At a golf club, the “starter” is the individual who greets the guests and prepares them for their starting tee time, possibly offering some insider tips and tricks along the way. Frank Sgroi has been the starter at TPC Las Vegas–which has summer passes going on sale May 15–for several years. TPC Las Vegas also offers an annual membership.
I spoke with Mr. Sgroi for A Global Lifestyle about life as a starter and his second career as a musician. More on Sgroi and TPC Las Vegas can be found online at www.tpc.com/lasvegas. (Opening photo: Deja Vu Dance Band; Sgroi is second from left in front row.)
AGL: For someone who isn’t a regular at a golf club, what is a starter?
Frank Sgroi: A starter is the person that directs the players to the first tee when it’s time for them to play.
How did you become a starter?
I started as a course advisor in 2006 and then worked my way up to starter.
What is a typical day like for you at your club?
A typical day for me is making sure I get the guests started on-time. Sometimes that means trying to find where they are, which, as I’m sure you can imagine, can get tricky in Las Vegas every now and again.
What makes your club stand out from other golf clubs?
TPCs are licensed by the PGA Tour, ultimately built to serve as host venues to professional golfing events. So it’s not uncommon to brush shoulders with a local celebrity or professional golfer. We’re expected to keep our course in top-notch condition year round. The same goes for our staff, which is raved about almost as often as the golf itself.
How did you wind up in Vegas?
My wife had retired from New York Telephone and a headhunting agency called for her expertise.
I hear you’re also a musician. Tell me about your band?
The name is Deja Vu Dance band with five very talented musicians and three fantastic up-front singers. Our lead singer is so talented; he’s been featured on shows like Good Morning America, TODAY, and Oprah.
Have your golf and musician lives ever crossed?
Absolutely! Deja Vu has performed at TPC Las Vegas several times. A lot of our golfing guests attend the shows. It’s the perfect atmosphere because you’re looking at beautiful fairways along Red Rock Canyon, and the Las Vegas strip is a short drive away for the after-party!
What’s coming up for your band? Any good gigs? Recording an album?
We have been at the South Point Casino for almost 10 years in their showroom. We also play at the Suncoast, Aliante and Rampart Casinos. My recordings were done previously, which got me a SAMMY–Syracuse Area Music Awards –and inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013.
Club aside, what’s your favorite restaurant in Vegas?
Anthony’s Steak House at The M Casino.
Finally, Frank, any last words for the kids?
Don’t worry about things you might have missed, be happy about the things you have done.
