James Brown - Member Spotlight
James Brown, PGA
President, Southern Texas PGA
Head Golf Professional | Royal Oaks Country Club
What are five words that best describe you?
Ambitious, Dedicated, Passionate, Loyal, Family
What is your favorite thing about working in the golf industry?
The people! We work in an industry where people are connected in so many ways and we, as Professionals, are providing a lifelong sport where juniors, families, friends, coworkers, businesses, golfers of all abilities, the list goes on and on, all come together to socially interact and compete playing a game like no other…GOLF.
What is your favorite golf memory?
Taking my dad to The 2012 Masters.
List the five most influential people in your life.
My mom and dad, my grandfathers, Dale Morgan, PGA and Steve Wheelis, PGA.
If you could give a piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Play more golf. When I got into the business, working any job I could, course maintenance, outside staff, etc., all I wanted to do is work and learn as much as I could to become a PGA Professional. I would not trade my work experiences for anything, but I have passed up some opportunities to play golf.
If you weren't a PGA Member, what would your profession be?
Golf Course Superintendent or an Accountant
If you could play a round of golf with anyone, living or dead, who would it be? Why?
Definitely my dad…he taught me the game and that was what he and I did together almost every weekend.
And, my wife, son and daughter…I know I have so many rounds yet to play with them, but I promise, it will never be enough.
I know you asked about “a” round, but here’s my second and dream round…
Jack Nicklaus, Fred Couples, my dad and me…these were my childhood golf idols.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Before having children, it was traveling, playing hockey and softball. Now it is still traveling, but spending time with family and watching my children grow up participating in what activities they enjoy.
What is your personal motto?
“Work Smarter, not Harder” My grandfathers and dad instilled in me to think first, then react to a situation/problem. Reaction without thought can potentially create bigger problems.
What/Where is the coolest golf course you've played at?
I hate this question. There are so many courses and each have their own beauty and characteristics, which makes this game so special. I will say that one of my all-time experiences was meeting Bob Ford at Oakmont CC before playing the course for the first time.
What is your favorite part about being with the Southern Texas PGA?
Being a part of the Southern Texas PGA has been a rewarding move for me and my family. The Professionals that make up the Southern Texas PGA are so much larger than most realize. The friends, colleagues and mentors that I have gained in all three Chapters, (East, West and South), is something that I never realized was a possibility, before I became involved.
What is something you admired of past Section Presidents that you hope to continue?
Being around so many of our Past Presidents, I hope that I will be able to have the same level of passion and commitment to our Section, our Association and our PGA members.
What is the best piece of advice you have received from Past President Doug DeSive?
He has always encouraged me to continue being me, as I do not always follow the crowd. I feel he and I complement each other very well and cannot thank Doug enough for his time as President, especially having served during a pandemic and other local disasters to our Communities.
You are president now. What do you hope to accomplish?
Honestly, I do not have a personal agenda or list of items that I had ever hoped to accomplish if I became the Section President. When I decided to get involved, my decision was made because I wanted to know more about the Section and how we can make things better for ourselves and our fellow Professionals. Most of us enjoy playing in golf tournaments and maybe feel obligated to sit in the back of the room for a meeting, because we need the points, but being a PGA Member is and should be so much more. Getting involved, at whatever level you can, or that your time allows, can be very rewarding. It is easy to be a Monday morning quarterback, but being involved in our Section and Association takes personal time, patience and understanding. I hope that with the support of my fellow Officers, the STPGA Board, the Section Staff and our Committees, that we can continue to improve our PGA brand in our Communities, continue to build our Junior Golf Program, keep building on the successes of recent years for our Section and most importantly give back to our Section Professionals and Associates.
Describe in less than 20 words, how your next 2 years as president will look.
I hope…no disasters/pandemics and I want to listen and give back to our membership.
