23-24 Winter Quarterly Magazine

WINTER IN THE CAROLINAS

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Doug Hodges, PGA Featured as a PGA Jr League #GameChanger Award Recipient | p. 11

T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S

R E C E N T E V E N T S

P G A o f A m e r i c a R E A C H F o u n d a t i o n

A w a r d s P l a c e s t o P l a y G r a n t

C P G A S u p e r S h o w R e c a p

R E A C H A s s i s t a n t & R e t i r e d

P r o f e s s i o n a l s o f t h e Y e a r

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5 C a r o l i n a s P G A P r o f e s s i o n a l s E a r n

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W I N T E R P L A Y

J o n M a y e r W i n s E v e n t i n P G A

T o u r n a m e n t S e r i e s

C P G A C h a r l e s T i l g h m a n

J u n i o r C h a m p i o n s h i p

S E C T I O N U P D A T E S

N e w L o g o

C a r o l i n a s P G A & F i r e M a k e r I g n i t e a

F o u r Y e a r P a r t n e r s h i p

J e f f A b b o t N a m e d C P G A

C E O / E x e c u t i v e D i r e c t o r

S t a f f P r o m o t i o n s & N e w

H i r e C o l l i n E l p h i c

U p c o m i n g E v e n t s

2 0 2 4 T o u r n a m e n t S c h e d u l e

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LEADERSHIP

Officers

Josh Wagaman, PGA - President

Jeff Avant, PGA - Vice President

Ben Bridgers, PGA - Secretary

Chris Byrd, PGA - Honorary President

Chapter Directors

Matt Pavia, PGA - Mountains

Chase Butler, PGA - Palmetto

Deron Lee, PGA - Lowcountry

Savio Nazareth, PGA - Piedmont

Kyle Kirk, PGA - Sandhills

Barry Pierce, PGA - Greater Charlotte

Tom VanHoogen, PGA - Grand Strand

Jason Cherry, PGA - Cape Fear

Rob Pilewski, PGA - Triangle

JT Symons, PGA - Atlantic

Newly Elected Officers

Left to right: Ben Bridgers, Jeff Avant, Josh Wagaman, Chris Byrd

Ben Bridgers was elected as the CPGA Secretary and Luke Lovell, PGA was elected for his second term as the Tournament Chairperson at the 2024 CPGA Annual Meeting in February The Carolinas PGA Officers will meet in early March to appoint the committee chairs for 2024-2025

PGA of America REACH Foundation Awards

$250,000 Places to Play Grant to Gillespie Golf Course Re-Imagination Project

The PGA of America REACH Foundation has awarded the 2025 Places to Play Spectator Championship Legacy Grant to Gillespie Golf Course in its effort to revitalize Greensboro’s oldest municipal golf course with a prominent history during the civil rights movement. The $250,000 Legacy Grant is awarded by the PGA of America in conjunction with the 2025 PGA Championship, to be played at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte in May 2025, and offers a lasting community impact to promote playing opportunities for all.

In response to the grant award, Greensboro Mayor Nancy Vaughan said, “The City of Greensboro is honored to receive the PGA of America REACH Foundation Places to Play Grant Gillespie Golf Course's significance goes far beyond golf and includes impact on the Civil Rights Movement, ongoing local community engagement and opportunities for life skills development for those of all backgrounds and abilities. We are committed to this special facility and grateful for the PGA of America’s generous support ”

Located approximately 90 miles from Quail Hollow Club, and near the PGA of America’s Carolinas Section headquarters at Bryan Park in Greensboro, Gillespie Golf Course opened in 1941 with a beautiful 18-hole layout designed by famed golf architect Perry Maxwell Maxwell is one of the most acclaimed golf architects of the 20th century whose work includes Southern Hills in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Old Town Club in Winston-

Salem and a major renovation of Augusta National in 1937, home of the Masters Tournament

“It’s a true honor to work alongside the City of Greensboro and the Carolinas PGA Section to elevate the historic Gillespie Golf Course through our Places to Play Program,” said PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh “Gillespie Golf Course is rich with history, by revitalizing key areas of the facility we will ensure that all members of the community can enjoy this game we love for generations to come. This will not only enable golf to be learned and enjoyed, but also help to show the importance and impact of breaking barriers to accessibility ”

