Stafford, Va. – The 2016 Middle Atlantic PGA Private Merchandiser of the Year is Robert Agresti, PGA from Chartwell Golf and Country Club in Severna Park, Md. This award is bestowed on those PGA Professionals who have demonstrated superior skills as merchandisers in the promotion of golf. This award recognizes excellence in golf shop operations in three categories: Private, Resort, and Public/Military/Semi-Private.
Through a strong work ethic and commitment to organization and attention to detail, Rob Agresti has
been selected as the 2016 Merchandiser of the Year for the Private category. By providing his members
and guests with the highest quality products at fair, consistent and profitable prices, Rob has created a
successful atmosphere that makes members and their guests want to shop.
Rob was born on March 6, 1981 in Rochester, NY., to John and Dorrie Duffy. He has one sibling, a
younger brother Adam. Rob was introduced to the game of golf at the age of seven through the Junior
Golf Program at Midvale Country Club, where his Aunt and Uncle Steve belonged. When Rob was 12, his
mother remarried to her current husband John Duffy. At the time, John owned an indoor golf facility
(Golf World) that lodged seven simulators, three practice nets, a putting green, seating for 80 and food
and beverage. John also belonged to Midvale Country Club and had a passion for the game of golf. Rob
gives credit to John for not only raising him and his brother Adam, but for also growing his passion for
the game of golf. Rob’s first golf related job was working for John at Golf World.
Upon graduating high school, Rob attended New Mexico State University where he earned a Bachelor’s
degree in Business Administration with a major in Marketing and specialization in Golf Management.
After graduation, Rob worked for three years at Monroe Golf Club in Pittsford, NY., as the First Assistant
Golf Professional. In 2007, Rob was named the Western New York PGA Assistant of the Year. The next
year, Robert moved from New York to Newtown Square, PA., to serve as the First Assistant Golf
Professional at Aronimink Golf Club. While in his second year at Aronimink, Robert was elected as a
Class A PGA Member and was named the Philadelphia PGA Assistant of the Year. Rob worked at
Aronimink until 2012 when he accepted his current position as Head PGA Professional at Chartwell Golf
and Country Club in Severna Park, Md.
Since taking over the shop in January of 2012, Rob’s strategy has been to increase sales by capturing a
larger share of the club members’ purchase of golf related products. Rob and his staff have increased
their market share by ensuring their goods were competitively priced and offered good value to their
members. They have also built personal relationships to understand the needs of their members. Both
their value pricing and personal relationships have resulted in a 20% increase in sales since 2012.
Rob attributes most of his success to being fortunate enough to work for two very accomplished
merchandisers, Jeff Kiddie, PGA, who is also the 2011 National PGA Merchandiser of the Year and Jim
Mrva, PGA, the 2010 National PGA Golf Professional of the Year and three time winner of the Western
New York PGA Merchandiser of the Year award. Both Jeff Kiddie and Jim Mrva taught Rob the
importance of dedication and hard work that are required to be truly successful in the golf business.
Rob is a firm believer that organization and attention to detail are the keys to running an efficient and
effective golf operation. Developing detailed procedures and an organizational plan add value to the
quality of service and make a positive impression on members and their guests. From the start of his
career, Rob has learned that little things make a big difference.
Rob has been happily married to Lynne Agresti since October 2011. They have two children, Aubrey
who is 3 and Jack who is 1 1/2 years old.
Contact:
Eric Southard
esouthard@pgahq.com
(540) 720-7420 ext. 115
