By Nikki Prichard, PGA
2019 was a dark time for many of us. COVID-19 was on the rise, bringing a wave of uncertainty to the golf world and beyond. Like many others, I was navigating the challenges of isolation, work changes and an unclear future. I had always dreamed of having a dog, but with my demanding work schedule and a small one-bedroom apartment, it never seemed like the right time – until the pandemic shifted everything.
With the world slowing down, rescuing a dog became a popular idea. I brought it up with my general manager, who encouraged me to go for it. I added one condition: I would only adopt a dog if I could occasionally bring it to work. My GM agreed, as long as the dog was well-behaved. That was all the encouragement I needed. I was officially on a mission.
I visited several rescues and met a few dogs, but none felt like the right fit. Then, I saw a picture of a nine-month-old husky-shepherd mix on the Helen Woodward Animal Center’s website and felt hopeful. When I met him, he was adorable, but something didn’t click. I asked if there were any other dogs I could meet. That’s when they introduced me to a three-year-old shepherd named Coyote.
Coyote had been at the shelter for months with no interest from adopters. When I saw his picture, my heart sank. He had a missing ear, no teeth and a sad, weathered expression. He wasn’t what I had imagined, but I agreed to meet him. As soon as I sat on the ground in the meeting yard, he ran to me and rested his head on my shoulder. In that moment, I knew I had found my dog.
I renamed him Hogan, after the legendary Ben Hogan, and he became my best friend almost instantly. He followed me everywhere, leash-free, staying by my side. When I brought him to Arrowood Golf Course, the entire team fell in love. Initially, I planned to bring him to work only once or twice a week, but when I left him home, both my boss and our guests would ask, “Where’s Hogan?”
Hogan quickly became a natural at the golf course – calm, obedient and friendly. Guests adored him, often bringing treats just to see him. His presence became a source of joy, making everyone’s day a little brighter.
In 2022, our world was shaken when Hogan developed stomach issues. A visit to the vet revealed a large mass on his spleen. We scheduled surgery, and the initial prognosis was grim. If the mass was cancerous, he would likely have only 3-4 months to live. The Arrowood family and I were devastated.
Just days after the diagnosis, Hogan collapsed at home. I rushed him to the emergency room, where we learned the tumor had ruptured, causing internal bleeding. He underwent emergency surgery and received multiple blood transfusions. Miraculously, he survived the surgery, but the financial burden was heavy – $11,000 in medical bills. Post-surgery, the vet informed us that Hogan had four tumors, and due to their size and number, they believed it was likely an aggressive cancer called hemangiosarcoma.
I prepared for the worst, mourning the diagnosis while caring for him. Then, the unexpected happened. The vet called with the biopsy results: none of the tumors were cancerous. The masses were hematomas, likely caused by trauma, possibly from being hit by a car before I adopted him. I was overwhelmed with relief and gratitude.
When I returned to work to share the good news, I discovered the true depth of the Arrowood community’s kindness. The team had organized a GoFundMe and raised nearly $4,000 from guests to help with Hogan’s medical expenses. One of my students also set up a separate fundraiser, contributing another $3,000. I was speechless, overwhelmed by the generosity and love shown by those around me.
Today, Hogan is thriving and continues to be Arrowood’s mascot. Guests light up when they see him, and it’s impossible to have a bad day when greeted by his warm, loyal presence. His journey from a neglected shelter dog to the heart of our golf course is a testament to resilience, love and the incredible bond between a dog and a community.
Hogan isn’t just my dog; he’s a symbol of hope, healing and the magic of second chances.
Nikki Prichard, the 2024 Southern California PGA Section Bill Strausbaugh Award winner, grew up in Southern California and has been involved in golf since she was 11 years old. She played collegiately at the University of Nevada, Reno, before beginning her professional career at Arrowood Golf Course in Oceanside, California, where she has been since 2015. As Assistant General Manager, she oversees golf, food and beverage and event operations. She also serves as Secretary of the San Diego Chapter of the Southern California PGA Section and sits on the Section Board of Directors.
