Below is an interview with Joe Massanova, the Director of Business Development at TPC Las Vegas. The following are a few traditional and non traditional golf centric questions that I love to ask influential people in the golf industry.
Can you provide our readers a brief biography? I have loved golf since the age of 6, even when it wasn't cool......... Moving from NJ to AZ I attended ASU with Phil Mickelson. When I realized I could make a living in the golf industry, I jumped at the chance, selling golf vacations in AZ. After years of selling golf vacations and working at a golf resort, I transitioned to work for the PGA TOUR. Gaining experience as a Tournament Coordinator at the TPC Scottsdale, I was given an opportunity to work as the Sales and Marketing Director for TPC Las Vegas. After years of success, I went to work at TPC Jasna Polana as the National Group Sales Manager for the TPC Network. Successfully launching that new position, I retained my original position and true passion....working as the Director of Business Development at the TPC Las Vegas.
When did you start golfing and who introduced you to the game? I started golfing at the age of 6 after being given a few clubs that didn't sell from a local garage sale. As a child, miniature golf down at the Jersey Shore was a favorite past time. I have not stopped loving the game since then.
What is your current home course? TPC Las Vegas
To date, what is your proudest golf accomplishment? Being recognized as the sales and Marketing Director for the TPC Network in 2005, 2006 and 2014 as well as 40 under 40 Young Professionals Award in Las Vegas 2006. Also........playing Pine Valley...a childhood dream.
What is your biggest golf pet peeve on or off the course? Ignorance
What is your favorite club in your bag and why? Hybrid...off the tee, in the rough, from the fairway or around the green. Many uses and new technology makes it a fun club to play.
What is your favorite golf destination? Ireland
What course is on your bucket list that you have not played yet? Augusta National
If you woke up tomorrow and could play one course you played before, where would you play? Royal County Down
If you could change one aspect, rule or thing about golf, what would it be and why? Faster Pace of Play...it shouldn't take over 3 hours.
Dream foursome (living)? My family
Dream foursome (living or dead)? My Family
18 Rapid Fire, Off The Cuff Questions
1) Hitting Long Drive OR Sinking Long Putt? Long Putt2) Having Round of Life OR Hole in One? Hole in one
3) Golfing at the crack of dawn OR twilight? Twilight
4) Hit a power fade OR power draw? Draw
5) Beverage cart OR halfway house? Beverage Cart
6) Bathroom OR bushes? Bathroom
7) Hot dog OR wrap? Hot Dog
8) Around the green, being in sand OR thick rough? Sand
9) Walking OR riding? Walking
10) Do you carry traditional 3 iron OR hybrid? Hybrid
11) Do you prefer long par 3 OR long par 5? Par 3's
12) Pants OR Shorts? Pants
13) Palmer OR Nicklaus? Palmer
14) Beatles OR Elvis? Beatles
15) Play for fun OR play for money? Fun
16) Bump and run OR flop shot? Bump
17) Lay up OR gamble? Gamble
18) 18 holes OR 36? 18
