SFPGA professionals to be honored at 2017 awards dinner
South Florida PGA Professionals Kevin Murphy and Michael O’Brien are the newest members to be elected into the South Florida PGA Hall of Fame. They will be recognized at the SFPGA Annual Awards and Hall of Fame Dinner in November. Murphy and O’Brien will be the 38th and 39th 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, Past Presidents and the South Florida PGA Executive Board.
Kevin Murphy is recognized for his leadership and dedication to the growth of the PGA Professionals throughout south Florida. Murphy has been the PGA Head Professional at McArthur Golf Club in Hobe Sound since 2006.
Murphy prides himself on mentoring younger PGA Professionals. Having worked at only two clubs in his thirty year career, he has seen and helped many assistants move on to become Head Professionals and have boundless careers. Murphy’s passion for helping fellow PGA Professionals is proven by the numerous awards he has received throughout his career. In 2011, he was awarded the Southeast Chapter Bill Strausbaugh Award, 2010 the Southeast Chapter Professional of the Year Award, and in the late nineties inducted into the Palm Beach County Golf Association Hall of Fame and was awarded the Southeast Chapter Private Club Merchandiser of the Year Award.
Not only has Murphy been a leader to his peers, he has also served as the Treasurer on the South Florida PGA Foundation Board since 2009. He has been an active member of the Section for over 25 years serving on multiple committees and boards. Murphy has been an active tournament participant in Chapter and Section Tournaments.
Beyond his leadership, Murphy has promoted the image of the PGA Professional within the community throughout his career. He has led by example by hosting two Section Championships and two South Florida PGA Charitable Foundation Pro-Ams, which rose over $30,000 at each event. Murphy has also hosted Section and Chapter activities including the Section Annual Meeting and Chapter Meetings during his time at Bear Lakes.
“Mentorship is the foot print that you leave when your career is over. Knowing that you made a difference in a young man or young ladies life or career is very gratifying,” said Murphy.
For his leadership and support of the community, the South Florida PGA welcomes Kevin Murphy as a member of the South Florida PGA Hall of Fame, Class of 2017.
Michael O’Brien is honored for his impact on the South Florida PGA and promotion of the Foundation. He has worked as a PGA Head Professional at the Fort Lauderdale Country Club from 1994-2001, and currently serves as the PGA General Manager of Fort Lauderdale Country Club.
O’Brien has served as the Vice President of the South Florida PGA Charitable Foundation since 2009. His involvement in Section level committees has been evident throughout his career. From 1995-1999 he served as the Membership Chair, 1998-1999 Southern Chapter Director/Awards Chair, 1999-2005 Awards Committee, and 2003-2007 Sponsorship Chair.
O’Brien is constantly at work for the Foundation, finding donors and making connections to better the impact that the Foundation makes in the local community. He sees golf as the driving force between sport and philanthropy in South Florida. O’Brien believes that impacting a young professional’s career is part of a PGA member’s obligation.
“Mentorship means the giving of good advice. The ability to share what life has taught you and to be gracious in sharing those life lessons with others- being unselfish with one’s time and capabilities so those attributes can help someone or something improve,” says O’Brien.
In addition to growing the Foundation and mentoring young golfers, O’Brien has supported the South Florida PGA by volunteering his facility to host numerous tournaments. He has received multiple awards from Club of the Year (private) to Chapter Challenge Cup Team Member.
For his commitment to the Foundation and impact on the South Florida PGA, the South Florida PGA welcomes Michael O’Brien as a member of the South Florida PGA Hall of Fame, Class of 2017.
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