PGA INSIDER Q&A

Name: Derek C. Gutierrez, PGA

Title: General Manager / Director of Golf, Santa Ana Golf Club Inc. (Santa Ana GC, Twin Warriors GC, Prairie Star Restaurant & Wine Bar, Wind Dancer Bar & Grille, Atush Grille)
City / State: Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico
Years working as a PGA Professional: 24 Years

In five words or less, what is your motto?

Enjoy the ride.


At what moment did you realize you wanted to pursue a career in golf?

I discovered recreational golf by accident while in college in 1990 and is another story entirely.  Shortly thereafter, I began working at a local municipal 9-hole course for a seasoned PGA Member, Jack Hardwick. He quickly took me under his wing and taught me the golf swing and nuances of driving range operations at a public golf course. While still unsure of where I was headed and still attending the University of New Mexico, it was following playing in my first Sun Country Section pro-am as an amateur in Socorro, New Mexico, that I changed the course of my journey forever.  While heading home with Jack from that event, the tread on the right rear tire shredded at 75 MPH and we rolled over numerous times on the open highway.  Jack didn’t survive and I suffered minor injuries. During the one-hour ambulance ride to the hospital and being told Jack had passed, it was at that moment I was sure I wanted to pursue a career in golf.

What inspires you?

I am most inspired by the young PGA Members and Associates who I encounter in our two facilities at Twin Warriors and Santa Ana golf clubs. These individuals are tremendous golf professionals and light years ahead of where I was at the same point in my career. Additionally, the Members who are graduating from PGA LEAD, a program that identifies and mentors future Association leaders, are also exceptionally talented and equipped to positively impact their facilities, their Sections and, moreover, our Association. It is awe inspiring.

What is your favorite instructional tip to share with a golfer?

A consistent and repetitive pre-shot routine is critical. Also, never lose sight of the fundamentals such as grip, stance, aim and posture. And always, seek out a PGA Professional for instruction.

What is one app you cannot do without on your phone?

There are two that I frequently access for information. The first is a huge benefit for all of us as golf operators and it is a weather app. I use Weather Underground. The other is Twitter and I mostly use it for my news feed.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever seen on a golf course?
While in college and working part time at a 9-hole municipal golf course in Albuquerque, we received a call in the golf shop that we initially took as a prank call. The caller said that it looked like a golf car was on fire and so we had to respond quickly. Upon arrival, we discovered a twosome had somehow attached a small charcoal hibachi grille to the golf car and were grilling burgers during their round. When confronting them about it, they offered me a burger and I will never tell if I accepted or confiscated the grill.

What has been your greatest career accomplishment?

Passing the PAT on my fifth try is at the top of the list. Attaining my PGA Membership, serving the Sun Country Section as an officer for eight years, and now as a national director for our Association come in a tie for second.

What advice would you give someone who is considering a career in golf?

I would start by having them seek out a PGA Member or Associate in their area and ask if they would be willing to visit with you about a career in golf. Secondly there is great information on PGA.org that can guide someone interested in a career in golf to a path to membership via our education program. Our career services department would also be a great resource as to next steps. From my experience, I can honestly share that I truly feel like I haven’t worked a day in my life as a golf professional and always share that.