SFPGA professionals to be honored at 2016 awards dinner
South Florida PGA Professionals Brian Peaper and Gary Baker are the newest members to be elected into the South Florida PGA Hall of Fame. These individuals will be recognized at the SFPGA Annual Awards and Hall of Fame Dinner in November. Peaper and Baker will be the 36th and 37th inductees into the South Florida PGA Hall of Fame, created in 2002.
The South Florida PGA Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have significantly impacted the lives of individuals in the south Florida community through dedication and contributions to the game of golf. Candidates are first nominated by the nominating committee and then voted on by a committee made up of current Hall of Fame members and the South Florida PGA Executive Board.
Brian Peaper is recognized for his leadership and dedication to the growth of PGA Professionals throughout south Florida. Peaper has been the PGA Director of Golf at Lost Tree Club in North Palm Beach since 1998.
Peaper prides himself on being a mentor to younger PGA Professionals. He has been a Head Golf Professional for over twenty five years and has seen fourteen of his former Assistant Golf Professionals go on to obtain their own Head Golf Professional positions. Peaper’s passion for assisting fellow PGA Professionals is proven by the numerous Bill Strausbaugh Awards he has received, three times on the chapter level (1995, 1998 and 2000) and twice on the section level (1996 and 1999). This award recognizes a PGA Professional’s outstanding display of integrity, character and leadership in their commitment towards mentoring others within the Association.
Not only has Peaper been a leader to his staff, he also has served in numerous leadership positions within the South Florida PGA. He served as a Tournament Committee Member, Club Relations Chairperson and Awards Committee Chairperson. Peaper also served on the South Florida PGA Executive Board from 2007-2013 and was President from 2011-2013. In addition to his service to the association, he was named the 2013 South Florida PGA Golf Professional of the Year.
Beyond his leadership, Peaper has promoted the image of the PGA Professional within the community throughout his career. He has led by example as a volunteer for many Habitat For Humanity home builds. He also played a 100 hole marathon for PGA Golf Day to raise over $17,000 for the Red Cross’ efforts with Hurricane Katrina. Peaper has hosted numerous events at Lost Tree Club, including the 2012 Challenge Cup Matches and the Lost Tree Club’s Pro-Member which benefits the Nicklaus Children’s Healthcare Foundation, annually raising over $250,000.
“It is an honor and a surprise to be inducted into the South Florida PGA Hall of Fame. It is a great privilege to join the other PGA Professionals and contributors to golf in South Florida,” said Peaper.
For his leadership and support of the community, the South Florida PGA welcomes Brian Peaper as a member of the South Florida PGA Hall of Fame, Class of 2016.
Gary Baker is honored for his extraordinary impact on the South Florida PGA and promotion of tournament play. He worked as a PGA Teaching Golf Professional at The Club at Emerald Hills from 1992-1999, Raintree Golf Resort from 1999-2001 and currently serves as PGA Assistant Golf Professional at Grey Oaks Country Club in Naples.
Baker served as the South Florida PGA Tournament Committee Chairperson from 1995-2007. Throughout his career, he has played in almost every section event and is known as a devoted supporter of tournament play. Baker’s playing career was highlighted by playing in two major championships: the 1976 US Open and the 1981 PGA Championship, both at Atlanta Athletic Club.
“I am a big believer in the player. I am proud to consider myself a player representative and I think it is extremely important for PGA Professionals to go out and play with their members in addition to playing tournament golf with their peers,” says Baker. He continues to encourage fellow PGA Professionals to get involved with tournaments as a mentor to younger professionals.
In addition to playing and encouraging tournament play, Baker has supported the South Florida PGA by volunteering his facility to host tournaments. He was the Director of Golf at the former Kendale Lakes Country Club, currently known as Miccosukee Golf & Country Club where he brought many South Florida PGA Section Events. Baker was named the 2010 Florida State Senior Honoree and was recognized for his over 35 years of experience impacting the game of golf in South Florida.
“I would describe Gary as a man of great character, who is committed to excellence and is an incredibly caring individual. He is one of the few people who has continued to challenge me and has made me a better PGA Professional and person,” says Karl Bublitz, South Florida PGA Secretary.
For his commitment to tournament golf and impact on the South Florida PGA, the South Florida PGA welcomes Gary Baker as a member of the South Florida PGA Hall of Fame, Class of 2016.
Contact:
Tori Stock
tstock@pgahq.com
