Meet the Member: Eric Bogar, PGA
Eric Bogar, PGA – Right Where He Is Meant To Be
A proud Houston native, Eric Bogar, PGA, grew up with a love for all sports, basketball, baseball, and tennis, but it was golf that ultimately captured his heart. Introduced to the game by his father in middle school, Eric found solace in the quiet challenge that golf offered, a perfect match for his reserved personality.
Eric credits his parents as his biggest influences. A later-in-life child, Eric’s father was a World War II veteran, and both of his parents were born in the 1920s. Their unwavering support and encouragement shaped his life and career. Eric’s father passed away in 2010, and his mother in 2012, but their lessons continue to guide him each day.
Eric’s natural talent quickly shone, earning him a scholarship to play at the University of Houston. There, he chose to compete as a freshman rather than sit on the sidelines, ultimately earning a degree in Industrial Distribution. His collegiate success paved the way to a professional career on the Nike Tour (now known as the Korn Ferry Tour).
As his playing career was winding down and with a child on the way, Eric began looking for a new direction. He turned to fellow Southern Texas PGA Member Scott Olsen, PGA, at Westwood Golf Club for guidance. What started as a temporary six-week opportunity turned into a 3.5-year stint that laid the foundation for his career in the golf business.
After a brief return to professional golf thanks to the support of a Westwood member, Eric transitioned back to the club side, spending seven years at Sugar Creek Country Club. There, he wore many hats: Assistant Professional, Teaching Professional, and Head Professional.
Scott Olsen and Westwood Golf Club played a pivotal role in this chapter, paying for Eric’s PGA dues to help him achieve Membership, something that meant a great deal to both of them. Inspired by this act of generosity, Eric carried that tradition forward by budgeting to cover his Assistants’ dues during his time as a Head Professional.
Since turning 50, Eric has continued to pursue competitive golf at a high level. He has played in the last three Senior PGA Professional Championships and qualified for the prestigious Senior U.S. Open, showcasing his enduring talent and passion for the game.
However, it was during his journey that Eric discovered what truly mattered most: balance. Realizing that the demands of running an entire golf operation didn’t align with his ideal lifestyle, he chose to return to the role of Assistant Professional. A call from Rene Rengal, PGA, led Eric to Golfcrest Country Club, where he continues to thrive today.
"I love the membership here at Golfcrest and the team I work with," Eric shares. "It is such an active community, and people just love spending time around the clubhouse and hanging out with one another. It is just a welcoming club with a great golf course and great food."
Eric is passionate about treating everyone equally and building genuine connections with both members and colleagues. "I always try to instill in people I work with that you treat everyone the same, and to branch out and play with different people and members. I never played favorites and try to get to know the people and not the golfer," he says.
When asked what advice he would give his younger self, Eric reflects thoughtfully: "Right where I am right now, everything is great, but when I was younger, instead of going straight to playing professionally, I would have gone and worked in the golf business and grown another level of love and appreciation for the game. That being said, I wouldn’t change a thing."
Off the course, Eric is a devoted father to his 21-year-old son, EJ, who has special needs. Earlier this year, in May, he married his wife Nikki, who has two daughters of her own: Emma, 16, and Olivia, 12. Together, they’ve built a loving and supportive family.
Eric’s story is a powerful reminder of the value of mentorship, gratitude, and staying true to what matters most, both on and off the course.
