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2025 USGA Executive Committee Nominations Announced
LIBERTY CORNER, N.J. – The USGA Nominating Committee has released its 2025 Executive Committee slate, which is again led by Fred Perpall of Dallas, Texas, who will be serving his final year as USGA president. Kevin Hammer of Boynton Beach, Fla., who will serve his second three-year term on the Executive Committee, has been nominated as president-elect.
In addition, Dianne Dixon of Saint Johns, Fla., and Jim Gorrie of Birmingham, Ala., have each been nominated to serve a three-year term on the USGA Executive Committee, a volunteer group of 15 people that provides strategic and financial oversight as the Association’s policymaking and governance board.
In addition to Hammer, Sinclair Eaddy, Jr. of Baltimore, Md., has been nominated to serve a second three-year term on the USGA Executive Committee.
The election of Executive Committee members will take place at the USGA Annual Meeting on Saturday, March 1, 2025, in Pinehurst, N.C.
A Bahamian native who now calls Dallas home, Perpall is in his sixth year as a member of the USGA Executive Committee. He is the chief executive officer of The Beck Group, where he leads the international firm’s design and construction businesses. A registered architect, Perpall is a member of the prestigious American Institute of Architects College of Fellows and serves on the boards of FedEx and Starwood Property Trust.
Perpall, a past chairman of the Dallas Citizens Council, was a member of the Board of Trustees who helped build Trinity Forest Golf Club in Dallas, which has hosted the AT&T Byron Nelson. The public/private partnership that led to the club’s creation is an inspiration to its community, serving as host to Southern Methodist University’s golf program and numerous charitable tournaments and events, as well as the Dallas chapter of First Tee.
Perpall earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Texas at Arlington. He is a graduate of the Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program.
Hammer, a Southeast Florida native who is in his third year as a member of the Executive Committee, has been nominated as president-elect, a position created in 2019 to provide committee leadership succession and continuity.
A former first-team American Junior Golf Association All-American, Hammer played collegiately at the University of Florida and has qualified for multiple USGA championships. He spent 10 years as a member of the Florida State Golf Association Executive Committee, including two years as president in 2020-21. He currently chairs the USGA’s Championship Committee and serves on the International Team Selection and Investment committees.
Professionally, Hammer has been with Merrill Lynch for more than 25 years. He currently serves as the managing director of the firm’s Rubin, Hammer, Eaton & Conrad Wealth Management Group, which manages investments for individuals, families, foundations and professional athletes.
“I’m thrilled that Kevin has been nominated to serve as the USGA’s 68th president,” said Perpall. “He brings a passion for and understanding of the game and the USGA that will serve the organization and our mission extremely well.”
Current USGA Executive Committee members include Perpall, Hammer, Eaddy, Andrew Biggadike of Ho-Ho-Kus, N.J.; David Dorton of Atlanta, Ga.; Virginia C. Drosos of Dallas, Texas; Cathy Engelbert of Berkeley Heights, N.J..; Leslie Henry of Houston, Texas; David Leitch of Earlysville, Va.; Bryan Lewis of South Haven, Mich.; Michael McCarthy of San Francisco, Calif.; Courtney Myhrum of Pittsburgh, Pa.; and Andy North of Madison, Wis.
Per the association’s bylaws, Dixon and Gorrie will each serve a three-year term beginning in 2025, with the potential to be elected for a second and final three-year term in 2028.
Dixon currently serves as engagement lead/manager for Spaulding Ridge, which provides business technology solutions for a wide range of industries. She previously spent many years with First Tee, starting as executive director for the Greater Houston chapter, which she developed in 2003 and has served more than 90,000 children since its inception. Dixon later went on to work at First Tee’s home office in a variety of roles and has been recognized with the First Tee National School Program Involvement Award and the World Golf Foundation Chairman’s Award for her contributions to the program.
In addition, Dixon served as a Boatwright intern for the USGA’s Central Region, manager of Amateur Services for the South Texas Amateur Golf Association, director of youth programs for the Houston Golf Association and as a board member for the Women’s Texas Golf Association. She has managed more than 700 adult and junior golf tournaments and oversaw all First Tee charitable activities associated with the PGA Tour’s Houston Open for 12 years.
Dixon, who has served as a USGA committee member since 2004, was a two-time Academic All-America golfer for the University of New Mexico and Northern Arizona University and went on to earn her MBA from the University of Houston. She has served as a Rules Official at multiple USGA championships, including the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open, as well as at PGA Tour Qualifying School.
Gorrie is CEO of Brasfield & Gorrie, one of the nation’s largest privately held construction firms, which was founded by his father in 1964 and currently employs more than 4,000 people. Gorrie directs the firm’s construction projects and construction management services across 13 regional offices and 15 market sectors.
