This year marks a significant milestone for Golfer’s Lifestyle Magazine as it celebrates its 25th anniversary. Over the past quarter-century, the magazine has become a staple of the local golf community, offering rich content and fostering connections among enthusiasts. At the heart of this enduring success is Tom Poljak, the magazine’s sole owner, who has steered its journey since day one. Widely regarded as one of the most respected figures in the local golf industry, Poljak’s vision and dedication have left an indelible mark.
The Beginnings of a Legacy
Poljak’s entrepreneurial journey began 25 years ago when he launched Black Bear Publishing and Black Bear Fundraising simultaneously. The latter has since grown into the largest fundraising company in the Tri-State Region. Reflecting on the inception of the magazine, Poljak shared an anecdote that underscores his passion and spontaneity.
“I had just sold my company to my partner, and my wife Ann and I decided to vacation in Hilton Head to celebrate,” Poljak recalled. “She said to me, ‘You’re unemployed now. What are you going to do?’ I had a local golf magazine in my hand while sitting on the beach, shrugged my shoulders, and said, ‘I’m going to do one of these in Pittsburgh.’ The rest was history.”
A Remarkable Achievement
Few businesses, let alone magazines, endure for 25 years in an ever-evolving media landscape. Poljak’s foresight and adaptability have been instrumental in Golfer’s Lifestyle Magazine’s longevity. Last year, in anticipation of this landmark anniversary, he made the bold decision to transition the magazine from print to an entirely digital format. “I wanted to do something special for our 25th and after all, if you can’t access anything immediately these days, does it even exist,” Poljak explained. “It was a large investment, but I wanted it done correctly.”
The transformation was executed by Higher Images, a company that brought Poljak’s vision to life. The result is an incredible digital platform that offers much more than just an e-magazine, enriching the experience for readers.
Celebrating with Community and Creativity
To further commemorate the milestone, Poljak introduced the Western PA Golf Choice Awards or www.golfchoiceawards.com. This inaugural event was a resounding success, celebrating excellence across public and private golf courses. Poljak personally wrote congratulatory articles for every award-winning course and club on his blog, underscoring his commitment to the golfing community.
Throughout the magazine’s history, Poljak has relied on the creative talents of only two Directors of Art: Jim Paladino, who helmed the role for the first 15 years, and David Cameron, who has been with the magazine for the past decade.
“I couldn’t have done this without the incredible talent of Jim and David,” Poljak expressed. “We’ve had a great run so far, and those two incredible artists, and more importantly, these great people, have made this journey so much fun!”
Acknowledging the Pillars of Support
Reflecting on the magazine’s journey, Poljak extended his heartfelt gratitude to all the advertisers, writers, and sponsors who have been instrumental in the magazine’s success over the past 25 years. “Their support and belief in our vision have been the foundation of everything we’ve achieved,” he said. “This milestone is as much theirs as it is ours, and I am deeply grateful for their contributions.”
Looking Ahead
As Golfer’s Lifestyle Magazine steps into its next chapter, it does so with a legacy of excellence and innovation. Poljak’s journey from a beachside idea to a digital powerhouse is a testament to vision, resilience, and a love for the game that unites so many. Here’s to the next 25 years of inspiring stories and community celebration.
