BEDMINSTER, N.J., Jan. 12, 2006 … Mickie Gallagher III, a third-generation member of the PGA of America, has been selected as head golf professional at Trump National Golf Club, Bedminster.
In building his career, Gallagher followed in the footsteps of his namesakes – his grandfather, the late Mickie Gallagher, and his father, current PGA National (Florida) head pro Mickie Gallagher II. For the past 11 years, Gallagher III has been the head pro at Maplewood Country Club, in nearby Maplewood, N.J.
"Being there 11 years was a great experience for me, and Maplewood gave me an opportunity at an early age," said Gallagher, who turns 39 in March. "But there comes a point in one’s life that you have to take a leap, and for me Trump Bedminster is that leap. Coming to a facility like this is the dream of a lifetime."
Gallagher, who was born in Hickory, N.C., will oversee operations of the golf professional staff, golf shop and practice facility, which includes a three-tiered driving range, target, chipping and putting greens, practice fairways and bunkers.
Although he grew up in South Florida and played college golf at the University of Houston, Gallagher calls himself "a Jersey boy," having worked at Essex Fells Country Club from 1991 until moving on to Maplewood in 1994. He has been in charge of every facet of golf, from instruction to equipment to merchandise to personnel.
Gallagher holds a B.A. in business from Houston and has completed both phases of the PGA Business School. He is currently president of the New Jersey PGA Section and has served on its board of directors since 1997. Gallagher and his wife, Heather, live in Basking Ridge, N.J. He is an avid home landscaper and studies golf course architecture.
Gallagher and his father are not the only ones in the family active in the golf business. His mother, Betty, is the merchandise manager for the Turtle Creek Club in Tequesta, Fla., and his sister, Kathy Jorden, is in broadcasting with the PGA of America.
"We’re delighted to have Mickie join the Trump National team," said James J. Ciampaglio, general manager at Trump National, Bedminster. "Our facilities are known for being world-class and, with his experience and family background in the golf profession, Mickie understands what is essential to a quality golf operation."
Commenting on Bedminster’s most recent hire, the chairman of the club, Ashley Cooper stated, "Not only is Mickie the consummate professional and gentleman, he is also an accomplished player. Before going to the University of Houston and being named captain of the golf team for his senior year, Mickie qualified for the U.S. Junior Championships as well as three U.S. Amateur Championships."
Trump Bedminster, designed by world-renowned golf course architect Tom Fazio, has been recognized by Golf Magazine, Golf Digest and Golf Inc. among the best golf courses in the world since opening in 2004. Additional information about Trump National Golf Club, Bedminster may be obtained by calling (908) 470-4400 or by logging onto the website at www.trumpnational.com.
Contact:
Karen Moraghan
Hunter Public Relations
(908) 876-5100
kmoraghan@hunter-pr.com
