Employee Spotlight: Mark Gurnow, General Manager
The success of our private golf course community in Phoenix, AZ is due in part to our incredible staff. Here at Superstition Mountain Golf and Country Club, we want to showcase the amazing talent we have on our team. Before hitting the links, get to know General Manager and golf industry veteran, Mark Gurnow, in his own words.
Where did you grow up?
Born in Montgomery, Alabama and raised in St. Augustine, Florida. Just an old red neck kid from the south.
You began golfing at age 9 – what got you into the game? Did you start playing with a family member?
I started playing golf by going to the golf course with my parents. Both my mother and father played golf every Sunday and would drag me around with them. So, after some time I picked up a golf club and just started hitting a golf ball once in a while. I started playing in earnest when at the golf course I met another kid who turned out to be my best friend. Both of our parents played golf and we decided that together we would learn how to play. We spent every summer day getting dropped off at the course by one of our parents and playing golf all day long. We would play two to three rounds a day, every day, until about the age of 13. After that we split our time between caddying and playing all summer.
What are your hobbies?
Automobiles, auto racing (watching and participating), Attending Diamondbacks baseball games when possible.
Are you involved with any charities?
Volunteer your time or serve on any boards? I currently sit on the Board of a children’s cancer charity, The Melonhead Foundation. I have been on their board for more than 20 years. I started and ran a charity event for the organization in 1995 at Las Sendas Golf Club. The charity provides assistance through grants to families with children battling childhood cancers. It was started by my then sister-in-law after she lost a daughter to leukemia. It is a grass roots charity helping local families.
How long have you worked in this industry?
Since 1980 and I have been a PGA member since 1982.
In your opinion, what is the best thing about Superstition Mountain Golf & Country Club or about working for Superstition?
The owners and members are passionate about the club. Clubs are businesses and I am charged with running this business. The needs and wants of business and the needs and wants of members don’t always align, and are sometimes even opposed. Good business decisions don’t always bring immediate member satisfaction but may be good in the long run. Here, our members and owner understand that sometimes there is a give and take to make the club successful and sustainable.
What sets Superstition Mountain Golf & Country Club apart from other private golf course communities in the U.S.?
The true sense of community here is special. No clicks or groups exist within the club which can often be divisive. Life here is casual and comfortable and all about friends. As a club, we continue to grow our offerings for members. We are the place they come first to look for things to do. We have expanded our club activities to theater trips, art shows and even escorted evenings off-property for dancing and entertainment. We are the center of our members’ entertainment.
What is your favorite course or hole at Superstition? Why?
My favorite hole at Superstition Mountain is number six on Lost Gold. It is not a hole that many would claim to be their favorite, but I think the shot into that green when the pin is tucked on the back right corner is the most fun shot on the golf course. In fact, I think it's the most fun shot on both golf courses. If you hit a good drive on number six, you'll have a short iron in and when that pin is in the back you have to carry it over a bunker and land on a firm green that falls off on the backside. It is a great birdie opportunity but can also yield a share of bogeys with a miss hit second.
Over the years, how have you seen the club change? The club has changed in the same ways a lot of the industry has changed. We have gone from being a club that focuses only on golf to being a club that focuses on a lifestyle for our members. When I first arrived at the club there were minimal social events and the dining room would often be empty in the evenings. With new activities comes new energy around the club. We have a full-time events coordinator here that keeps the club active every day and often there are multiple events going on at the same time and people actually have to choose between the various offerings. We have members comparing the club to being on a cruise ship with daily activities and fun in addition to the fabulous golf. I certainly don't want to minimize the golf, having great golf and great course conditions is still key to being able to provide a great club experience. Our tournament program is second to none with men's, women's, and couples’ events throughout the year.
Unlike in the past, these days the club remains active all summer. We have upwards of 40% of our members that consider Superstition Mountain their year-round home. Many of them will travel during the summer but they will be back multiple times and still enjoy activities that we have going on at the club. Some of those activities become more indoor-focused because of the heat in the summer months here in the desert but the club stays very, very active.
Do you have a favorite spot on the property? Why is it special to you?
One of my favorite spots on this property is my office. The view out of my office window is what I refer to as the million-dollar view. From the time I get out of my car in the employee parking lot to the time I get to my office I get to look at, what I think is the most beautiful mountain anywhere. The new edition of the memorial clock has further enhanced the view from my office to make it one of the best in the community. I know people might think it's strange to say that your office view is one of your favorites, but I am so lucky to be here and enjoy this view every day.
Do you belong to or have you held a position in any professional organizations and/or have you won any professional awards?
· 2022 Southwest PGA Bill Strausbaugh Award
· 2024 Southwest PGA Golf Professional of the Year Award
· 2009, 2011 PGA Senior Professional National Championship
· 2007-2008 Grayling Regional Chamber of Commerce; Director; President
· 2006 PGA Champions Tour Qualifying School Finalist
· 2005-2007 President Gavilan College Education Foundation; Gilroy, CA
· 2003-2005 Secretary, Gavilan College Education Foundation
· 2002-2004 Jeff Garcia Golf Classic, chairman & host professional
· 1992-99 Director, SWSPGA; Education Chairman, Tournament Chairman
· 1996-99 Mesa Convention & Visitors Bureau Director; Secretary 1998
· 1996-1997 Published instructional articles in Golf and Vim & Vigor magazines
· 1994 Southwest Section PGA Player of the Year
· 1983-1994, 98 PGA Club Professional Championship; 10th in 1987; 14th in 1984
· 1993-94 Member, PGA National Committee on Teaching
· 1992 Southwest Section PGA Section Championship host professional
· 1990-92 Mickey Hatcher Celebrity Golf Classic host professional
· 1988 PGA Tour qualifying finalist
· 1988 & 1985 PGA Championship Contestant
· 1986-88 Vice President, North Florida PGA; President, Northern Chapter
· 1986 PGA Open Champion, North Florida
· 1985 Member PGA Tour
· 1982 Elected to membership of the PGA of America
Any additional information you would like to share?
I tell everyone that if I could read and write, I would get a real job. But, in truth, there is nothing I would rather do than be in the golf business. The game has brought me a lot of joy and friends since I started playing when I was 9 years old. The game has provided me with all of the material things that I have and working in the game is my way of giving back something to it.
Thank you, Mark, for everything you do for our residents and Superstition Mountain Golf and Country Club. Meet the rest of our staff, and stay tuned for future staff spotlights.
