James L. Haugh of Oahu, Hawaii, has been named executive director of the Aloha PGA Section. Haugh’s appointment was announced March 18, by Aloha PGA President Matthew Hall, PGA director of golf at the Turtle Bay Resort. Haugh succeeds Paul Sugimoto, who retired in 2007 after serving a 10-year term.

"Jim's 40 year business background in national and international sports management/administration, event management, facility operations, business development and government enterprises with several high profile organizations such as: senior vice president - EMIT Technologies, Director of Operations - International Management Group (IMG) Sports Academy, president/CEO - Seattle/King County Sports and Events Council, and recreation director - U.S. Army Hawaii MWR will be a welcome addition to our team," said Hall.

Haugh is a former USPTA tennis teaching professional, who coached at all levels in the game, including a five-year stint at the world renowned Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Bradenton, Fla.

Haugh and his wife, Janie, a RN at Tripler Army Medical Center, live in Oahu, and are the parents of children Jesse, 21 and Josie, 18.

Haugh becomes the chief executive officer and administrator for the 260 members and apprentices of the Section. Among his responsibilities are the coordination and oversight of all tournament programs, day-to-day operations including compliance with PGA policies and regulations, development and implementation of annual business plans and long range proposals, marketing and promotion, generating new revenue sources and sponsorship alliances, and working with allied golf organizations.

The Aloha PGA also announced the formation of the Aloha Section PGA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and the philanthropic arm of the Aloha Section PGA that is designed to develop and promote interest in the game of golf while enhancing the lives of those that participate. The Foundation will oversee new golfer developmental programs, scholarships, research, education and the Hawaii Golf Hall of Fame.

The Aloha PGA Section is one of 41 PGA Sections of The Professional Golfers' Association of America.

Since 1916, The PGA of America's mission has been twofold: to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf.

By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, the Association enables PGA Professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in the $76 billion golf industry.

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