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Post Date: Sunday, November 5, 2023 |
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 CCCC Golf Pro Brent Blackburn was named Southern Texas PGA Golf Professional of the Year, the highest honor in the section.
“It means a lot coming from your peers,” said Brent about the process voted on by a panel of about a dozen golf pros representing the STPGA.
Being nominated along with pros from Houston, San Antonio, Austin and the Rio Grande Valley is an honor, Brent said, but winning means a lot considering the people who vote.
Jerod Becton, the Club’s General Manager, said, “It’s a well-deserved award for all the hard work Brent’s put in.”
Brent had to fill out a questionnaire when he was nominated, highlighting some of the programs he’s brought to the Club.
He listed the Juniors and Ladies programs.
“When I came here, several members said the Club had tried those and failed. But I’ve seen it work.”
Brent recalled a meeting with parents to learn about the Juniors program and four families showed. Brent was asked if only one came to an event, would the Club continue it and Brent made it clear he was committed.
By the end of that first program, they had 37 kids.
“People started engaging and you’re headed in he right direction,” Brent said.
More events and tournaments were added and a Men’s Golf Association formed.
“Members want more stuff to do,” Brent said.
Growing programs and events, getting through a course renovation, plans for a new clubhouse and pro shop has Brent excited about the future.
“The Club’s heading in the right direction … it’s great to be part of the solution,” Brent said, adding a lot of the Club’s plans were a draw for him to come to Corpus Christi.
Brent also appreciates his family’s sacrifices.
“This isn’t a job where you can work for home a lot. You have to be here weekends. It’s what I signed up for, but it doesn’t always make it easy on your family,” he said.
Thomas Hutton, STPGA Executive Director, said, “Brent is an unbelievable promoter of his facility, his programs, and his passion for the game in a way that is approachable and creates an environment you want to be a part of. Corpus Christi Country Club just went through a major renovation and the club is thriving under his leadership.”
Brent, elected to PGA Membership in 1996, is best known for “bringing golf to life” to those around him through his passion to engage not only with his staff, but with the membership at Corpus Christi Country Club, said a STPGA press release.
The release went on to say:
Blackburn prides himself on his ability to make people feel engaged and welcome, whether it be through service, social events, or instructional programming, Blackburn is a true example of helping people fall in love with the game of golf and grow their passion.
Blackburn, who has worked across Texas, has great mentors in PGA Professionals Gary Ray, Mike Hoffmann, and Steve Shields. He has worked at every level of a golf operation and holds true to his ideals of being extremely friendly and giving back. He served on the STPGA Board of Directors at a Chapter level from 2003-2006 and currently volunteers as a Mentor in the STPGA Mentoring Program. Through this program, Blackburn collaborates with younger professionals on ways to not only enhance their respective facilities and careers, but on how to elevate the Association as a whole.
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