PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. -- With the latest round of the PGA Proficiency Test completed at the end of February, 19 PGA Professionals received 27 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
* John R. Billiter, Sportsman's Country Club, Northbrook, Ill. (Instruction)
* Timothy R. Dale, The Foundry Golf Club, Powhatan, Va. (Golf Operations)
* Christopher J. DeBusk, Havana Country Club, The Villages, Fla. (Executive Management, Golf Operations*, General Management* and Instruction*)
* Jon D. Farnsworth, Wesley Chapel, Fla. (General Management, Golf Operations, Instruction* and Executive Management*)
* Christopher P. Hazelwood, Reynolds Plantation/Oconee, Greensboro, Ga. (General Management, Retail and Golf Operations*)
* Brian A. Jones, Hamilton Elks Golf Club, Hamilton, Ohio (General Management, Executive Management and Golf Operations*)
* Timothy W. Krumnow, Edwin Watts Superstore, Houston, Texas (Retail, Instruction*, Golf Operations*, General Management*, Executive Management* and Ownership/Leasing*)
* John A. Landers, Metropolitan Golf Links, Oakland, Calif. (General Management, Instruction* and Ownership/Leasing*)
* Christopher C. Moore, Atlanta Athletic Club, Duluth, Ga. (Golf Operations)
* Christopher D. Myers, Northwood Club, Dallas, Texas (Golf Operations and Instruction)
* Zachary T. Pfingst, Bay Creek Resort and Club, Cape Charles, Va. (Executive Management, General Management and Golf Operations*)
* Timothy P. Ressa, Stoneridge Golf Club, Blanchard, Idaho (Golf Operations and Instruction*)
* Jon Sandell, Oak Tree Golf Club, Edmond, Okla. (General Management and Golf Operations*)
* Justin M. Stuber, Indian Bayou Golf & Country Club, Destin, Fla. (Instruction)
* Kevin J. Swan, Onwentsia Club, Lake Forest, Ill. (Ownership/Leasing, Golf Operations*, Executive Management*, Retail*, General Management* and Instruction*)
* Charles L. Thurston, Spokane Country Club, Spokane, Wash. (General Management, Golf Operations and Instruction*)
* Geoff E. Tollefson, Arboretum Club, Buffalo Grove, Ill. (Instruction, Golf Operations*, General Management*, Executive Management*, Ownership/Leasing* and Retail*)
* Ben A. Weaver, Prestwick Country Club, Avon, Ind. (General Management, Retail, Golf Operations* and Ownership/Leasing*)
* Michael E. Wenzel, Anetsberger Golf Course, Northbrook, Ill. (Instruction, Retail and 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.
