Page 2\CPP Release
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 10, 2011 Contact: Michael Abramowitz
561/624-8458
EIGHTEEN PGA Professionals Enhance skills with certifications
from the pga CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. – With the latest round of the PGA Proficiency Test completed at
the end of March, a total of 18 PGA Professionals received 24 certifications from the 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 2004, a total of 717 PGA Professionals have earned a combined 1,409 certifications in related career paths, including: General Management, Golf Operations, Instruction, Retail, Executive Management and Ownership/Leasing.
In March, Amy C. McCormack, a PGA Professional at Hood River (Ore.) Golf Course., completed all six program certifications.
The online 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 are accounting, business planning and budgeting, turfgrass management and customer relations.
Editors Note: The following list includes the names and affiliations of PGA members who recently obtained certification.
Recently Certified Professionals:
· David L. Atnip, Redstone Arsenal Golf Course, Huntsville, Ala. (Instruction)
· Jason C. Bruce, GolfTEC - Buckhead Loop, Atlanta (Instruction)
· Stephen L. Cutler, Wynlakes Golf & Country Club, Montgomery, Ala. (Golf Operations)
· Jeffrey M. Dayton, Heron Glen Golf Course, Ringoes, N.J. (Golf Operations, General Management, Instruction* and Retail*)
· Jonathan L. Dron, Eisenhower Golf Club, USAF Academy, Colo. (General Management and Golf Operations)
· Thomas B. Fletcher, Bedford (N.Y.) Golf & Tennis Club (Golf Operations)
· Nicholas S. Jacobi, Badin (N.C.) Inn Golf Resort & Club. (Instruction)
· Corey E. Johnson, Heritage Club, Mason, Ohio (Instruction)
· David J. Knox, El Macero (Calif.) Country Club (General Management)
· Kurt W. Lang, Renaissance Vinoy Resort, St. Petersburg, Fla. (Instruction)
· Amy C. McCormack, Hood River (Ore.) Golf Course (Ownership/Leasing, Executive Management, Golf Operations*, Retail*, General Management* and Instruction*)
· Randy L. Melancon, Powderhorn Golf Club, Sheridan, Wyo. (Golf Operations)
· Michelle W. Murphy, University of Portland, Ore. (Golf Operations, Executive Management, Instruction* and General Management*)
· Brian C. Ondrako, Hillandale Golf Course, Durham, N.C. (Instruction)
· Ari A. Papadopoulos, Red Sky Golf Club, Wolcott, Colo. (Instruction, General Management and Golf Operations)
· Matthew A. Primrose, Links at Greenfield Plantation, Bradenton, Fla. (General Management)
· Michael M. Smith, Rockaway River Country Club, Denville, N.J. (Instruction, Retail and Golf Operations*)
· Donald A. Strassner, Hickory Heights Golf Club, Bridgeville, Pa. (Golf Operations)
* Previously earned certification
For interviews or additional information on these PGA Certified Professionals, please contact
Michael Abramowitz at (561) 624-8458 or .
About The PGA of America
Celebrating its 95th year, The PGA of America has maintained a two-fold mission of its founders:
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 PGA enables its professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in a
multi-billion dollar golf industry.
By creating and delivering dramatic world-class championships and exciting and enjoyable 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.
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