By Nikki Prichard, PGA
Like many young golfers, I spent my childhood dreaming of playing on the LPGA Tour. From the first time I picked up a club, I was driven by that goal, chasing it through junior golf and into my college years while studying business management at the University of Nevada. But even as I pursued my education, the idea of a “backup plan” felt like something I wanted to avoid. I was all in.
After graduating, I made a bold move. With my parents still living in freezing cold Idaho, I returned to Southern California, where I had spent much of my childhood. My parents were understandably bummed but they were supportive. I’ve been lucky to have an incredible support system and mentors throughout my life, and I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.
Among my biggest influences is my dad, who taught me the value of hard work. His mantra, “You get out of it what you put into it,” became the backbone of my work ethic. My older sister was another role model, always setting the bar high with her academic achievements and life advice.
A New Dream Takes Shape
When I moved to Southern California, I landed a job at Arrowood Golf Course in Oceanside, California. It was perfect: I could get free range balls and play after my shifts to prepare for tournaments. But something unexpected happened. As I worked, I found myself becoming fascinated with the inner workings of the golf industry. I started spotting operational areas that could be improved and sharing those ideas with our general manager. Before long, I became someone he relied on for daily operations.
One of the key people who shaped this period of my life was Greg Botti, our de facto Head Pro at the time. Greg consistently pushed me out of my comfort zone. He asked me to make tough decisions, handle disgruntled guests and take ownership of responsibilities that initially felt overwhelming. But with each challenge, I gained confidence and soon began creating staff schedules and leading the golf shop team.
Winning my first mini-tour event was a highlight of my professional golf journey, but something surprising happened – I realized that seeing my team succeed and watching the operation thrive excited me more than my personal tournament victory. That realization was the turning point. I decided to shift my focus from playing professionally to pursuing a full-time career in golf management. With Greg’s mentorship, I worked my way up to becoming the shop manager. But my journey was just getting started.
Mentorship That Changes the Game
In 2018, our general manager retired from the industry, and we welcomed Tom Son, a recent graduate of the Golf Academy of America, as our new GM. Although this was his first role in the golf industry, it was clear from the start that Tom had the drive to make an impact. He dove in headfirst, determined to earn his PGA membership as quickly as possible. Tom is a networking master who is constantly reaching out to local PGA Professionals for advice, lunch meetings and guidance.
At the time, I had already enrolled as a PGA Associate, but Tom’s energy ignited a competitive fire in me. He checked in with me regularly, pushing me to complete my coursework and encouraging me to expand my network. His promise was simple: If I earned my PGA membership, I could become the Director of Golf. Although he beat me to it by a narrow margin, we both achieved PGA membership in late 2019. I was the PGA of America Director of Golf at Arrowood Golf Course from 2019 to August 2021, when I accepted the role of Assistant General Manager.
Tom’s rise has been nothing short of impressive. He is now the Secretary of the Southern California PGA Section and the Vice President of the Section’s San Diego Chapter. Meanwhile, I’m following closely behind as a Section Board member and our Chapter Secretary. I currently serve as Chair of the Engagement Committee, a role that has deepened my passion for mentorship.
Paying It Forward
Through the Engagement Committee, I have been able to help PGA Associates navigate the program and pair them with mentors who can guide them to success. One of my proudest initiatives is creating the Road2Pro event, which connects individuals interested in the golf industry with PGA members for nine holes of golf and meaningful networking opportunities. This program gives future professionals a chance to see what the industry is all about while building valuable connections. For these efforts, I was honored to receive the 2024 Bill Strausbaugh Award from the Southern California PGA, recognizing my work in mentorship.
Cultivating Growth at Arrowood Golf Course
When I first joined Arrowood Golf Course, we had only one PGA member. Today, we have three PGA members and six PGA Associates – an achievement I’m incredibly proud of. Watching our team grow into young, engaged professionals has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.
I firmly believe that creating an environment where team members feel supported and involved leads to success, not just for individuals but for the organization as a whole. When employees have buy-in, they become more invested in the business and its long-term growth.
Looking Ahead
As I reflect on my journey, I’m grateful for the mentors who helped shape me, and I am committed to giving back in the same way. By guiding others, I hope to inspire the next generation of golf professionals to find their paths, just as I found mine.
Whether you’re a young Associate just starting or a seasoned professional, mentorship is a powerful tool. It doesn’t just help individuals succeed – it elevates entire teams, organizations and communities within the golf industry. I encourage everyone to find ways to support and uplift others. You never know whose dream you might help bring to life.
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 PGA and sits on the Board of Directors for the Southern California PGA Section.
