Jim Richerson is the PGA of America President and he's the first Wisconsin PGA member to be elected as a national PGA officer. For 11 years, he was the Kohler Company's GM and Director of Golf, which includes Whistling Straits, the home of next year's Ryder Cup.
As President of the PGA of America, Jim Richerson wears his Badger pride well.
"I had so many great notes and well wishes from golf professionals and friends in Wisconsin. It was really heartwarming," Jim Richerson says. "It was always great catching up. And we really look forward to being back there this year, next September for the Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits."
But he's very familiar with Ryder Cup preps, in his former role with the Kohler Company.
"Everybody obviously knows the great sports fans in the state of Wisconsin. They've always come out and supported the golf championships in the state. But this event I think is going to be on another level," Richerson says.
And he realizes the story in 2021 with Steve Stricker as U.S. Captain could be huge.
"Kind of the native son as the captain. You have an iconic Wisconsin company hosting. I mean, kind of all the stars aligned," Richerson says. "I don't know how actually it really turned out that way, I don't know if we'll ever get another Ryder Cup, or quite frankly a PGA Championship where you have that type of situation."
As for the state of the game, even during a pandemic, it couldn't be much better.
"The two best things you can do for both physical and mental health right now are to get outside and exercise. And in a responsible manner, spend time with people. And that really sounds like golf," Richerson says.
Richerson did this interview from the Masters. He says when he looks back on it in 10 or 20 years, he can always say he was one of the few on-site for the 2020 major.
