For PGA of America Member Matt Jaynes, one of the best parts about being the Head Professional at Corning Country Club is that each day is different.
“It’s a mix of general member golf services, staff support, golf lessons, league and tournament management, golf shop merchandising and keeping in good communication with our General Manager and Superintendent,” Jaynes said. “We are blessed with an incredible team and membership at Corning CC. There is no one that I’m more grateful for than Matt Moretti, our Assistant Golf Professional.”
This will be Jaynes’ 16th season at Corning CC. He started out as an Assistant Golf Professional in 2009 then earned his PGA Membership in 2012. He was named Corning’s Head Professional in 2016.
Here’s what Jaynes had to say about his career and maintaining a work-life balance.
How did you get interested in golf?
I am simply a member of the ‘Tiger Generation’. When he won the Masters in 1997 and took the world by storm, I found some old mismatched golf clubs in the basement and started figuring it out. Only a few days later I found myself on the course and spent every day there that summer, and somehow, I’m still there!
What is your biggest challenge as a PGA of America Golf Professional?
Time management. There is never enough time in a day, especially considering all the different hats we wear at our facilities. Balancing work and family is always difficult. Fortunately for me, my family is very understanding and we do our best and make it work.
(Jaynes resides in Watkins Glen with wife, Sarah, and children, 8-year-old son Carson and newborn daughter Olivia.)
What is your greatest golf accomplishment?
Winning the CNY PGA Section Championship in 2019. I was three strokes off the lead with 9 holes to play and made a move capped off by a flip-wedge to a kick-in birdie on 18 to take the lead outright.
Favorite thing to do in the off-season
Spending time just being a dad, cooking and watching the Miami Dolphins!
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Teaching and club-fitting to help my members and students accomplish their golf goals. There is no better feeling to me than when you help a player understand a mechanic or set them up with a properly fit club and watch their face light up in excitement. I hope it never gets old!