PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. -- With the latest rounds of the PGA Proficiency Test completed at the end of February, 10 PGA Professionals received 12 certifications from The Professional Golfers' Association of America (PGA) Certified Professional Program.
The PGA Certified Professional Program is an online, educational curriculum that supports PGA Professionals who are committed to continuously enhancing their golf management skills in order to stay ahead of the increasing demands of the industry. Since the program's inception in August 2004, 525 PGA Professionals have earned a total of 984 certifications in related career paths, including General Management, Golf Operations, Instruction, Retail, Executive Management and Ownership/Leasing.
The online distance learning approach ensures broad access to the program, while reducing the time and travel costs associated with traditional classes. Currently the most popular career paths are Golf Operations and General Management. Classes with the highest enrollment across all career paths are accounting, business planning and budgeting, turfgrass management and customer relations.
The following list includes the names and affiliations of PGA members who recently obtained certification. For interviews or additional information on the following Certified PGA Professionals please contact Ashley Ross at (561) 624-7671 or aross@pgahq.com.
Recently Certified Professionals:
* Previously earned certification
* Mark A. Bergman, Merrill Hills Country Club, Waukesha, Wis. (Instruction, Ownership/Leasing, General Management*, Golf Operations* and Retail*)
* Keith W. Gagnon, New Seabury Cape Cod, Mashpee, Mass. (Instruction and Golf Operations*)
* John E. Gudauskas, Deering Bay Yacht & Country Club, Coral Gables, Fla. (General Management, Executive Management and Golf Operations*)
* Hal L. Jacobs, Stow Acres Country Club, Worcester, Mass. (Instruction)
* Jiro Nakazaki, Sportsman's Country Club, Northbrook, Ill. (Instruction)
* Bill F. Pollert, Belmont Country Club, Perrysburg, Ohio (Golf Operations)
* Fran Rhoads, TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm, Potomac, Md. (Instruction)
* Justin R. Sheehan, Jim McLean Golf School-Doral, Doral, Fla. (Instruction)
* Darin W. Vaughan, Twin Lakes Village Golf Course, Rathdrum, Idaho (Golf Operations)
* Joshua J. White, Forest Highlands/Canyon Golf Course, Flagstaff, Ariz. (Golf Operations)
About The PGA 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 multi-billion dollar golf industry.
By creating and delivering dramatic world-class championships and exciting and enjoyable golf promotions that are viewed as the best of their class in the golf industry, The PGA of America elevates the public's interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere. The PGA of America brand represents the very best in golf.
