Editor’s Note: Doug Doxsie will conclude his remarkable 40-year career this December, retiring from Seattle Golf Club as only the fourth Head Professional in the club’s 125-year history. Doug was kind enough to share some of his story and reflections with us as he prepares for this next chapter.
Looking back to the beginning, what first inspired you to become a PGA Professional?
I grew up working in the bag room at Glen Acres in high school and college. I saw the long hours and relatively modest pay PGA Professionals received so I never really considered being a “Club Pro”. I was fully intending to take my business degree and become a stockbroker until one phone call from Bill Tindall changed my life. I had known Bill for years and helped at his Broadmoor Junior Camps through college. He convinced me to try the golf business because he thought my playing ability, teaching skills, people skills, and business acumen could lead me to success in this business. Thankfully, I jumped in, and the rest is history.
You got your start at Broadmoor, working for Bill Tindall. Can you share a bit about Bill’s influence—and some of the other mentors who helped shape your career?
Anyone who knew Bill can attest that he was the consummate PGA Professional. Obviously, he was a great player, teacher, businessman, etc, but his biggest strength was his ability to make everyone he interacted with feel like they were the most important person to him. Bill was also an incredible mentor to everyone who worked for him. That had an incredible impact on me, and I vowed that once I became a Head Golf Professional that I would emulate that and do everything I could to make sure I was a positive influence for their life and careers, and I hope I have succeeded in that. Some of my other earlier mentors were Doug McArthur who was the Athletic Director and the University of Puget Sound and then Tournament Director for the LPGA Safeco Classic, and PGA Professionals Ron Hoetmer, Ron Hagen, Dan Hill, and Bruce Condon.
Were there any defining moments or turning points that really stand out as pivotal in your journey?
When I started working at Broadmoor as an Assistant, I had no idea how much I would enjoy teaching the game and helping others enjoy golf. I also forgot how much I enjoyed competition, so I got my “tournament” fix playing in chapter, section and national events with some decent success. I also loved the business side of the industry whether it be retailing, golf operations management, or tournament administration. These things are all very different and I really enjoy the multifaceted nature of being a Head Golf Professional. Again, if I hadn’t trusted Bill’s advice to try the profession, I never would have discovered these passions.
What are some of the relationships you’ve built through golf that have been especially meaningful to you?
Certainly, all the people mentioned prior were, or are meaningful. What I gained by working in PGA governance at the Chapter, Section and National level were great friends and mentors, one of those unintended benefits from being involved. I have learned so much from all of those I have served with, which definitely helped my career. My best friends are PGA Professionals and most of them I have served with in some capacity with the PGA. I could list 25 or more great golf professionals that have had a positive impact on my career and life.
Over the span of your career, how have you seen the game—and the role of the PGA Professional—change?
The game has certainly changed from a technology side. Golfers are increasingly more aware of how equipment, instruction, and fitness impact their golf. The business technology side has certainly changed as well. Because of these things, I think the role of the PGA Professional has become more complex. As we all know, we must wear many more “hats” and need more tools in our belt to meet the golfers and employers demands. Employers are expecting more, especially on the business side. Thankfully, I think PGA Professionals have more training available to them than 30-40 years ago. A big part of this is our PGA education and having great mentors leading our facilities. One real positive change is the industry is the recognition of work-life balance. Employers are more aware of this important issue. I also see nice progress in the compensation for most roles in our industry. It helps that golf is booming, and the industry is healthy with a bright future.
You’ve been honored with numerous Section awards over the years, including multiple Golf Professional of the Year recognitions and the Bill Strausbaugh Award. Mentorship has clearly become a passion of yours—can you share what mentorship means to you, why it’s been such an important part of your journey, and what it’s meant to see others grow through your guidance?
As I mentioned earlier, I was inspired by the mentorship Bill Tindall provided countless golf professionals and I recognized the value in that. I have been fortunate to have over 20 Assistant Professionals go on to become Head Professionals, General Managers, or Administrators. I am proud of the part I played in their success in our industry. Mentoring to me is a win-win relationship. You get to influence someone’s career, but you also get far more back in return for helping someone. I have taken this passion of mentoring into my National PGA role as the Membership Committee Chair as we work on mentoring initiatives for Associates and Sections.
You had the honor of serving on the PGA of America Board of Directors as the District 14 Director. What did that experience teach you, and how did it shape—or affirm—your views on our Association? What are you most proud of from your time spent on the Board?
