The Rocky Mountain Section PGA has named PGA Professional Jaime Sharp from Hailey, Idaho, its 2019 Golf Professional of the Year. Sharp was elected to membership in the PGA of America in 2006 and has since served The Valley Club in his home town starting as an intern, graduating to an Assistant Professional, then as Head Golf Professional, and now as the Director of Golf.
The PGA Golf Professional of the Year Award is the highest honor paid to a PGA professional. The honoree is chosen based on his or her outstanding leadership abilities, exceptional performance as a PGA Professional, and distinguished service to the Association and the game of golf.
It’s all in the details for Jaime. He oversees a merchandise operation that has burst through the half million dollar mark. He coordinates dozens of events each year, some with rather elaborate themes to make them as memorable an experience as possible. Even in a short season due to the wintry nature of his club, Sharp and his team conducted more than 150 clinics this last year. For the more serious youth movement, Jaime has developed an academy which focuses on 12 juniors for three intensive weeks in an effort for them to be able to play golf on their own.
Sharp is also generous with his time outside the club. He is the Education Chairman for the Rocky Mountain Section PGA and takes great pride in organizing educational opportunities for his fellow professionals. His giving nature supports his dedication to being passionate for the work he does in addition to being knowledgeable, professional, humble, empathetic, grateful and well rounded. These principles are self-driven in to Jaime’s mind every day as he seeks ways to improve.
You don’t get promoted to a Director of Golf position in this business if you aren’t a competent leader. In Jaime’s words, “Leadership is a balance of letting go but coaching to get the desired result.” His philosophy of empowering staff so they may focus on results instead of a process has served his club well. Most of his staff has been in place for more than five years because Jaime allows them to get a job done in a way that is best for them and not necessarily his way. Jaime has a way of helping no matter where he is. He has worked with the local high school golf team in addition to developing a robotics league for the local elementary school. Sharp professes “team” in everything he supports. He is truly a consummate professional and his leadership skills will continue to be role model worthy for anyone paying attention.
This is the third time Sharp has been recognized by the RMSPGA for an award. He was the Merchandiser of the Year in the Private Facility category in 2014 and he won the Section Warrior Award in 2018 for his work raising money for the Folds of Honor Foundation. Sharp will be formally recognized as the 2019 Rocky Mountain Section PGA Golf Professional of the Year in May as part of the 2020 Rocky Mountain Section PGA Annual Meeting and Awards Presentation.