SOUTH FLORIDA PGA
Serving PGA Members and Growing the Game
What's the News?
By PGA of America
•
January 13, 2026
FRISCO, Texas (Jan. 13, 2026) ー The PGA of America is proud to announce its 2025 Players of the Year, with Ben Polland (Jackson, Wyoming), Sandra Changkija (Daytona Beach, Florida) and Justin Hicks (Wellington, Florida) earning their respective PGA Professional, Women’s PGA Professional and Senior PGA Professional Player of the Year Awards presented by Rolex. PGA Professional Player of the Year Award Ben Polland, the PGA Director of Golf at Shooting Star of Jackson Hole in Teton Village, Wyoming, made the most of the PGA TOUR exemptions that came with his 2024 PGA Professional Championship victory. The 35-year-old made four cuts at the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches (T-62), Puerto Rico Open (T-70), Corales Puntacana Championship (T-53) and Barracuda Championship (T-23). “Those starts are really fun to get back and play competitively,” said Polland. “I had the right mindsight the whole time. My mentality was better compared to the time when I was trying to play full time. I knew my job was back at Shooting Star and they were really supportive and great to me. I was comfortable with where I was at in my life, recently getting married, loving my job and good golf came a little easier to me.” Polland also posted a T-35 finish in the 2025 PGA Professional Championship at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida. His success at the Section level continued when he shot 6-under-par 138 to win by three and repeat as Rocky Mountain PGA Section Champion at The Valley Club in Sun Valley, Idaho. He won Rocky Mountain PGA Player of the Year for the second straight year and third time in his career. As the new year begins, Polland has turned his focus to the 2026 PGA Professional Championship at Bandon Dunes in April and the PGA Cup, which will take place at The K Club in Ireland in September. “This year being at Bandon, which is one of my favorite places on earth, I’m definitely going to enjoy that,” said Polland. “We’re going to be working really hard and having all the focus on that. The other part is this being the second year of the PGA Cup points cycle. I know how to get on the team. It’s pretty cut and dry, you have to play well and earn your way. I need to go out and play well and try to hopefully travel to Ireland with the team.” Polland totaled 1,048 points to win his second consecutive PGA Professional Player of the Year Award. He is the ninth PGA of America Golf Professional to win back-to-back POY awards. Michael Block (Mission Viejo, Calif.) finished second with 687.5 points, followed by Andre Chi (Queens, N.Y.) in third with 640 points and Dylan Newman (Stamford, Conn.) in fourth at 635. Women’s PGA Professional Player of the Year Award Sandra Changkija, PGA/LPGA Assistant Professional at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club in Orlando, Florida, delivered yet another solid season in 2025, finishing with 917.5 points to win her second career Women’s PGA Professional Player of the Year Award (2022). Changkija is the second two-time winner of the Award (Stephanie Connelly Eiswerth, 2023-24). “It’s great to win another Player of the Year award,” said Changkija. “I had a really good year. I know it doesn’t contribute to winning Player of the Year, but winning the Assistant PPC was pretty cool. I’m always trying to improve and stay ahead of the game.” Changkija, a 16-time winner at Nova Southeastern University, finished runner-up in the Women’s Stroke Play Championship at the PGA Winter Championships in February. In April, she appeared in her third PGA Professional Championship, shooting 71–73-72-74 en route to a T-35 finish at PGA Golf Club. Changkija made her ninth start in the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship last June, playing as a member of the Corebridge Financial Team at Fields Ranch East at PGA Frisco. Her T-6 performance (3-under 213) at the 2025 LPGA Professionals Championship secured a spot in the 2026 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at Hazeltine National Golf Club. Changkija made history in November when she became the first woman to win the Assistant PGA Professional Championship, registering a final-round 72 to finish at 8-under-par 280 and win by five. Additionally, Changkija captured North Florida PGA Player of the Year and Women’s Player of the Year honors. She won the NFPGA Section and Women’s Section Championship in August after shooting 18-under-par 198 at Streamsong Resort. Stephanie Connelly Eiswerth (Fleming Island, Fla.) finished second in the Women’s PGA