Lincoln, NE – The Nebraska Section PGA has announced Tony Driscoll, PGA of Whispering Woods as the Wilson Sporting Goods Monthly Game Ball recipient for the month of August.
The mission statement of Wilson Sporting Goods Co. is to ignite the true potential in every athlete, and no one does it better than PGA Professionals when it comes to growing the game of golf. That mission has been carried out by Driscoll throughout the entirety of his career as a PGA Golf Professional and now golf course owner.
For the past 14 years, Driscoll has been a member of the PGA of America and he’s been involved within the Nebraska Section PGA and it’s Foundation PGA REACH Nebraska. Driscoll is currently serving on the PGA REACH Nebraska board and has played an instrumental role in the growth of the Foundation over the course of the past decade.
For many years, Driscoll was the Head Golf Professional at Bent Tree Golf Club in Council Bluffs, IA. With the help from investors, he has moved and purchased formerly named Fox Run Golf Club. Owning and operating a golf course has always been a dream of his, but now, it’s a reality.
“This was an opportunity for me to prove my ability and do something for my family that they can be proud of”, said Driscoll.
When Driscoll took over and purchased the property, he did it knowing there would be challenges and in all reality, it would be an uphill battle. The property itself wasn’t in great condition and the equipment across the property was poor. In addition, the reputation of the golf course among the surrounding public golf community was poor as well. When his team took over, they knew they would have to work hard to accomplish their goals.
“We made sure the team understood that these challenges were actually opportunities for us to show our commitment to bringing out the potential of the club”, said Driscoll.
Driscoll has two partners alongside him in this new adventure. Davis Garner is his General Manager and Ben Starkel is the Director of Grounds. The three friends came together for the opportunity of a lifetime, and in a short span, they’re making the most of it.
Since taking over the property in January, their team has almost completed a full remodel of the clubhouse. The downstairs area and pro shop are complete while the upstairs moves along with new simulators and additional event space being added this winter. Starkel and his team have worked day in day out to improve the course conditions and it’s coming along nicely as well.
While the course and clubhouse improvements are going well, Driscoll states that the biggest challenge is ‘changing the culture’.
“As we improve the property and invest into the full operation, our level of service and commitment is paramount for the success of the entire project. Our reputation is important to us and our success and we’re committed to changing the outlook the public has on our facility”, said Driscoll.
No matter the struggles, time and effort that has gone and will go into the project, Driscoll will always be grateful for the opportunity.
“To know that I was going to own and operate a golf course would have always been beyond my imagination. I was always determined to go to work with enjoyment and help people enjoy the game that gave me everything. My life has been nothing but a blessing”, said Driscoll.
This month’s Wilson Monthly Game Ball is a way to honor a Nebraska PGA Professional that took a risk that is quickly paying off in a big way. Driscoll followed his dreams and has turned them into a reality at his new home, Whispering Woods. To learn more about the property, click HERE.
Nominations for the next Wilson Sporting Goods Monthly Game Ball will open on September 1st and will close at 11:59 PM on September 15th.
About the Nebraska Section PGA
The Nebraska Section PGA is a non-for-profit organization comprised of over 300 PGA Members and PGA Associates who strive to promote the enjoyment and growth of the game of golf. The Nebraska Section PGA encompasses the entire State of Nebraska, western fifth of Iowa and a small portion of South Dakota including Dakota Dunes and Yankton. The Section office is located in Lincoln, NE and acts as a resource for local and national golf information for the golf professional and amateur player alike. Our members are often referred to as “Club Professionals”, not to be mistaken as PGA Tour Professionals.
Each Nebraska Section PGA Professional serves as an expert in the ever-changing business of golf. They are the leading expert players and teachers, skilled business managers, community leaders, and superior merchandisers who have dedicated their careers to the local delivery of these services.