Southwest PGA Welcomes Staff Member Christopher “CJ” Schmid

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – January 21, 2025 – The Southwest PGA is pleased to announce the addition of new staff member Christopher “CJ” Schmid as the Director of the Southern Nevada Chapter PGA.

CJ will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the Chapter’s programs and services to support of the mission and objectives of the Southern Nevada Chapter PGA. Additionally, he will also oversee and coordinate the entire Chapter tournament program, which includes more than 40 annual events.

"We are thrilled to welcome CJ to the Southwest PGA," said Bernie Eaton, Executive Director of the Southwest PGA. "With his experience and passion for the game, we are confident that he will be instrumental in enhancing the service and support for the members and associates of the Southern Nevada Chapter PGA, while also raising the caliber of their events. His dedication, knowledge, and expertise will be an asset to the entire Section."

A native of Los Angeles, CJ was introduced to golf at the age of four by his father. After a successful junior golf career, he initially pursued sports journalism before transitioning to a full-time focus on golf. Over the past nine years, CJ has gained experience in both California and Nevada, working in operations and instruction. In 2018, he moved to Las Vegas to attend UNLV's Hospitality Program with an emphasis on Professional Golf Management. During his time at UNLV, CJ was actively involved in student leadership roles throughout all four years and contributed as a student researcher in the university's biomechanics lab. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, he led student initiatives, including the PGM President Virtual Education Roundtable, and managed the implementation of the program’s tournament and student engagement schedules.

CJ’s teaching career has largely centered around junior golf development, with a strong focus on the PGA Junior League, where he has served as both a coach and captain at various facilities over the past seven years. Most recently, at Canyon Gate Country Club, he played a key role in building a junior program that became a prominent fixture in Las Vegas junior golf. Under his leadership, his teams earned a Regional Championship berth for three consecutive years, claimed a 17u Southwest PGA Championship in 2023, and he contributed to the Southern Nevada Chapter Junior Committee.