Active in his home state and community, Gorrie has been recognized by the United Way’s Tocqueville Society (2013), received the Associated Builders and Contractor’s Lifetime Achievement Award (2014) and the Salvation Army’s William Booth Award (2017), and was inducted into the Alabama Academy of Honor (2022).
Gorrie, a 1984 graduate of Auburn University, served as vice chairman of the 2013 U.S. Mid-Amateur and 2022 U.S. Amateur Four-Ball Championships at his home club, the Country Club of Birmingham, and chaired the 2016 USGA Men’s State Team Championship at the club.
If elected, Dixon and Gorrie will assume seats vacated by retiring members Tony Anderson of Chicago, Ill., and Deborah Platt Majoras of McLean, Va., both of whom have served on the Executive Committee since 2019.
PGA Past President Suzy Whaley Named 2025 United States Junior Ryder Cup Team Captain
FRISCO, Texas – The PGA of America today announced PGA Past President Suzy Whaley as Captain of the 2025 United States Junior Ryder Cup Team. She will lead the U.S. Team of 12 boys and girls as they compete in the 13th Junior Ryder Cup at Nassau Country Club and Bethpage Black in New York, Sept. 23-25, 2025.
Whaley, who served as the 41st PGA President, was inducted into the PGA of America Hall of Fame in 2023. A PGA Master Professional, she also is the President of Golf Nation, an online and connected TV OTT channel that brings golf lifestyle and premium videos together on a shop-able streaming content platform. Additionally, she is one of GOLF’s “Top 100 Teachers in America” and serves as a commentator for ESPN.
Whaley previously captained victorious U.S. Teams at the 2022 PGA Cup and the 2019 Women’s PGA Cup.
“I could not be more excited to serve as Captain of the 2025 United States Junior Ryder Cup Team,” said Whaley. “The Junior Ryder Cup is undoubtedly one of the highlights of Ryder Cup week, and provides a worldwide platform for these highly-skilled junior players to compete. I look forward to leading our team in New York next September.”
Following two-year terms as both PGA Secretary and PGA Vice President, Whaley became the first woman elected to serve as PGA President in 2018. She steered the Association through the onset of the global pandemic, leading to the establishment of the nearly $8 million Golf Emergency Relief Fund for golf-industry personnel in need, and an unprecedented growth in rounds played, using social distancing protocols established in conjunction with the CDC and Back2Golf.
Whaley is a 2022 Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame inductee as well as a member of the Connecticut Golf Sports Hall of Fame and Greater Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame. She was recognized with the 2023 Walter Hagen Award and the Metropolitan Golf Association’s Distinguished Service Award as well as numerous teaching awards including: Golf Digest Top 50 Instructor, Golf Magazine top 100 instructor, LPGA Top 50 Instructor, two-time Connecticut PGA Teacher of the Year, 10-time Golf Digest State Teacher of the Year and U.S. Kids Golf Master Kids Teacher. She is a five-time PGA Jr. League Championship finals Coach and has instructed more than 300 children to collegiate golf.
A dual member of the PGA of America and LPGA Teaching & Club Professional division, Whaley was a LPGA Tour member in 1990 and 1993. She famously qualified and participated in the 2003 Greater Hartford Open, becoming the first woman since Babe Zaharias in 1945 to qualify for a PGA TOUR event. This occurred after Whaley became the first PGA of America woman professional to win the Connecticut PGA Championship.
The 2025 Junior Ryder Cup will take place over three days. Foursomes and four-ball matches will be contested at Nassau Country Club on Tuesday, Sept. 23, and Wednesday, Sept. 24. The decisive single matches will be contested at Bethpage Black, site of the 2025 Ryder Cup, on Thursday, Sept. 25. This marks the first time the U.S. Ryder Cup venue will host the Junior Ryder Cup singles matches on the eve of the Ryder Cup.
The U.S. Team, which owns a 7-4-1 record in the event, will consist of six girls and six boys who are U.S. citizens and are members of the high school graduating class of 2026 or younger. The 2025 U.S. Team points list for qualification will begin at the 2024 Junior PGA Championships, taking place July 30 – August 2 at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland.
PGA of America Golf Professionals Remember Dr. Charlie Sifford
FRISCO, Texas – Dr. Charlie Sifford will forever be known as the man who broke the color barrier in professional golf. In 1961, he became the first African American to earn membership on the PGA Tour (then run by the PGA of America). That was when the PGA of America also struck down its Caucasian-only clause.
Sifford also became the first Black golfer inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame, in 2004, and his legacy influenced countless touring professionals, most notably Tiger Woods, who named his son Charlie in his honor. Sifford also influenced the PGA of America Golf Professional—on the lesson tee, in the pro shop and beyond.
The North Carolina native also received an honorary degree from the University of St Andrews as a Doctor of Laws in 2006 and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014 by former president Barack Obama.
