PGA of America Centennial Section

PGA of AmericA centenniAl

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JANUARY 25-31, 2016 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION ❘ STREET & SMITH’S SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL 19

20 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION ❘ STREET & SMITH’S SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL JANUARY 25-31, 2016

PGA of AmericA celebrAtes centenniAl

PGA of America Professionals represent the heart of golf. They’re the tangible con-nection to the millions of golfers who play across our country. Today, the more than 28,000 men and women, spanning 41 PGA Sections in the United States, continue in their mission to teach and grow the sport. In 2016, the PGA of America celebrates its Centennial and the contributions made by its Profession-als during the first century of the organiza-tion’s existence; the impact they have — and continue to have — on the business, teaching and playing of the game; and the vibrant possibilities they enjoy for shaping the game’s future.

“Golf means different things to different people, but somewhere along the way a PGA professional played a part in bringing someone into the game, helping them love the game and keeping them in the game,” said PGA President Derek Sprague. “As we commemorate 100 years of the PGA, we’re celebrating the role PGA professionals have played in shepherding the game.”

Since its founding on April 10, 1916, in New York City, PGA of America has emerged as the leader of today’s burgeoning $70 bil-lion golf industry. The PGA also operates many of the sport’s marquee champion-ships, including the PGA Championship, Ryder Cup, Senior PGA Championship pre-sented by KitchenAid and the KPMG Wom-en’s PGA Championship.

Headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., PGA of America enters its second cen-

tury of operation with a focused mission — to serve its members and grow the game of golf. PGA professionals, with their tangible connection to the consumer and golf indus-try, will be the focus of this year’s 100-day centennial celebration.

“Every day, PGA professionals are on the front line, working hard to shape the future of a multi-billion dollar golf industry,” Sprague said. “They are responsible for creating a fun,

social and welcoming golf experience at a variety of golf facilities around the country. This effort grows the game by increasing par-ticipation and creating fans of the sport. The more we can educate golfers and golf fans alike on all aspects of the game, the more they will play, attend events and tune in to golf on television.

“The PGA golf professional has been vital in the golf industry for the past 100 years and

will continue to be in the next century as more employers realize the important role PGA professionals play in the business of golf.”

PGA of America CEO Pete Bevacqua emphasized the ubiquity of PGA members when it comes to their overarching influence on the game.

“Whether it’s a private golf course in the Northeast or a nine-hole municipal golf course in Wichita, Kan., it’s the PGA of Amer-ica professional that is connecting people to the game at all levels,” he said. “Whether it’s kids, recreational golfers or elite professionals — the Jordan Spieths of the world — there is a PGA of America professional in every one of those stories. It’s a serious obligation, but it’s also a wonderful responsibility.”

Moving into the next century, PGA profes-sionals will continue to drive the business of golf and that portends even greater success for the sport in the future.

“We formulated a long-term strategic plan and it’s guided by two fundamental principles — serve the membership and grow the game,” Bevacqua said. “We’re try-ing to continue to serve our members as best we can into the next century and assist them in putting our own efforts and resources, combined with our 28,000 profes-sionals across the country, to grow the game. And not just domestically. What I think you’ll see in the next 100 years is a more vibrant global footprint for PGA of America and our PGA professionals.” ■



Jason Day receives the Wanamaker Trophy from PGA President Derek Sprague following the 2015 PGA Championship at Whistling Straits.

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PGA of America’s centennial: celebrating a century of excellence


centennial celebration tees off at the 63rd PGA merchandise show

It is only fitting that PGA of America’s centennial celebration will begin at the PGA Merchandise Show. Hailed as “The Major of Golf Business,” the PGA Merchandise Show is the first international golf industry gathering of the year and continues to grow in size and prominence.

“It’s a real kickoff to the season year in and year out where the whole golf world comes together,” PGA of America CEO Pete Bevacqua said. “As we were thinking about the most appropriate place to kick off our centennial, it just made perfect sense. We have the attention of the golf world. It will be a great way to shine a light on the centen-nial and the work and efforts of PGA profes-sionals across the country to try and grow this game.”

Today’s spectacle belies the show’s humble genesis in 1954 when a handful of golf merchandisers operated from the trunks of their cars in a parking lot in Dunedin, Fla. The PGA of America, founder and organiz-ing partner of golf’s most prestigious busi-ness event, sold an equity share in the show to Reed Exhibitions in 1998.

The 63rd PGA Merchandise Show will be held Jan. 26-29 at the Orange County Con-vention Center in Orlando, marking its 31st consecutive year at the venue.

Ed Several, senior vice president of PGA Worldwide Golf Exhibitions, oversees plan-ning for the show, in partnership with the

PGA of America, and addressed the unique significance of this year’s event.

