FRISCO, Texas – PGA of America Golf Professional James Billings, an Assistant Professional at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Bandon, Ore., has earned PGA Master Professional Status, the highest educational designation a PGA of America Member can obtain.
Billings becomes the 489th PGA Member to achieve the designation since the PGA Master Professional program was established in 1969. He earned the designation in Golf Operations, one of three areas of specialization within the program.
“From the very beginning, the highest level of education was never not an option for me to pursue,” said Billings. “This was something I always felt like I was going to do, and it’s a dream come true to achieve this and further give back to the golf community the way my golf teachers gave to me growing up.”
Billings, a Vancouver, Wash. native, grew up around golf and started working at a local course in high school. When he wasn’t cleaning carts, Billings could often be found walking around the clubhouse asking about the operations side of the sport. His curiosity followed him to college, where he studied in the Professional Golf Management program at the University of Idaho. During college, Billings was an Assistant Professional at Royal Oaks Country Club and then Palouse Ridge Golf Club. Upon graduation and after being elected as a PGA Member in 2016, he became Director of Golf Operations at Juniper Golf Course. In 2024, he moved to Brandon Dunes Golf Resort.
“I’m really close with the golf shop and outside services teams, as well as the other courses on the resort,” said Billings. “Going through the process of becoming a PGA Master Professional improves my collaboration and teamwork skills and how I can work to develop young associates. I’m very lucky that we already have two Master Professionals on-site at Bandon Dunes, so I hope this adds to our team and makes us stronger.”
Established in 1969, the PGA Master Professional Program recognizes PGA of America Members who demonstrate exceptional commitment to professional development and maintain the highest standard of excellence across their operations. The curriculum prepares golf professionals to meet evolving industry demands within three specialized designations: Executive Management, Golf Operations and Teaching & Coaching.
As the PGA of America’s highest educational designation, Master Professional status is reserved for PGA Members with at least 10 years of membership who have earned advanced credentials through the PGA Specialized and Certified Professional Programs. Candidates must complete an extensive, project-based curriculum aligned with their specific designation and successfully present their findings to earn the title.
“You can’t beat this game; you can only get better,” said Billings. “I am very grateful for what I’ve been able to do and to play this game with my family. Everything I’ve achieved in my life has been through faith, family and golf, and I get to enjoy life. At the end of the day, I get to come to work in paradise every day and be a resource to my team.”
About the PGA of America
The PGA of America is one of the world’s largest sports organizations, composed of more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals who love the game, are expert coaches, operators and business leaders, and work daily to drive interest, inclusion and participation in the sport. The PGA of America owns and operates numerous championships and events, including major championships for men, women, seniors and the Ryder Cup, one of the world’s foremost sporting events. For more information, visit PGA.com and follow us on X,Instagram and Facebook.
Media Contacts
Nicole Mayberry, PGA of America, nmayberry@pgahq.com
Ari Edelman, Mastro Communications, aedelman@mastrocomm.com
