Warren Pitman, Owner and Operator of Bougainvillea Golf Club

Today’s interview is with Warren Pitman, General Manager of Bougainvillea Golf Club in Laveen, Arizona. Bougainvillea is my home course and I love to play there so much that I also work there part time. In my time spent there I have enjoyed working for and getting to know Warren, a down-to-earth guy, a great player and has done a great job improving Bougainvillea Golf Club. Warren and his wife recently had another baby and he has been very busy running the couse and chasing two little ones but I was able to pin him down long enough to get this interview. Read on…

TST: When did you first pick up the game and how long have you been playing for?

Warren: I first picked up the game when we moved to Arizona in 1976. I was 7 years old and my dad moved our family to Belair golf course in Glendale. I really started playing competitively around 10 yrs old.

In the 1988-89 season, your freshman year, Tulsa achieved a national ranking for the first time in the team’s history, as The Hurricane ranked as high as 14th nationally and stayed in the top 20 teams in the nation throughout your tenure there. What was your freshman year like and what was it like being a part of that team?

Warren: My freshman year was great. I met many great individuals and coaches. We had a good team. I went to Tulsa because I knew I had an opportunity to play immediately where as if I went to ASU where I had a spot with Coach Loy I would end up riding the pine a couple 3 years.

TST: Did you know what to expect going into college golf? More and more players are skipping college to turn pro like Michelle Wie and Ty Tyron, what experiences did you have or gain by playing college golf that you feel kids are missing out on?

Warren: I didn’t know what to expect and what I got was definitely more. I think it’s unfortunate players don’t go to college. It was definitely the most fun time of my life and there weren’t any “real” responsibilities like actually make a living and supporting a family. In a recent interview I think Tiger admitted regret for not finishing college. They miss out on the chance to just play for the love of the game. I think when you get to the level they are it becomes very business oriented and not about having fun.

TST: I imagine you traveled a lot during your season. How much did it affect your studies?

Warren: It was awesome to be able to travel and have the university pick up most of the bill. We traveled to four events in the fall and nine in the spring not counting regionals or NCAA. College is great because they have so many classes that you are able to set your schedule. I was able to plan a schedule that didn’t conflict with tournaments very frequently and when they did the professors were understanding. I didn’t spend enough time studying but I had the time.

TST: In 1990 you were an U.S. Open participant, what an amazing experience that must have been! Can you describe your emotions before, during, and after the event?

Warren: Before the event I had to qualify! What a great experience. I qualified through two stages a local stage in Oklahoma City and a regional stage at Bay Hill. I was playing well at the time and I think I am a streaky player. Fortunately for me the timing was good. I played my regional practice round with Michael Bradley. I knew I was going to have a good week when I made my first and only hole-in-one so far on number 14. The next day I was playing with a PGA tour player at the time Mike Sinclair (I think). Everything seemed relatively easy as it does when you play well. I shot 67. Very excited I called my dad to tell him. The next round was a struggle to say the least. I started it by chunking my second shot to number one. I was thinking Oh S%@#! I barely got on the green with my third on a short par 4 but proceeded to drain about a 30-footer for par. I continued scrambling for the next 14 holes.

On the 16th hole I hit a great drive and was two over for the second round right on the cut line. I was sitting about 240 out to the island green par five. All I could do was project missing the cut. I also thought I should just lay up and make birdie with a sand wedge in my hand. Of course I hadn’t hit a decent sand wedge the whole second 18. I said “F#@% it” and roped a tour cleek just on the front slope and was lucky it didn’t roll back into the water. I made an easy birdie and confidence came flooding back. I proceeded to knock a 3-iron 15 feet on the 17th hole about 215 yards and made an easy par. 18 I was nervous as hell and was lucky to find the right side of the fairway. The pin was back right over the water. I knew a par is what I needed to advance otherwise I’d be in a playoff. I hit a 7-iron to about nine feet below the hole and made the putt to finish even for the second round and 5-under tied with Phil for low amateur. WOW!

TST: You had a couple of birdies too, how did that feel?

