Mike Welch is a new addition to Pro Links Sports, joining the 3M Open last August after serving as vice-president of corporate partnerships with the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Minnesota Lynx. Mike grew up in Milwaukee, WI and was an accomplished baseball player at Winona State College. Mike turns 45 the last day of the 3M Open.

Joe Stansberry: Mike, first off congratulations! When did you find out you were going to be the 2020 3M Open Tournament Director?

Mike Welch: Thank you! I came on board late August. I had spent 14 years with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx in corporate partnerships. Hollis Cavner was looking to hire a local tournament director with a revenue background and I was offered the job. I thought, not only was it a great opportunity, but a chance for a lifestyle change, not having to travel 58 games with the Wolves and Lynx really was a plus, especially since we have four young boys that are growing up way to fast. My duties as Tournament Director are primarily focused on the marketing side, but this year I’ve had to learn and have tried on many different hats.

JS: Is the current COVID-19 protocol something that you were actively involved in working with the PGA TOUR, or the State of Minnesota?

MW: In mid-April, we were in contact with the Governor’s office and were in constant communication with them on a number of issues. And with the PGA TOUR, who were helping other events besides ours, we used their protocol, and layered in our proposal which had limited spectators. Ultimately that first proposal of about 6,500 spectators was not approved. Then we moved into an option of having a Pro-Am with no spectator format. We did get a thumbs up from the State as they said, “It was very well thought out from a safety protocol standpoint.”
However just after the 4^th of July the PGA TOUR advised us that the TOUR was now not allowing any programs because some of the players were feeling uncomfortable with the prospect. We have been amazed at our partners support! We had to go back to them three times and present a different plan each time. Some partners were 100% behind us, but some could not participate due to COVID-19.

JS: Looking at last year’s event versus this year’s event, due to the coronavirus, what are the changes that are taking place that I might notice?

MW: It will be markedly different! For example, there won’t be as many TOUR officials. Media will be limited to 25, the TOUR equipment vans will be under strict protocol where the players will not be allowed into the vans and will have a “safety liaison” to hand the club to be repaired or tweaked, and cleaned and then handed back to the players or caddies. And from a personal perspective it is odd to not see all of the corporate hospitality tents and stands. There will still be marshals and ropes, but it looks completely different without those huge hospitality and spectator tents. We will still have scoring tents, but smaller and the media center is still there, but with reduced access and numbers. We are still excited to have 3M as our title sponsor and to support our local charities.

JS: How many people are on your staff. And how many volunteers this year vs in the past?

MW: We have 12 full time people on our staff, a couple in operations, four in sales and activation, and we have ticketing and volunteers. But in reality, we all wear a number of hats, especially this year with the coronavirus.
In normal years we will have over 2,000 volunteers and this year we will only have around 325. Mostly as walking scorekeepers and marshals.

JS: Do you play golf?

MW: Yes, I do. I played college baseball at Winona State after growing up in Milwaukee Wisconsin. I started playing golf my junior year in college and recognized the strength that if you’re in sales how important golf and the ability to conduct business and close sales on the course is. I now have a five handicap and am a member at TPC Twin Cities. One of the best aspects of my life is I have four young boys who all play golf with me. It’s a lot of fun.

Thank you for spending some time with me today Mike. I think that we can see that the 3M Open is in good hands this year and moving forward.