At the age of 92, Sifford passed away in 2015. Yet his impact on the game continues to be felt.
As the PGA of America celebrates and honors Black History Month, PGA of America Golf Professionals Renee Powell, Leonard Jones and Kennie Sims reflected on how Sifford’s career motivated their own.
Each has taken notes out of Sifford’s metaphorical yardage book for guidance on how to make golf more accessible.
PGA of America Golf Professional Renee Powell
While Sifford was the first African American member of the PGA Tour, Renee Powell was the first Black woman to become a Member of the PGA of America and the second Black professional to play on the LPGA Tour.
“Knowing the history of Charlie and what he went through in the ‘60s to play on the Tour, I think anyone when they are breaking barriers can always be a role model,” Powell said. “I went to the LPGA Tour in 1967, Charlie was playing on the PGA Tour in 1960, so he was an inspiration. I would talk to Charlie and some of the other African American golf pros and compare notes.”
Powell received the inaugural Charlie Sifford Award in 2022 from the World Golf Hall of Fame, which honors his groundbreaking achievements through perseverance, confidence, respect and adaptability.
PGA of America Golf Professional Leonard Jones
For PGA of America Lifetime Member Leondard Jones of Dallas, Texas, Sifford’s most important lesson was in perseverance.
“Charlie was the type of guy that wouldn’t take no for an answer,” said Jones, the longtime Head Professional at Cedar Crest Golf Course in Dallas. “What he had to go through, which I experienced some myself, I don’t think anybody but him could have done it. He was designated to be the one.”
Jones met Sifford while playing professionally for 12 years, mainly on the United Golf Association (UGA) Tour. In 1986, he became a PGA of America Golf Professional, working as Head Professional of L.B. Houston (now Luna Vista) and Cedar Crest Golf Courses in Dallas.
The Leonard Jones Minority Junior Golf Foundation, which he formed in 1997, provided access to underprivileged youth to learn, play and work at the two golf courses. He was also instrumental in bringing the First Tee initiative to Dallas at the two facilities he operated.
PGA of America Golf Professional Kennie Sims
Currently the Senior Director of Impact for the PGA of America Reach Foundation, Kennie Sims, PGA, has long been inspired by Sifford’s career.
Sims, a PGA of America Golf Professional since 1998, works to open more doors to the game and the industry through programs such as PGA WORKS. One of the four pillars of the PGA of America REACH foundation, PGA WORKS provides Fellowships, Scholarships and Championships to inspire and engage talent from diverse backgrounds.
“I am honored to be continuing the legacy of Dr. Sifford by working for the PGA of America, the institution he integrated in 1961. I am committed to continuing the work he started by providing equal opportunities for all people, especially those who look like me,” Sims said. “I find great satisfaction in knowing that I am contributing to these programs that align with the challenges Dr. Sifford faced and the courage and bravery he showed. He would be proud of what we are doing.”
Terry Francona named honorary chair of 2024 U.S. Senior Open
Newport Country Club in Rhode Island will host the 44th U.S. Senior Open in June
LIBERTY CORNER, N.J. (Feb. 5, 2024) – Terry Francona, who managed Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox to two World Series titles and guided the Cleveland Indians to an American League pennant, has been named honorary chair of the 44th U.S. Senior Open Championship. The United States Golf Association (USGA) will conduct the U.S. Senior Open at Newport (R.I.) Country Club from June 26-30.
“As an avid golfer myself, I am honored to be selected as the honorary chair of this year’s U.S. Senior Open,” said Francona. “When I retired from baseball, one of the things that excited me the most was the opportunity to get on the golf course as often as possible. I’ve been a fan of the sport my whole life and have been lucky enough to form relationships with some of the players on the [PGA] Champions Tour. It will be nice to see some familiar faces while participating in this prestigious event.
“Having spent many happy and successful years in Boston, I know how much the New England community is golf crazy, particularly in the summer. I appreciate the revered place Newport Country Club holds in the history of golf as well as the beauty of the city of Newport.”
Francona, a three-time American League Manager of the Year (2013, 2016, 2022), guided the Red Sox to World Series titles when they swept both the St. Louis Cardinals and Colorado Rockies in four games in 2004 and 2007, respectively. In that first run to the championship, the Red Sox became the first team in MLB history to rally from an 0-3 deficit in a seven-game series, defeating the rival New York Yankees for the American League Championship. Boston made five playoff appearances in his eight seasons with the organization.
In his 11 seasons with Cleveland, Francona guided his teams to four AL Central Division titles, six playoff appearances and the 2016 World Series, losing a memorable seven-game series to the Chicago Cubs. His managing career began in the Gulf Coast League in the early 1990s, and he worked his way through Class A and AA at the minor-league level before being hired as the Detroit Tigers’ third-base coach. His first MLB managerial stop was with the Philadelphia Phillies from 1997-2000. During his time in Class AA, he led the Birmingham Barons to the 1993 Southern League title and was Basketball Hall of Famer Michael Jordan’s manager the following year.
