Mark Mangion has started his new job as head PGA professional at Far Corner Golf Course in Boxford. He succeeds John O’Connor, who retired after having served the club in that capacity for 37 years.
“I had a chance to work with John for a few weeks before he retired. It was awesome to work with him,” said Mangion, who had been at Haverhill Golf and Country Club since 2013. O’Conner shared information about the staff, the various leagues, the pro shop and tournaments.
Mangion has been in the golf business for more than 25 years and believes that experience has prepared him for his first season at the Boxford course. Far Corner is a public 27-hole course that is “playable and enjoyable for golfers at all levels” Magnion said.
“This is the largest operation that I have ever managed with the 27 holes and over 100 golf carts in my fleet and 28 pro shop employees and 14 outside staff employees,” Mangion said. “I’ve definitely learned how to manage more people in addition to having a bigger footprint with our pro shop.”
Magnion said becoming a head pro was something he wanted since he was a kid.
“I got into golf when I was 12 when my grandfather gave me a set of clubs. I participated in the junior golf clinic at Garrison (in Haverhill). I remember telling Ted Murphy I wanted to be a pro like him,” Mangion said. “I don’t know if I’d believe it if someone told the 12-year-old me that I was a golf pro, but I’d definitely be proud. It was a journey getting here, but it was well worth it.”
Mangion was busy preparing for his first summer at the helm when Far Corner owner Bob Flynn unexpectedly passed away on February 19.
“Bob was my go-to and the person I leaned on for advice,” Mangion said. “He and I worked really well together. A lot of our vision was centered around the pro shop. We were going to bring new merchandise in with new vendors. We were going to bring golf clubs back to the pro shop. We’re going with an online reservation system here at the golf club. We’ve always had handwritten reservations so we’re bringing a computer system in.
“It’s been tragic and devastating for the Far Corner family,” Mangion said. “The staff has been great and we’ve all come together as a family.”
