Dec. 11, 2004 – The Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) of America has announced the first group of members to satisfy the requirements for Certified Professional status through The PGA Certified Professional Program.

Launched in August 2004, the PGA Certified Professional Program is an online, career-enhancing educational curriculum that supports the goals of PGA Professionals who are committed to continuously improving their golf management skills in order to stay ahead of the increasing demands of the industry. The online distance learning approach ensures broad access to the program, while reducing the time and travel costs associated with traditional classes.

The program enables Professionals to participate in a five-step curriculum to achieve certification in their choice of six career paths: general management, golf operations, instruction, retail, executive management, and ownership/leasing. Professionals can obtain certification in multiple areas of concentration.

"Professional education and training has been the hallmark of The PGA since its inception," said Roger Warren, President of The PGA of America. "The golf industry recognizes the importance of our programs in training the most qualified teaching and business professionals. The Certified Professional Program is designed to help our members further their careers while positively impacting the bottom line of their employers' businesses. We congratulate those Professionals who have satisfied the requirements of this program in such a short period of time."

PGA Professionals representing private and public courses, as well as universities, across the country are participating in the program.

"Because of The PGA's education programs, I feel that I have gained extensive knowledge of the golf business and increased credibility in my profession," said Lori Van Sickle, PGA head professional at DuPont Country Club, who was one of the first to achieve Certified Professional status. "I would encourage other Professionals to enhance their careers and keep up with the changing industry by developing in-depth management skills through the Certified Professional Program."

The following list includes the names and affiliations of the first group of PGA members to satisfy the requirements to obtain Certified Professional status. Please note that several PGA members satisfied multiple requirements and are certified in more than one career path.

General Management

* Mark Black; Fortress, Frankenmuth, Mich.
* John Ferlaak; Grand Haven Golf Club, Gaylord, Mich.
* Dennis Gavin; Charbonneau Golf Club, Wilsonville, Ore.
* Randy K. Houseman; Granby, Colo.
* Lori Van Sickle; DuPont Country Club, Greenville, Del.

Golf Operations

* Mark A. Johnson; Brier Creek Country Club, Durham, N.C.
* Michael C. Mahoney; The Country Club, Meadville, Pa.
* Randy K. Houseman; Granby, Colo.
* Lori Van Sickle; DuPont Country Club, Greenville, Del.
* Kevin R. Weickel; Disney Worldwide Services, Orlando, Fla.
* Dennis Gavin; Charbonneau Golf Club, Wilsonville, Ore.

Instruction

* Warren Bottke; Abacoa Golf Club, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.
* Joseph C. Hallett; Country Club of Mount Dora, Eustis, Fla.
* Carrie S. Jena; Golf Club at Yankee, Middletown, Ohio
* J. Cooper Osborne; Jacksonville Beach Golf Course, Jacksonville Beach, Fla.
* Robert S. Stocke; Golf Club of Georgia, Alpharetta, Ga.

Retail

* Steve W. Eisenberg; Professional Golf Management Program, Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, Fla.
* Gene R. Powell; PGA Learning Center, Port St. Lucie, Fla.
* Kevin R. Weickel; Disney Worldwide Services, Orlando, Fla.
* Douglas T. Wert; Professional Golf Management Program, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, Colo.

Executive Management

* Douglas T. Wert; Professional Golf Management Program, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, Colo.
* Kevin R. Weickel; Disney Worldwide Services, Orlando, Fla.

For more information on the Certified Professional Program, please visit www.pga.com/employment.