PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. – The Northern California PGA Section’s Annual Meeting held in posh Pebble Beach was a site of a milestone in PGA of America history, Dec. 5, when Sue Fiscoe was sworn in as the first woman elected to serve as a Section president. Fiscoe’s first piece of business was to announce the section’s highest award honoree for 2005, Mr. Jim Langley (Cypress Point Club), named Nor Cal PGA’s Golf Professional of the Year. Over 330 PGA members and special guests were in attendance for the ceremony at Monterey Peninsula Country Club.
Fiscoe, 55, is a native of Syracuse, N.Y., who entered professional golf in 1974 and earned LPGA Class A status in 1980. She was elected to PGA membership in 1995. She has served as Section secretary and vice president. Fiscoe is the owner of FM (Fiscoe Management) Golf, a golf management company that operates Dryden Park, Creekside Golf Course and a nine-hole municipal golf course that also serves as a First Tee facility in Modesto, Calif. She is director of golf at all of the facilities.
"It is very special to be in this position, but I say that because of the great support in this Section that I have felt since serving the past eight years on the Board," said Fiscoe. "What motivates me is the strong membership we have."
"We have a very cohesive network of professionals, and it is their passion to give back to the game. It is very rewarding."
PGA of America President Roger Warren praised Fiscoe’s record of promoting the game. "Sue Fiscoe brings outstanding credentials to her new leadership position in the Northern California PGA Section, along with a true passion for growing the game," said PGA of America President Roger Warren. "The PGA of America is proud of Sue’s accomplishments, and we look forward to working with her as our Association continues to promote new programs for both our members and amateur golfers."
Northern California PGA Executive Director Chris Thomas said Fiscoe’s business acumen and experience in such programs as Play Golf America have elevated her among her fellow professionals.
"From a regional perspective, Sue’s contributions to the game of golf have put the Northern California PGA on the map similar to what happened with Suzy Whaley several years ago (in Connecticut)," said Thomas. "Sue’s background coupled with her desire to succeed is the perfect blend for reaching this leadership position. As President, she will do an outstanding job in addressing difficult issues with strategies that are most effective in meeting the changing needs of our membership. The PGA of America will find her to be a tremendous asset and contributor for our brand within the industry."
Fiscoe played the women’s mini tours and tried to advance through the LPGA Tour Qualifying School before settling into a career as a teacher and golf administrator. She served as a Playing Ability Test (PAT) and employment administrator for the LPGA Western Section for many years, but gained the majority of her day-to-day golf administration experience while working for 10 years at Palo Alto (Calif.) Municipal Golf Course under PGA Professional Brad Lozares. Then, in 1990, she founded FM Golf.
"Brad Lozares was a great mentor, a great role model and to this day is a great friend to me," said Fiscoe. "He taught me everything about municipal golf. I was fortunate to work for Brad for so long."
Fiscoe said among the assignments she would oversee as president is assisting in the recruiting of future Section board members.
"It is rewarding to be in a profession that gives back so much to its own," said Fiscoe. "We have nine Growth of the Game regions in our Section. There are many creative professionals among the 1,100 members and apprentices in our Section who look forward to building Play Golf America. That is one of the many things that motivates me."
Celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2006, The PGA of America was founded in 1916, and is a not-for-profit organization that promotes the game of golf while continuing to enhance the standards of the profession. The Association is comprised of more than 28,000 men and women PGA Professionals who are dedicated to growing participation in the game of golf.
Contact:
National Contact:
Jamie Carbone (561) 624-8446
jcarbone@pgahq.com
Regional Contact:
Emmy Moore Minister (530) 902-8181
emmypga@aol.com
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