Francona, who recorded 1,950 victories in 23 seasons as an MLB manager, was selected by the Montreal Expos in the first round of the 1980 MLB Draft following an outstanding collegiate playing career at the University of Arizona, where he helped the Wildcats claim the 1980 College World Series title and was named that year’s Golden Spikes Award recipient for being the top collegiate player. Nicknamed “Tito,” he played for five big-league teams over a nine-year period as an outfielder and first baseman.
“Terry Francona is one of the most accomplished managers in Major League Baseball history and an avid golfer who is a regular participant in charity events,” said Hank Thompson, senior director, U.S. Senior Open Championship. “He will be an excellent ambassador for the U.S. Senior Open and help bring together Rhode Island and the New England region around this coveted national championship.”
In his role, Francona will support the fifth USGA championship to be held at Newport Country Club and the first since 2006. The club is one of the five founding members of the USGA, which was formed on Dec. 22, 1894, and was the site of the inaugural U.S. Amateur and U.S. Open championships in 1895.
Tickets for the 44th U.S. Senior Open Championship at Newport Country Club are now on sale and available for purchase at this TICKET LINK.
The U.S. Senior Open Championship (ussenioropen.com) is for golfers 50 and older and is open to any professional and any amateur with a Handicap Index® not exceeding 2.4. Major champions Bernhard Langer (2023), Padraig Harrington (2022) and Jim Furyk (2021) have won the previous three championships.
PGA of America Golf Professional Brendan Locke Named To Wisconsin PGA Board of Directors
New At-Large Director is GOLFTEC Franchise Owner who serves on PGA LEAD
MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin and FRISCO, Texas – The Wisconsin Section of the PGA of America has selected Brendan Locke, PGA, a Madison native residing in Jackson and owner of four Wisconsin GOLFTEC Instruction and Fitting Centers, to serve as an At-Large Member of the Wisconsin PGA Board of Directors.
Locke, a PGA of America Golf Professional since 2005, joins the Wisconsin PGA Board while serving on PGA LEAD, a PGA of America program committed to diversity in governance and volunteer leadership. Established in 2016, PGA LEAD is the Association’s leadership development program, created to identify, mentor and progress PGA of America Members from diverse backgrounds along a guided path to volunteer leadership roles at the Chapter, Section and National levels of the Association. PGA LEAD also helps Association Members who have a desire to serve and make an impact on nonprofit boards within the communities where they work and live.
“As a member of PGA LEAD and a decorated, accomplished PGA of America Golf Professional, Brendan is the perfect example of the PGA of America bringing a diverse cross section of talented PGA of America Members together as leaders in a host of important positions within the golf industry nationwide,” said Wisconsin PGA President Mark Voeller, PGA. “His role on the Board will help position the Wisconsin PGA for growth and success today and into the future.”
In addition to growing his GOLFTEC instruction and fitting business throughout the region, Locke has enjoyed a rewarding career as a PGA of America Golf Professional, while receiving numerous awards and accolades. Among his biggest accomplishments, Locke was named the 2021 Wisconsin PGA Professional Development Award Recipient, the 2018 Wisconsin PGA Bill Strausbaugh Recipient and the 2012 Wisconsin PGA Teacher of the Year. In addition, he was named to the Golf Digest Top Teachers in America list in 2013-14 and 2017-18.
As part of PGA LEAD, Locke took part in an 18-month leadership-development program that reinforces the PGA of America’s commitment to create a game, workforce and industry supply chain that better mirror America’s demographics. More specifically, the PGA of America is committed to inclusive governance, environments, systems and structures that create the opportunity for all PGA of America Golf Professionals to develop, grow and lead.
“I am honored and grateful to be named to the Wisconsin PGA Board of Directors,” said Locke. “Serving in PGA LEAD has provided me with important professional development experience that is needed to serve the Wisconsin PGA at the highest level and help the Section continue to give back to local communities throughout the state. I look forward to working alongside my fellow board members in helping drive the game and business of golf to new heights.”
PGA of America Selects 2nd Swing Golf as Official Equipment Trade-In Partner
FRISCO, Texas & ORLANDO, Fla. — The PGA of America announced 2nd Swing Golf as its Official Equipment Trade-In Partner today at the PGA Show in Orlando, Florida. As part of the collaboration, 2nd Swing will power the PGA of America Value Guide, the industry’s most comprehensive place to sell golf equipment, and offer a comprehensive platform that allows PGA of America Golf Professionals and consumers to maximize the value of their golf equipment.
