Women's History Month Featuring Kim Falcone, PGA
Join us this Women's History Month as we highlight the six women who serve on the Southern California PGA Board of Directors.
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH INTERVIEW
Kim Falcone, PGA
Director
La Jolla Country Club
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in golf, and how did you get started?
– My dad was a PGA Member and he is the person who inspired me to pursue a career in golf. I have been around golf my whole life and although I played competitively through college, I was an average player without the skills to continue as a tour player. I went to graduate school to attain my Master’s degree and I believed Elementary Education would be my career path. I honestly never considered a career in golf until I found myself with two degrees and no real teaching experience, struggling to secure a job. My dad suggested I get into the golf business so I sent my resume to the Gateway PGA with the intent of working as a Golf Shop Attendant for the summer to see if I liked it. Soon I received a call from the Head Professional at Bellerive Country Club in St. Louis asking me if I’d like to be an Assistant Pro. I was shocked to receive the call, but it was an amazing facility (the PGA Championship had just been held at Bellerive) and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to work there. I interviewed, got the job and my life as a Golf Professional began!
Q: What does it mean to you to serve on the SCPGA Board of Directors?
– My dad was very involved in the Iowa PGA when I was a child, including serving as Section President. He always found a way to give back to the game and I saw how rewarding it was for him. When I was asked to step up as an Independent Director seven years ago, I knew it was my chance to do the same. Serving on our Board of Directors means that I have the opportunity, through the goals of our Strategic Plan, to make a difference for our Members, our Associates, and our communities. I’ve been able to serve or chair seven different committees and it really opened my eyes to the wonderful things that our Board does for our Members and Associates. I appreciate the chance bring my voice and my experience to the Board Room and help create new, exciting programs for our Section. Ultimately, I find great satisfaction knowing that I am doing everything I can to give back to the game and make our Section stronger.
Q: What advice would you offer girls everywhere who are thinking about pursuing a career in the golf industry?
– Women are in high demand in the male-dominated golf business because there are so few of us…my PGA friends and I call ourselves unicorns! Women make up a large percentage of new golfers so golf courses and the industry overall are looking to have professional women present at their facilities to create a warm, welcoming environment for these new players. Having a career in golf has allowed me the flexibility to reach other goals in my life, such as raising a family, which is another attractive aspect of the industry. I would advise young women that there are endless opportunities for them in golf… teaching, green grass operations, administration, coaching, golf course ownership…the list goes on and on! I would share my story of how I ended up as a Golf Professional and how fun it is going to work every day, surrounded by others that love this game. I would express how rewarding it is to be able to make a difference in the lives of golfers, whether it’s through a golf clinic, fitting them for the correct clubs or just creating a positive experience for them at our Club. I would educate them on the benefits of PGA Membership and it still allows me to play competitively. Finally, I’d tell them that they will spend more time at their jobs than with family and friends so it’s really important to work in an industry that you love…and for me, there’s nothing that checks all the boxes better than a career in golf!
Q: What does it mean to you to be part of the 27% of women in the golf world in the United States? How does that number continue to grow?
– I have been in the golf industry for over 30 years and have seen many things change, especially for women, in that time. When I first turned Pro, there were still restrictions at many country clubs on when women were allowed to play and it was rare to have a female Professional on staff. I’m very proud to be a part of the 27% of women in golf and to do my part over the years to help facilitate growth in our game. I think we can continue to expand our numbers by promoting the golf business to high school age girls who love the game, but haven’t really figured out their career goals yet. Planting the seed early will help these girls consider a career in golf when the time is right, even if they play collegiately and professionally. I know for myself, if someone had presented that idea to me at an earlier age, perhaps I would have entered the golf business sooner.
Q: How do you think the golf industry can continue to support and encourage more women to pursue careers in the sport?
– I think career education is key. So many people still just think of the stereotypical job options in our industry, such as playing professionally, teaching and coaching. Getting the word out on the different career paths available and wonderful opportunities that the golf business has to offer will encourage more women to consider our industry. We should make our female PGA Members, who hold different positions in the industry, more visible in career promotions. Sharing their success stories will increase awareness of job opportunities and inspire more women to opt for a career in golf. If women who love golf see themselves in other women, they are more likely to choose that same path.
Q: Can you share a memorable experience or achievement in your golf career that has been especially meaningful to you?
– My most memorable experiences in my golf career were receiving phone calls from Jerry Tucker, Head Pro at Bellerive Country Club, and Pete Coe, Head Pro at La Jolla Country Club, offering me my only two jobs in the industry. Since I never dreamed of a golf career as a child, I still pinch myself that I have had the chance to work at these amazing facilities, for such great mentors (including LJCC’s current Head Pro, Clint Whitehill). This March, I celebrate an unbelievable 25 years at La Jolla…my career really is a dream come true!!
My most memorable achievement was being named the 2024 SCPGA Golf Professional of the Year. It was not something that I ever expected…as women, I think we are always trying to prove (to ourselves?) that we are worthy…and I never thought of myself as someone deserving of this recognition. In fact, I’m still blown away when I think about it!! To have my family, friends and colleagues in attendance to share the evening with me as I received this award was the highlight of my career. My father was the 1980 Iowa Golf Professional of the Year and it is such an honor to share this distinction with him. He passed away in 2008 and he was so proud that I became a PGA Member, just like him. It means the world to me to carry on his legacy, giving back to the game of golf, through the work I’ve done at my facility and within the SCPGA.