PGA Professional Ryan Evans’s career is headed in a new direction this year.
Last November, Evans accepted a position at Dick’s Sporting Goods to work at their new House of Sport at Oakdale Commons in Johnson City. The two-level, 140,000 square foot facility is scheduled to open later this year.
“I will have a lot of technology and tools at my fingertips to be able to teach my students including Trackman and GEARS 3D analysis,” Evans said. “This store is not just a retail space but an experience where athletes will have the chance to interact and practice their skills in a wide variety of sports.”
The new Dick’s House of Sport will be similar to the House of Sport at Eastview Mall in Victor only bigger. In January, Evans attended the Golf Galaxy Expo in San Diego to help him get acclimate to his new job. Evans said his job duties will consist of teaching and club fitting. He is currently working at the Dick’s location in Vestal until the House of Sport grand opening.
In addition to a new job, Evans is the new chair of the Central New York PGA Assistants Committee. The 33-year-old Evans lives in Greene with his wife, Jackie, and two children, Bridgette and Clara. Here’s what he had to say about his career:
On his start in golf: “I got my start in golf by working for (former Head Professional) Dave Branham at Canasawacta Country Club in Norwich. My experience working for him encouraged me to look into a career in golf. I went to SUNY Delhi for their Professional Golf Management program. I played on the golf team my junior and senior year.”
Best part of his job: “I enjoy spending time with athletes and being able to see the excitement on their face when I can teach them something to improve their game. This is really the essence of what we as golf professionals do and what we do best.”
Teaching philosophy: “I don’t teach, I coach. As far as something like a swing philosophy, I don’t believe in sticking to just one because everyone is different. Everyone learns differently. I think that you have to take an athlete’s ability and get them to use it to their fullest capability.”
On winning the 2021 Merchandiser of the Year Award (Public): “It was very humbling. The merchandise operation at Conklin Players Club was a big part of my job and it means a lot to be recognized by my peers with all of the exceptional professionals we have in our Section.” (Evans also won the 2019 Youth Player Development Award.)
His goal as Section’s Assistants Committee Chair: “We definitely want to get more Assistants involved. We’re starting a mentorship program this spring. We’re trying to get the current Assistants in touch with some members who have been in the Section for a long time to inspire and engage them and help them along their path.”