Meet the Member: Travis Short, PGA
Travis Short, PGA - Determination and Belief in Yourself
For Travis Short, PGA, a career in golf grew from family tradition, a lifelong connection to athletics and a determination to exceed the expectations others placed upon him.
Short grew up in the Houston area surrounded by the game. His father’s side of the family was heavily involved in golf, while his grandfather was a founding leader and longtime board president at Lochinvar Golf Club. Time spent alongside his grandfather introduced Short to the traditions of the game at an early age.
“Going to a course that prestigious when I was young made me respect the traditional values of golf,” Short said. “Being around my grandfather and seeing the game at that level really helped shape me.”
Golf was only one of many sports Short played growing up. He also competed in football, baseball and basketball, eventually playing basketball at Schreiner University in Kerrville.
Athletics provided an important outlet for Short, who was diagnosed with severe dyslexia and other learning disabilities. Although academics did not come easily, sports gave him confidence and a place to succeed.
“Athletics was kind of my savior,” Short said. “It was something that came more naturally to me, and I stuck with it.”
Short earned both his bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in education from Schreiner. His original goal was to become a high school athletic director, inspired by an administrator who had taken him under her wing and allowed him to assist with the school’s athletic operations.
His path began turning back toward golf during graduate school when he was selected to serve as the sports information director for Schreiner’s golf team. The team’s head coach invited him to practice and play with the program, helping Short rediscover his love for the game.
After graduation, the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic made opportunities in education and college athletics difficult to predict. A fraternity brother working at ShadowGlen Golf Club told him the facility needed additional help.
Short expected to work temporarily as a golf shop attendant. By the time he arrived for his first day, however, the person who had hired him had left the club, and Short quickly moved into an assistant role.
At ShadowGlen, PGA Member Kirk Lohman became an important mentor and encouraged Short to pursue PGA Membership. Short later served as the club’s Head Golf Professional before joining Plum Creek Golf Course, where he currently works as First Assistant Golf Professional.
“I really fell in love with the day-to-day side of it,” Short said. “I have been in the business for six years, and I still look forward to going to work almost every day. I just love the game of golf.”
His accomplishments carry additional meaning because of the doubts he faced growing up. At his 10-year high school reunion, former classmates reminded him that he had once been voted “least likely to succeed.”
Today, Short holds a master’s degree, has earned PGA Membership and helps operate a golf course that hosts approximately 70,000 rounds each year.
“No one is going to tell me no,” Short said. “Even if I fail, I would rather fail while trying.”
That mindset is paired with a strong belief in treating everyone with respect. It is a lesson he first learned while spending time with his grandfather at Lochinvar.
“People remember you because of your interactions and how you treat them,” Short said. “They do not remember you because of your title or how many zeros you have in your bank account.”
That philosophy also shapes how Short views his future. While he remains open to eventually becoming a Head Professional, Director of Golf or General Manager, the title matters less than the people and environment surrounding him.
“I would rather be somewhere where I have respect and strong relationships with the people I work with,” Short said. “I want to enjoy the day-to-day experience.”
Away from work, athletics remain a major part of his life. He continues to play golf, has completed seven or eight full marathons and competes in a neighborhood pickleball league with his wife, siblings, parents and family friends.
Whether on the golf course, running a marathon or battling through a family pickleball bracket, Short continues to pursue the activities and relationships that bring him fulfillment.
“I am someone who wants to pursue the things I enjoy,” Short said. “I love the game, and that is what keeps me in the business.”