Professional Player of the Year race with 600 points, followed by Ashley Grier (Port St. Lucie, Fla.) in third at 568.5 and Kim Paez (Frisco, Texas) in fourth at 460. Senior PGA Professional Player of the Year Award Justin Hicks enjoyed a standout 2025 as the PGA Teaching Professional at Stonebridge Country Club in Boca Raton, Florida, and claimed his first Senior PGA Professional Player of the Year honor. The South Florida PGA Member totalled 845.83 points, narrowly finishing ahead of Bob Sowards (Powell, Ohio), who finished second with 734.30 points. Mick Smith (Summit, Wis.) was third with 522.30 points followed by Alan Morin (Royal Palm Beach, Fla.) in fourth with 431.50. “It’s certainly a tremendous honor because there’s not many times in your life where you’re able to be in that type of position no matter who you are competing against,” said Hicks. “There are so many good players out there. “I think our section is definitely a very competitive section and having to beat the young guys down here year round in an effort to win our points race, it pushes me all the more. Our section is a big part of that. I’ve got a 14-year-old son, Owen, who is trying to chase me down so that’s a big part of my motivation, too.” The 51-year-old Hicks recorded a T-9 finish at the PGA Professional Championship in April en route to a spot in the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club as a member of the Corebridge Financial Team. After competing in the U.S. Open at Oakmont in June, Hicks won the Senior PGA Professional Championship in October at PGA Golf Club, where he shot a final-round 1-under-par 71 to finish at 8-under-par 280 and win by one. Hicks collected his second consecutive South Florida PGA Player of the Year title after posting top-10 finishes in all four Section majors. “I’ve got a really good network of people I work with,” said Hicks. “I'm always trying to think that my best golf is ahead of me. I’m looking forward to the chance at qualifying for majors again this year. I’m looking forward to playing my first senior major at the Senior PGA. There are so many firsts that are still coming. It’s a very exciting time because I’m playing more golf than ever.”
By Chance Bressler
•
December 30, 2025
As a junior in high school attending a family reunion, Nicole Triano, PGA, and her father made a spontaneous stop at Latrobe Country Club in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, to browse the golf shop. Unexpectedly, the visit turned into a defining moment when they crossed paths with legendary golfer Arnold Palmer. When Triano shared her dream of becoming a PGA Professional, Palmer smiled and offered his signature thumbs up—a brief interaction that left a lasting impression. Nearly a decade later, that moment comes full circle as Triano, now an Assistant Golf Professional at Wilderness Country Club in Naples, Florida, is named the 2025 South Florida PGA Deacon Palmer Award recipient. The award honors the legacy of Palmer’s father, Deacon Palmer, and recognizes PGA Professionals who demonstrate perseverance, service, and dedication to the game while overcoming personal adversity. “To be presented with an award carrying the Palmer name is a huge honor,” Triano said. “It doesn’t feel like it was earned alone. It reflects the people and the PGA community that lifted me up.” Raised in Westchester, New York, Triano was a multi-sport athlete before discovering golf at a young age. What began as reluctance quickly became a passion that would shape her future. “I grew up playing a lot of sports—soccer, basketball, softball,” Triano said. “They introduced golf to me at Yorktown Athletic Club in Yorktown Heights, New York, and I immediately said, ‘no’. My dad told me, ‘Just give it a try,’ and after that first clinic, I fell in love.” As Triano began to envision a career in golf during high school, her path took an unexpected turn in her junior year when her health rapidly declined. Once a competitive athlete, she suddenly struggled with everyday physical demands. Triano was diagnosed with Dysautonomia, a disorder affecting the autonomic nervous system. Facing uncertainty about graduating high school, she leaned heavily on the support of her family and mentor Skip Marini, her golf coach and an Assistant Golf Professional at Mohansic Golf Course in Yorktown Heights, New York. With their encouragement, Triano persevered, graduating high school and continuing her education. She enrolled in the Professional Golf Management program at Methodist University in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where she encountered additional challenges. The heat intensified her symptoms, and