The Gillespie Golf Course has an incredible history during the racial strife of the 1950s On December 7th, 1955, one week after Rosa Parks refused to give her bus seat to a white man, the “Greensboro Six,” a group of heroic Black men, were arrested for daring to play the white-only golf course The gentlemen, remembered on a historic marker near the clubhouse, were tired of the shaggy conditioning and putrid smell from a sewage plant near Nocho Park, the nearby Blacks-only course. Dr. George Simkins Jr , a prominent second-generation dentist, champion tennis player and golfer, led the charge to tee it up at Gillespie After their arrest, the case moved through the courts and was argued before the United States Supreme Court The court ruled 5-4 against the Greensboro Six Due to a related case, Gillespie was to be integrated, but before that happened the clubhouse was set on fire The City decided to abandon its involvement and

sold the property where nine of the 18 holes were, resulting in the back nine being bulldozed to create a parking lot for City vehicles and equipment In 1962, the City voted to reopen the nine remaining holes of Gillespie Golf Course to all Greensboro residents

The City of Greensboro is now investing $2 million in the Gillespie Golf Course renovation project and is working closely with the Joseph M. Bryan Foundation to secure additional funding to bring the course back to Perry Maxwell’s vision by completing a master plan and engaging with one of the most decorated modern-day architects, Rees Jones Jones has designed or renovated more than 260 golf courses, including Bryan Park’s Champions Course, and earned the moniker “The Open Doctor” for his work in preparation for seven U S Open venues, nine PGA Championship courses and six Ryder Cups

“Having grown up across the street as a young boy and watching Perry Maxwell build the original Gillespie Golf Course, I am honored to see my good friend Rees Jones bring Gillespie back to a place of prominence for all of our residents to enjoy,” said Jim Melvin, former Mayor of Greensboro and President & CEO of the Joseph M. Bryan Foundation.

In addition to the Bryan Foundation and the Carolinas Section of the PGA of America, the City is joining forces with the First Tee - Central Carolina (based at Gillespie Golf Course), the Wyndham Championship and North Carolina A&T to enhance the renovation project with aspirations of revitalized practice areas, a short game course, a mural of the Greensboro Six and clubhouse renovations The City is also pursuing additional funding through state and federal grants and local corporate support

“We are delighted to support the ongoing efforts to bring Gillespie Golf Course back to its prominence and provide a community gathering spot for people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy this great game of golf,” said Carolinas PGA Section President Chris Byrd. “We are proud of Gillespie Golf Course Head PGA of America Golf Professional Bob Brooks who supports our PGA REACH pillars of youth player development, military and veteran outreach through PGA HOPE and our diversity and inclusion efforts to do good through golf.”

Your behavior is what’s gonna let you get there, or not get there.

End of story.

Michael Breed, PGA

Upwards of 800 Carolinas PGA Professionals and Associates attended the 2024 Carolinas PGA Super Show presented by GolfStatus.

Highlights included:

CPGA Annual Meeting Presented by GolfProPayments

Election of 2024-2025 Officers

Educational Seminars (Michael Breed, PGA & Jason Mills, PGA)

Winter Teaching Summit Presented by Foresight Sports & GolfForever

Special Awards & Honors Dinner

Presented by Club Car Merchandise Show with 220+ Vendors

PGA of America Vice President Don Rea, PGA and Chief Membership Officer John Easterbrook, PGA joined Honorary President Chris Byrd, PGA and District 10 Director Paige Cribb for a town hall forum to address questions from the membership. CBS and Sirius XM Radio personality Michael Breed, PGA was featured as the keynote speaker for Monday evening where he encouraged the attendees to be their absolute best in every aspect of their personal and professional lives Jason Mills, PGA, Director of Golf at Carmel Country Club and PGA of America Rules Committee member, led the Tuesday morning education session where he gave helpful tips and updates regarding the USGA rules of golf

An election for the 2024-2025 Officers and

Tournament Chairperson was held where the following Carolinas PGA Professionals were elected into office: Josh Wagaman, President; Jeff Avant, Vice President; Ben Bridgers, Secretary; and Luke Lovell, Tournament Chairperson. Tom VanHoogen was also sworn in as Grand Strand Chapter Director. The Carolinas PGA sold out the Merchandise Show with 213 booths showcasing over 150 vendors. A cash jackpot prize was drawn at the conclusion of each day of the Merchandise Show where Andy Kohn, PGA won the day one drawing of $1,500, and Jeff Swangim, PGA, Robert Starkey, PGA, and Matt Zvanut, PGA won the day two drawings of $1,000 The grand prize drawing of $3,000 and the domestic trip for two courtesy of CPGA Partner Signature Golf was awarded to Seth Wilson, PGA from The Club at Longview

Thank you to section partners GolfStatus, Club Car, GolfProPayments, Signature Golf, Foresight Sports, GolfForever, Par4Success, and Greensboro Convention & Visitors Bureau for making the 2024 Super Show one of the best ones yet!

