The “hundred-day war.” For many golf professionals, especially those in the north, the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day is cautiously labeled as such. This is a make-or-break time for a club in the heart of the season when play is at its highest capacity.
Depending on yearly weather patterns or general club usage, this period can easily eclipse the century mark. Club championships, member-guests, junior league matches and member instructional programs overflow the calendar and clubs demand long hours from key leaders of an often already understaffed golf operation.
It’s the time of year that tests one’s mettle in the profession, and there are many times during this stretch where the work/family life balance takes a hit. There are plenty of stories documented of high-caliber pros leaving various clubs all around the country for careers outside the business. The universal stress of consistent 10-, 12-, or even 14-hour days can take their toll. Divorces amongst this demographic, sadly, are not uncommon.
It is important to differentiate between two basic types of golf leaders that make up the majority of the workforce. There are good pros at clubs who perform their general duties without much fanfare. They accomplish the normal aspects of their job but don’t necessarily go above and beyond to stand out. The run-of-the-mill pro.
The other type is the undisputed golf professional. These are the energetic people who create excitement and are highly knowledgeable about all aspects of the game. They also exhibit an infectious positivity and serve as a beacon of light to their family, friends, club members, students and staff. Their aura places them on a pedestal amongst their peers.
Enter Paul Ramee.
A bona fide golf professional in every sense of the phrase. By all accounts, he was born to live and thrive in such a hectic and ever-changing vocation. Ramee was successful at balancing the scales between his profession and his home life, and at the same time was aware of the pitfalls that deterred some of his contemporaries in the business.
His working world revolved around Bull’s Bridge Golf Club in South Kent, Connecticut, but he and his family would prioritize time to spend together on the course either before, during or after the height of the day. Time to recharge with his wife Tracey and three sons Hunter (23), Owen (19) and Oliver (16) was crucial to Ramee’s survival in the business. He was fortunate to lead a remarkable club…
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