Contributed by Chip Gist:
GolfAustin.org is proud to partner with many fantastic individuals that make golfing in Austin so special.The following is one in a series of interviews conducted to highlight some of these individuals.
Laura Gunia – General Manager at Falconhead Golf Club
Name: Laura Gunia, PGA
Facility: Falconhead Golf Club
Position: General Manager
Hometown: Alliance, Nebraska
GA: How long have you been the General Manager at Falconhead?
LG: Since June , 2011
GA: What’s the best thing about Falconhead?
LG: The Golf Course. It’s a Championship course with a championship feel. The conditions match the layout. And it’s a favorite of the Texas Golf Association and the United States golf Association to conduct Championship qualifiers.
GA: How do you and the team at Falconhead help grow the game of golf?
LG: We provide as much access to junior golfers as possible though tournaments, high school practice and affordable memberships. We support and promote a strong ladies league for much of the year. And we provide leadership with many charity tournaments helping them achieve their fund raising goals. We pride ourselves on taking an active role with the tournaments that are held here so we can use our experience to help them raise funds for their charity.
GA: Other than Falconhead, what’s your favorite course in the world?
LG: Firethorn Golf Club in Lincoln, Nebraska. I used to work there and it’s a Pete Dye design I wouldn’t mind playing every day.
GA: How do you use technology to manage your golf operation?
LG: Our tee sheet is online and our staff, including the starters and marshals, are all connected (Laptops and Ipads) so everyone knows which players have checked in, what time they teed off and what time they made the turn. It’s crucial that the entire staff has this information real time so we can manage the Pace of Play.
GA: Do you prefer……
Cats or Dogs?
LG: Dogs
GA: Country or Rock?
LG: Country
GA: City or Country?
LG: City
GA: What are 3 things an amateur golfer should do if they want to lower their handicap in the short term?
LG: Well first, consult your local PGA Professional to make a plan. A major part of that plan should be practicing and primarily practicing the finesse part of the game. The short game. Amateurs have to spend some time practicing so they have to make that time if they want results. Lastly, they have to play. Get on the course for 2 holes, 9 holes, whatever. Amateurs have to compete against themselves. They need a measuring tool to define personal bests.
GA: Thanks for your time and what you do for golf in Austin.
LG: Thank you. It’s an honor.
