Bill Hall
Golf Director, Charlotte Country Club
By Bill F. Hensley
 |
Bill Hall
Golf Director, Charlotte Country Club |
CHARLOTTE—Bill Hall first picked up a golf club when he was 13, liked what he had discovered, and began thinking of a career in the game he loved, giving up his high school baseball and football career in the process.
His dream came true, and during the past 30 years he has established a colorful and distinguished reputation as one of golf’s tops club professionals.
Hall is Golf Director at the Charlotte Country Club, a prestigious position that has put him in the limelight for creating and directing a versatile and enviable program at the 100-year-old club.
His daily activities are varied and challenging and range from steady member play on a Donald Ross classic course, conducting clinics and giving individual instruction, buying merchandise for an active golf shop, and administrative chores. Hall directs a staff of 20.
A noted player, he even finds time during a long and active day to get on the course with members and guests.
“I love what I do,” he said with a grin, “and playing is an enjoyable part of my duties. But I love to teach, too, and look forward to that.” A popular instructor, Hall averages around three hours a day on the practice range with students.
A Wilkes Barre, Pa., native, Hall came South to attend Campbell University on a golf scholarship. He won the Atlantic Christian Invitational, played in two NAIA championships and made the All-District team to highlight his college career.
He began his golf career right out of college as an assistant pro at the Merion Golf Club and later moved to the Oakmont Club where he gained valuable experience at two of the nation’s best-known clubs. It didn’t take long for his credentials to be noticed, and he was named Head Golf Professional at the Dataw Island Club in Beaufort, SC in 1984. He remained there for 12 years before taking over the Charlotte CC position in 1996.
His tenure at Charlotte has been memorable and highlighted by his leadership during two major tournaments: the 2000 USGA Senior Amateur championship and the 2010 USGA Women’s Amateur, both of which were big successes. But he came well prepared, having been the host assistant pro at the 1983 US Open championship at Oakmont.
“It takes a good team to host such events,” he offered, “because there’s a lot of hard work and time involved. But our efforts worked to perfection with a talented and dedicated staff during both tournaments. It was an enjoyable experience.”
“Bill Hall is the consummate golf professional,” said Damon DiOrio, the Charlotte Country Club’s chief executive officer. “He always projects and impeccable presence in his interactions with members and guests, and he is man of the highest ethical and moral standards.”
Hall, 55, has had a number of exciting times over the years, including playing with such notables as Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson, winning six professional tournaments, shooting a 64 for his all-time low, and meeting a number of golf celebrities. He also ran in two marathons and is an enthusiastic fitness buff.
His only disappointment was never playing in a PGA tour event, missing by one shot at the old IVB Classic in Philadelphia.
“I’m probably lucky that I didn’t qualify,” he remarked, “because that may have led me away from what I really wanted to do as a club professional.”
A PGA Master Professional, Hall is proud of the fact that 14 of his former assistants have become Head Professionals. “It is challenging to wear many hats as a teacher, player, administrator, businessman and whatever,” he said, “but one of the most gratifying is to be known as a mentor.”
He has been married to the former Cheryl Morgan of Yemassee, SC, for 24 years and is the father of two sons, Rob, 19, and Charlie, 17, both of whom have a keen interest in golf as well as other sports.
When there is a break in his busy schedule, Hall enjoys working out and riding his bike. He also is an avid follower of the stock market and an astute investor.
As he looks ahead, Hall knows that golf and other leisure activities face an uncertain future since play is down over the past few years. “We have to become better promoters and work with our younger players if the game is to grow and prosper. That is challenge we must win.”
And so it is. But the game is in good hands with the likes of Bill Hall, a proven winner.
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