POSTED OCTOBER 9, 2018
(Portland, OR) –
Rose City native takes helm of popular, citywide program
Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) announces that Vincent Johnson is the new Director of Portland Parks Golf. Johnson, a Portland native and former professional player, takes the helm from longtime Golf Director John Zoller who led the program from 1987 until his recent retirement. Johnson joined PP&R in 2016 as Assistant Director of Golf. During his time at PP&R, Vincent has championed growing the game of golf through outreach to women, youth, and people of color.
“Portland Parks Golf just celebrated its 100th anniversary,” notes Portland Parks Commissioner Nick Fish. “We are fortunate to have a professional like Vincent Johnson lead our recreational golf program and provide the vision for the next 100 years.”
“Vincent is the ideal person to continue a proud tradition of leadership in providing all the benefits that Portland Parks Golf has to offer,” says PP&R Interim Director Kia Selley. “He excels at promoting positive engagement for youth and under-represented communities. With Vincent’s leadership we will continue to ensure that the benefits of golf are available to all.”
Vincent, one of the most accomplished players from Portland, began playing golf at age six. He attended David Douglas High School and then earned his finance degree (with a minor in music) in just three years while on a golf scholarship at Oregon State University. Johnson has competed in tournaments on the PGA Tour and on the Web.com tour, winning the 2010 Long Beach Open, one of the biggest mini tour events on the West Coast, while competing as a professional.
"Serving as the new Director of Portland Parks Golf is humbling,” says Johnson. "My thanks to everyone at Portland Parks & Recreation, to Parks Commissioner Nick Fish, and to all Portlanders whom we serve. I'm thrilled to be able to help inspire and encourage the next generation of golfers. Portland Parks Golf will keep working to better serve all current players, and people who are just discovering the game. That includes communities of color, women, and anyone who might not have previously thought the lifelong game of golf was for them."
During the summer of 2018, Johnson led Portland Parks Golf’s centennial celebration, including a commemoration of the first Portland Parks Golf Course at Eastmoreland and The Next 100 event at Colwood Golf Center. Johnson has shared golf with new and old audiences alike at events like Race Talks and History Pub.
“We succeed thanks to our hardworking maintenance staff and committed golf course operators,” adds Johnson, “They are why our team will continue to provide high quality golf and meaningful recreation opportunities to all Portlanders.”
ABOUT PORTLAND PUBLIC GOLF
Portland Public Golf offers affordable, quality golf to Portland's residents and visitors. Our five nationally-recognized golf courses – Eastmoreland, Heron Lakes - Great Blue, Heron Lakes - Greenback, RedTail, Rose City, and the newly acquired Colwood Golf Course – are conveniently located around the metro area.
Every year, more than 330,000 rounds are played on Portland Public Golf courses. We are proud to offer lessons by trained golf professionals, meeting and hospitality facilities, and public and private events, and tournaments at each of our properties.
For more about Portland Parks Golf, please visit portlandoregon.gov/parks/golf
# # #