A big congratulations to friend of the brand and H&B ambassador Tim Feenstra on qualifying for the 2022 PGA Championship. Tim is the head golf professional at Broadmoor Golf Club in Seattle, Washington. He finished inside the top 20 at the PGA Club Professional tournament at Barton Creek in Texas last month to earn a spot in his first major.
We sat down with Tim to learn a little more about his game, his teaching philosophy, his style and his thoughts heading into Southern Hills.
Tim, thanks for joining us. Congratulations on qualifying for the PGA Championship at Southern Hills. Will this be your first major and can you walk us through what you’re most excited about?
Yes, first major. I am most excited for the experience and the opportunity to play such an amazing golf course.
You played great at Barton Creek in the PGA Club Professional. Was your game trending going in? What was working that week to get it done?
No trend with the game going into Barton Creek. I really tried to use the three practice rounds as an opportunity to break the winter rust off the game. I chipped and pitched it really well that week.
How long have you been at The Broadmoor in Seattle? Can you describe the club a little for us?
I have been at Broadmoor since 2008. Broadmoor is a parkland style golf course located in the heart of Seattle, and we will be celebrating our centennial in 2024.
Tell us a little about yourself. How did you get into the business and what is your favorite aspect of being a head professional? Can you walk us through your resume/career in golf?
I started playing at about 13 years old and really got the bug in high school. I played collegiate golf at Western Washington University, a Division II school located in Bellingham, WA. I got into the business because of my love for the game. I didn’t know where it would take me, but here I am. I love being a Head Golf Professional and helping others enjoy this game as much as I do.
Have you played Southern Hills previously? Will you have a specific game plan going in? What do you focus on during tournament play?
I have not played Southern Hills, but I know it will be my toughest test to date. My focus during the practice rounds will be to get comfortable chipping and pitching around the green complexes.
What was your all-time favorite day on the course? Describe the day.
I have experienced so many great memories on the course so far. One that stands out is from 2015; I played Kingsbarns in the morning and Carnoustie in the afternoon with amazing weather. The day happened to be my birthday, and I played well at both courses.
We’ve only been to the Pacific Northwest a handful of times. What makes the golf special in that corner of the country?
There are great golf courses in every corner of the US, but I think the blend of our mountains, water and trees make golf special in the PNW. Driving west into work, I see the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains. When I step foot on the 10th tee at Broadmoor, I look east towards the Cascade Mountains. There is nothing better than a fresh, cool and clear fall morning when you notice the snowcapped mountains to the east and west.
What’s your favorite time of day to play? What’s your favorite course and why?
I love to play early and “sweep dew” from the golf course. Too many good courses to have a favorite.
Any advice for aspiring PGM students and Assistant Professionals looking to become Head Professionals?
Treat others with the respect you would like to be shown and always look to improve. Also, if you really care, it will show.
Describe your personal style. Do you have a favorite Holderness & Bourne piece?
I would say my style is traditional. You will find me wearing a lot of blue and white polos. I prefer a quarter-zip to a sweater, but you will find me wearing a vest whenever possible. My favorite H&B piece is The King Vest.
