GLOVER, MILLS, & MCALEER RECOGNIZED AS MERCHANDISERS OF THE YEAR
Drew Glover, the PGA Director of Golf at Yellowstone Club in Big Sky, Montana, has been honored as the 2023 Rocky Mountain Section PGA Merchandiser of the Year for private golf course facilities. This award marks the first time he has been so honored by the RMSPGA.
Glover has been a member of the PGA of America for nine years and has been on staff at Yellowstone Club for the last six years. He believes creativity and diversity of product lines should lead the way for merchandising success at the club and the latest and greatest available items should be displayed in the most unique ways possible. Yellowstone Club has members from all over the world in addition to guests that may only visit once in a lifetime. The merchandise available has to be able to satisfy those with absolutely no budget to a person wanting only a memento for their only visit. Yellowstone Club reflects the fine life in Montana, so the shop must fully embrace these characteristics to attract its membership and guests to spend. Glover’s overall goal is to provide the facility’s members with a level of service they cannot get anywhere else through planning and a staff-wide commitment to merchandising excellence.
Tate Mills, The PGA Director of Golf at Sun Valley Golf Resort in Sun Valley, Idaho, is the 2023 Merchandiser of the Year for resort facilities in the RMSPGA. This is Tate’s second recognition as Merchandiser of the Year having earned this award previously in 2018. Mills was elected to membership in 2015 and began his professional career at Sun Valley Resort in 2011 where he has rooted the entire time.
Mills believes merchandising comes down to having the right products, in the right places, for the right customer and evolving with the constant changes in trends in the industry. Being in the area for so long, Tate understands his clientele. He does his best to create an atmosphere providing an enjoyable shopping experience tailored to their reason for visiting. Mills is never bashful to speak directly with his guests and that personal touch is one of his secrets to successful merchandising.
Jon McAleer, PGA Head Professional at Bridger Creek Golf Course in Bozeman, Montana, has been honored as the 2023 Rocky Mountain Section PGA Merchandiser of the Year for public golf course facilities. This award marks the second time he has been so honored by the RMSPGA previously winning in 2021.
McAleer has been a member of the PGA of America since 2014 and has been on staff at Bridger Creek the last 8 years. Jon believes it is of utmost importance to have a vast variety of merchandise suitable for everyone and to stay up to date on the latest fashion trends. Not only does he listen to what his passholders want, he also keeps an eye on what customers are wearing and what type of equipment they are using. It is essential in the Bridger Creek shop that merchandise is constantly moving around so their regular customers notice something new as often as possible.
The Merchandiser of the Year Awards are presented to the individuals who excel in their abilities to purchase, present and sell golf-related products in the most effective and attractive way possible while providing a high level of service to the customer at their respective golf facilities. Glover, Mills and McAleer will receive their awards at the 2024 Rocky Mountain Section PGA Annual Meeting and Awards Presentation next May.