Informational Interview

Marty Parkes, the United States Golf Association's Senior Director of Communications, graciously took time out of his busy schedule to talk with me about his job and responsibilities with the goverening body of golf in the United States ... Below is the full transcript of the interview.

Tell me how you got started in this field

“There is not an exact science in getting in the business. I played a lot of amateur golf. I went to Trinity College where I got a BA in economics. I became a trained communication specialist and golf happened to be in the industry for me. We have a variety of people with many different backgrounds that work in the organization.”

What are the basic prerequisites for jobs in this field

“You have to be willing to learn, know the subject matter. Need good communication skills – written, speaking and the most important one is listening. We are a national governing body, so you have to listen from a variety of people. We are the eyes and ears of the USGA.”

What are the daily duties of the job or describe a typical day for you

“Most days are spent at USGA headquarters. I attend the U.S. Open and the U.S. Women’s Open each year. I try to get to the smaller events sometimes. I talk to others in the organization, I spend 25 percent reading about what’s going on in the golf world, 25 percent talking on the phone, writing press releases and drafting speeches.”

What part of this job do you find most challenging

“Managing the time is very challenging. I spend a great deal of time with people who report to me on a daily basis.”

What are the toughest problems you deal with

“When the media is focused on a negative of the USGA and the most frustrating problem is when the media has made up its mind on an issue and they will not listen to what you are presenting them from your viewpoint.”

What part of this job do you find most challenging

“Ensuring a smooth transition with technology. The way we send stuff out is totally different these days. It used to be mailed, then faxed. Now all we do is e-mail, put stuff on the web and use so much technology - Integrating Technology.

Does your career require a great deal of mobility

“It requires a lot of mobility. One, golf is a spread out sport. I travel to both Open tournaments and they are at different venues across the nation. I am very lucky to have a very understanding spouse and family because golf is played majority on weekends.”

What do you find most rewarding about this work

“I don’t know of another activity or sport that attracts the quality of people that golf does. Working with an association that has a great deal of values toward a sport and respect for the past.”

Where do you see yourself going in a few years

“I hope I am still here and that the USGA needs me to be around. This is my tenth year here and I find it very rewarding and challenging everyday.”

What trends do you see for this industry in the next 3 to 5 years

“There are many challenges with the golf industry from an economic standpoint. Golf takes up a lot of time to play and the cost of play. Time is in short supply. I see us trying to get more people learning the game of golf. Revenues from our television contracts and ticket sales amount to the financial return and investment back in to the game of golf.”

What experience, paid or volunteer, would you recommend?

“”Start wherever you can – at the regional, state or local levels. The USGA provides P.J. Boatwright internships on the state level. There are so many volunteer opportunities in golf. If you look in the sports page, you will find many local tournaments that need all kinds of volunteers. It is important to get out there to see if you like it because there is a lot of glamour from the outside.

How do I go about volunteering at the upcoming U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur held at Old Waverly in West Point, Miss.

“The guy that will be the media contact for that event is Ken Klavon, who is out internet coordinator. I will be glad to pass along your contact information to him with your interest in the event. We sometimes get in touch with the local colleges to see if there is anyone interested in helping out that week.”

What are some of your responsibilities at the events

“I am the main media contact at each championship. We have a representative at each event that is associated with the USGA. We have a media center set up at each event which is manned by the USGA.