GBN University Podcast
Discover the path to success in the golf industry with the GBN University podcast. Hosted by Col. Spencer Clouatre, PhD, this educational series delves into leadership, finance, merchandising, and more. Join us on the journey to greatness. Subscribe now for expert insights and strategies.
To learn more about GBN go to golfbusinessnetwork.com
GBN University Podcast
Serving with Purpose with Hill Herrick | Episode 1204
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
Live from the PGA Show, Spencer Clouatre interviews PGA professional Hill Herrick, longtime director of golf at The Greenbrier, about his career path and decades-long tenure there, plus his lifelong passion for playing French horn. Herrick contrasts the old, travel-heavy PGA training and pre-computer operations with today’s technology-driven education, instruction, tournaments, and booming retail. They also discuss The Greenbrier’s history, its Cold War congressional bunker, and relationships with figures like Sam Snead and Tom Watson. Herrick highlights challenges including declining service, high turnover, and whether simulators and entertainment golf will pull players away from outdoor golf, urging professionals to keep the human element, keep learning, and take accountability.
00:00 Live at PGA Show
01:09 Music and French Horn
03:01 Life at Greenbrier
04:07 Golf Beginnings
06:44 PGA Membership Path
08:19 Pre Internet Golf Ops
10:10 Mentors and Early Jobs
10:49 Work Ethic Roots
12:03 Why Stay at Greenbrier
15:08 Greenbrier History
19:02 Cold War Bunker Story
23:56 Golf Industry Changes
26:34 Ryder Cup Evolution
29:12 Next Gen Golf Pros
34:03 Trends and Tech Ahead
35:20 PGA Show Growth
35:34 Cart Tech Upgrades
35:52 Associations And Education
37:21 Tech Versus Service
39:33 Turnover And Burnout
41:31 Service Standards Culture
44:23 Simulators Threat Or Gateway
46:09 Too Much Lesson Data
54:02 Advice For New Pros
01:00:37 Mission Standards And Training
01:03:43 Human Element Finale
GBN is the leading private network for today's most successful PGA Professionals. Exclusive events at premier facilities, vendor partnerships to grow your business, education to increase your knowledge, and access to the top Professionals in the industry are just some of what membership in Golf Business Network will get you. Go to www.golfbusinessnetwork.com to find out more and become a member.