@chris_mellusi[/author_info] [/author]
Click here to read Part 1 of this series: Jim McGovern – working his way to the top
HAWORTH – Jim McGovern had been away from professional golf for some time now. Ten years had passed since he had last taken a golf swing on the PGA Tour. However, all that was about to change because he knew he wanted to give it one last shot.
“At then end of 2007, I went back to the PGA Tour qualifying school for (what felt like the 100th time) and I actually made it through,” McGovern said. “I played on the Tour again that year in 2008, but did not finish in the top 125 on the money list.”
Not finishing in the top 125 would prove to be devastating for McGovern. It would cause him to yet again lose his PGA card.
“I lost my card again,” McGovern said. “I only got to play in about 10 events in both 2009 and 2010.”
All Jim McGovern had known in his life was golf. He loved watching the game of golf. He loved coaching people about the game of golf, and of course, he loved playing the game of golf. The next position that he would pursue would have to involve golf.
“At then end of 2010, there was a job posting at White Beeches Country Club, which was only a few miles from my home,” McGovern said. “I decided to apply and was both nervous and excited when I was offered the position. I wanted to be able to stay in the golf world, but I did not want to be traveling away from my family all of the time.”
White Beeches, a country club located in Haworth, New Jersey, has been around since 1915. It has a history of rich tradition. McGovern would look to continue his legacy as the club’s head golf professional.
“As a head golf professional, I have gotten to experience a different side of the golf industry,” McGovern said. “I have really enjoyed being able to use the knowledge I gained from playing on tour to help develop some of our younger players. I also enjoy giving lessons and creating events at the club that are enjoyable for levels of golfers at our club. You don’t need to be a professional golfer to enjoy the game.”
McGovern’s goal is to make sure an amazing golf atmosphere surrounds every member at White Beeches. Every year when the course first opens for the new season, he will go out and hit a tee shot for every group that is playing that day. Sometimes, he will even do a couple of tricks with his clubs.
His first two years at the club provided some challenges. McGovern was adjusting to his new job. He now had to learn the business side of golf.
“The first two years working at WBG&CC was a big learning experience for me,” McGovern said. “I did not have a lot of time to compete in tournaments as I was learning about running my own events, managing a staff and owning a retail golf shop. It was a lot to process.”
Brian Mackey, who has worked with McGovern ever since he joined the staff at White Beeches, sees how hard he works. Mackey knows that working with McGovern has made him realize anything is possible with hard work and the right mindset.
“Being around a guy like Jim is very inspiring,” Mackey said. “He is a great guy, but he is more importantly a normal guy. So to see a “normal” guy achieve what he has achieved makes it known that it is very possible to do the same. Never stop working hard, because hard work definitely pays off! I’ve learned to take advantage of opportunities and provide myself with as many as possible. He sets the bar high and urges us to try and surpass his standards.”
Mackey also said that McGovern understands the game of golf on a level that he has never seen before. He understands the amount of work McGovern puts into his game to become a better player.
“The best part of his game would have to be his accuracy plus his mindset,” Mackey said. “He knows what his capabilities are and doesn’t try play outside himself. He gets the most out of his game everyday, and focuses on what he does best and that is scoring.”
Despite not being on the PGA Tour, McGovern stills finds chances to get out there and compete. He has recently participated in a couple of tournaments for the Senior Open.
“I haven’t played full time on the Senior Champions Tour yet,” McGovern said. “However, this past year I played in both the Senior U.S. Open in Sacramento, California and the British Senior Open at Sunningdale Golf Club just outside of London. The best part of these events for me was reconnecting with old friends who still play and caddy on Tour.”
As McGovern looks back on his career, he has absolutely no regrets. Every decision he has made has benefited him in a positive way. He credited the Nationwide Tour for helping him overcome his fear of traveling on his own in the beginning of his career.
“You learn so much about competing, traveling and life on the road,” McGovern said. “When I was younger (it was called the Ben Hogan Tour when I was first on it), it was fantastic. I think it was one of the best things I have ever done. The Nationwide Tour opened my eyes to the world of golf and gave me so much valuable experiences; it is something I would always recommend that young players strive to achieve.”
As McGovern gets older, he continues to look for ways to compete professionally. He has hopes of one day playing full time on the Senior Open. He has shown throughout his life to have the tools to accomplish anything he puts his mind to. McGovern has always found ways to succeed in the golf world and don’t expect that to end anytime soon. Be sure to check for McGovern’s name in upcoming Senior Open tournaments this season.