Michael Deuel, PGA has gained valuable experience during his 26-year career as a PGA Professional.

 

For Deuel, the importance of customer service and adapting to the demands of an ever-changing golf industry has been paramount to keeping En-Joie Golf Club in Endicott a premier course in the Southern Tier.

 

“Being well-rounded and getting involved in every conceivable part of the business early in my career set me up for future success,” Deuel said.

 

En-Joie, which opened for the season April 8, will host the Dick’s Sporting Goods Open in August. The Central New York PGA Turning Stone Pro-Team will also make a stop June 27.

 

Here’s what Deuel had to say about the challenges of his job:

 

What do you believe are the most important aspects about your job?     

Being able to meet the demands or needs of your members/customers to ensure that they enjoy their time while at the golf course.  After all, people come to a golf course to escape everyday life for a four-hour period of time.  It’s our job as PGA Professionals to make sure that they do just that.

 

What do you like best about being a PGA Professional?

Interacting with people and being able to work in an industry where you aren’t chained to a desk.  The ability to work in an outdoor environment that offers different challenges on a daily basis makes for a great work environment that most people envy.

 

What challenges do you face as a head professional?

The past 2+ years, the game of golf has grown to unprecedented play totals which is great for the business and our golf operation.  However, along with that has been a dwindling work force base which has made the adequate staffing of golf staff almost impossible.  With the lack of workers currently the job description of the PGA Professional has expanded to an extent it would be hard to describe on a piece of paper.

 

What is the best advice you’ve ever received concerning golf?

I have been lucky to have worked for and with some great PGA Professionals over the past 35 years.  Over that time, I have been taught different aspects of the business to become as well-rounded as possible.  Being well-rounded and getting involved in every conceivable part of the business early in my career set me up for future success.

 

What are you looking forward to the most about the 2022 season?

I look forward to seeing some familiar faces and getting back to the normal daily grind of the golf business.  I also look forward to seeing and competing on Mondays with my fellow PGA Professionals who I lose track of over the winter months.