even pushed me to be a better version of myself at times.
Q: What does it mean to you to receive the 2022 Player Development Award?
CW: I am honored to be a Player Development Award recipient. I am grateful for my peers who have helped me grow as an instructor. It’s always comforting to have the support of a great team around you.
The SOPGA recognizes a Member with this award who has made extraordinary contributions and achievements in conducting and/or supporting growth of the game initiatives. Click here to learn more about the Southern Ohio PGA Special Awards and to view previous recipients.