Michael Tothe takes the helm at Colonial

Michael Tothe (left) conducted the AJGA's first tournament in Canada in 1997.

Michael Tothe got started in the golf business with the AJGA in the 1990s. Hailing from Limehouse, Ontario, he was known for his on-demand performances of "O Canada" whenever and wherever it was requested.

While a college golfer at Shorter College, Tothe served two summer internships (1993-94) with the AJGA before joining the full-time staff as a tournament director in 1995. As a young professional with tremendous people skills and an eye for detail, it was clear that his future was bright as he departed in 1999 to become the Director of Amateur Competitions with the RCGA. His career has since had many stops before his arrival at the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial in 2008 as Director of Sales.

In October of 2011, Tothe was named the new Tournament Director of the Fort Worth, Texas, PGA TOUR stop, taking over for Peter Ripa, another former AJGA staff member who had just left for the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines. Tothe explains some of the basic lessons he learned at the AJGA, which he has carried with him in his career.

"Treat people as you want to be treated," he said. "Work hard, enjoy your successes, and it is ok to admit your mistakes."

Many of the players Tothe sees on the PGA TOUR today were also top AJGA players during his years. Lucas Glover, Erik Compton and Ed Loar are names that immediately come to mind; also Justin Leonard, who hosted an AJGA event in Dallas with Tothe as the tournament director.

As he prepares for his first year as the man in charge at Colonial, his No. 1 goal is simple: "Ensure our title sponsor and players have the time of their lives."