“The PGA Merchandise Show will have special meaning in 2016 when we officially tee off PGA of America’s centennial year and celebrate the impact PGA profession-als have had on the game and the busi-ness of golf,” Several said. “Interactive cen-tennial displays, new events and exciting programs will lend additional pomp and cir-

cumstance to the 2016 PGA Show. More than 1,000 leading golf companies and brands and 40,000-plus PGA professionals, industry leaders and media from around the world will join us in this celebration. And, while we mark this special occasion, the PGA Show continues to serve as our indus-try’s established gathering to source the


PGA of America, Congratulations on a century of championship performance.Thank you for your mission and steadfast commitment in helping all PGA Members in their pursuit of teaching excellence, mentoring and growing the game we all love.Golf TEC is proud to be the largest employer of PGA Professionals and will continue to follow the high standards you have set forth, as we help people play better golf and enjoy the game more. Proudly Employing

The PGA Merchandise Show attracts more than 42,000 attendees annually at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.

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SEE MERCHANDISE SHOW, PAGE 24

PGA Merchandise Show BY THE NUMBERS

1,000 golf companies and brands

1 million gross square feet of inter-active, display and meeting space in the Orange County Convention Center

42,000+ industry attendees from 75+ countries

Nearly 1,000 media from 25+ countries

40+ education seminars

World’s largest professional outdoor demo event with 100 companies at the range, practice greens and vendor village of the 42-acre prac-tice facility at Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge

Nearly 10 miles of show aisles

25 hours of live broadcast by Golf Channel from the PGA Show Demo Day and PGA Show Floor

35+ hours of live radio broadcast from Sirius/XM PGA Tour Radio Net-work

TM & © 2016 Turner Entertainment Networks, Inc. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved. Photo: Steve Uzzell

C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S

1 0 0G R E A TY E A R S


newest merchandise, explore the latest trends and innovations, test advanced tech-nologies in equipment, uncover the freshest apparel and accessories, share top busi-ness strategies and teaching practices and network with our peers.

“It is a chance to celebrate the PGA and the PGA professional, as well as drive the business of golf forward as we start the new year.”

The 100-day centennial celebration will officially begin at the show’s Outdoor Demo Day on Jan. 26 with a ceremonial tee shot featuring PGA professionals from each of the 41 PGA sections paired with PGA Junior League golf participants. The ceremonial tee shot will be broadcast live and world-wide to golf enthusiasts and consumers by Golf Channel, which is ramping up its cover-age of the PGA Merchandise Show and the centennial.

“That will kick off our coverage of the PGA Merchandise Show,” said Mike McCar-ley, president of Golf Channel. “Over the last several years, we’ve worked closely with the PGA on providing a showcase for the week. This year, we’ll have 25 hours of coverage from the show, which is the most ever.” McCarley also noted that collaboration with PGA of America for its centennial began two years ago.

The long lead time in preparation of the PGA Merchandise Show and cooperation between partners spans the cross-section of industry participants at the show, which focuses on building business success for all involved in the game of golf.

“Teamwork is the foundation of PGA Show preparations,” Several said. “The PGA Merchandise Show is organized in partner-ship with PGA of America and in collabora-

tion with our exhibiting companies, partici-pating allied golf organizations and attend-ing PGA professionals and buyers. We’re planning many aspects of the show years ahead. In leading this effort, we base our

daily planning decisions on the premise that ‘Our No. 1 Job is Building Your Business.’ With this philosophy, we build a fresh industry forum and business programs each year that are designed to build the success of

our attending industry professionals, because their success is our success.”

Titleist, which took part in the original PGA Merchandise Show in 1954, continues to be heavily involved in the Major of Golf Busi-ness. The company will again present the popular Titleist Experience to help launch this year’s show. The 30-minute program features Titleist brand ambassadors Jim Nantz and Justin Thomas. A rising star on the PGA Tour, Thomas is the son of PGA profes-sional Mike Thomas.

Peter Broome, vice president of business development and partnerships for Acushnet/Titleist, values the opportunity to showcase new products as well as to provide educa-tional experiences through a series of work-shops for attendees.

“The evolution of the PGA Show has increased partner participation and cre-ated a more focused education platform,” Broome said. “The concentration of PGA members and business partners convened at the PGA Merchandise Show provides an opportunity for Acushnet to showcase prod-ucts, provide educational opportunities and connect with partners. Based on feedback from our partners, our focus is on creating a series of presentations and workshops that help professionals add more value to golf-ers.”

Callaway CEO Chip Brewer has been attending the PGA Merchandise Show since 1999 and his company has been a main-stay for 33 consecutive years.

