About Larry
“Larry epitomizes what an ally, friend, facilitator and PGA professional is and their impact within a community. Having known Larry for the last 20 years, I can attest to his character, passion, commitment and loyalty. He has an incredible talent of bringing people together for the betterment of the game and industry and it has greatly influenced the collaboration and advancement within our region.”
Jesse Menachem - Executive Director, Mass Golf
My Origin In Golf
My journey into a career in golf began in 1992, and it was entirely unexpected. At the time, I was finishing college with plans to pursue a profession in real estate or insurance. That changed when I met a PGA Member who saw potential in me that I hadn’t yet recognized in myself. While I loved the game, I simply wasn’t aware that becoming a golf professional was a viable career path.
This Member invited me to work for him at Crown Point Country Club in Vermont. He noticed that I enjoyed connecting with people, built relationships naturally, and carried myself with professionalism. Working for someone who genuinely cared about my success made a lasting impact on me. Over the past thirty-four years, that early mentorship has influenced every position I’ve held. I have always made it a priority to invest in my team and help others grow, striving to build people up so they can reach their full potential
"Golf is the game; connection is the business."
I am in the friend’s business…
We are all in the friend’s business.
Stepping Into Leadership
In 1996, shortly after being elected to membership, I began my long-standing involvement in governance. It started when I was asked to serve as the Education Chairman for the Vermont Chapter. I can still vividly remember a seminar we hosted on golf course architecture and construction; we spent hours walking through rain and mud, getting completely soaked. Despite the weather, I remember the genuine camaraderie and the shared excitement of learning exactly what goes into building a golf course.
Since that first volunteer role, I have always embraced the opportunity to serve. When the Vermont Chapter asked me to represent them as a Director at the Section level, I accepted without hesitation. That 'yes' led to further leadership roles, first as Vice President and then as President of our Section. Each step of the way, I have deepened my commitment to the membership, dedicating myself to improving the professional landscape for every NEPGA member.
Building a Team
My leadership within our association is no accident. I have worked hard to lead at every level. From working at five different green-grass facilities to managing large territories for multiple equipment manufacturers. In 2009, during one of the most challenging economic periods of the last twenty-five years, I started my own golf car distributorship. Under my guidance, Five Star Golf Cars became one of the largest distributors in the United States. That success was built on solid leadership, a dedicated team, a clear go-to-market strategy, and a constant effort to leverage my relationships within the industry.
In 2023, I made the decision to sell my company, which has allowed me to fully commit to Section leadership and governance at the national level. It has given me the freedom to say 'yes' to the work that matters most.
Being a PGA Member, and more importantly, a leader, has served me in every position I have held. Working in governance has sharpened my leadership skills, and I now look forward to helping others grow, strengthening our association, and bringing people together for the benefit of all PGA Professionals. This campaign is about us. In the coming months, I am excited to hear from my fellow members as we discuss how to elevate our association for the betterment of every professional. I cherish the opportunity to serve you.