Jim Remy has seen the golf industry go through ups and downs before. And he’s confident that with hard work and smart decision-making, the industry will get through the current economic downturn.
But in the meantime, as the newly elected president of the PGA of America, Remy said he plans to focus much of his efforts in the coming months on promoting the game and encouraging more individuals to play.
“People will still want recreation,” said Remy, vice president and general manager of Okemo Golf Division at Okemo Valley Golf Club in Ludlow, Vt. “We have to adjust our operating modes to address shortfalls in revenue. But we also have to be enthusiastic about the game, be more visible and be there to promote it.”
Remy last week was elected to succeed Brian Whitcomb as head of the PGA of America for the next two years. Allen Wronowski of Hillendale Country Club in Phoenix, Md., was chosen as vice president and Ted Bishop of The Legends of Indiana Golf Club in Franklin, Ind., was elected secretary.
A former professional skier, Remy worked at the Okemo Valley resort for several years before beginning his full-time golf career as an assistant pro at Worcester Country Club in Worcester, Mass., He also worked at Killington Golf Resort in Vermont before returning to Okemo in 1997 to supervise building of the resort’s golf course. He also oversees operations at the Okemo-owned Tater Hill Golf Club in Ludlow.
Remy said he plans to continue the PGA’s strong support for grow-the-game efforts such as Play Golf America and will work to strengthen cooperation with other industry organizations.
“We’re all working together,” he said “There’s a sense of cooperation between allied organizations like there never has been before.”