“I’m always energized by the industry’s excitement for the upcoming season and the opportunity to catch up with friends and business partners,” Brewer said. “This has been especially true over the last few years


Official Partner of The PGA of America

A MILESTONE DESIGNFOR A MILESTONEYEAR

MERCHANDISE SHOW, FROM PAGE 22

SEE MERCHANDISE SHOW, PAGE 30

Golf is Big Busine$$ $176.8 billion – Total economic impact of golf in America, including direct, indirect and induced impacts $68.8 billion – Total size of the golf economy nationally $55.6 billion – Total wage income from about two million U.S. jobs $20.6 billion – Total travel expenditures produced by the golf industry $5.6 billion – Total amount spent on golf supplies $3.9 billion – Total annual charitable impact by the golf industry through 143,000 events and 12 million participants 1.98 million – Approximate number of jobs supported by the golf industry 15,350 – Approximate number of U.S. golf facilities, with more than 10,000 open to the public 75 – One in 75 jobs in the U.S. is in the golf industry (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) $26 – Median green fee in the U.S. (eight out of 10 golfers play public golf)

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cameron mccormick: A shining example of PGA Professionals and their mission

As the world’s largest sports organization, PGA of America and its 28,000 professionals work tirelessly to teach and grow the game of golf.

Cameron McCormick, the 2015 PGA Teacher of the Year, personifies the dedica-tion and professionalism of PGA professionals in 41 sections across the country.

McCormick has helped hundreds of stu-dents during 12 years of instruction, none more notable than 2015 Masters and U.S. Open champion Jordan Spieth.

McCormick, PGA professional and direc-tor of instruction at Brook Hollow Golf Club in Dallas, serves as Spieth’s exclusive instructor in all aspects of the game.

“I have complete trust in anything he says,” Spieth said. “He’s my swing coach, put-ting coach, short game coach, mental coach, everything. He’s a very special teacher, somebody who I think is going to get bigger and bigger, and you’re going to see him with a lot of tour players in the future.”

Spieth’s complete trust in McCormick has been forged from a nine-year working rela-tionship that began when the golfer was 12.

“I put the needs of him as a youth player ahead of any needs I might have had as a coach to impart my way on him,” McCor-mick said. “I chose to understand who he was as a unique individual and, in terms of the way he played golf, the way he swung a club, but also who he was as a person, as a character, as a young man. He is not

opposed to asking questions as to why cer-tain things happen and requires me to have those answers. And if I don’t have those answers, then I need to find the answer and I’ve always been willing to do that. Trust evolves over time.”

That sense of trust has been replicated many times over as McCormick’s current cli-ent roster includes approximately 200 stu-dents of various playing abilities.

“I might spend one hour a year with a person that doesn’t live in Dallas or comes into town infrequently or plays golf infre-quently,” he said. “And then I spend a signifi-cant amount of time with some individuals that come once a week or a couple that come multiple times per week. I would say 95 percent of my time is spent in Dallas and five percent out of town working with students that either are playing an event or need help when they’re out of town.”

McCormick, a native Australian, further distinguished himself at Brook Hollow by spearheading a junior program designed to cultivate skill development from basic to advanced levels of proficiency. The program was shaped with a long-term outlook toward fostering the growth of the game’s next gen-eration of competitive elite. Spieth credits McCormick with helping him to become one of the leading faces of golf’s current genera-tion.

“I owe Cameron for everything,” Spieth said. “He’s been there for me, going on nine years now, as my instructor. We’ve grown a lot together. We’ve both learned a lot in our jour-ney separately and have been able to com-bine that to create the best opportunities for one another. Cam and I have an unbeliev-able relationship. It’s only growing and we

continue to work hard and push each other to be the best we can at what we’re doing.”

As McCormick begins his new position as director of instruction at nearby Trinity Forest Golf Club — future home of the PGA Tour’s AT&T Byron Nelson tournament — he’ll lean on his past experience and all he has learned from fellow PGA professionals through the years.

“I learned so many different things from all of these special people — coaches of the game. To say the one thing that has been most critical in my development would be that each and every one of them never stopped looking for different solutions to the same problem,” he said. “All of the best coaches I observed, even to this day, have a playbook that is so deep they can look at one problem, one challenge, and have an array of ways of providing a solution to that challenge. That’s a special trait to have that ability to dig deep into the playbook and try five or seven things to score the same ‘touch-down’ in terms of the result. That’s an odyssey of knowledge and learning that evolves over time. That’s what the best coaches, the best people in any industry do. They keep looking for what else they can fill the knowledge bucket with so they can become better than they were the day before.”

It’s a mission shared by PGA professionals across the landscape as they help make golf



Congratulations to the PGA of America

on your 100th Anniversary

Congratulations to the PGA of America

on your 100th Anniversary

Harbor Shores is proud to host

The 77th Senior PGA Championship Presented by KitchenAid

May 24th-29th, 2016 | Benton Harbor, MI | harborshoreslife.com

Jordan Spieth practices his putting stroke at Augusta National with guidance from coach Cameron McCormick, the 2015 PGA Teacher of the Year.

