Leading with Heart and Purpose: Bob King, PGA Reflects on His First Year as Section President

Taking on the role of Section President is no small task, but for Bob King, his first year at the helm has been defined by impact, connection, and a deep appreciation for the profession. Reflecting on the past twelve months, King’s primary takeaway isn’t just about the duties of the office; it’s about the tangible progress made across our Section and the opportunity to give back to the Association that shaped his career.

A major highlight of King’s inaugural year has been witnessing the immediate and lasting impact of key initiatives firsthand. Seeing the PGA WORKS program in action proved to be an inspiring reminder of how the game can open doors and create meaningful opportunities for the next generation of golf industry leaders. Similarly, tracking the continued progress at Perinton has showcased the strength and resilience of our local golf community as we build toward a brighter future.

At the core of King’s mission has been supporting fellow professionals at every stage of their careers. The launch of the Section’s new mentor program stands out as a key milestone, establishing a formal bridge between experienced leaders and emerging professionals to ensure long term career growth and guidance.

For King, effective leadership is as much about the daily operations at home as it is about high level governance. Securing an Assistant Professional at his own club provided crucial operational support, giving him the balance needed to serve the Section effectively while ensuring his club’s members continue to receive exceptional service.

Above all, the driver behind King’s dedicated leadership comes down to gratitude. Serving in this role has provided him with a meaningful platform to pay it forward to an Association that has given him so much throughout his professional journey.

With his first year in the books, King is far from done. As he looks ahead to his second year as President, he is eager to build on this momentum, continue supporting our members, and carry out the important work still ahead for our Section. Guided by mentorship, opportunity, and service, our Section remains in excellent hands.

-Mollie Ray