West Jax Rotary

Bill Hughes
General Manager, TPC

Mr. Hughes turned professional in 1979 after playing golf at Bowling Green State University. A member of the PGA of America since 1984, Mr. Hughes became a member of the illustrious group of PGA Master Professionals in 1995.

Throughout his career in the Club Industry, Mr. Hughes has held the position of Head Professional at Shawnee Country Club in Lima, Ohio and General Manager/Owner of Country Acres Golf Club in Ottawa, Ohio. In 1996 Mr. Hughes was hired by the PGA TOUR as General Manager/Director of Golf at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee. In 1999, Mr. Hughes relocated to Cincinnati, Ohio as General Manager/Director of Golf to open the first and only PGA TOUR owned and operated facility in his home State, the TPC River’s Bend designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer. In 2003, Mr. Hughes was promoted to Regional Director of TPC Operations and relocated to Dallas, Texas to open the 25th owned and operated PGA TOUR facility in the United States working with PGA TOUR Player and famed architect Tom Weiskopf.

In 2006, Mr. Hughes was asked to relocate to Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida and oversee the final stages of construction and global repositioning of the TPC Sawgrass, the flagship of the TPC Network.

Mr. Hughes has partnered for life with his beautiful wife Molly since 1985 and enjoys the blessings of his two children, Kelsey (18) and Chipper (16).

Notes
Marty Sack talked about the “Family of Rotary” and all the items which are either in the local papers or personal emails shared so he would be able to let the club be up on what our members and their families are doing. Marty is very happy that response to this new full time part of our bulletin is being used by so many. Keep it up.

Bill Howie reminded everyone about the purchase of Jaguar tickets of which the club gets $10.00 for out charity.

President John talked about the clubs number of members with perfect attendance and began with those who have a year of perfect attendance and will gradually move up the number chart to the longest perfect attendance.

David Taylor sponsored Earl Wright as a new member.

Jim Kelly introduced Cole Pepper who is a sports announcer for 1010 Radio along with long time Jacksonville residents, i.e. David Lamm and Sam Kouvaris. Cole talked about the Jaguars appearing better than last years team, but still needs lots of work and proving of themselves. The Jags have lots of empty seats, but due to the current economy he does not foresee any potential suitors who may wish to relocate the team. Jacksonville is a small market compared to others, but the short time in the league and poor performance of late plays a big part of the teams low fan turnout. Cole sees Gene Smith as the General Manager acquiring and maintaining high caliber players. He is also predicting a 7/9 or 8/8 season as the team rebuilds its depth.

Cole sees the Gator’s as really good while the team eyes a National Championship this year, but Urban Meyer is trying keep the teams perspective in focus and thoughts as these to a minimum. He looks at Tim Tebow’s Heisman performance as potentially the greatest College Football Player.

Bill Hodges spoke briefly about the upcoming TPS Foundation Seminars.

Joe Springer stated (weather permitting) the Boat Ride is now scheduled, more information is available online.

Visiting Rotarians:
Buck Autrey — Downtown
Ed Witt — Downtown
Charles Hyatt — Southside
Ron Raymond — Southside
Lee Hollingsworth — Roswell, GA

Rotary Guests:
Bennett Harrell — Guest of Mike Harrell
Damaris Porter — Guest of club

Birthdays
Irby Exley — August 22

Next Meeting - September 2, 2009
Speaker: Dan Hicken, First Coast News Sports Director
Greeters: Eric Schultz and Michael Prendergast
Invocation: Alberta Hipps
Pledge: Hugh Blanton
Four-Way Test: Dan Dodd

Quick Links:
You can now report make-ups online.

Submit “Family of Rotary” information online.

Please review the 2009 - 2010 Duty Roster and mark your calendar with your responsibilities for the upcoming year.