the physical demands of the Playing Ability Test (PAT) posed significant obstacles. With perseverance and the support of the university staff, Triano ultimately passed the PAT and graduated. “The staff embraced me and were willing to work with me,” Triano said. “Eventually, I passed my playing ability test and went on to become a PGA Professional.” Triano began her professional career in 2021 at Wilderness Country Club in Naples under PGA Director of Golf Sara Dickson. There, she found a supportive environment that allowed her to contribute meaningfully while prioritizing her health. She remains at the facility today, playing an integral role in daily operations and member engagement. “Sara Dickson took a chance on me,” Triano said. “She, my teammates, and the membership have been absolutely fantastic, and we’ve been able to carve out a plan that allows me to still give back through the game of golf.” At Wilderness, Triano is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, particularly for members facing physical limitations of their own. Her personal journey has shaped a leadership style grounded in empathy, adaptability, and service. Triano’s story exemplifies the spirit of the Deacon Palmer Award, which honors those who persevere through adversity while uplifting others. Through resilience, service, and a deep commitment to the game, she continues to inspire golfers and PGA Professionals throughout the South Florida PGA Section.
By Chance Bressler
•
December 23, 2025
WEST PALM BEACH, FL – In 2022, Joe Downey, PGA made a career-changing decision. Downey decided to move on from his role as Director of Golf at Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club in Jupiter to become a Sales Representative with Holderness & Bourne. A vastly different avenue within the golf industry but a new endeavor he took head on, increasing sales in the Florida and Caribbean territory by 235%, making it now a top-3 territory in sales for the company. The significant increase and level of customer service Downey delivers earned him the recognition of 2025 South Florida PGA Salesperson of the Year. The Salesperson of the Year Award annually honors a sales representative serving the Section who has made significant contributions to the game of golf at the Section level and within his/her company and those overall performance as a sales representative including service to accounts, overall integrity, courtesy and professionalism is second to none. Downey’s journey in golf began in high school, when he first started taking the game seriously. He knew that making it as a touring professional was a long-shot, but with his uncle as a PGA Professional, Downey was intrigued by the idea of working in the business. Upon graduating high school, Downey headed off to Campbell University in Bules Creek, North Carolina where he set out to study Professional Golf Management. During this time, Downey interned at Atlantic Golf Club in Bridgehampton, New York. Upon graduation, Downey moved into an Assistant Professional role at Atlantic Golf Club, serving under longtime Head Professional, Rick Hartmann, PGA who turned into a valuable mentor for a young Downey. Hartmann was genuine with members and guests, making everyone feel welcomed, and he knew how to create a comfortable atmosphere, an essential skill trait that Downey observed early on. “You don’t have to change who you are to be the best,” Downey said about the important lessons he learned from Hartmann. Downey also worked seasonally at Floridian National Golf Club in Palm City, where he had his first experience with sales and merchandising. At Floridian, it was solely the job of the golf professionals to oversee the merchandise, and Downey was tasked with the responsibility. Under the leadership of Morgan Jewell, the PGA Head Golf Professional at Floridian National, Downey experienced first-hand how growing sales and revenue in a golf shop can be fun, treating it like a game with the goal of growing year after year. “It was my first time being involved and engulfed in the business side of golf,” Downey said about his experience at Floridian National Golf Club. “I loved it!” After five seasons working between Atlantic Golf Club and Floridian National Golf Club, Downey decided to make Florida his permanent home. His move included working summers at Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club while being led by then PGA Director of Golf, Neil Lockie. After one season of working at both Floridian and Jonathan’s Landing, Downey transitioned to Jonathan’s Landing full-time. Downey was hired as the Head Golf Professional at Jonathan’s Landing under the guidance