Black History Month Member Spotlight – Geoff Dean, PGA

Ontario, California: The SCPGA interviewed Geoff Dean, PGA in honor of Black History Month for his achievements thus far in the golf industry.

Geoff is a native of Southern California and began playing golf at 10 years old. Dean grew up as an athlete playing many sports. He got into golf by fluke when his friend introduced him to the game. His family later became members of PGA West in La Quinta, CA  He graduated from the University of San Diego with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, whilst competing on the university’s golf team. Two days after graduating, Geoff played in his first professional event. He made numerous starts across multiple tours including the American, Canadian, and Mexican PGA Tour. After 6 years competing professionally, Geoff turned to teaching in 1995 at Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort and began his journey of becoming a PGA Member. 

Through his professional career, Geoff embarked on multiple career paths in golf management, teaching, and competition. He held the position as Director of Sales at Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort in 1998. In 2003 Dean won the Southern California Section Championship. This achievement granted Dean access to three PGA Tour events in 2004.

In 2007, he also turned to a career in TV and Media with NBC.  He hosted the TV segment, ‘Inside Valley Golf’ at KMIR 6 in Palm Springs. He also joined forces with Tanya McRae to co-partner the TV show ‘Spotlight on the Desert’.

In 2011 Geoff turned back to teaching as the Director of Sales and Marketing and The Director of Instruction at Escena Golf Club in Palm Springs, CA. 

Outside of golf, Geoff is an avid skier, mountain climber and scuba diver. Growing up him and his family were part of the largest Black ski organization in the country. He is also a lover of water activities. Geoff has a son, Jackson, who is a national acclaimed actor. In 2018, Jackson won the National Shakespeare Competition in New York at the Lincoln Center. 

Currently, Geoff serves as the Director of Player Development for PGA West; a position he was promoted to in 2016 after teaching at the PGA West Golf Academy from 2013.

We asked Geoff, what does it mean to be a Black man in the golf industry today?

“I stand on the tee today where I teach, where my dad and I used to hit balls [PGA West]. To be able to be the Director of a club that initially did not welcome my family, is remarkable. Where we started and where I am now with how the golf industry has progressed is something that should be recognized”. 

Dean finished with, “I ask myself constantly, have I done enough? I look at a multitude of people in our culture who have made an impact like Barack and MLK and I wonder who have I really impacted? I’m deeply proud of what I’ve accomplished, however there’s more to be done.” – Geoff Dean, PGA