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TOM HANTKE INDUCTED INTO CONNECTICUT SECTION PGA PROFESSIONAL HALL OF FAME
Guest Speaker Michael Breed Kicks Off Golf Season During Spring Membership Meeting
By Tim Paragone
ELLINGTON, Conn. (April 24, 2024) – In what has become the unofficial start of the season for the Connecticut Section PGA it was only fitting that long time Executive Director Tom Hantke was inducted into the Section’s Hall of Fame during the Spring Membership Meeting held at Ellington Ridge Country Club.
An avid golfer, Hantke began his career at Dunedin Golf Club, previous home of the PGA of America. There, Tom worked as a green grass professional, soaking up everything he could about the golf profession.
“At Dunedin Country Club there were a number of retired golf professionals, and you just glean from them and their careers”, Hantke said.
Moving up the coast he found a home at Chartwell Country Club in Maryland before landing at the Mid Atlantic Section office as their Communications Director. Under the tutelage of veteran golf professionals such as Bill Strausbaugh, Hantke leaned into the employment space and was elevated to the role of Club Relations Director, a first of its kind position.
Reminiscing, Hantke remembered a time when asked by a mentoring golf professional if he could commit his life to golf. “I looked at him and said, ‘I don’t know’. That’s a pretty daunting question to think about. I just knew golf was going to be my rutter in my life and keep me on course. When I was elevated to the Club Relations Director that was a turning point that solidified my path forward.”
In 1993, Tom landed the job as Executive Director of the Connecticut Section, beginning a 30-year run of unparalleled accomplishments.
Not wasting any time, Tom worked long days to bring the section up to snuff. He grappled with the section finances, developed staff, and cataloged decades of section history, all while keeping the membership at the forefront of his duties.
“There were probably 4,000 to 5,000 golf professionals that came through the section during my thirty years and each one I tried to welcome and help them feel a part of the section.”, said Hantke.
Remember back to the early days of his tenure he recalled, “We didn’t have any financials. We were in debt and had no assets. Member dues were basically the only revenue source, so we had to establish a budget and how we were going to pay expenses. I think we’re in good order right now and have combined net assets around $1.5 million.”
In 1995, along with PGA members Gary Reynolds, Frank Selva, and Rich Crowe, Tom helped found the Connecticut Section PGA Golf Foundation to enhance the perception of PGA Professionals in the community. The Foundation has since gone on to underwrite the Section’s Junior Golf TOUR, PGA HOPE and award over $1 million in financial grants.
As the section operation began to expand, Tom led the way through his training and development of staff, many of whom he mentored and guided into prominent positions. Though he accomplished much during his tenure, his stewardship of the staff might have been towards the top of his personal list of accomplishments.
“Learn from your staff. What their interests are, what their strengths are and put them in that lane and allow them to succeed. For me to see them to grow and develop was probably, in the last decade of my tenure, the most enjoyable thing to see.”
In addition to his contributions to the staff, Tom’s role and tenure put him in a position to guide the Board and the membership, many of whom speak of the role that Tom played in their own career development.
On a national scale, Tom was part of two PGA of America Secretary campaigns, one of which being the successful Suzy Whaley campaign. During her time as an officer, Tom served on the Executive Director Committee, ultimately chairing the committee in 2019 and 2020.
Always forward thinking, Tom orchestrated the first ever Golf Course Business Consulting agreement in 2014 with the City of Hartford’s two abandoned golf courses, Keney Park and Goodwin Park. As part of the agreement, Tom and a Task Force of section golf professionals guided the City through the RFP process and helped establish the golf course commission.
By 2016, the once dilapidated buildings and overgrown golf courses were rejuvenated, and the efforts led to the re-vitalization of golf in Hartford. Within two years of opening, Keney Park was recognized as the number two ranked public golf course in Connecticut.
As Hantke looked towards a new chapter in his life it was easy to see how much he enjoyed his role and the people he encountered.
“One thing that drove me when I was young was the opportunity to be purposeful in a career. I wanted to work hard. I’m forever grateful for the opportunity given to me by the Connecticut Section. “
There may be no singular person who has ever given more to the section than Tom Hantke. The consummate professional. Ahead of his time. The quintessential Hall of Famer.
SPRING MEETING RECAP
More than 100 PGA Members, Associates, and guests were in attendance for the annual Spring Membership Meeting. Attendees were captivated during a two-hour presentation by Michael Breed, one of America’s top golf instructors and host of CBS’s “Course Record with Michael Breed”.
Breed inspired the audience to take pride in being a PGA Member and challenged conventional teaching with his “Putting Doctrine” presentation.
In addition, reports were given by Section Officers and staff, District 1 Director Larry Kelley, and Allied Association representatives. A fundraising panel was also conducted and included Bree Pelczer, VP of Philanthropic Events & Engagement for Connecticut Children’s, a partner in the Connecticut Section PGA Golf Foundation’s Birdies Fore Brighter Futures charitable event held in October.
Following the meeting and Hall of Fame induction, a group of 29 professionals formed two teams that represented the Connecticut Section PGA Golf Foundation or the First Tee – CT. The Blue vs. Gold Hall of Fame Celebration, as it is named, was a team stableford event and the team representing the Connecticut Section PGA Golf Foundation prevailed and was awarded an $1450 donation.