of Lockie, a mentor and friend to Downey. After three years as the Head Professional and with Lockie accepting a role in Texas, Downey was promoted to Director of Golf. Downey stayed in the role for three years before ultimately accepting the position with Holderness & Bourne. Since joining the Holderness & Bourne team in 2022, Downey has had incredible success with the line, and believes in the product and brand.. “I was fortunate enough to join Holderness & Bourne, a company that I already knew and believed in,” said Downey. “This gave me the ability to ‘sell’ without ‘selling.’” Secondly, maintaining communication and transparency with partners is vital to success by building a “two-way street of trust.” Some examples Downey gives of communication and transparency are lead dates, pricing, and revenue statistics. Downey explains, “by being transparent, a sales representative becomes an asset, molding the partnership into a collaborative effort between salesperson and partner.” Thirdly, a salesperson has to be likable. Be the person that people feel comfortable being around. Through this, better relationships and trust can be built. “When you get to know someone, you ultimately develop a deeper and more trusted relationship with them,” Downey says about the importance of likability. “I want partners to enjoy their hour-long meetings with me or when I am there for events.” Downey also emphasizes the importance of providing excellent service by assisting clubs when they need product at an event or providing last-minute tournament packages at a member-guest, as an example. “Every club gets the same attentiveness that Augusta National does,” Downey says, “It is well worth whatever challenges we're going to go through to get this done, and I think that's how we see things.” Downey’s journey, working seasonally in the Hamptons and in South Florida, to becoming Director of Golf at Jonathan's Landing, and now paving the way in sales at Holderness & Bourne, reveals how each step of the way has led him to earning the Salesperson of the Year Award. Now, after significantly increasing his territory’s sales revenue over three years, Downey presses forward to continue the path of growth at Holderness & Bourne.
About SFPGA
The South Florida Section of the PGA of America is an association of golf professionals whose mission is to promote interest, participation and enjoyment in the game of golf; establish and maintain professional standards or practice; and enhance the well-being of golf professionals.
What's the News?
By PGA of America
•
January 13, 2026
FRISCO, Texas (Jan. 13, 2026) ー The PGA of America is proud to announce its 2025 Players of the Year, with Ben Polland (Jackson, Wyoming), Sandra Changkija (Daytona Beach, Florida) and Justin Hicks (Wellington, Florida) earning their respective PGA Professional, Women’s PGA Professional and Senior PGA Professional Player of the Year Awards presented by Rolex. PGA Professional Player of the Year Award Ben Polland, the PGA Director of Golf at Shooting Star of Jackson Hole in Teton Village, Wyoming, made the most of the PGA TOUR exemptions that came with his 2024 PGA Professional Championship victory. The 35-year-old made four cuts at the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches (T-62), Puerto Rico Open (T-70), Corales Puntacana Championship (T-53) and Barracuda Championship (T-23). “Those starts are really fun to get back and play competitively,” said Polland. “I had the right mindsight the whole time. My mentality was better compared to the time when I was trying to play full time. I knew my job was back at Shooting Star and they were really supportive and great to me. I was comfortable with where I was at in my life, recently getting married, loving my job and good golf came a little easier to me.” Polland also posted a T-35 finish in the 2025 PGA Professional Championship at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida. His success at the Section level continued when he shot 6-under-par 138 to win by three and repeat as Rocky Mountain PGA Section Champion at The Valley Club in Sun Valley, Idaho. He won Rocky Mountain PGA Player of the Year for the second straight year and third time in his career. As the new year begins, Polland has turned his focus to the 2026 PGA Professional Championship at Bandon Dunes in April and the PGA Cup, which will take place at The K Club in Ireland in September. “This year being at Bandon, which is one of my favorite places on earth, I’m definitely going to enjoy that,” said Polland. “We’re going to be working really hard and having all the focus on that. The other part is this being the second year