PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. -- With the latest rounds of the PGA Proficiency Test completed at the end of March, 29 PGA Professionals received 33 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 Michele Kruchkowski at (732) 469-5700 or mkruchkowski@mastrocomm.com.

Recently Certified Professionals:

* Previously earned certification

* Steven R. Beach, Glenmoor Country Club, Cherry Hills Village, Colo. (General Management and Instruction*)
* Jason K. Beffert, Lyman Orchards Golf Club, Middlefield, Conn. (Instruction)
* Ciaran T. Carr, Putnam National Golf Club, Mahopac, N.Y. (Ownership/Leasing, Executive Management, Instruction*, Golf Operations *, General Management* and Retail*)
* Franklin H. Christopher, Stonehenge Golf Club, Crossville, Tenn. (Golf Operations)
* Louise L. Davis, Cog Hill Golf & Country Club, Lemont, Ill. (Instruction)
* Christopher J. DeBusk, Havana Country Club, The Villages, Fla. (Ownership/Leasing, Golf Operations*, General Management*, Instruction* and Executive Management*)
* Boyd L. Everling, Stonebridge Golf Club, Monroe, N.C. (Golf Operations and General Management*)
* Jon D. Farnsworth, Wesley Chapel, Fla. (Ownership/Leasing, Retail, Instruction*, Executive Management*, General Management* and Golf Operations*)
* Erin M. Kato, Paa-Ko Ridge Golf Club, Sandia Park, N.M. (Retail)
* Michael J. Kummer, Crownsville, Md. (General Management)
* Bryan L. McMurray, Riverchase Country Club, Birmingham, Ala. (Golf Operations)
* Brian N. Miano, Spring Valley Lake Country Club, Victorville, Calif. (Golf Operations)
* Christopher D. Myers, Northwood Club, Dallas, Texas (Retail, General Management, Instruction* and Golf Operations*)
* Dennis B. Nash, Grayson, Ky. (Instruction)
* Bryan W. Nicholson, Northwood Club, Dallas, Texas. (Golf Operations)
* Megan C. Padua, The Bridges Golf Club, San Ramon, Calif. (Instruction)
* Zachary T. Pfingst, Bay Creek Resort and Club, Cape Charles, Va. (Ownership/Leasing, Retail, Golf Operations*, Executive Management* and General Management*)
* Boykin H. Powers, Mount Pleasant, S.C. (Retail and Instruction*)
* Jack Richards, Clearwater Golf Course, Clearwater, Kan. (Instruction)
* Joe D. Schafer, Willow Creek Golf Course, W. Des Moines, Iowa (General Management)
* Mike B. Schuette, Interlachen Country Club, Edina, Minn. (Golf Operations)
* Marco Stevanoni, South Mountain Golf Club, Draper, Utah (General Management)
* Jeremy B. Story, Country Club of the South, Alpharetta, Ga. (Golf Operations)
* Charles L. Thurston, Spokane Country Club, Spokane, Wash. (Retail, Instruction*, General Management* and Golf Operations*)
* Sean B. Trimble, Vanderbilt Legends Club, Franklin, Tenn. (Golf Operations)
* Kevin G. Weeks, Cog Hill Golf & Country Club, Lemont, Ill. (Instruction)
* Robert J. White, Wexford Golf Club, Hilton Head Island, S.C. (Instruction)
* Ed M. Winiecki, Shandin Hills Golf Club, San Bernardino, Calif. (Executive Management, Golf Operations*, General Management* and Ownership/Leasing*)
* Jeffrey A. Wirbal, Andover Country Club, Andover, Mass. (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.