PGA's 93rd Annual Meeting Sets Momentum for 'Blueprint for Success'

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. -- Combining the collective brainpower of PGA leaders in looking ahead to future opportunities while also recalling and establishing PGA of America history with powerful emotions, the 93rd PGA Annual Meeting that concluded on Saturday (Nov. 14) in New Orleans was one of the most eventful in the annals of the Association.

Following the theme of "Building a Blueprint for Success in Challenging Times," delegates -- representing all 41 PGA Sections, the PGA Officers and Board of Directors, and PGA Past Presidents -- focused on the employment of PGA Professionals and examined how to enhance the value of PGA members throughout our industry.

Among other business and events taking place at the 93rd PGA Annual Meeting:

Delegates celebrated the posthumous election to PGA membership of African American Golf Pioneers John Shippen, Ted Rhodes and Bill Spiller. Joe Louis, the legendary boxing champion, was formally recognized as an Honorary PGA member for his advocacy of the rights of African American golfers who were denied PGA membership from 1934 to 1961 because of the PGA's Caucasian-only Clause.

Sue Fiscoe of Modesto, Calif., the first woman PGA Professional elected to the PGA Board of Directors, was one of six directors sworn in. She represents the PGA's District 11 (Aloha, Northern California and Southern California Sections).

Joining Fiscoe were five other new members of the PGA Board of Directors:

District 3 -- Hunt Gilliland, Chattanooga, Tenn. (representing Dixie, Gulf States, Tennessee Sections)

District 7 -- Michael Tucker, St. Louis, Mo. (representing Gateway, Midwest, South Central Sections)

District 12 -- Ronny Glanton, Richardson, Texas (representing Northern Texas, Southern Texas, Sun Country Sections)

Independent Director -- Asuka Nakahara, Associate Director, Zell-Lurie Real Estate Center at Wharton, Merion, Pa.

Player Director -- PGA Tour Professional Zach Johnson, St. Simons, Ga.

Several leading employers, including PGA Professional Dana Garmany, Jim Hinckley, Peter Hill and Henry DeLozier, addressed the delegates about today's golf business climate and charged PGA Professionals to "reset" their efforts to keep golf a viable industry. PGA Professionals also developed key "best practices" to help produce tangible and immediate benefits to PGA members.

PGA Professional Andy Weissinger of The Pines Golf Course at Fort Eustis, Va., was presented the second annual Patriot Award, based upon a PGA Professional who personifies patriotism through the game of golf and demonstrates unwavering commitment and dedication to the men and women who have valiantly served and protected the United States of America.

The Midwest PGA Section was the recipient of the annual Herb Graffis Award for extraordinary and exemplary contributions in Player Development whether by conducting or supporting Play Golf America initiatives.

On Nov. 11, The PGA of America presented a $10,000 donation to the Bayou District Foundation Junior Golf Program.

The constitutional resolutions that were approved, included:

Individuals are now only required to be eligibly employed to register into the PGA Professional Golf Management Program, providing all other registration requirements are met.

Active PGA Members and Life Member-Active Members with 25 years of active membership and are at least 65 years of age, are now exempt from Member Service Requirements, except for the Meeting attendance component.

PGA Apprentices may transfer employment following completion of Level 1 to a PGA Recognized Indoor Facility under the supervision of a PGA Member Director of Instruction.