of the PGA Cup points cycle. I know how to get on the team. It’s pretty cut and dry, you have to play well and earn your way. I need to go out and play well and try to hopefully travel to Ireland with the team.” Polland totaled 1,048 points to win his second consecutive PGA Professional Player of the Year Award. He is the ninth PGA of America Golf Professional to win back-to-back POY awards. Michael Block (Mission Viejo, Calif.) finished second with 687.5 points, followed by Andre Chi (Queens, N.Y.) in third with 640 points and Dylan Newman (Stamford, Conn.) in fourth at 635. Women’s PGA Professional Player of the Year Award Sandra Changkija, PGA/LPGA Assistant Professional at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club in Orlando, Florida, delivered yet another solid season in 2025, finishing with 917.5 points to win her second career Women’s PGA Professional Player of the Year Award (2022). Changkija is the second two-time winner of the Award (Stephanie Connelly Eiswerth, 2023-24). “It’s great to win another Player of the Year award,” said Changkija. “I had a really good year. I know it doesn’t contribute to winning Player of the Year, but winning the Assistant PPC was pretty cool. I’m always trying to improve and stay ahead of the game.” Changkija, a 16-time winner at Nova Southeastern University, finished runner-up in the Women’s Stroke Play Championship at the PGA Winter Championships in February. In April, she appeared in her third PGA Professional Championship, shooting 71–73-72-74 en route to a T-35 finish at PGA Golf Club. Changkija made her ninth start in the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship last June, playing as a member of the Corebridge Financial Team at Fields Ranch East at PGA Frisco. Her T-6 performance (3-under 213) at the 2025 LPGA Professionals Championship secured a spot in the 2026 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at Hazeltine National Golf Club. Changkija made history in November when she became the first woman to win the Assistant PGA Professional Championship, registering a final-round 72 to finish at 8-under-par 280 and win by five. Additionally, Changkija captured North Florida PGA Player of the Year and Women’s Player of the Year honors. She won the NFPGA Section and Women’s Section Championship in August after shooting 18-under-par 198 at Streamsong Resort. Stephanie Connelly Eiswerth (Fleming Island, Fla.) finished second in the Women’s PGA Professional Player of the Year race with 600 points, followed by Ashley Grier (Port St. Lucie, Fla.) in third at 568.5 and Kim Paez (Frisco, Texas) in fourth at 460. Senior PGA Professional Player of the Year Award Justin Hicks enjoyed a standout 2025 as the PGA Teaching Professional at Stonebridge Country Club in Boca Raton, Florida, and claimed his first Senior PGA Professional Player of the Year honor. The South Florida PGA Member totalled 845.83 points, narrowly finishing ahead of Bob Sowards (Powell, Ohio), who finished second with 734.30 points. Mick Smith (Summit, Wis.) was third with 522.30 points followed by Alan Morin (Royal Palm Beach, Fla.) in fourth with 431.50. “It’s certainly a tremendous honor because there’s not many times in your life where you’re able to be in that type of position no matter who you are competing against,” said Hicks. “There are so many good players out there. “I think our section is definitely a very competitive section and having to beat the young guys down here year round in an effort to win our points race, it pushes me all the more. Our section is a big part of that. I’ve got a 14-year-old son, Owen, who is trying to chase me down so that’s a big part of my motivation, too.” The 51-year-old Hicks recorded a T-9 finish at the PGA Professional Championship in April en route to a spot in the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club as a member of the Corebridge Financial Team. After competing in the U.S. Open at Oakmont in June, Hicks won the Senior PGA Professional Championship in October at PGA Golf Club, where he shot a final-round 1-under-par 71 to finish at 8-under-par 280 and win by one. Hicks collected his second consecutive South Florida PGA Player of the Year title after posting top-10 finishes in all four Section majors. “I’ve got a really good network of people I work with,” said Hicks. “I'm always trying to think that my best golf is ahead of me. I’m looking forward to the chance at qualifying for majors again this year. I’m looking forward to playing my first senior major at the Senior PGA. There are so many firsts that are still coming. It’s a very exciting time because I’m playing more golf than ever.”