2nd Swing also will provide opportunities for PGA of America Golf Professionals to earn financial contributions from equipment trade-ins via the PGA Golf Retirement Plus program or the 2nd Swing affiliate program. 2nd Swing’s advanced algorithm considers various factors such as brand, model, condition and demand to provide accurate valuations, ensuring fair transactions for both sellers and buyers.
PGA of America Section offices are also eligible to participate in a dedicated partnership program that offers benefits at the local level. Furthermore, PGA of America Golf Professionals and consumers alike may opt to have their equipment trade-in values go toward supporting PGA REACH, the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America.
“We are thrilled to welcome 2nd Swing to the PGA of America partnership family,” said PGA of America Chief Commercial Officer Jeff Price. “With 2nd Swing’s support, we are able to provide more value and add another tool for our more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professional’s efforts to make this game more enjoyable and accessible to the millions of individuals who play.”
At the Home of the PGA of America in Frisco, Texas, 2nd Swing will provide its award winning fitting and club services at the PGA of America Coaching Center powered by T-Mobile. 2nd Swing’s fitting process provides golfers a brand-agnostic, in-depth fitting experience similar to what professionals get each week on Tour. In addition, 2nd Swing will offer club services such as grip changes, lie/loft adjustments and more.
“We are excited to partner with 2nd Swing at the PGA of America Coaching Center at PGA Frisco,” said PGA Master Professional Tim Cusick, PGA of America Head Coach. “2nd Swing’s club fitting philosophy of identifying the equipment that performs best is perfect for golfers of all ages and stages in the golf journey.”
“We are proud to partner with the PGA of America and we thank them for their trust in our ability to operate the new PGA Value Guide,” said Simon Kallal, 2nd Swing CEO. “We feel fortunate and excited to work with one of the finest organizations in golf as we support their 30,000 Members and Associates.”
The PGA Value Guide offers a mobile-friendly website design and the fastest receiving payment times in the industry. “Through our partnership with the PGA of America, 2nd Swing will empower Golf Professionals by providing them additional revenue and income generation sources,” said 2nd Swing VP of Merchandising Ross Fuchs.
USGA’s Davis Grants Top $50 Million In Total Research Investment Since 1983
PGA of America Announces Programming for Industry Stage Presented by CapTech at 2024 PGA Show
Presentations on growth of the game, coaching and PGA HOPE headline three-day schedule
FRISCO, Texas — The PGA of America Industry Stage presented by CapTech at the 71st PGA Show will offer a full schedule of programming from the PGA of America in collaboration with golf organizations, business leaders and top coaches Jan. 23-26, in Orlando, Fla.
The PGA Show, organized by the PGA of America and PGA Golf Exhibitions, will reunite the golf industry for the 71st edition of golf’s longest running and largest global business gathering. Thousands of PGA of America Golf Professionals, golf leaders, industry executives and retailers from around the world will come together to source new products from more than 1,000 golf and golf lifestyle brands, attend high-level industry presentations, participate in education and career workshops and connect in person with peers and golf leaders to drive continued growth of the sport and business of golf.
The PGA of America Industry Stage, formerly the PGA Forum Stage, was introduced in 2007 by the PGA of America to provide the game’s leaders with an unprecedented opportunity to reach thousands of attending industry professionals on key matters that impact the golf industry.
“The schedule this year for the PGA Industry Stage is filled with incredible individuals who are leading our industry in topics that PGA of America Golf Professionals and other industry professionals will greatly benefit from,” said PGA of America President John Lindert, PGA Director of Golf at the Country Club of Lansing in Lansing, Michigan. “The PGA Show is the perfect place every year to not only network with others, but learn from industry leaders in their respective field. We hope that by making these individuals accessible for discussion you will come away with greater knowledge that will help you improve the game and your business.”
The PGA Industry Stage presented by CapTech is located front and center on the Show Floor within the PGA of America Hub. The Hub will additionally feature several Association program and partner resources, including the Omni PGA Frisco Resort, PGA Coach and PGA REACH, the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America.
2024 PGA of America Industry Stage presented by CapTech Schedule:
*Program details are subject to change.
Wednesday, January 24
Grow the Game the Player
10-11 a.m.
Moderated by Roger Steele – Kemper Sports Community Advisor, #MakeGolfCool & Youth Golf Advocate
Joe Smith, PGA – KemperSports, PGA General Manager, Swenson Park Golf Course
Cameron Dinkins – PGA WORKS Leader
Abby Liebenthal – President & Founder, Fore the Ladies, Inc.
Recruitment & Retention
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
John Easterbrook Jr., PGA – Chief Membership Officer, PGA of America
Dr. Rich Ballinger, PGA – Director, Sam Houston State University PGA Golf Management
Todd Sammons, PGA – Director, Member Education Programming, PGA of America
Kyle Helms, PGA – Director, Accreditation & University Programming, PGA of America
TGL – Technology Driven Team Golf
12-1 p.m.