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SEE McCORMICK, PAGE 30


#thxPGAPro campaign: Paying Homage to PGA Professionals

In conjunction with PGA of America’s centennial, the organization launched the #ThxPGAPro campaign, encouraging golfers to share their stories of how PGA members have impacted their games and lives. The campaign is designed to generate discus-sion on social media to further shine the spotlight on PGA professionals and their tan-gible connection to consumers and the golf industry.

“The campaign centers on PGA Tour stars, celebrities and avid golfers saluting PGA pro-fessionals from the perspective of how they’ve touched their lives and made a dif-ference,” said PGA President Derek Sprague. “Backed by programming such as Get Golf Ready, PGA Jr. League Golf, the PGA HOPE Military program and so many other growth-of-the-game initiatives, PGA professionals are the backbone of the game and are dedi-cated to ensuring it remains healthy for gen-erations to come.”

Golf Channel will begin related program-ming Jan. 27 that will run through early May, highlighted by an in-depth series of profiles celebrating each of the PGA’s 41 sections and its members. Each section profile will premiere on “Morning Drive” and will run afterward on various platforms across Golf Channel and NBC Sports Group.

“Several of them have some pretty fasci-nating histories,” Golf Channel President Mike McCarley said. “You’ve got a focus on the members and the courses and the different things a lot of those sections are doing – what some of the professionals within those sections are doing to help bring new people to the game, which is a real focus of the PGA to help grow the game. So, as their partner, one of the things we can do is highlight the initiatives and activities that are working well to help other sections and PGA professionals

replicate that success.” PGA professionals are already repre-

sented at Golf Channel with the 2012 PGA Teacher of the Year, Michael Breed, and 2008 winner Martin Hall both hosting shows. Said McCarley, “they are a staple of our Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday program-ming. I would call them our marquee PGA professionals.”

He added, “They’re great ambassadors for the organization. And Charlie Rymer, who is a key member of the cast of ‘Morning Drive,’ just became a PGA professional last year. Those are just a few of the examples of the high-profile ways we’re working together and the PGA having a very consistent pres-ence on Golf Channel.”

PGA of America CEO Pete Bevacqua said Golf Channel and its extended NBC Com-cast family are constant advocates for the game and that will only be accentuated during this milestone year.

“What I’m so excited about with this cen-tennial, in partnership with Golf Channel and NBC, is we’re going to be shining the spotlight on PGA professionals across the country, allowing our 41 sections to tell their stories of what they’re doing to grow the game,” he said. “These are great PGA professionals with entrepreneurial ideas that continue to advance the game. There is really no outlet more powerful than Golf Channel to do that, but it also gives us the advantage of tapping into a larger program of networks with Com-cast.”

With so many of their stories being shared during the centennial celebration on myriad platforms, PGA professionals will be recog-nized for their many contributions through the years. Joe Assell is CEO of GolfTEC and his company employs the most PGA members (425 domestically and nearly 500 internation-ally) with a mission to help people improve their game. Assell, himself a PGA profes-sional, values the stories customers share about their coaches.

When asked about the greatest reward of his job, Assell said it was “reading the daily positive client feedback that pours in with their overwhelming exuberance for the GolfTEC experience, specifically their pas-sionate connection with their GolfTEC PGA coach, mastery of previous roadblocks to improvement and their joy in seeing their les-sons pay off in tangible lower scores on the course.”

The deep bonds between players and teachers help tell the tales and make them indelible in the world of professional golf. For example, consider PGA Tour veteran and

major champion Zach Johnson, who has worked with coach Mike Bender for 16 years.

“I don’t know if I can measure or quantify what he’s done and how he’s done it and why he’s done it for me,” Johnson said. “First of all he’s a good player. He knows what it takes to make it on the golf course. As a teacher, he’s very analytical. He knows his numbers, the lines and all these equations and can hash out the golf swing. But what I appreciate is that he kind of dumbs it down to my language and gives me a little bit here, a little bit there and that’s how we go about it. His knowledge is vast and deep and I would say very cluttered, but when it comes down to it, less is more and he gives me just what I need to know and I love that.”

Bender, though, has become much more than a coach to Johnson over the years.

“He’s a better friend,” Johnson said. “He’s a guy that I trust implicitly and a guy that I can go to for anything. Outside of my wife, he’s been the most valued member of my team and the longest tenured. He’s a guy that I would do anything for and he’s done anything for me, so it’s hard to measure. I’m very lucky to be blessed and to have a great coach, but a better person on my side.”

LPGA Tour star Stacy Lewis credits coach

Joe Hallett with guiding her ascent over the past six years.

“He has made the biggest difference on my game,” Lewis said. “I started working with him at the end of 2009 and it’s just been amazing what we’ve accomplished over the last few years. I wouldn’t or couldn’t have done it without him.”