By Chance Bressler
•
December 30, 2025
As a junior in high school attending a family reunion, Nicole Triano, PGA, and her father made a spontaneous stop at Latrobe Country Club in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, to browse the golf shop. Unexpectedly, the visit turned into a defining moment when they crossed paths with legendary golfer Arnold Palmer. When Triano shared her dream of becoming a PGA Professional, Palmer smiled and offered his signature thumbs up—a brief interaction that left a lasting impression. Nearly a decade later, that moment comes full circle as Triano, now an Assistant Golf Professional at Wilderness Country Club in Naples, Florida, is named the 2025 South Florida PGA Deacon Palmer Award recipient. The award honors the legacy of Palmer’s father, Deacon Palmer, and recognizes PGA Professionals who demonstrate perseverance, service, and dedication to the game while overcoming personal adversity. “To be presented with an award carrying the Palmer name is a huge honor,” Triano said. “It doesn’t feel like it was earned alone. It reflects the people and the PGA community that lifted me up.” Raised in Westchester, New York, Triano was a multi-sport athlete before discovering golf at a young age. What began as reluctance quickly became a passion that would shape her future. “I grew up playing a lot of sports—soccer, basketball, softball,” Triano said. “They introduced golf to me at Yorktown Athletic Club in Yorktown Heights, New York, and I immediately said, ‘no’. My dad told me, ‘Just give it a try,’ and after that first clinic, I fell in love.” As Triano began to envision a career in golf during high school, her path took an unexpected turn in her junior year when her health rapidly declined. Once a competitive athlete, she suddenly struggled with everyday physical demands. Triano was diagnosed with Dysautonomia, a disorder affecting the autonomic nervous system. Facing uncertainty about graduating high school, she leaned heavily on the support of her family and mentor Skip Marini, her golf coach and an Assistant Golf Professional at Mohansic Golf Course in Yorktown Heights, New York. With their encouragement, Triano persevered, graduating high school and continuing her education. She enrolled in the Professional Golf Management program at Methodist University in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where she encountered additional challenges. The heat intensified her symptoms, and the physical demands of the Playing Ability Test (PAT) posed significant obstacles. With perseverance and the support of the university staff, Triano ultimately passed the PAT and graduated. “The staff embraced me and were willing to work with me,” Triano said. “Eventually, I passed my playing ability test and went on to become a PGA Professional.” Triano began her professional career in 2021 at Wilderness Country Club in Naples under PGA Director of Golf Sara Dickson. There, she found a supportive environment that allowed her to contribute meaningfully while prioritizing her health. She remains at the facility today, playing an integral role in daily operations and member engagement. “Sara Dickson took a chance on me,” Triano said. “She, my teammates, and the membership have been absolutely fantastic, and we’ve been able to carve out a plan that allows me to still give back through the game of golf.” At Wilderness, Triano is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, particularly for members facing physical limitations of their own. Her personal journey has shaped a leadership style grounded in empathy, adaptability, and service. Triano’s story exemplifies the spirit of the Deacon Palmer Award, which honors those who persevere through adversity while uplifting others. Through resilience, service, and a deep commitment to the game, she continues to inspire golfers and PGA Professionals throughout the South Florida PGA Section.
