Bob Allen: Head PGA Golf Pro

Springfieldian Bob Allen, PGA professional, has been named golf pro at Branson’s newest and most innovative golf course, the Payne Stewart Golf Club at Branson Hills. His familiarity with the local market and an impressive career will be a tremendous plus, according to developer Rick Huffman.

“Bob Allen has the credentials and the dedication to take on this important function,” Huffman said, “and we are proud to welcome him on board to set the direction for this course that honors the memory of Payne Stewart.” Allen began his official duties November 1, 2006. The new course is currently under construction with an expected opening in the fall of 2007.

A Class A PGA professional with 20 years of club experience, Allen said this is the realization of a personal dream. “I’m very, very excited about the job,” he said, “and the opportunity to pass on (Payne Stewart’s) traits and generosity of spirit.” Stewart was killed in a plane crash in 1999 at the zenith of his career. The two were close personal friends.

Twice named the PGA Midwest Section Merchandiser of the year, Allen was nominated eight times for the award. He is a member of the Midwest Section PGA Senior Cup Team, and was twice named Pro-Pro Champion in the Midwest Section.

Bob Allen: PGA Professional

Allen said his early goals for the club include building membership value and reaching out to the local community the way Stewart himself might. “He brought more good one-on-one than anyone I’ve ever known,” Allen said. “Payne had an endearing personality and when he shook your hand, you knew he was your buddy, because he could touch each individual and that’s what I want for each member.”
The Payne Stewart Golf Club is being designed by another professional player and CBS Sports commentator Bobby Clampett, in conjunction with his partner Chuck Smith. The 18-hole course is inspired by Stewart’s much-admired character traits with a plaque at each hole addressing a different trait.

Clampett’s design preserves much of the wild beauty of the natural setting, Allen said. “I’m big on believing that when somebody leaves a golf course, they should be able to take away something special from each one,” he said. He described the setting just north of Branson on U.S. Hwy. 65 as “one of the most perfect pieces of land” he’s ever seen for a golf course.

“Bob Allen brings to the course the ability to work with all levels of players and bring out the best in them,” said Mark Elgin of Branson Hills Development Co., Inc. “He has strong ties with the area and enjoys getting involved in charity events,” Elgin said. Branson Hills Development is a one of the largest regional real estate developers in the Midwest.

A Message from Bob:

2-8-08

The Buzz about Payne Stewart Golf Club is growing!

At the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Florida last month, I had the opportunity to see and hear first-hand the Golf Industry’s knowledge of our Payne Stewart Golf Club project.

A meeting with the PGA President Brian Whitcomb stunned me with his exuberance and our anticipated involvement with the Ryder Cup and his respect for Payne and his family.  He is very aware of our Golf Course and will be visiting in the future.  This is the most prestigious mover and shaker in the Golf Industry, and his warmth and regard for the Payne Stewart Golf Club’s unique concept, honoring the life and legacy of Payne was certainly a highlight and encouraging moment of the week.  He wants to bring Payne’s Spirit to the Ryder Cup Team and is anticipating a stirring victory for the United States Team.

The PSGC is also on the radar of the National Golf Media.  I was stopped numerous times by people noticing my prominently logoed apparel and they all wanted to know when they can play the course.  Golf Digest raters will be visiting throughout the remainder of 2008 to rate the course for our already nominated Best Course of 2009 designation.  Bradley Klein from GOLFWEEK is interested in a visit in the fall.  I was honored to be selected for a TOP PGA Professional panel on the PGA stage before a few thousand attendees.  Hosted by the Golf Channel, this cracker barrel session discussed trends and merchandising techniques and was followed by audience questions.

The Clubhouse is beautiful and is on schedule for May completion.  The Golf Course continues to take shape and is fitting comfortably into the beautiful property of Branson Hills.  The challenging green complexes and rolling approaches will be a golfer’s dream with many interesting shots from around the green being created.  I am anxious to teach and practice the vital shots that will be needed.   I am excited to hear the word, “FORE” as soon as possible.  You are invited to visit and ask the Guard at the Main Gate for directions to view the progress.

Membership offerings are being well received and I encourage you to contact me regarding being involved in the Payne Stewart Golf Club. 
Visit our website, www.paynestewartgolfclub.com for an overview of Membership opportunities.

On a personal note, I fortunately made a Hole-In-One on January 12th at Bill and Payne Stewart Golf Course in Springfield.   The 195 yard, 4 iron never left the flagstick and was witnessed and financed by Shawn Freeman and Brad Heavin, my fellow PGA Professional brothers and my best friend Charlie Fuhr.  I continue to be blessed serendipitously by my angel, Payne.  The Ace was the first of 2008 in Springfield.  And yes, it was cold!

Think Good Swings,