Warren: During the event I was not experienced enough and let my thoughts wander too much resulting in a mental game struggle that hammered me. I remember being so excited during the event but also frustrated and depressed about playing so poorly. I did make a few birdies as your question suggests. I made two consecutive birdies the first day 13 and 14. I birdied 14 the second day as well. I regret not taking advantage of my player pass and watching the rest of the tournament. I was embarrassed about playing so poorly and didn’t want to hang around. What a kid thing to do.

TST: The USGA loves to test players and their skills at the U.S. Opens by making the course setups difficult. Where was the U.S. Open held that year and how was the course setup?

Warren: The Open was held at Medinah CC and yes the course was set up difficult. Narrow fairways and high rough. Fast greens don’t bother me too much. I didn’t have a three putt after my opening hole, but I also didn’t hit very many greens. I shot 163 and missed the cut by 16 shots.

TST: Who was the winner that year?

Warren: Hale Irwin. That win made him the oldest U.S. Open winner.

TST: How many times did you try to qualify for the event? When did you stop trying and why? Seeing Oline Browne shoot a 59 to qualify and watching Jason Gore play in the last group this year can be very inspiring. Knowing what you know now and seeing players like this, have you ever thought of trying to qualify again?

Warren: I always think about qualifying again and it is inspiring to see guys make it to The Open. I think it has actually become a little easier because the local qualifier is only 18 holes now. I haven’t tried for several years and do plan on trying again. When I am able to get Bougainvillea to a certain point I plan to play much more golf.

TST: What tips or advice can you give to players looking to qualify for the U.S. Open?

Warren: Enjoy every minute. Live in the moment and don’t project outcomes but play each shot with confidence. Be ready to hit the shot and know how it will turn out before drawing the club back!

TST: When and why did you stop playing professionally? How was your transition from player to working at golf courses?

Warren: The transition from playing to working wasn’t difficult. Personally I wasn’t interested in playing too much. I think that when you compete at a high level and you realize that you’re not competing at that level then it isn’t as fun to play. Working on the business end and being able to relate with all of your customers in their struggles, highs and lows with the game etc enable good public relations. Understanding the game and how courses should be help with what customers expect in a golf operation.

TST: What education did you receive to prepare yourself for golf course operations? Did you become a Class A member of the PGA? Are you happy with the career path that you have taken?

Warren: I have a Communications degree from the University of Tulsa with an emphasis in Public Relations and a minor in Marketing. I received a Class A membership and am currently a member of the PGA of America. I am happy with the career path and hope to continue to be happy.

TST: How did you get the job as Head Golf Pro at Willow Creek Country Club in Oklahoma City, OK?

Warren: I was an assistant at the Tulsa Country Club in Tulsa where I got my Class A. Traditionally once golf professionals get their Class A they begin looking for Head Professional positions. I was fortunate to get the job in Spring of 98. Tulsa Country Club is a premier Club in the state and being such makes it easier to get to Head Professional positions.

TST: What brought you from Oklahoma to Arizona?

Warren: I had the opportunity to become a golf course owner and get back to this great state where I grew up. Not much else needs to be said about that.

TST: How did you become Owner & Operator of Bougainvillea Golf Club? Is Bougainvillea your only endeavor or are there more courses planned?

Warren: It started when I saw an ad in our section newsletter in Oklahoma. Springfield, in Chandler, AZ, was for sale so I contacted my family and told them about it and thought investing in a golf course in Arizona may be a good idea. We did our due diligence and passed on the Springfield venture. Steve Dallas, a friend of ours, knew other courses that were for sale so he took my wife and I on a tour around the valley and discussed the different course. Bougainvillea seemed like a winner and with a lot more potential over the long term. As far as other projects we would love to look and possibly repeat what we’re accomplishing at Bougainvillea.

TST: Is Bougainvillea Golf Club a public or private course? What advantages do you have with this type of course?

Warren: Bougainvillea does offer memberships but is a public course and I think that by being such gives us more flexibility in the operation and the ability to make improvements on our schedule versus a private membership.

TST: Originally built in 1993 as a 36-hole course, Dan Pohl is the original course designer of Bougainvillea and is doing well on the Champions Tour right now. Would you like to have him come back to Bougainvillea to see the course now?

Warren: I’d love it if Dan wanted to come see the course and what it has become since he first designed it. I’d also like to play a round of golf with him if he does come back to the course.

