Gary Schaal
President, Owner/Operator and Builder of Golf Courses
PGA of America Hall of Fame
Favorite Core Value: Honesty
“If we have honesty, many of the other core values get absorbed with the principle. At a time when we as a nation have let honesty slip a bit, it is even more imperative that we place an emphasis on honesty so those who follow us will be responsible for behavior around them.”
On Mentoring:
“Mentoring is the willingness of current leaders to share and shape others, particularly young people, with the traits they have learned and used to build moral, honest and eager leaders for tomorrow.”
Gary Schaal began his golf career in 1973 as a PGA assistant professional at Myrtle Beach National Golf Club after serving as a captain in the U.S. Air Force. Since 1976 he has been President, Owner/Operator and Builder of golf courses in South Carolina, Mississippi, Texas, Michigan and Virginia. Of the many courses Gary either built or served as a consultant on, he retains co-ownership of four:
- Wicked Stick Golf Links- Surfside Beach, SC
- Indigo Creek Golf Club –Murrells Inlet, SC
- Diamond Back Golf Club –North Myrtle Beach, SC
- Cannon Ridge Golf Club –Fredericksburg, VA
Schaal was a member of the Carolina PGA Board of Directors from 1976-85, and served as President in his last two years. He would go on to become a PGA of America Officer from 1988-95 and serve as President there as well. His many honors include:
- Carolinas PGA Hall of Fame
- PGA of America Hall of Fame
- Ohio Wesleyan University Sports Hall of Fame
- Carolinas Golf Writers Hall of Fame
- PGA Legend Inductee
- Father of The Year- Golf Digest