Driving Change in Golf: Don Rea on Inclusion, Innovation, and Sustainability

Golf has always been seen as an exclusive sport, shaped by factors like climate, cost, and tradition. But what if it could be more accessible while still honoring its roots? That’s the vision of Don Rea, Vice President and soon-to-be President of the PGA of America. 

 

He is on a mission to broaden access and deepen the sport’s impact without losing what makes golf unique. From an unconventional start as a minor league umpire to leading one of the most influential organizations in golf, Don’s story is one of passion, resilience, and a deep commitment to change.

 

Don brings an energetic approach to growing the game, emphasizing public golf, youth development, and expanding access to underserved communities. He’s helped shape programs like PGA REACH, which not only introduce new people to the sport but also address broader social issues, from veteran reintegration to workforce diversity. 

 

His ideas around leveraging technology, public-private partnerships, and a renewed focus on mentorship offer a fresh take on what it means to make golf truly sustainable—financially, socially, and environmentally.

 

Whether you’re a golf enthusiast, an industry professional, or simply curious about the future of the sport, Don’s insights offer a powerful look at how golf can be more than just a game. It's about community, opportunity, and driving real change. This conversation is packed with stories, strategies, and plenty of inspiration for how the game we love can serve as an "engine for good." 

Topics covered:

 

• [00:00] Don Rea’s Career Journey & Mission in Golf

• • • Don begins by sharing his unique career path, from professional umpiring to becoming a PGA pro and golf course owner.
    • He discusses his passion for public golf and its role in building community, improving health, and supporting families.
    • Don recounts his rise within the PGA of America, emphasizing the importance of bringing new perspectives into leadership.
    • He explains how his experience on the public side of golf has shaped his vision to expand access and make golf more inclusive.

• [05:00] Advancing Inclusion Through PGA REACH

• • • Don outlines PGA REACH’s key initiatives, including programs for veterans (PGA HOPE), juniors (PGA Junior League), and workforce diversity (PGA Works).
    • He shares how PGA REACH aims to diversify not only the players but also the workforce, highlighting efforts to create pathways into careers beyond playing golf.
    • Don emphasizes the importance of intentionality in diversifying leadership within the PGA and the broader industry.
    • He explains the role of initiatives like "Make Golf Your Thing," a collaboration of industry partners committed to increasing access and participation.

• [12:00] Overcoming Grassroots Challenges

• • • Don identifies challenges in translating national programs into local impact, given the differences across 41 PGA sections.
    • He describes efforts to strengthen the connection between national committees and local chapters to ensure consistent execution of initiatives.
    • John suggests creating competition among PGA sections to drive innovation and local engagement, an idea Don supports as a means of sparking more grassroots participation.
    • The conversation highlights the critical role of local relationships in growing golf at the community level, from municipal courses to youth programs.

• [18:00] Municipal Golf & Public-Private Partnerships

• • • Don dives into the potential of municipal golf courses as engines for broader access, citing successful examples like the park at West Palm.
    • He details how public-private partnerships can revitalize municipal golf, making it more financially sustainable while keeping costs low for players.
    • Endowments and matching grants are proposed as tools to support operational sustainability and enable junior programs.
    • John and Don brainstorm the idea of a national initiative to scale these efforts, aiming to create more public access points across the country.

• [26:00] Technology & Financial Sustainability

• • • Don shares how Augusta Ranch Golf Club’s integration of Toptracer technology quadrupled range revenue and increased engagement.
    • He emphasizes the role of gamification in making golf accessible and fun, serving as a bridge for new players, especially younger generations.
    • The financial impact of Toptracer not only boosted range use but also food and beverage sales, underscoring its potential as a driver of financial sustainability.
    • The discussion explores the broader implications of virtual and simulated golf experiences, including their ability to draw new players and sustain interest.

• [37:00] Mentorship, Legacy, & Leading the PGA of America

• • Don talks about his dedication to mentoring the next generation of PGA professionals, emphasizing that relationship-building is key to sustainable growth.
  • He plans to visit professional golf management (PGM) universities nationwide to inspire students and emphasize the broader impact of the game.
  • He expresses a desire to shift the focus back to coaching and personal connections, rather than purely financial goals, as a way to build long-term loyalty to the sport.
  • Don’s vision for his presidency includes increasing PGA’s endowment, supporting grassroots initiatives, and fostering a culture of mentorship among golf professionals.

Resources & People Mentioned

 

• PGA REACH
• Make Golf Your Thing
• Toptracer
• NGCOA (National Golf Course Owners Association)
• Sandy Cross - Leader of PGA’s inclusion initiatives.

Connect with Our Guests

 

• Don Rea - LinkedIn profile

Connect With Golf Sustainability

 

• LinkedIn 
• Facebook 
• Instagram
• X (Twitter)
• Email

 

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Note: Timestamps provided are approximate.

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