Thirty-three graduates, representing 19 states and Puerto Rico, comprised the latest class to advance through The PGA Professional Golf Management Program. The graduates were honored in ceremonies conducted Sept. 26, at The PGA Country Club in Port St. Lucie, Fla.
The PGA Professional Golf Management program, which originated in 1996, has produced 6,583 graduates. Of that total, the PGA Education Center in Port St. Lucie has produced graduates since 2002 representing 48 states, Canada, The District of Columbia, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Puerto Rico, The Netherlands and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The PGA of America is the world's largest working sports organization, comprised of 28,000 men and women golf Professionals who are the recognized experts in growing, teaching and managing the game of golf while serving millions of people throughout its 41 PGA Sections nationwide. Since its founding in 1916, The PGA of America has enhanced its leadership position in a $62 billion-a-year industry by growing the game of golf through its premier spectator events, world-class education and training programs, significant philanthropic outreach initiatives, and award-winning golf promotions. Today's PGA Golf Professional is the public's link to the game, serving an essential role in the operation of golf facilities throughout the country.
The class of Sept. 26:
1. Kimble T. Birchum - Katy, Texas
2. Eric Bumstead - Kaysville, Utah
3. Jerry L. Carrel - Pittsburgh, Pa.
4. Scott A. Christenson - Rancho Mirage, Calif.
5. William P. Crisp - Sarasota, Fla.
6. Bryan R. DeMarco - Bradley Beach, N.J.
7. Peter B. Dittmer - Stoughton, Wis.
8. James M. Hamilton - Monrovia, Md.
9. David Hauge - Delaware, Ohio
10. Stephen Hudson - Vero Beach, Fla.
11. Joel J. Inman - Berlin, N.J.
12. Travis H. Johns - Frisco, Texas
13. John C. Kieber - Rio Verde, Ariz.
14. Tracy L. Lane - La Quinta, Calif.
15. Justin R. Lawson - Nantucket, Mass.
16. Jim Leary - Jupiter, Fla.
17. David M. Leininger - Jacksonville, Fla.
18. R. Michael Loftin - Myrtle Beach, S.C.
19. Scott T. Magee - Annandale, N.J.
20. Daniel R. Martin - Sun Valley, Calif.
21. Colin P. McKern - Mobile, Ala.
22. Ryan R. Myers - San Antonio, Texas
23. Derek Niszczak - West Palm Beach, Fla.
24. David W. Norman - Saint Lucie West, Fla.
25. Kendall J. Palu - Castle Rock, Colo.
26. Andy E. Payne - Las Vegas, Nev.
27. Kenneth B. Pope - West Palm Beach, Fla.
28. Matt R. Rowell - Jackson, Wyo.
29. George H. Smith - Dorado, P.R.
30. Tom E. Smith - Phoenix, Ariz.
31. John J. Stahlschmidt - Scottsdale, Ariz.
32. Robert T. Stroup - Charlotte, N.C.
33. Matthew S. Trendell - Solvay, N.Y.