Jack Nicklaus is a living legend, arguably the greatest player in the history of golf. And yet, all these years later and after winning a record 18 major championships, Nicklaus recalled the lasting influence of PGA profes-sional Jack Grout on his career and life.

“I started the game of golf at age 10, in a little golf class at Scioto Country Club (in Columbus, Ohio) with PGA professional Jack Grout,” Nicklaus said. “That was 1950. Jack Grout was my teacher until he passed away in 1989. I saw Jack Grout thousands of times. I owe a great deal to what he taught me, how he helped me lead my life, how he helped me lead my way in professional golf and amateur golf before that. My golf pro-fessional was a great guy and there are a lot of golf professionals out there that are good people and we need to thank them for all the help and encouragement they give a lot of participants in the game of golf.

“For that, I say thank you.” ■


Cameron McCormick helps prized student Jordan Spieth read a putt. Spieth won both The Masters and U.S. Open in 2015.

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the deep bonds

between players and

teachers help tell the

tales and make them indelible in the world of professional

golf.

Renee Powell (far right) was the second African-American player on the LPGA Tour. Today, she helps bring the game to a more diverse audience through the PGA REACH program.

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“He has made the biggest difference on my game. i started

working with him at the end of 2009 and it’s just been amazing what we’ve accomplished.”

STACY LEWISL PGA TOUR S TAR

LPGA Tour star Stacy Lewis credits coach Joe Hallett (above) with guiding her ascent over the past six years.


PGA of AmericA celebrAtes centenniAl

CONGRATULATIONS

CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARYON CELEBRATING YOUR


KPmG Women’s PGA championship: empowering Women on and off the Golf course

Last year marked the debut of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, with the lead-ing audit, tax and advisory firm taking over in much more than a title sponsor’s role. The collaboration between KPMG, PGA of America and the LPGA Tour provided a case study in golf’s power to help affect societal change through the development, advancement and empowerment of women. Each of these organizations has been committed to this cause for many years.

Lynne Doughtie, KPMG U.S. Chairman and CEO, is the first woman to serve in both of these roles at a Big Four U.S. professional services firm. Meanwhile, PGA Secretary Suzy Whaley is the first woman to be elected to a PGA national office. Doughtie and Whaley are heavily involved in the KPMG Women’s Leadership Summit that is staged in conjunction with the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.

“Both the PGA of America and KPMG recognize how important golf can be in fur-thering women throughout their careers and the Summit is an opportunity for us to deliver the message that golf can be a difference maker in their personal and professional development,” Whaley said. “This event is so inspiring and fosters a celebratory atmo-sphere for the empowerment of women on the course and in the boardroom.”

PGA of America CEO Pete Bevacqua noted that the shared belief among all organizations involved with the Champion-ship and Summit was evident early in the planning stages.

“The great conversations we had with KPMG and the LPGA and NBC Sports, we all kind of saw the mission and had the same idea: ‘Let’s work together to elevate the women’s game at the elite level knowing that that’ll have a trickle down effect on bringing more women and girls into the game,’” Bevacqua said. “But also working with KPMG to really try to influence the num-ber of women in C-suite positions and not just in corporate America, as well as corpo-rations around the world through the KPMG Women’s Leadership Summit that we’ll have

each and every year during the week of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.”

After the inaugural Summit at Westches-ter Country Club, which featured a keynote address by Condoleezza Rice, the event and tournament shifts this year to Sahalee Country Club in Sammamish, Wash. As the Summit continues to gain traction, Doughtie

looks forward to seeing the next generation of women leaders move into leadership roles in corporations across the country.

“Hosting the KPMG Women’s PGA Cham-pionship and KPMG Women’s Leadership Summit this year on the West Coast will enable us to further engage next-genera-tion women leaders in underrepresented

industries,” Doughtie said. “When we see next-generation women leaders that partici-pated in the KPMG Women’s Leadership Summit and the year-long programming associated with it advance into C-suite posi-tions in the next five to 10 years, we’ll know our efforts were successful.”

In her role as PGA secretary, Whaley is a prime example of the connection between women in leadership and golf. She is also on track to serve a subsequent two-year term as PGA vice president before assum-ing the role of PGA president in 2018.

“I heard a great quote the other day: ‘We have two arms. We have one arm to pull ourselves up and our other arm is to take another woman with us and pull them along too,’” Whaley said. “That’s part of who I am and what I believe all of us need to do to grow the game — invite women to come play the game, to not fear ability. Let us help you. Let us manage the course for you. Let us get you out here. We’re going to give you the tools to do it.

“I feel that way about my role. I have people surrounding me at PGA of America that are helping me get better. I don’t plan on doing it by myself. I love that support sys-tem, so I hope some day, somebody will walk up to me and say, ‘You know, I’m the secretary of PGA of America because you did it first, and I knew I could do it now, too.’