By Chance Bressler
•
December 23, 2025
WEST PALM BEACH, FL – In 2022, Joe Downey, PGA made a career-changing decision. Downey decided to move on from his role as Director of Golf at Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club in Jupiter to become a Sales Representative with Holderness & Bourne. A vastly different avenue within the golf industry but a new endeavor he took head on, increasing sales in the Florida and Caribbean territory by 235%, making it now a top-3 territory in sales for the company. The significant increase and level of customer service Downey delivers earned him the recognition of 2025 South Florida PGA Salesperson of the Year. The Salesperson of the Year Award annually honors a sales representative serving the Section who has made significant contributions to the game of golf at the Section level and within his/her company and those overall performance as a sales representative including service to accounts, overall integrity, courtesy and professionalism is second to none. Downey’s journey in golf began in high school, when he first started taking the game seriously. He knew that making it as a touring professional was a long-shot, but with his uncle as a PGA Professional, Downey was intrigued by the idea of working in the business. Upon graduating high school, Downey headed off to Campbell University in Bules Creek, North Carolina where he set out to study Professional Golf Management. During this time, Downey interned at Atlantic Golf Club in Bridgehampton, New York. Upon graduation, Downey moved into an Assistant Professional role at Atlantic Golf Club, serving under longtime Head Professional, Rick Hartmann, PGA who turned into a valuable mentor for a young Downey. Hartmann was genuine with members and guests, making everyone feel welcomed, and he knew how to create a comfortable atmosphere, an essential skill trait that Downey observed early on. “You don’t have to change who you are to be the best,” Downey said about the important lessons he learned from Hartmann. Downey also worked seasonally at Floridian National Golf Club in Palm City, where he had his first experience with sales and merchandising. At Floridian, it was solely the job of the golf professionals to oversee the merchandise, and Downey was tasked with the responsibility. Under the leadership of Morgan Jewell, the PGA Head Golf Professional at Floridian National, Downey experienced first-hand how growing sales and revenue in a golf shop can be fun, treating it like a game with the goal of growing year after year. “It was my first time being involved and engulfed in the business side of golf,” Downey said about his experience at Floridian National Golf Club. “I loved it!” After five seasons working between Atlantic Golf Club and Floridian National Golf Club, Downey decided to make Florida his permanent home. His move included working summers at Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club while being led by then PGA Director of Golf, Neil Lockie. After one season of working at both Floridian and Jonathan’s Landing, Downey transitioned to Jonathan’s Landing full-time. Downey was hired as the Head Golf Professional at Jonathan’s Landing under the guidance of Lockie, a mentor and friend to Downey. After three years as the Head Professional and with Lockie accepting a role in Texas, Downey was promoted to Director of Golf. Downey stayed in the role for three years before ultimately accepting the position with Holderness & Bourne. Since joining the Holderness & Bourne team in 2022, Downey has had incredible success with the line, and believes in the product and brand.. “I was fortunate enough to join Holderness & Bourne, a company that I already knew and believed in,” said Downey. “This gave me the ability to ‘sell’ without ‘selling.’” Secondly, maintaining communication and transparency with partners is vital to success by building a “two-way street of trust.” Some examples Downey gives of communication and transparency are lead dates, pricing, and revenue statistics. Downey explains, “by being transparent, a sales representative becomes an asset, molding the partnership into a collaborative effort between salesperson and partner.” Thirdly, a salesperson has to be likable. Be the person that people feel comfortable being around. Through this, better relationships and trust can be built. “When you get to know someone, you ultimately develop a deeper and more trusted relationship with them,” Downey says about the importance of likability. “I want partners to enjoy their hour-long meetings with me or when I am there for events.” Downey also emphasizes the importance of providing excellent service by assisting clubs when they need product at an event or providing last-minute tournament packages at a member-guest, as an example. “Every club gets the same attentiveness that Augusta National does,” Downey says, “It is well worth whatever challenges we're going to go through to get this done, and I think that's how we see things.” Downey’s journey, working seasonally in the Hamptons and in South Florida, to becoming Director of Golf at Jonathan's Landing, and now paving the way in sales at Holderness & Bourne, reveals how each step of the way has led him to earning the Salesperson of the Year Award. Now, after significantly increasing his territory’s sales revenue over three years, Downey presses forward to continue the path of growth at Holderness & Bourne.
