Joe Steranka’s response to an invitation to attend the Northern California Section of the Professional Golfers’ Association of America’s annual membership meeting and awards ceremony at Silverado Resort was an emphatic and immediate “Yes.”

Steranka, the CEO of the PGA of America, knows what the NorCal Section is all about — in particular the rich and storied history of the expansive region, the commitment, work and dedication of its professionals, the number of people employed at its courses and facilities, the tourism dollars generated from greens fees and merchandise, and the popularity of the game.

“It’s certainly home to some of the most famous golf courses in the world and some of the most highly regarded golf professionals,” said Steranka. “It’s also one of the leaders in terms of the quality of the physical facilities.”

It was with great pride and honor Monday when Sue Fiscoe, the NorCal president, addressed the large crowd and introduced Steranka, the program’s keynote speaker who has been in his job for just over a year.

“He is an engineer of many of our national programs today,” Fiscoe said. “He knows everything about the PGA. He’s been involved because it’s a labor of love for him, and again that’s obvious when you speak to him.

“He’s almost giddy that he’s been with us as our CEO for 14 months. He has a wonderful team obviously back in Florida, but what a leader this man is — Joe Steranka.”

Three-hundred golf professionals and industry leaders were on hand for a day that began bright and early with Steranka’s talk and also included the presentation of section awards, business matters and an education seminar. The NorCal Section, made up of 1,000 active PGA professionals, is one of the largest of the country’s 41 sections.

“When Sue had first asked me to come join you for this meeting, it was an easy thing to do,” said Steranka, who is based at PGA headquarters in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. “It was easy because Northern California PGA professionals have played a big role in shaping who I am. I’m very proud and I am very enthusiastic to be your CEO.”

Golf is not only a great game, it’s also big business, said Steranka, noting that it’s a $62 billion-a-year industry, with California playing a major part in that picture. Steranka said that in California alone there are 2.8 million people who play the game. There are also 43,000 full-time jobs and another 29,000 part-time positions that are created by the golf industry, which shows no sign of slowing down based upon the number of courses that continue to open up and down the state.

“If you look at the economic impact of those payrolls and the ability for people to put food on the table for their families, that shows you just how important golf is,” he said.

“People drive tourism,” Steranka, 48, said. “Something Napa is certainly familiar with is the value and the impact of tourism. You’re not buying a commodity, you’re buying an experience. When you come to Napa, whether you’re going in for a (wine) tasting session or going to a restaurant or doing some antique shopping, it’s all about the entire Napa experience. With the PGA, we call it the PGA experience — and that’s delivered by these 28,000 men and women professionals (nationally) who have that love for the game of golf. They also understand the business of golf, and they’re the big drivers of this $62-billion-a year industry.”

Steranka started with the PGA in 1988 as its managing director of communications and broadcasting. He has worked closely with TV networks in coverage of the PGA Championship, Ryder Cup, Senior PGA Championship, PGA Grand Slam of Golf and the PGA Professional National Championship. The 1979 West Virginia University graduate has 27 years of sports management, marketing, public relations and television experience.

The PGA of America conducts two majors, the PGA Championship and Senior PGA Championship. It is also one of the organizing bodies for the Ryder Cup, which in 2006 was won by Europe, 181⁄2 to 91⁄2 over the U.S., at The K Club in Kildare, Ireland.

“The vitality of the organization has never been better,” said Steranka. “Perhaps the only disappointment that we had this year was we were not able to successfully bring the Ryder Cup back to America. We’ve taken some big steps there to change how we select our team for 2008, and captain Paul Azinger will bring a lot of energy to that.”

The PGA of America, now in its 90th year, also puts on the PGA Grand Slam of Golf. The PGA conducts more than 30 tournaments for its members and apprentices. Through a network of 41 section offices, the association maintains a total commitment to the PGA professional, helping the membership meet the demands of today’s marketplace and addressing vital issues, such as pace of play, environmental concerns and accessibility, according to the PGA’s Web site.

“We drive a lot of other industries because of the golf business,” said Steranka. “Real estate has fallen in love with golf as a means of selling homes.”

The game itself, said Steranka, is something that brings people together.

“It’s a game we all love and love to share with people,” he said. “You get that bug when you discover what’s special about the game. Golf is something that allows you to get outdoors in the fresh air and maybe get some sun on your face. You’re socializing with your friends. You’re challenging yourself mentally to manage the golf course and manage your ball.”

The PGA of America will celebrate its centennial in 2016.

E-mail Executive Sports Editor Marty James at mjames@napanews.com or call 256-2223.