Andrew Macaulay – CTO, TMRW Sports
Scott Armstrong – VP Competition Technology, TMRW Sports
Roberto Castro – Director, CapTech
Growing Junior Golf – Engaging Customers of Today and Tomorrow
1-1:45 p.m.
Ryan Dailey, PGA – Operation 36 – Co-Founder, GM
Ryan Graff – First Tee – Vice President, Programs
Adam Heieck – Youth on Course – Executive Officer
Steve Tanner – PGA of America – Sr. Director, Player Engagement
Tom Watson – Watson Links – Founder
Moderated by Lauren Thompson – NBC Sports Next Media Personality
GameChanger & Player Engagement Awards
1:45-2:30 p.m.
Moderated by Lauren Thompson – NBC Sports Next Media Personality
We Love this Game, PGA of America Brand Campaign Conversation
3 – 4 p.m.
John Lindert, PGA – PGA of America President, Director of Golf at the Country Club of Lansing
Fahad Zahid – Senior Director, Brand and Digital Marketing, PGA of America
Kristen Herlihy – Head of Marketing, Omaha Productions
Eric Lohman, PGA – General Manager, Monarch Beach Golf Links
David Martin – Founder & President, Catalyst Branding
Moderated by Jeff Price – Chief Commercial Officer, PGA of America
2024 PGA of America National Award Winners
4-4:30 p.m.
Moderated by Brian Crowell, PGA – General Manager, Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point
PGA of America Golf Professional Happy Hour
4:30-5:30 p.m.
U.S. Kids Awards Ceremony
6-7 p.m
Moderated by Brian Crowell, PGA – General Manager, Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point
Thursday, January 25
CapTech Kick-Off
8:45-9 a.m.
Share Your Story
9-9:30 a.m.
Moderated by Kennie Sims, PGA – Senior Director, PGA REACH Impact, PGA of America
Jim Beatty – President, Jim Beatty Golf Ventures, LLC
R. Shawn Summerville- Founder, CEO Ebony Greens, LLC
Stacey Stewart – Founder/Creative Director, aCouture, LLC
Make Golf Your Thing
9:30-10:30 a.m.
Michael Williams
Laura Diaz
2024 Golf Business Trends, Questions & Outlook
10:30-11 a.m.
David Lorentz – Chief Research Officer, National Golf Foundation
Coaching for Success
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Moderated by Will Robins,PGA – CEO, RGX
Joey Anders, PGA – Head Teaching Professional, Brookhaven Country Club
Eric Thielsen, PGA – PGA Director of Instruction, X-Golf Columbus
Jake Hutt, PGA – Co-founder, Chief Golf Officer, Dryvebox
New Golfer Engagement
12-1 p.m.
Adeel Yang – Co-Founder and CEO, Dryvebox
Ryan Engle – Founder and CEO, Golf+ VR
Damian Cosby, PGA – Executive Director, National Links Trust
Roberto Castro – Director, CapTech
PGA HOPE
1-2 p.m.
Kennie Sims, PGA – Senior Director, PGA REACH Impact, PGA of America
Judy Alvarez, PGA, – Director of Instruction, Monarch Country Club
Chris Nowak – PGA HOPE Ambassador
SIRIUS XM Coaches Town Hall
2-3 p.m.
Michael Breed, PGA – Host, A New Breed of Golf
David Leadbetter, PGA – David Leadbetter Golf Academy
Trish Holt, PGA – Head Professional, Fields Ranch at PGA Frisco
Tim Cusick, PGA – Head Coach, PGA of America Coaching Center
Moderated by Debbie Doniger – Director of Instruction, GlenArbor Golf Club & SIRIUSXM PGATOUR Radio Co-Host
Poster Signing
3:-3:30 p.m.
PGA Show Poster Signing with Lee Wybranski, President of Lee Wybranski Art & Design
Pitch Tank
3:30-4:30 p.m.
David Leadbetter, PGA – Founder of Leadbetter Swing Aids and Leadbetter Golf Academies
Kevin Herrington – CEO and Founder of Harrington Enterprises
Mike Locker – Co-founder of Locker Innovations
Derek Locker – Co-founder of Locker Innovations
Carolin Pinegger – Social Media Personality & Golf Entrepreneur
Santiago Mari – Product engineer & business development expert
Jay Adya – Managing Partner, Elysian Park Ventures
Moderated by Hally Leadbetter – Host, Commentator, Producer
Pitch Tank Happy Hour
4:30-5:30 p.m.
Friday, January 27
Leadbetter Coaching Presentation
9-10 a.m.