“If that’s the case, then fantastic.” ■


The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship features the strongest field in all of women’s golf.

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‘reAcH-ing’ a Younger, more Diverse Audience

Suzy Whaley’s passion for the game of golf is palpable. As player, teacher and now PGA of America secretary, her goal is to bring the game to as many people as possible. It makes sense, then, that Whaley lists PGA REACH as one of her favorite causes to support. The mission of PGA REACH, the charitable foundation of PGA of America, is to positively impact the lives of veterans, youth and diverse populations.

“PGA REACH has three pillars: youth, military and diversity and inclusion,” Whaley explained. “For youth, the PGA Junior League Golf program has grown by leaps and bounds in a relatively short timeframe. For the military, our PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) initiative is training men and women veterans how to play golf as rehabilitation from both physical and mental injuries and trauma suffered during the war. It’s incredibly uplifting to see people who may be miss-ing a limb hit a golf ball and find joy in doing so.”

For the third pillar, diversity and inclu-sion, Whaley added that PGA REACH “seeks to create a culture of inclusiveness by communicating and demonstrating that golf is an affordable and accessible game for all abilities, ages and back-grounds.”

Whaley, who is on track to assume the post of PGA president in 2018, has seen a surge of new participation in recent years. The future of golf appears extremely promising, particularly when you consider the rise of junior players.

“In 2015, PGA Junior League Golf had about 30,000 boys and girls playing on 2,500 teams, almost double what it was in 2014,” Whaley said. “This reflects growth we’ve seen overall in the youth space in recent years, as 800,000 new junior golfers have entered the game in a four-year span, a 33 percent jump. Diver-sity, inclusion, women’s golf and youth play are all passions of mine. They all lead to player development and growth of the game.”

Whaley’s own daughters have shined on both fronts and continued the family’s legacy in the sport. Jenn captains the women’s golf team at Quinnipiac Univer-sity and Kelly plays for her mother’s alma mater, the University of North Carolina.

“Golf has given my family so many opportunities we never would have had otherwise, especially with relationships, skill building and confidence,” Whaley said. “I didn’t give them that, golf did. It’s an honor for any parent when your child follows in your footsteps in your chosen field. Since both my husband Bill and I are PGA members, and I am also an LPGA member, it’s a thrill for us that our daughters, Jenn and Kelly, both play on their college golf teams.” ■

Rickie Fowler is one of four official ambassadors for PGA Junior League Golf along with fellow pro stars Rory McIlroy, Michelle Wie and Lexi Thompson.

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The inaugural KPMG Women’s PGA Championship was staged last year at Westchester Country Club in Harrison, N.Y.

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2016 PGA of America marquee events and future sites98th PGA championship

July 28-31Baltusrol Golf Club, Lower CourseSpringfield, N.J.

Since its inception in 1916, the PGA Championship has evolved into one of the world’s premier sporting events. Each summer, one of the nation’s leading golf facilities hosts golf’s best profes-sionals as they compete for the Wanamaker Trophy and a major championship title. The PGA Championship was born in the mind of department store owner Rodman Wanamaker, who saw the merchandising possibilities in a professional golf-ers’ organization. On Jan. 17, 1916, Wanamaker invited 60 prominent golf-ers and other lead-ing industry repre-sentatives, includ-ing the legendary Walter Hagen, to a luncheon in his New York City store. The meeting ultimately led to the formation of PGA of America on April 10, 1916.

In 2016, CBS Sports marks its 26th year as broadcaster of the PGA Championship. “We look forward to joining in the centennial cele-bration in July from Baltusrol as we once again showcase the strongest field in golf,” said CBS Sports Chairman Sean McManus. “We congratulate PGA of America on its first 100 years and know the next 100 years will be even better. The game of golf is in great hands, led by PGA professionals across the country that are committed to growing the game for golfers of all levels. The PGA Cham-pionship is unique in that it allows us to shine a much deserved light on the PGA profes-sionals who compete each year and show-case their contributions to the game of golf.”

77th senior PGA championship presented by KitchenAid

May 26-29Harbor ShoresBenton Harbor, Mich.

The most historic and prestigious major championship in senior golf, the Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid cel-ebrates its 77th edition in 2016. The champi-onship was born on the grounds of another of golf’s majors at the invitation of one of the game’s greatest players. At the sugges-tion of renowned amateur Bobby Jones, the inaugural Senior PGA Championship was conducted at Augusta National Golf Club in 1937, just three years after the first Masters Tournament.

62nd KPmG Women’s PGA championship

June 7-12Sahalee Country ClubSammamish, Wash.

