Ron Laugher
 Award-winning club professional gets most out of people
Not surprisingly, Ron Laugher, 2006 Canadian PGA Club Professional of the Year, was doing something for someone else when the phone rang.
CPGA Executive Director Steve Carroll was on the other end, telling him he had won the coveted national honour.
“I was busy moving my parents,” recalls Laugher, “and after the chat with Steve, the move was definitely a lot more enjoyable.”
As the 18-year Head Professional at the picturesque 27-hole Priddis Greens Golf & Country Club just southwest of Calgary, Laugher is one of the most respected, likeable, and generous professionals in the business.
He has demonstrated, among many things, an undying passion for the game as well as an incredible gift in managing people, making them better, and getting the most out of them.
“I want passionate golf people who have personality,” Laugher said. “Over the years we’ve been fortunate to have some first-rate people here, many of whom have stayed for a long time. We rely heavily on our organizational structure and our respect for one another to create a great atmosphere for our staff and members.”
Laugher structures his team so that everyone has an intricate knowledge of where they fit in and what’s expected. Relationships within the team are also very strong. Staff members always know each other’s areas of responsibility.
To strengthen relationships and invest in his people, Laugher schedules personal bi-weekly meetings with every member of his pro shop staff.
“It takes about three days to get through everybody. We talk about inventory, responsibility, and so on, but anything and everything is fair game, including their personal lives, if they choose,” he said.
“Ron just genuinely cares,” says friend and Executive Professional Doug Wood of the nearby Country Hills Golf Club.
“His passion for the game and his people skills are what sets him apart. He truly wants to make people better and he’ll make time for anyone. He’s just a great person and a true ambassador of the game.”
Story by Andrew Penner, a freelance writer and Canadian PGA Class A Teaching Professional at McKenzie Meadows Golf Club in Calgary.
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