Sequim alumni and former Peninsula Golf Club head pro Jacob Lippold added to his growing list of accolades Tuesday after he was named the recipient of the 2020 PGA Merchandiser of the Year-Public Category for his efforts at Chambers Bay Golf Course in University Place.
Lippold previously was recognized by both the Pacific Northwest PGA Section and the Western Washington PGA Chapter as Merchandiser of the Year in the Public Category.
The national award recognizes PGA Professionals who have excelled in business and merchandising in the promotion of golf. There are an estimated 11,000-12,000 public courses in the U.S., including famed layouts such as Pebble Beach, Pinehurst and Bandon Dunes.
“The coolest thing about that is it’s your peers doing the voting,” Lippold said of the national vote back in April. “And especially to be recognized in merchandising when you are the one who does the buying, receiving and merchandising here.”
“Lippold is regarded as a detail-oriented merchandiser who is diligent, with a strong work ethic and always focused on the betterment of the bottom line,”a PGA of America press release said.
“His philosophy of flexibility enables him to seamlessly transition to a new merchandising idea at any moment. He also keeps a close eye on retail trends on the local, regional, national and international levels.
His diligence with vendors and reps is best realized through continued communication and open dialogue, which allows his team to establish strong relationships. He maintains close personal communication with members and guests looking for specific products, as he believes that personal touch goes a long way in repeat business.”
The award is even more remarkable when you consider all the hats Lippold had to wear — and sell — last year.
In 2019, Lippold’s his first season purchasing all inventory and handling merchandising for the course, Chambers Bay moved its re-opening date back a month to April, the course’s director of golf instruction took a leave of absence and the head pro moved on.
More from my deeper dive with Lippold from April is available at tinyurl.com/PDN-Lippold.
