Working with people to help grow the game of golf. It is what drives Martha Wells on a daily basis as a PGA of America Golf Professional.
“I love mentoring and helping people….and growing relationships,” Wells said.
Martha Wells, PGA
Being a people-first person has been the hallmark of Wells’ career, a trait that will serve her well as she transitions into a new role as Career Consultant for the Central, Northeastern and Western New York PGA Sections.
“My goal has always been to get every single person onto the golf course, and what better way than to help PGA Professionals spread the word,” she said. “Getting people into this great industry, helping mentor and guide people, and building relationships with my peers.”
Wells’ main responsibilities include helping guide PGA Professionals and Associates through their career paths, contracts and compensation, benefit negotiations, year-end reviews.
Throughout her career, Wells has dedicated her time to help others appreciate golf while also making her mark in the industry. She is one of the first females to hold the position as Career Consultant for the Central NY, NENY and WNY Sections. She also spent the last six seasons as the first female Head Professional at Skaneateles Country Club.
Wells’ appreciation for golf began in her childhood home, which overlooks the 11th fairway of Cortland Country Club, where she still resides. Her resume includes being named CNY PGA Golf Professional of the Year in 2018, four CNY PGA Merchandiser of the Year awards, two CNY PGA Player Development Awards and four years working on the National Adult Player Development Committee. At Skaneateles CC, she created the Girl Power Golf Program, clinics for girls ages 4-10.
Wells, a PGA Member since 1998, will bring a wealth of experience to her new role although she knows there will be a learning curve.
“My short-term goal in this position is to hit the ground running and meet PGA Professionals, start shaking hands and building the bonds,” she said. “There will be many things for me to learn and absorb in the short term. I always am looking forward to expanding my knowledge on topics that directly impact not only me, but also all PGA Professionals.”
Here’s what else Wells had to say as she embarks on her new position.
On being among the first females to hold the position as Career Consultant for the Central NY, NENY and WNY Sections: I am honored to be one of the first women. I was raised in a household where my mother was a manager at New York Telephone in a time where women really weren’t managers. I didn’t know any different, I saw what my mom did and how well respected she was, and just didn’t see male/female roles. I just saw a driven person that wanted to help people who just happened to be a woman.
What she is looking forward to the most: I really am looking forward to getting out and meeting PGA Professionals and Associates, and building relationships with them, building a trust so they know I 100-percent have them in my best interest.
Long term goals as Career Consultant: Building new opportunities for PGA Professionals and Associates, whether it is creating new positions at facilities that do not have a PGA presence, or creating new positions at existing facilities that will help enhance the facilities and bottom lines.
Favorite thing to do off the golf course: My favorite thing to do is travel to watch sporting events. I have a niece and nephew who are fabulous athletes, and I now will be able to see their games! I love the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Yankees, and of course the Penn State Nittany Lions (Wells graduated from Penn State in 1993 with a BS in Biology).
Favorite golf destination: I absolutely LOVE going to Casa de Campo in Dominican Republic. I took a group of members and golf staff there this past December, and the resort always goes above and beyond. It’s world class golf, amazing food, and friendly service. And it’s warm–that is mandatory for me when I go on vacations.