SPECIAL AWARDS & HONORS DINNER

PRESENTED BY CLUB CAR

Congratulations to the twelve Carolinas PGA Professionals who were presented with their Section Award at Greensboro Country Club on Sunday, February 18th, 2024:

GOLF PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

Paige Cribb, PGA

BILL STRAUSBAUGH AWARD

Jason Sutton, PGA

PGA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AWARD

Brock White, PGA

PALMER MAPLES TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Kevin Britt, PGA

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AWARD

Robbie Fritz, PGA

YOUTH PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AWARD

Jim Hardy, PGA

MERCHANDISER OF THE YEAR (PRIVATE)

Tyler Gosselin, PGA

MERCHANDISER OF THE YEAR (RESORT)

Benji Boyter, PGA

MERCHANDISER OF THE YEAR (PUBLIC)

Alex Bowers, PGA

ASSISTANT PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

Travis DeJohn, PGA

PATRIOT AWARD

Brian Oliver, PGA

COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD

Bob Brooks, PGA

Congratulations also to the Carolinas PGA Hall of Fame Class of 2023:

CARY

BILL LYTTON, PGA

STATE ROAD, NC

PGA REACH CAROLINAS

ASSISTANT & RETIRED

PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

In celebration of Assistant Professionals and Retired Members who have given back to the game in extraordinary ways, the Carolinas PGA REACH Foundation is proud to present the PGA REACH Carolinas Assistant of the Year Award and the PGA REACH Carolinas Retired Professional of the Year Award. These awards recognize a Member, Retired Member, or an Associate Assistant’s contributions in supporting the three pillars of Youth, Military, and Diversity & Inclusion. They have maintained the Foundation’s mission of positively impacting lives through the game of golf through their dedication and hard work.

Ken Haigler is a Carolinas PGA REACH Founding Trustee He has contributed a total of $26,000 towards the PGA REACH Carolinas Assistant and Retired Professional of the Year Awards. He believes recognizing the hard work of Carolinas PGA Assistants and Retired Members is crucial in growing the game, and giving back to the community is an important value for all PGA professionals.

PGA REACH Carolinas Assistant

Professional

of the Year

1st Place: Daniel Byrd, PGA

2nd Place: Donald Hepp, PGA

3rd Place: Cynthia Graham, PGA

PGA REACH Carolinas Retired Professional of the Year

1st Place: Tom Rader, PGA

2nd Place: Roger Mack, PGA

3rd Place: Brian Oliver, PGA

5 CPGA Members Earn

PGA REACH Carolinas and the Carolinas PGA Section are proud to announce the achievements of our CPGA members who have been recognized for their contributions to PGA Jr League through the 2023 #GameChanger Award. These individuals have demonstrated exceptional

dedication, making significant strides in player engagement and leading one of the largest Jr. League programs in the country.

The following CPGA members have been acknowledged for their outstanding Player Engagement in PGA Jr. League:

– Mike Abate, PGA – The Divide Golf Club (Matthews, NC)

– Daniel Byrd, PGA – Tanglewood Golf Course (Clemmons, NC)

– Casey Cline, PGA – Bermuda Run Country Club (Bermuda R

– Adam Stephenson – Forsyth Country Club (Winston-Salem,

Their commitment to player development and engagement h only contributed to the growth of PGA Jr League, but has also positively impacted the lives of young aspiring golfers.

Additionally, PGA REACH Carolinas is proud to highlight the remarkable achievements of Doug Hodges, PGA of Durham, NC Through his non-profit organization, SwingPals, Doug has led one of the largest PGA Jr League programs in the country, ranking #13 nationally This accomplishment is a testament to Doug’s leadership, passion for the game, and dedication to nurturing the next generation of golfers.