TST: Bougainvillea is known for its bargain prices but some former patrons are a little distraught that 18 holes were eliminated at the club. How has this affected you marketing and managing the course?

Warren: I don’t think that the people that are distraught have played the course since it was converted into 18 holes. If they have they would easily see how much better the one combined course is than its 36-hole predecessor. Even though I never saw the first 36 I do know that the best nine holes from each was used for the one 18 hole course currently called Bougainvillea Golf Club. Former Director of Golf, Kurt Greve said “We took out 18 of the best holes from the original 36. They’re the holes that flowed well together, including some holes from each course.” – I completely agree.

TST: From an owner’s perspective what’s the difference with managing 18 versus 36 holes, was the work simply doubled?

Warren: I have not operated a 36-hole facility. However, it is not a matter of doubling the work. I think it is an expansion of each department that substantially increase the number of workers but not to the point of doubling up.

TST: Recently the drainage in bunkers was enhanced and new shorter tee boxes are being added. What other changes have been made to the course since you have taken over operations? Can you tell us about some future enhancements with the course and practice areas?

Warren: We have renovated the bunkers, added two on-course restrooms, added much needed drainage, planted many new trees for added character, built new tee boxes, and switched the nines. We are adding a practice bunker and expanding our chipping/pitching green. We are planning to light the driving range depending on several outside factors. We are planning to add a fairway practice bunker and additional practice greens. On the course we plan to redesign a couple of holes to help with the pace of play and we plan to continually improve the course conditions.

TST: More and more courses around the world are “Tiger Proofing” their courses. Do you see technology, the conditioning of golfers or something else to the blame? Do you foresee any of this affecting Bougainvillea Golf Club?

Warren: I think it’s great! I think it is a combination of the above that is causing players to get better and better. I don’t think courses should do anything and I like to see low numbers shot and I like to shoot low numbers. None of this will effect Bougainvillea. If we want to make our course hard to play it’s easy. It’s easy for any course, grow the rough, narrow the fairways and dry out the greens so their hard and fast and tuck the pins. But who wants to play on a course that beats your brains in?

TST: How about the clubhouse and restaurant, what changes have you recently made there? What do you have planned for these areas?

Warren: We switched the pro shop from the east side to the west side making a new banquet hall and increasing exposure to the grill area by forcing everyone to see it. We are planning to pump music inside and outside the clubhouse. We are planning on renovating the outside area to create a functional outdoor eating area with added amenities like an outdoor fireplace.

TST: How about your staff, being a former Head Golf Pro yourself, what qualities did you see in Ken Ehlen that helped you keep him as the Head Golf Pro at Bougainvillea?

Warren: Ken had been the head pro at Bougainvillea for 8 years before we took over. Many people came to us and let us know that he was worth keeping around. He knew the guests and many of them spoke highly of him. We didn’t find Ken he came with the deal. He does a super job and hopefully he will be able to help us grow and expand as we look for other courses to own and operate.

TST: You also brought on a new Superintendent and you seem to be very happy with Robert Ortiz. How much weight do you place on Roberts’s shoulders for the care and condition of the course?

Warren: I have to give the credit for finding the new superintendent to Steve Dallas. He knew he’d do a good job and he has. I help Robert by giving him the tools to do his job the best he can. We can’t provide everything he needs but he’s very thrifty. We go around the course together frequently and discuss the different things I would like to see from a players perspective. He also has many ideas and runs with them and the course has come a long way with him in a relatively short period.

TST: Can you tell us about the toughest obstacless you’ve had in managing Bougainvillea Golf Club? How have you been able to overcome them?

Warren: The summer months are the biggest obstacles. I think that the way to overcome them is to start promoting our great rates now that will be available over the summer. I started a Frequent Player Program that will allow us keep our name out in front so that if they do decide to play they play at Bougainvillea. I am constantly working on ways to increase the amount of rounds played here and believe that expenses are easier to cut than revenue is to produce

TST: Finally, what are your three favorite courses that you have played?

Warren: Southern Hills Golf Club, Cedar Ridge and of course, Bougainvillea Golf Club

I wanted to thank Warren again for taking time our of his busy schedule and life to complete this article for us and I’ll see you at the course!