LAST DAY AS YOUR PGA PROFESSIONAL...

This is not another "good bye", that was done in June 20 in a letter to the editor in The Gallup Independent, copy of which was published in this blog on June 23, a couple of posts below. This posting is intended as my last in "Golf in Gallup" as your golf proferssional, and is dedicated to those who, in between golf rounds by our golfers, shared a lot of time with me, searching for ways to make things better for our visitors. I will be posting from time to time. There is not enough room to name all, particularly if we go a few years back, but the following people deserve a special mention: Sammy, Leonard Garcia, Rosalynda Jack, Kenny Matsutani, Jimmy Velazquez, Dennis Nieto, Preston Tom and Richard Gomez. All of you helped make our days very pleasant at the workplace and understood who is truly the boss… THE PUBLIC!

I thank all of you for being unselfish in understanding that this blog site was not about anyone of us or the course, as some would have liked it to be, but about our golfers, the people who pay our wages, our boss; and that is precisely why I’d like this to be the last blog, so those golfers who continue visiting the course and do not see me anymore, realize that you are still there and that the foundation of our service begins with your work and dedication.

Sammy: I always truly enjoyed your help, both at the golf course or at the house. You are good, dedicated, useful and a quick learner. Now, you need to start learning golf as well. When you go pick up balls, try to hit a few, it won't be easy at first, so don't be frustrated, but you'll "get the hang of it". You are an inspiration to many with your much needed work and dedicated attitude. Keep it up!

Leonard: My lifetime partner in the city employees tournament. You have no idea how much I enjoyed playing with you or interacting with you at the pro-shop or on the range. I thank you as well, for all those years of dedicated volunteer work that many times made our service to others quick and efficient, and for the laughs and your always encouraging words. I don't know if you believe this or not, but like you, the Ferris Wheel is my favorite ride at the carnival. You get to see everything slowly and you don't get sick. We too, like you... a lot. Keep playing... and call me to invite me to play to share some more time together. Thanks!

Rosalynda: I only had the chance to work with you a few short weeks, nonetheless, I could not help but recognize that your personality is fit for servitude. Your happy personality is contagious! Don’t change a thing and all the golfers will enjoy having you there. See you around!

Kenny: It was a true pleasure working with you for two seasons. Having known each quite some time, (like having helped your bank account when we bowled together), helped "break the ice" quickly at the work place, and we got right into the “thick of things” together. I admire your energy and search for better ways to do simple things, and your availability when things get "tight". Like Rosalynda, I enjoy your continuous smile and interaction with customers, both of which are needed to deal with the difficult task of serving and trying to please the public. Remember, you can’t please everyone, but remember you can serve all. I hope that you’ll have enough time to work on that fade of yours and make it your natural shot. Don’t fight it! ... trust me, Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Sam Snead and Lee Trevino, among others, made quite a good living playing a fade!

Jimmy: You have been the “quiet one”, but your work and dedication to details in all areas assigned to you, speak louder than words. You were a great addition to our force and I am glad to have been the person who recommended you. Trust me, you taught me a lot, now, continue teaching others and keep it up!

Dennis: Through all these years, I recognized that you had more talents than you have been assigned in your job. Keep learning your trade and continue to contribute as much as you can, your work is well appreciated by all golfers, trust me. Never quit learning, nor quit speaking up or standing up for what you think is right, which is one the best qualities in a man.

Preston: like Dennis, you have more talents than those assigned to your position. Use them, continue developing them, learn as much as possible and use your knowledge in all tasks. Teach Joshua and keep playing the game with him: in your work, playing the course will help you know where help is needed, and in your private life, your relationship with him will grow in those precious moments. I personally thank you for having confided in me, for our faith in God united us in more ways not understood by others. Its OK, they don’t have to, only we have to. I wish you success.

and finally, Richard, who deserves a special recognition because whether some like it or not, recognize it or not, he is the heart of this course. I have seen no greater injustices in our tenure, than that of not giving you the opportunity to lead the crew and make the necessary decisions to make our course better; nor recognizing the knowledge you have acquired or what you accomplished under the most difficult of circumstances. Who can forget when you quietly kept things together during the project, and never seemed to be concerned when those who had the podium blamed all failures on you, and happily took possession of all successes or ideas that came from you. Your loyalty extended beyond the call of duty. We saw you sacrificing recognition, time and pay, while making others look good. You are a better friend to all your fellow city employees than you get credit for. Don't change that. Hang in there, your opportunity could come any minute, be awake and prepare; and when it comes, remember the principle of your old supervisors Joe and Gary: the public is not only your boss, but the public is a very fair partner... never break your promises to them. The public, I remind you, is "results" oriented, concentrate your efforts in doing the little things that make a golfer enjoy his time at your place and you'll do fine. Take all suggestions as a collaboration from the public, not as a complaint. The public knows that there is no way you can check every blade of grass in the 200+ acres every day, so, if they notice something that you didn't in you last trip around the grounds, it is an opportunity to allow them to be your partner; and, when there is a valid complaint, use it as an opportunity to build a bridge between you and them to make friends, not adversaries. To end, never believe the saying that “good guys come last”... keep on working and learning, and no matter how nice you are, you can come in first. Good luck!

THANK YOU ALL!!