Don Rea: The director of golf at Eagle Mountain and Augusta Ranch has become the first club pro in Arizona to attain the level of Certified Professional with the PGA of America. While this new certification process is only in its second year, Rea is one of only 10 club pros nationwide to reach this level.

The 37-year-old Rea, a native of Las Vegas and a former baseball umpire for 10 years, has been in the golf business for just eight years. “I’ve been very fortunate,’’ he said. “All the breaks I didn’t get in baseball, somehow I’ve gotten in golf.’’ But it wasn’t just luck that propelled Rea in his quest to attain Certified Professional status, as he spent over 60 hours online studying for the rigorous testing that asks 350 questions.

It’s been a long and winding road for Rea. He was a junior at San Diego State University majoring in aerospace when his dad took him to spring training in Arizona. “We were staying at Willie’s Petite Suites in Phoenix, and that was a hotel where all the umpires stayed,’’ he said. “I ended up meeting Jim Evans and attending his umpiring school. The first game I called was an intrasquad game between the Seattle Mariners at Tempe Diablo Stadium. “From there I went through just about every league on the way up, but I never got the break it takes to get to the majors,’’ said Rea, whose odyssey began in the Pioneer League and included the Florida State League, the California League, the Eastern League, the International League and finally the Pacific Coast League, where he spent his last two years.

“It just didn’t look like I’d ever get to the big leagues, so I went to plan B,’’ he said of his entrance into golf. “I took the Playing Ability Test (PAT), passed it and got a job in outside service at Augusta Ranch making $5.50 an hour cleaning clubs.’’ Despite the humble start, he quickly rose through the ranks, being named the head pro at Augusta Ranch within the year, and then on to Eagle Mountain as head pro in 2002.

“Ten months later, when Jay Pennypacker took the job as president of Platinum Golf (which owns and runs Eagle Mountain and Augusta Ranch), I was named director of golf at Eagle Mountain,’’ he added. “A year later, I was named director of golf for both Eagle Mountain and Augusta Ranch. So it’s been a whirlwind.’’

Rea, who lives in Chandler with his wife, Karen, and two-year-old daughter, Katie, said his latest achievement has special meaning. “It’s a resume thing, I guess,’’ he said. “I never did get my degree at San Diego State, so in a way, this is the equivalent of my bachelor’s degree.’’

On his game: “I’m right around par, usually. I think where I’ve really improved is those little half-wedge shots that Phil Mickelson and the other guys on tour like to hit. All I can say is, 80 yards and in used to really scare me.’’

Speaking frankly: “In order for PGA members to be taken seriously in the business world our reputation as good golfer/teacher needs to be broadened. The Certified Professional program gives credibility to a golf professional as not only a nonamateur golfer, but a business professional who understands the golf industry.’’

NOTEWORTHY

Caddies wanted: Next week’s LPGA Safeway International, which takes place at Superstition Mountain Golf and Country Club, is seeking volunteer caddies to work its pro-ams Monday and Tuesday. Each caddie receives lunch, four tickets to the tournament and an official caddie cap. To register, call 480-510-4336 or apply online at www.safewaygolf.com.

Industry night: “Golf: The Musical,’’ the highly celebrated off-Broadway production, will make its debut at Scottsdale’s Center For the Arts on April 1-3. The production will be preceded by “Industry Night” for the Arizona golf community on March 31, where those with proper identification will be admitted free of charge. General admission tickets that range from $18 to $36 can be purchased by calling, (480) 994-2787.

Final thought: For those wanting to send their condolences to Phil Mickelson following his loss to Tiger Woods in the Ford Championship at Doral, he has relaunched his redesigned website at www.philmickelson.com.