David Leadbetter, PGA – World renowned PGA Hall of Fame instructor
Santiago Mari – Senior Leadbetter Certified Instructor
Anthony Netto – Founder “Stand Up and Play Foundation”, Inventor of the “Paragolfer-Vertacat”
The PGA Show begins on Jan. 23 with the PGA Show Demo Day at Orange County National Golf Center and moves to the Orange County Convention Center, Jan. 24– 26, for exhibits and a full schedule of industry events. PGA Show details and industry professional registration are available at PGAShow.com.
U.S. National Development Program Launches Junior State Teams
PINEHURST, N.C. – The United States Golf Association (USGA) today announced the creation of a state team pilot program that will expand the pipeline for elite junior golfers into the recently created U.S. National Development Program (USNDP). Seven states will participate in the initial phase with the goal of all states having a team by 2033.
The first seven participants are California (Southern), Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Ohio and Tennessee. The program will come to fruition through close collaboration between the USGA, its allied golf associations, the PGA of America and relevant state junior programs.
“This first of its kind state team program will serve as a critical part of the talent identification pathway for the USNDP and provide more opportunities for a diverse population of athletes to receive resources and guidance to compete at the highest levels of the game,” said Heather Daly-Donofrio, USGA managing director, Player Relations and Development. “Additionally, the opportunity to represent their home state will incentivize each region’s best junior golfers to play more in-state competitions, ultimately strengthening the junior golf programming across the country.”
The seven selected states participating in this initial pilot program will each establish a committee consisting of representatives from major golf organizations within the state, including any AGAs and PGA of America Sections. The state committees will oversee team selection criteria and the operation of the state program based on guidelines provided by the USGA. Team selection criteria will vary by state and may consist of a points structure, ranking or combination of other competitive factors. Selection criteria from all seven states will be published prior to the entry deadline of the first counting event of their 2024 championship season.
State team roster sizes will be calculated by elite junior participation in the state, ranging from a maximum of two boys/two girls to 20 boys/20 girls.
To be eligible to compete on a state team in 2024, a player must be a U.S. citizen. Each eligible player must be 13 years old by Jan. 1, 2025, have not reached their 19th birthday by July 19, 2025, and cannot be enrolled in college for the 2024-2025 school year. A Handicap Index® is also required.
State-specific team information can be found at usga.org/USNDP.
Announced in February of 2023, the USNDP is designed to ensure that American golf is the global leader in the game by focusing on six key pillars: talent identification, access to competition, national teams, athlete resources, player development, and relations and athlete financial support. The state team program will focus on creating a developmentally appropriate, aspirational pathway for athletes within each state to compete at higher levels of the game, including an opportunity to represent the United States as a member of the USNDP’s National Team led by former Pepperdine associate head coach Chris Zambri.
“The goal of the USNDP is to strengthen American golf by ensuring that the nation’s vast pool of junior golf talent has the resources necessary to progress in their development and a clear path to the highest levels of competition,” said Zambri, who became head coach of the U.S. National Development Program in November. “The state team program will allow us to leverage the expertise and local knowledge of the regional and state junior golf programs to ensure that all golfers with the appropriate skill have an equitable opportunity to pursue their dreams.”
In his role, Zambri, a former standout at the University of Southern California who qualified for a pair of U.S. Opens, oversees and leads the day-to-day coaching operation, including playing a key role in developing a network of qualified coaches at the regional and state levels to support the USNDP’s mission of identifying and developing American golf talent. Zambri works closely with Senior Player Development Advisor Dr. Beth Brown to create an elite golf program designed to expose athletes to the physical, technical and mental loads required to compete successfully at national and international levels.
The U.S. National Development Program is supported by philanthropic giving and secured resources to fulfill the USGA’s commitment to providing pathways to elite levels of the game, regardless of financial situations. For more, visit usga.org/give_usndp.
Judy Rankin Named Recipient of 2024 PGA of America Lifetime Achievement Award in Journalism
Rankin to be honored at the ISPS Handa GWAA Dinner in April
FRISCO, Texas ー The PGA of America today named Judy Rankin as the 2024 recipient of the PGA Lifetime Achievement Award in Journalism. Rankin and her outstanding career will be celebrated in April during the 50th annual ISPS Handa GWAA Dinner in Augusta, Ga.
The PGA of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award in Journalism recognizes members of the media for their steadfast promotion of golf. Rankin, whose broadcasting career began in 1984, is the 33rd recipient and first woman to receive the PGA Lifetime Achievement Award in Journalism.
“Judy Rankin is truly an icon in the game of golf,” said PGA of America President John Lindert, Director of Golf at The Country Club of Lansing. “Following a remarkable playing career, Judy has delivered insightful commentary as a broadcaster for nearly four decades. She has made an everlasting impact on the broadcast industry as she paved the way for countless women to follow in her footsteps. On behalf of the PGA of America, I congratulate Judy for an unrivaled broadcasting career and this well deserved recognition.”
