Jeremy Decaminada, PGA, the Head Professional at The Concession Golf Club, finds himself living the dream as final preparations for the 2026 Senior PGA Championship are underway in Southwest Florida.
And for Decaminada, the path to leading a Major Championship venue is rooted in a deep passion for the game from a young age.
"I grew up playing with my Dad and his friends; my Dad really got me into golf," said Decaminada. "We played all the sports, and he was my Coach."
That early connection led him to play on his high school golf team and a chance conversation with one of his best friends.
"One of my best friends moved to Fort Myers and I knew I wanted to be in Florida," Decaminada explained. "My Dad actually pulled up the PGA Golf Management (PGM) program and showed me. I didn't even know it was a thing."
The discovery led him to Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), where he spent his college years learning about the business of golf.
"I didn't know anything about FGCU and where this would take me. But the classes were small and intimate, with the same people every year, so you really get to know your fellow PGA Professionals."
His time at FGCU eventually led to internships, culminating at another Major Championship venue: Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky.
"Valhalla was amazing. I learned a ton," Decaminada reflects. "Everyone there—the membership and the staff—was incredible. I used a lot of what I learned there when I came here.”
Now, as the PGA Head Professional at The Concession, hosting one of the PGA of America’s Major Championships brings a profound source of pride.
"I didn't think this would be the place I would be, but it’s a dream come true.”
When the world’s best senior golfers arrive in April, they are in for a tough test.
"Players can expect a challenge," he says. “The fairways are actually somewhat forgiving and not your main concern.”
“The Concession is distinctly a second-shot golf course. The defense of the course lies in the details. Tight lies around the greens, undulation. You have to be smart. Valhalla was a tough course, where you have to hit fairways; here at The Concession, it’s about hitting greens."
During Championship week, Decaminada’s responsibilities are extensive, as he sits on the Executive Committee for Volunteers and will manage the Championship Shops.
Fans attending in person or watching on TV can expect a spectacular and tense conclusion.
"A big finish coming down the stretch, exciting and tough," he promises. “The Concession will force you to hit some shots you don’t usually hit. I can’t wait for it to start.”
