Running a top tier golf facility is tough enough, but Texans demand bigger and better, and TPC Four Seasons is often mentioned as one of Texas' best. Too high an expectation? Not according to Paul Earnest, the PGA Director of Golf at the TPC Four Seasons, who says he and his staff embrace the challenge.
PGA.com: When I think of your golf course, I think the Byron Nelson name, I think the Four Seasons name, the TPC name, the tradition of golf in Texas --- that seems like quite the high bar to reach? How do you view it, and how do you maintain such lofty expectations?
Earnest: Our philosophy, and not just the golf course, but the entire Four Seasons facility here, is not about meeting any expectations -- it is about exceeding them. We honestly enjoy and embrace that high standard. Everything we do is designed to make sure that we are pushing that bar even higher.
PGA.com: Tell us a little bit about the "feel" of your course. What type of player, TOUR or amateur do you think would feel most comfortable there in terms of their fitting their games to the layout and design?
Earnest: Our course is in somewhat of an urban setting, but it's also very tranquil. It covers a great amount of land, it has a large playing area. You can't talk about golf in Texas without talking about the wind, and we certainly are no exception to that. Most of the holes are laid out in a fashion where the players are always dealing with cross-wind. So there is an inherent challenge to this course just by the elements. This is a course that has held up very well while dealing with the advances in golf technology. We are very proud of the layout and the challenge and enjoyment it provides all players.
PGA.com: Fill in this blank for me. I'm an average amateur golfer and I'm playing at the TPC Four Seasons next week. I need to make sure that I bring a solid _________.
Earnest: "Straight shot." With our fairways averaging around 25 to 28 yards in width, and the strong crosswinds, along with the thick ryegrass rough, you need to hit a straight ball out here or it could be a long day.
PGA.com: I've read that the tournament there is the leading fundraiser on the PGA TOUR. That must say quite a bit about the support of the community for the tournament and for golf in general?
Earnest: The Salesmanship Club of Dallas is the primary group responsible for the fund-raising, and their efforts simply speak for themselves about what a phenomenal job they do. It is the leading fundraising tournament for the PGA TOUR, and they take great pride in that. Their goal is to surpass $100 million this year. And yes, as for the support and enthusiasm for golf in the area, we are all very appreciative of the great love for the game and the tournament that the local community has shown time and time again. They do love their golf.
PGA.com: What's the best, most rewarding aspect of your job?
Earnest: The best part of the job is that it revolves around the game of golf. Visitors come to us with excitement and anticipation; they are here to have a good time. There are a lot of smiles at our facility. That's a great reward.
PGA.com: Are there bad days as well?
Earnest: Of course. It's the nature of the being in business, there are goals you want to reach, and it can be tough at times. Excellence is never easy, but it's definitely worthwhile.
PGA.com: It's said that everything is bigger in Texas. Would you mind cutting the holes to about a foot in diameter if I get down there to play your course?
Earnest: [laughter]. No problem. Just let us know when you're coming.