Rankin turned professional at 17 years old in 1962 and claimed the first of 26 career LPGA victories at the Corpus Christi Open in 1968. She topped the LPGA Tour’s money list in 1976 and ‘77 while finishing in the top ten on the money list 11 times between 1965-79. Rankin captured LPGA Player of the Year honors in 1976 and ‘77 and the Vare Trophy on three occasions (1973, ‘76, ‘77) for lowest scoring average in a season.
She retired from competition in 1983, and later captained the U.S. Solheim Cup teams to victories in 1996 and ‘98. Rankin’s legendary playing career culminated in her induction into the LPGA Tour Hall of Fame and the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2000.
The Texas native, who splits her time between Midland and Lubbock, embarked on her second career in the game in 1984 when she joined ABC Sports as an on-course commentator. She remains grateful to the network for taking a chance on her.
“I was kind of timid in the beginning and they had patience,” said Rankin. “On-course commentating was very different than it is today. I had the benefit of as on-course commentating found its niche and when the rules changed for how it works, I was there to learn as it grew and I grew.”
Rankin’s rise was unprecedented at the time, as she was the first woman to work full-time on broadcasts of men’s events. This groundbreaking role opened doors for women in the golf broadcasting industry.
“I do take a certain satisfaction that so many women are accepted in golf and men’s golf today and how good they are,” said Rankin. “Karen Stupples, Kay Cockerill, all these people are just really good. Morgan Pressel is doing a nice job in the role that I had. Last but not least, I took Dottie Pepper to work for the first time with ESPN for a U.S. Women’s Amateur because I thought she could do it. It’s nice to know after the fact that you were right.”
Rankin continued to hone her craft as an analyst for ABC and ESPN, learning from numerous colleagues who provided guidance, encouragement and developed into close friends. Longtime ABC commentator Bob Rosburg, a Stanford product who “really knew the English language,” was often a sounding board for Rankin. Meanwhile, Jack Whitaker provided valuable guidance surrounding player interviews.
“Jack was really the person who finally made me a decent interviewer,” said Rankin. “He helped me so much because I got to where I enjoyed interviewing people. I could see the rhyme or reason where you go with your interviews.”
Rankin recalls Whitaker’s reminders to have a first question prepared and then base a follow-up question off the player’s answer.
“It was very good for me to get those little lessons here and there,” said Rankin. “I know over time it made a difference.”
Rankin joined GOLF CHANNEL as the lead analyst for its LPGA Tour live tournament coverage in 2010, a position she held until 2022 when she retired from full-time broadcasting.
Reflecting on her career, Rankin cherishes numerous memories from her time behind the microphone.
She called Annika Sorenstam’s historic 59 from the booth during the 2001 Standard Register PING at Moon Valley Country Club in Phoenix, Ariz. Witnessing players win at Mission Hills was always special due to her history at the famed Rancho Mirage, California Club. Rankin won the Colgate Dinah Shore Winner’s Circle there in 1976.
Experiencing and covering golf in Britain, Scotland and Northern Ireland was an “amazing thing” for Rankin. She had the lead on-course role and followed Tiger Woods for the majority of his first Open Championship win, at St. Andrews in 2000. Rankin also called Jack Nicklaus’s final round at St. Andrews in 2005.
“That was an amazing experience because I knew how much he was respected, but now on that particular day you saw how he was really loved,” said Rankin. “There was a standing ovation at every single hole.”
Rankin expressed appreciation for the talented colleagues she worked with over the years, including Curtis Strange, Andy North, Mike Tirico, Terry Gannon and Grant Boone, as well as past work with Roger Twibell and Jim McKay.
“When you have somebody as good as Mike Tirico and as good as Terry Gannon, they are not just good in their own right, they make you better,” said Rankin. “Whoever is sitting next to me, they make you better. They know what might draw an audience in.
“So many of those people are my great friends. That’s the hard part about retiring is you miss them. There are a lot of laughs in what you do in television also. If you’re with a group where there is a lot of camaraderie, clearly it’s one of the greatest jobs ever.”
Rankin, now 78, worked four events during 2023, including the Solheim Cup, where she reunited with Gannon and longtime friend Juli Inkster. The PGA Lifetime Achievement Award in Journalism is her latest accolade following a decorated playing career and an equally impressive tenure in television. For the Hall of Famer, an award in journalism is especially gratifying.
“Quite honestly I am a little overwhelmed that it’s for journalism,” said Rankin. “It really makes me feel good as though I did something slightly more meaningful than just playing a game. I am really honored that they think there was some journalistic value to what I’ve done all these years.”
For information on the PGA Lifetime Achievement Award and to view past winners, visit https://www.pga.org/history/pga-annual-awards