PGA REACH Carolinas and the Carolinas PGA Section applaud these game-changers for their exceptional work, and their contributions have certainly played a vital role in the success of the PGA Jr League in the Carolinas PGA REACH Carolinas looks forward to continued success as it strives to grow the game and make a lasting impact on the world of junior golf

Mike Abate, PGA The Divide Golf Club

Doug Hodges, PGA SwingPals

Sophie Madden, PGA from Old Edwards Club in Highlands, NC earned a spot in the 2024 PGA Professional Championship April 28May 1 at Fields Ranch at PGA Frisco in Frisco, Texas after finishing T6 in the 2024 PGA Winter Championships - Stroke Play Championship event on February 11-13, 2024 Sophie also finished T7 in the Women’s Stroke Play Championship one week later

Jon Mayer Wins Event No. 3 in PGA Tournament Series at PGA Golf Club

Mayer competed in the PGA Tournament series on December 78, 2023 where he went 9-under for the two day event at PGA Golf Club’s Wanamaker Course

Click here to read full story

CHAMPIONS

Overall Boys

1st Place: Harrison James

2nd Place: Matthew Costello & Preston Howe

Overall Girls

1st Place: Hannah Lowery

2nd Place: LillyReed Black

N E W L O G O

The PGA of America has partnered with Omaha Productions and has launched a new logo across all 41 sections The campaign aims to elevate and reinforce the role of PGA of America Golf Professionals as boldly influencing the present and future of the sport and industry by delivering more enjoyable experiences to golfers everywhere, no matter where they may be on their golf journeys.

In conjunction with the marketing campaign, the Section has introduced an updated, modernized logo to help better distinguish the Association’s brand in the vast golf industry. The logo, designed for digital and social media, broadcast and print usage, showcases a more open, simplified look that builds off the Association’s heritage while bringing more attention to the “PGA of America ” The aim is to help recognize the PGA of America Golf Professionals, partners and programs that currently drive demand for the game at more than 10,000 facilities in America and for the nearly 41 million individuals who play this game we all love

Carolinas PGA & Fire Maker Ignite a Four Year Partnership

The Carolinas PGA is thrilled to announce a four year partnership with Fire Maker Brewing Company The Southeastern based brewing company will be a Proud Partner of the Carolinas PGA for the beer known as Calamity Jane – produced by Fire Maker Brewing in Atlanta The agreement signed by Fire Maker Brewing Company Co-Owner, Elliott Hall, will bring a longtime partnership to the Carolinas PGA Section lasting through 2027.

“Growing up in a family supported by a small construction business, there wasn’t always a lot of time outside of working However, when there was, we brewed beer and played golf Fast forward to today and the opportunity to collaborate with the Carolinas PGA to introduce our golf-themed beer, ‘Calamity Jane,’ is surreal,” says Co-Owner & CEO of Fire Maker Brewing Company, Elliott Hall. “This isn’t just about introducing a new beer to the market; it’s about celebrating and honoring the game of golf. I truly can’t wait to see ‘Calamity Jane’ become a part of the golfing experience in North Carolina and South Carolina, adding another layer of enjoyment to the game I’ve loved since childhood ”

The partnership includes a co-branded label on the Calamity Jane can, highlighting the Carolinas PGA as a Proud Partner Calamity Jane – Fire Maker beer will be the sole/exclusive craft beer provider of the Carolinas PGA, and will be distributed at various events throughout the partnership Fire Maker Brewing Company will be sampling their beer at the Carolinas PGA Super Show presented by GolfStatus during the Merchandise Show on Monday and Tuesday, February 19th & 20th, 2024 in Greensboro, North Carolina.

“Teaming up with Fire Maker Brewing Company is a hole-in-one for the Carolinas PGA! The blend of passion for golf and the artistry of brewing has resulted in a truly exceptional beer that not only enhances our events, but brings distinct flavor to the golfing experience.” Exclaimed Assistant Executive Director for the Carolinas PGA, Mike Whitenack, PGA, “We believe this beer will make for an easy choice by golfers on the course as the Fire Maker brand makes its way into Carolinas golf facilities and retail beverage stores The craftsmanship and dedication that Fire Maker Brewing Company brings to the table truly exemplify the spirit of our partnership Cheers to more successful tournaments and memorable moments together!”

Links at Stono Ferry | December 11

TRAINING

Mobility. Strength. Speed.

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Improved consistency and efficiency of golf swing

This call and partnership are completely free!

DENNIS’ STORY

Dennis (80) joined P4S in 2018 with goals to improve his overall fitness, play golf pain free, and enjoy the game as long as possible.

Dennis worked with both our Physical Therapy and Strength and Conditioning team to create a custom program built around his goals and limitations This program allowed Dennis to gain 5+ MPH in clubhead speed, eliminate pain/stiffness he felt after playing golf and improve overall quality of life.

