|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Golf – Making The Turn: Perks deals with business scheduleJanuary 26, 2011 Daily Advertiser Craig Perks has never had a lot of free time on his hands, and the former Tournament Players Championship winner is pretty much a perfectionist when it comes to anything that involves golf. But now, he’ll likely be the busiest person in the Acadiana golf community for 2011. He has a new job, one at a club and course that’s redefining itself with an improved facility and new personnel. He’s going to be one of the most frequent faces that watchers of the Golf Channel will see during Nationwide Tour and PGA Tour broadcasts this year. And, he’s trying to actually play a little more golf. "I’m going to try to get out and play at least a couple or three times a week," he said from his new office at Le Triomphe. "I think it’s important to get out there and see how the course is, and also play with our members and see what they think, what they’re looking for to make it a better experience for them." Getting that feedback is even more important now to the former Ragin’ Cajun standout, in his new position as Director of Golf at Le Triomphe. Perks was named to that post in the club’s recent personnel shakeup that included the departure of friend and long-time golf director David Church. Now, instead of concentrating on teaching, which is what he’s mostly done since he retired from the Tour in 2007, he’s overseeing most of the club’s golf operation along with new LT general manager Donna Waterbury. "What Donna’s brought in is a new look at every detail of the club," Perks said. "We’ve got new construction, new locker rooms "» we already had some of the best facilities in the state with the course and the teaching facility, and now our overall service is going to live up to that. "With some of the places I’ve been fortunate enough to play, I’ve seen so many things we can do. We’re absolutely going to aspire to a high level of member service." Visits to Augusta to play in three Masters, a spot in the British Open, frequent trips to the nation’s TPC facilities and many of the world’s other best-known golf layouts came as a benefit of Perks winning the 2002 Players title. He took mental notes at those stops, and his goal is to implement some of those ideas. "I wasn’t to put my thoughts, some of my philosophy, I guess my print here," he said. "Certainly I’m going to continue to teach, but I’m going to be involved in a lot of other things. I always try to make sure every box is checked and every ‘t’ is crossed." The toughest part may be finding enough hours to fit that in. Along with his new role at Le Triomphe, Perks will soon take the first of 20 weeks on the road this season as a television commentator for the Golf Channel. He will be the lead analyst — the guy in the tower on the 18th hole — for 13 Nationwide Tour events on the network, and he’ll serve as a hole analyst for seven PGA Tour events. That’ll put him on the road for more than 100 days by the end of the golf season. "When Donna approached me (for the director post), I was pretty adamant about continuing my broadcasting," he said. "I do enjoy it. I certainly don’t miss the travel that we had to do when I was playing, but I love being in the locker room and talking to the guys. It’s a perfect scenario for me "» I’ve been around the game all my life, and it’s a nice break and I think I’ll come back refreshed. "I think it gives our club great credibility, when I’m seen on the broadcast and someone mentions Le Triomphe, and the members get to see you on TV on Sunday and then see you here at the course on Tuesday. Does it help the bottom line? I hope it does, that and the level of service we’re trying to give." Along with Waterbury, Perks will lean extensively on staffers Jeff Perry and John Hargrave. For the time being, a search for a head professional is on hold, and Perks said that job titles aren’t important right now. "I’m hoping we can create a lot more hybrid people," he said. "We want everybody here to be strong teachers, but that can also be in the shop and out on the course. We want all our staff to know everyone out here, and be able to do something when someone else isn’t around. It’s giving a personal touch, and making sure the level of service doesn’t drop off when I leave. "Mike (Le Triomphe owner and general partner Mike Maraist) has given us a great opportunity and we’re going to make the most of it. We’re trying to think a little outside the box." "Making the Turn" appears each Wednesday. Clubs, courses and individuals with information about local golf events may e-mail Dan McDonald, editorial director at Golfballs.com, at danmcdonald@cox.net , FAX to (337) 857-8763 or call (337) 857-8754. Listen to the "Making the Turn" radio show each Wednesday from 8-9 a.m. on ESPN SportsRadio 1420.)
PGA SHOWPerks and a delegation from Le Triomphe will be among several local pros and golf industry personnel headed to Orlando today for the 2011 PGA Merchandise Show. The 58th annual event, the golf industry’s oldest and most influential business gathering, runs through Saturday at the Orange County Convention Center and includes the world’s largest Demo Day today at the Orange County National Golf Center. Athletic Network Footnote: Click here to view Craig Perks Athletic Network Profile http://athleticnetwork.net/site.php?pageID=55&profID=2054 Click here for the Golf photo gallery http://athleticnetwork.net/site275.php then the year you wish to view. Craig is included in the 1989 and 1990 photo galleries.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