My term on the National Board of Directors had just started and then the pandemic hit. That was a very challenging time for the PGA of America, as it was for any organization. We had to navigate getting states across the country to keep golf available. We had to conduct the PGA Championship in 2020 without fans. We had to postpone the Ryder Cup for one year. We developed a pandemic financial assistance program for members and associates. The list goes on and on. Through it all, we managed to work through the pandemic without major financial impacts to our association.
I am most proud of the growth of Associates and Members in our association during my term. In 2019, we were all struggling to attract employees to our industry, especially associates. We intentionally made a lot of decisions to help us recruit and attract people into the golf workforce and am proud to say those decisions have helped grow our Associates and Students from 4,800 in 2019 to 9,800 in 2025. We also launched the Deferred Compensation program which is a significant benefit to our PGA Members.
I can tell you that the National Board of Directors, Officers, and Staff work hard on behalf of our association, and make every decision based on how it impacts our members and associates. There are many challenges on how much we can directly do for members due to our tax status, all of which make every decision multi-layered. I was most impressed by the talent and wisdom of the PGA Professionals in the board room, and how deeply they care about our association.
You’ve been inducted into both the University of Puget Sound and Pacific Northwest Golf Halls of Fame—tremendous honors. What do those recognitions mean to you, and what are some other personal milestones you’re especially proud of?
I am certainly humbled and grateful of these recognitions. I always say that you start receiving awards when you are old and ready to be put out to pasture! When I look back at my career, it seems to have gone really fast. I have thoroughly enjoyed everything I have been involved with and contributed to my employer, association, and the northwest golf scene. I also enjoyed teaching all skill levels of players. It has also been rewarding to work with many juniors and help develop into collegiate golfers and some touring professionals. Teaching still remains one of my passions that will continue to do forever.
You’ve got enough stories to fill a book—many of which can’t be shared publicly—but we hope you’ll consider writing one someday, even if it means using a few well-placed pseudonyms. That said, is there one story or memory from your time as a PGA Professional that stands out and can be shared with your fellow members? Maybe a tournament, a lesson, or a moment with a member that you’ll never forget?
You are right, I have plenty to write a book! We all know that one of the amazing things about this game is the deep and personal connection we have with golfers. I was giving a lesson to one of our elderly members, who was struggling with his game and had just lost his best friend and playing partner. He was really negative and grumpy about his game and kept saying he was going to quit the game. Finally, I said to him, “Tom, don’t you think that Bob would really enjoy just one more chance to play golf? It wouldn’t be about how he played, it would be the chance to enjoy the game and be with you”. Tom hesitated and then started crying and said “you are right, I am focusing on the wrong thing, I should just be thankful I can still play and enjoy what I have”, and he gave me a big hug. Amazing interaction that I will never forget.
If you could go back and give your younger self—just starting out in the profession—one piece of advice, what would it be? And if you had the chance to take a mulligan, whether it was a golf shot, a job opportunity, or any other moment along the way, what would you choose and why?
Honestly, I don’t think I would do anything different in my career. When I think back the best decisions I made were not to do something, like take other job opportunities. Other than that, my mulligan would be to put more focus on my golf game the last 10 years. I became so busy with PGA Governance that playing the game really took a back seat. You get so much out of playing the game with your peers and club members that I certainly missed, the connections especially. My recommendation to any PGA Professional is keep your game in shape and go play. It’s the primary reason we all chose this amazing profession and we get to enjoy people in a different way while playing golf with them.
What guidance would you offer to PGA Professionals coming up in the business today?
I would always encourage any PGA Professional to strive for more education and to network. The more knowledge you have of our business or industry the more valuable you are. Connect with fellow PGA Professionals on every level. Networking provides opportunities when you least expect it. Get involved on a PGA Committee at the Chapter or Section level.
What do you hope your members, peers, and colleagues will remember most about your career, your approach to the profession, and your 30+ years at Seattle Golf Club?
I would hope that they feel I gave a lot to our Association, was a leader, and was always there to support my fellow golf professionals whenever needed. I have always just tried to be a great PGA Professional. Hopefully, I have more to offer.
As you head into retirement, what are you most looking forward to—and how do you plan to stay connected to the game?
My first step is semi-retirement. I will be the “Emeritus Professional” here at Seattle Golf Club through 2027. I will be teaching, consulting, and co-chairing the USGA Men’s Senior Amateur in 2027 which will keep me busy. I will also continue to chair the PGA National Membership Committee and the Section Hall of Fame Committee. I will always serve our association when asked, it is in my blood. I also hope to play some golf again and get my rusty game back in shape!