“P4S is the best investment I’ve ever made in my golf game Better than any club fitting, new driver or golf lesson Not only has it changed my game but it has also changed my life.”

CEO/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JEFF ABBOT

The Carolinas PGA is excited to announce the promotions of Jeff Abbot, Kurt Battenberg, PGA, and Mike Whitenack, PGA.

After eight years serving as the Executive Director of the Carolinas Section of the PGA of America, Jeff Abbot has been promoted to Chief Executive Officer. In his new role, Jeff will work on relationship building with key donors and sponsors to continue the Section’s fundraising success. He will also spend more time on growing and protecting the Section’s assets, while focusing on long-term strategic planning.

The promotion was announced at the Carolinas PGA Annual Meeting on February 19th by President Chris Byrd, who stated, “We had three goals in mind with Jeff’s promotion to CEO, reward him for his success and accomplishments over the past 8 years, retain Jeff to finish his impressive career with the Carolinas PGA and motivate Jeff to continue to take the Section & REACH Foundation to new heights.”

KURT BATTENBERG, PGA

ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, REACH & FINANCE

The Carolinas PGA is also honored to announce the promotion of Kurt Battenberg, PGA to Assistant Executive Director, REACH and Finance. Kurt has been involved with our PGA REACH Carolinas Foundation programming and administration from the beginning when it was reactivated in 2017. This new position will allow Kurt to devote more of his time to the PGA REACH Carolinas Foundation while still managing the Section’s finances.

MIKE WHITENACK, PGA

ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CHAMPIONSHIPS & DEVELOPMENT

The Carolinas PGA is also honored to announce the promotion of Mike Whitenack, PGA to Assistant Executive Director, Championships & Development! Mike will transition into a role that focuses more on our PGA REACH Carolinas Foundation, where he will oversee our PGA REACH Trustee Program and be heavily involved in fundraising and development activities within the Sect

WELCOME COLLIN ELPHIC!

DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

The Carolinas PGA is excited to announce the hiring of Collin Elphic as our new Director of Corporate Partnerships! Elphic has spent the last 5 years working for the Middle Atlantic PGA Section and brings relevant experience in handling partner & sponsor acquisitions, orchestrating partner activations, PGA REACH Foundation fundraising, and other general Section administration abilities, boasting 20% annual partner growth from 2021 to 2023.

Register for a Chapter Championship/Spring Chapter Meeting Today!

Lowcountry Chapter

March 5 | Moss Creek - South | Bluffton, SC

Grand Strand Chapter

March 6 | Grande Dunes MC | Myrtle Beach, SC

Cape Fear Chapter

March 7 | Magnolia Greens | Wilmington, NC

Greater Charlotte Chapter

March 18 | River Run CC | Davidson, NC

Palmetto Chapter

March 19 | Columbia CC | Blythewood, SC

Mountains Chapter

March 20 | Cliffs at Mountain Park | Marietta, SC

Sandhills Chapter

April 1 | Pinehurst No. 9 | Pinehurst, NC

Piedmont Chapter

April 2 | Starmount Forest CC | Greensboro, NC

Triangle Chapter

April 3 | Alamance CC | Burlington, NC

Atlantic Chapter

April 4 | Crystal Coast CC | Pine Knoll Shores, NC

Monday, 9am-12pm | Carmel CC - North

Rules of Golf Seminar

PGA of America Rules Committee Member

Jason Mills, PGA and the Carolinas Golf Association's Rusty Harder provide a foundation for the Rules of Golf. Earn 3 PDR Credits. Lunch is included

Monday, 9am-12pm | The Cliffs at Walnut Cove

Mountains Teaching Seminar

Teaching Seminar Speakers include:

2023 CPGA Teacher of the Year, Kevin Britt, PGA, Christian Fryland, PGA, and Ryan Smith, PGA Lunch is included with optional golf to follow! Earn 3 PDR Credits.

Tuesday, 3pm-7pm | Thornblade Club

Mountains Chapter Professional Development

Come out to Thornblade for 9 holes golf and Professional Development Education Pizza and beer to follow golf along with a presentation on Professional Practices and Q&A Earn 2 PDR Credits

QUARTER & HALF CENTURY MEMBERS

HALF CENTURY

JANUARY

Bufort Blanton, PGA

FEBRUARY

Tommy Price, PGA

QUARTER CENTURY

DECEMBER

James R. Hill Jr., PGA

JANUARY

Rick A. Green, PGA

Brent A. Carlson, PGA

James K. Hill, PGA

Douglas F. Wherry, PGA