Orlando, Fla. – PGA/LPGA Professional Annika Sörenstam, who followed one of the most decorated careers in women’s golf history by becoming a spokesperson for improving the health of the next generation, has been named the recipient of the 2013 PGA First Lady of Golf Award. “Annika’s impact upon women’s golf in the modern era has been remarkable, setting a standard that may never be touched,” said PGA of America President Ted Bishop. “Her commitment to fitness and excellence made her a legend on the course, but her legacy in the game also includes a sincere dedication to growing a healthy next generation and inspiring future young women through golf. The PGA is honored to now call her the 2013 PGA First Lady of Golf.” “I am excited to elevate my relationship with the North Florida PGA Section and its 1,500 Professionals, who work so diligently to promote and teach the game,” said Sorenstam, a resident of the Orlando area.
PGA Master Professional John Hughes of Haines City, Fla., who followed a dream to coach and teach, and became both a Section and national education contributor, has been named the recipient of the 2013 Horton Smith Award. Hughes, 50, is the third member of the North Florida PGA Section to receive the Horton Smith Award, which was established in 1965 for outstanding contributions to professional education. The award is named for the late Past PGA President and inaugural Masters Champion.
Reigning National Champion Rod Perry of Port Orange, Fla., put the finishing touches on a memorable 2013 season Friday evening by capturing his second consecutive PGA Professional Player of the Year award. Perry, 40, the PGA head professional at Crane Lakes Golf and Country Club in Port Orange, secured the honor by finishing tied for third in the final PGA Tournament Series event of the season at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Fla. Perry is the lone left-handed player and sole PGA Golf Management University graduate to win a PGA Professional National Championship and a PGA Professional Player of the Year Award.
Brendon Elliott, Little Linksters Among ING Industry Honor Winners! Called by some the “Academy Awards of the Golf Industry,” the ING Industry Honors program recognizes outstanding achievement in the golf business. Master of Ceremonies was former LPGA Tour star Jan Stephenson, and a Q&A with current star Paula Creamer followed the presentations. In the important Player Development category, Brendon and his Little Linksters Association was the winner.
For more information and bios of these National Award Winners visit www.nfpga.com
ABOUT THE NORTH FLORIDA PGA
The North Florida PGA (NFPGA) is a group of approximately 1,500 PGA Members and Apprentices,
serving the needs of the golfers of North Florida. It is a not-for-profit service organization founded in
1979 and one of the 41 Sections that make up the PGA of America. Founded in 1916, the PGA of
America has grown into the world’s largest working sports organization with more than 27,000
Members and Apprentices. The North Florida Section is the fourth largest in the PGA, geographically
comprised of the 42 counties from Tallahassee to Jacksonville in the north, and North Port to
Melbourne in the south. The mission of the North Florida Section PGA is to promote the enjoyment
and involvement in the game of golf and to contribute to its growth by providing services to golf
professionals and the golf industry. The North Florida Section PGA accomplishes this mission by
enhancing the skills of its professionals and the opportunities for amateurs, employers,
manufacturers, employees, and the general public. In so doing, the North Florida Section PGA
elevates the standards of the professional golfer’s vocation, enhances the economic well-being of the
individual member, stimulates interest in the game of golf, and promotes the overall vitality of the
game. For more information about the North Florida PGA visit www.nfpga.com or call
386-256-1221.
Contact:
Steve Morris
386-256-1221
smorris@pgahq.com