The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship is operated by PGA of America in partnership with the LPGA Tour, marking the first collaboration between the two governing bodies. This major championship features a $3.5 million purse — amongst the highest in women’s golf, live weekend coverage on NBC and

the strongest field in all of women’s golf. In 2015, Inbee Park finished at 19-under par at Westchester Country Club in Harrison, N.Y. to win the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship for the third consecutive year.

49th PGA Professional championship

June 26-29Turning Stone ResortVerona, N.Y.

Since 1968, the PGA Professional Championship annually showcases the playing talents of grassroots PGA of America members. Over four decades, it

has evolved into the largest all-professional competition in golf, featuring some of the finest players in the association.

41st ryder cupSept. 27-Oct. 2Hazeltine National Golf ClubChaska, Minn.

The Ryder Cup is one of the most spirited, exciting and compelling events in sport. It spans nearly 90 years, involves the greatest players



SEE EVENTS, PAGE 30

The 2016 Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid will be staged at Harbor Shores.

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Rodman Wanamaker



more appealing to the millions that play this game. In 2015, nobody did that better than McCormick over the course of his approxi-mately 1,800 hours of instruction.

“I think it’s well deserved,” Spieth said after learning McCormick had been named the 2015 PGA Teacher of the Year. “It was just a matter of time and it’s cool that this year, on top of everything that’s happened with our team, he received the most prestigious award for what he does, for all the hard work he puts in, the long hours he puts in, just like the majority of the PGA of America profes-sionals. I think he’s the best in the game. That’s why I put all my trust with him and it’s great to see others think so as well. I am extremely honored to be working with him.”

For his part, McCormick was humbled by

the award and equally determined to help even more in the future.

“Any time an organization will single you out as worthy of the height of recognition in coaching the game and sharing the great game of golf, it’s a crowning achievement,” McCormick said. It’s a pinnacle in your career, but it serves as a marker of time, energy, education and commitment to stu-

dents that you’ve invested in. It fuels me to contribute even more to the players I have the privilege of helping and the professionals I have the privilege of calling friends and associates and to help them along as well. It’s not a finish line though, it’s just a point along the journey that says, ‘great job, you’re pointing in the right direction, keep on accel-erating toward helping others.’” ■

Pro TipCameron McCormick on the critical

role a PGA professional plays and their catalytic connection to the game of golf:

“PGA Tour players provide such an amazing exhibition to entertain and demonstrate how well golf can be played at the highest levels. They dedi-cate their entire life to developing those skills to put on display. But the job of the teaching professional is to translate the lessons from this level of excellence back to the common person and also to provide, to some degree, attainable results. A recreational player, at any one point in time during their round, can hit a shot that, if a PGA Tour player was stand-ing in that player’s shoes, they’d be proud of it. They can experience golf through the eyes and the body and soul

of a PGA Tour player and that’s a special experience, one that can’t be had in any other sport that I’m aware of. That’s the job of the PGA professional, to con-vey the sense of possibility and the sense that those sorts of results, while they may be sometimes inconsistent or fleeting, can still be experienced. We bring the hope that we can increase the possibility of those shots happening. We are the conveyors of knowledge, hopefully in simple common terms, that are then translatable to recreational players that can’t afford the time and resources to spend their entire life trying to develop those skills. It’s a privileged position we’re in, an enviable position for those that do what we do, because we’re out spread-ing the good word of golf and hopefully making people smile on an hour-to-hour or day-to-day basis.” ■

McCORMICK, FROM PAGE 25

Cameron McCormick and Jordan Spieth have a working relationship that spans nearly a decade.

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in the world and produces some of the greatest moments in the game. The com-petition was born in 1927 when enterpris-ing English seed merchant Samuel Ryder commissioned the casting of a gold chal-ice that bears his name. The U.S. team defeated Great Britain, 9½ to 2½, in the inaugural matches in Worcester, Mass. Since then, the Ryder Cup has expanded to involve the finest players of Europe. Except for a span (1939-45) during World War II and following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks upon America, the Ryder Cup has been held biennially with the U.S. and Europe alternating as host.

“Our relationship with the PGA of America

dates back a quarter of a century and we couldn’t be more proud of everything we’ve accomplished together,” said Lenny Daniels, President of Turner Sports. “Throughout our partnership, which has spanned across TBS, TNT, PGA.com, RyderCup.com and Bleacher Report, we have continuously intro-duced new technological innovations, bringing fans closer to the game than ever before, while expanding the breadth of our live event coverage across a growing num-ber of multimedia platforms. We’re looking forward to even more ahead with the 2016 PGA Championship and Ryder Cup.”

The 2016 Ryder Cup will be contested at Hazeltine National with U.S. Captain Davis Love III and European Captain Darren Clarke guiding their respective squads.

