Summer 2025
EXSC 9500 Professional Portfolio IIi
Golf Business Network University Podcast: Fostering the Profession with JR Pond episode 1106
Abstract
In this episode, host Spencer Clouatre interviews James “JR” Pond, who shares his unique journey from serving as a head golf professional to becoming the program director for the Professional Golf Management degree at PennWest California. JR discusses the challenges and accomplishments of his diverse career, the importance of service and his passion for mentoring the next generation of golf professionals. The conversation also delves into JR’s core values of service to others, family, and love, emphasizing the holistic benefits of the game of golf for physical and mental well-being. GBN is the leading private network for today’s most successful PGA Professionals. Exclusive events at premier facilities, vendor partnerships to grow your business, education to increase your knowledge, and access to the top Professionals in the industry are just some of what membership in Golf Business Network will get you. This endeavor allowed me to continue the shift from theory to application and share information that benefits the golf industry, the university, and the programs of the department of Exercise, Health, and Sport Sciences.
Keywords: leadership, mentorship, core values, guiding principles, research focus, golf, well-being
Show Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:50 JR’s Early Life and Introduction to Golf
03:46 High School and College Golf Journey
06:21 Transition to Professional Life and Challenges
09:29 Academic Pursuits and Career Shift
26:32 Core Values and Guiding Principles
42:29 Embracing Failure in Player Development
43:33 Student Leadership and Renewed Excitement
45:24 Challenges of the PAT Exam
48:00 Teaching Mindfulness and Staying Present
52:52 Evolution of Golf Technology and AI
55:48 Balancing Work and Life in the Golf Industry
01:00:32 Building Effective Systems for Success
01:06:31 Core Values: Family and Love
01:11:35 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks
GBN is the leading private network for today’s most successful PGA Professionals. Exclusive events at premier facilities, vendor partnerships to grow your business, education to increase your knowledge, and access to the top Professionals in the industry are just some of what membership in Golf Business Network will get you. Go to www.golfbusinessnetwork.com to find out more and become a member.
Spring 2025
EXSC 9250 Professional Portfolio II
Player Development Leadership Council – Academy Setup
Abstract
The Player Development Leadership Council serves as the capstone leadership project within this portfolio. Its primary objective is to improve student performance on the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) Playing Ability Test (PAT) while increasing engagement and motivation in player development activities. As project manager, I transitioned from a faculty-driven model to a student-led framework, granting the Leadership Council increased autonomy in designing programming. The initiative incorporates technology from TrackMan and Foresight GCQuad Max to provide data-informed insights into individual performance, enabling personalized development strategies. While a democratic and laissez-faire leadership style initially supported my goal of fostering autonomy and purpose, a temporary shift to an autocratic approach was necessary to clarify expectations and reestablish structure. This experience underscored the importance of emotional intelligence, relationship-building, and adaptive leadership. The initiative aligns with my core values and aims to establish structured practice as a cultural norm rather than a requirement. A post-project debrief and analysis of PAT outcomes will serve as critical metrics for success and future improvement.
Keywords: PGA, leadership, player development, golf instruction, student engagement, performance assessment
Fall 2024
EXSC 9150 Professional Portfolio I
Player Development Leadership Council
Abstract
The PennWest Professional Golf Management Program Player Development Leadership Council serves as an innovative program within the Professional Golf Maangement (PGM) curriculum, designed to develop leadership skills essential for advancing golf performacne and instruction. This program focuses on equipping future golf professionals with critical competencies in communicaiton, strategic thinking, and mentorship, all aimed at enhancing player development and instruction. Through a combination of workshops, seminars, and experiential learning, the PDLC empowers participants to design, implement, and evaluate golf performance programs that address both technical and mental aspects of the sport. The PDLC’s emphasis on leadershi in golf instruction not only supports the Professional Golfers’ Association’s standards but also prepares graduates to take on impactful roles within the golfing community, promoting holistic player development. Key outcomes of teh program include improved self-efficacy, refined teachig methodologies, and enhanced ability to lead effective player development initiatives.
Keywords: professional golf management, player development, leadership council, golf performance, golf instruction, PGA, leadership development, sports education, mentorship, golf professional training