“We extended our relationship with NBC through 2030 with the Ryder Cup, Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid and the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship,” said Pete Bevacqua, CEO of PGA of America. “The partnership is really a mouthpiece for all of the efforts we’re making in the game across the spectrum of what we do. The benefit we have with NBC is that it’s a constant mouthpiece, a constant advocate for the game and we’re able to get our messag-ing across, whether it’s talking about the Ryder Cup, which is one of the most excit-ing events in sports, or promoting PGA Junior League Golf or Get Golf Ready or what we’re doing with Drive, Chip and Putt.” ■

EVENTS, FROM PAGE 29

as Callaway’s booth has been buzzing from new and innovative product introductions. The show presents an important touchpoint for Callaway to showcase its new line of innovative products to an important audi-ence of PGA professionals, customers and retail partners. It’s also a great way to sup-port PGA of America and our industry.”

The show’s confluence of major brands, global buyers and PGA professionals pro-vides a powerful mix and one that’s magni-fied with Golf Channel broadcasting live to a global audience from the show floor. That takes a trade-only event and carries it into the homes of consumers worldwide. Since golf is a $70 billion-a-year industry, Several noted the show’s ever-expanding reach con-tinues to benefit all sectors of the business.

“Each year, we marvel at the extensive lineup of new technology, merchandise, programming and special events presented during PGA Show Week,” he said. “No matter your business or specialty in the golf industry, the opportunity to build your business is here at the PGA Merchandise Show.”

Jack Nicklaus, Jordan Spieth, Bubba Watson, Rickie Fowler, Ian Poulter, Greg Nor-man and Annika Sorenstam are among the

A-list celebrities who have appeared at pre-vious PGA Merchandise Shows or will this year. Golf Channel’s McCarley aptly described the show as “a mecca for those who love golf” and, while that sentiment rings true annually, it will take on special

meaning this time around. The 2016 PGA Merchandise Show will be among the most memorable ever staged as it celebrates the tangible connection between PGA profes-sionals and the business of golf over the past 100 years.

“It is an honor that PGA of America chose the PGA Merchandise Show to kick off its

100-day centennial celebration,” Several said. “We’re privileged to host the world’s largest gathering of PGA professionals and it’s only fitting we salute all they have meant to the game and the business of golf. The PGA Show began in the trunks of cars at a PGA professional tournament some 60 years ago. To see how far it has come since then is quite remarkable. The PGA professional’s influence on how amateurs enjoy the game and how they spend on the game world-wide has grown exponentially.”

Paul Levy, vice president of the PGA, echoed those sentiments. “The PGA Merchandise Show not only showcases the latest in golf technology and equipment each year, it’s also a spotlight for our PGA members and the critical role they play in connecting the golf industry and consumers to the game,” Levy said. “As we launch our centennial celebration, the show is once again a time for PGA professionals to enhance their vast array of skills through educational seminars and forums on golf’s latest innovations and trends. This also marks a time for the industry to share ideas, net-work and celebrate how the PGA member serves as the gold standard in the game and business of golf.” ■

MERCHANDISE SHOW, FROM PAGE 24

“the PGA merchandise show not only

showcases the latest in golf technology and equipment each year, it’s also a spotlight for

our PGA members.”PAUL LEVY

PGA V ICE PRES IDENT

The Ryder Cup is golf’s most renowned and spirited team competition.

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OFFICIAL PATRONS

Mercedes-BenzOMEGASamsung OFFICIAL PARTNERS

Chase Sapphire PreferredClub CarKitchenAidNational Car RentalPolo Ralph Lauren OFFICIAL EVENT PARTNER

KPMG WORLDWIDE RYDER CUP PARTNER

Standard Life Investments OFFICIAL LICENSEES

GatoradeJani-KingLexmarkMouton CadetOffice Depot | OfficeMaxPepsiPremier GolfPrimeSportStarwood Hotels and ResortsTruGreen INDUSTRY PARTNERS

Callaway GolfCobra Puma GolfNike GolfPINGTaylorMade-adidas GolfTitleist / FootJoyUnder Armour

PGA of America

Celebrating its centennial, PGA of America represents the best in golf. For more information, visit PGA.org, follow @PGAofAmerica on Twitter and find them on Facebook. PGA partner development contact: Kevin Ring, Chief Revenue Officer, PGA of America, [email protected].

STACY LEWIS

MICHELLE WIE

The PGA, LPGA, and KPMG name logos, and marks are trademarks owned by the Professional Golfers’ Association of America, Ladies Professional Golf Association, and KPMG organizations respectively.

2016 KPMG WOMEN’S PGA CHAMPIONSHIPSAHALEE COUNTRY CLUB l SAMMAMISH, WAJUNE 7-12, 2016

COME BE PART OF HISTORY

INSPIRE GREATNESS INBEE PARK2015 CHAMPION

For more information, please visitwww.KPMGWomensPGA.com

16KWPGA_SBJ_10.875X14.25.indd 1 1/13/16 9:09 AM

Documents

PGA of America Centennial Section