PGA Master Professional is the Association’s highest educational designation
Editors:
For a photo of Travis Wilson, click here.
FRISCO, Texas – The PGA of America has announced Travis Wilson, PGA Director of Golf at Balsam Mountain Preserve in Sylva, N.C., has achieved PGA Master Professional status, the highest education designation available within the Association.
Wilson joins a distinguished group of PGA of America Members as the 484th individual in Association history to achieve the designation.
The PGA Master Professional program was established in 1969 to recognize PGA of America Members who make a significant effort to improve as golf professionals and maintain the highest degree of excellence for themselves and their facilities. The curriculum is designed to ensure Golf Professionals are prepared to meet the growing demands of the marketplace within the Executive Management, Golf Operations and Teaching and Coaching Designations.
“I’ve worked with three PGA Master Professionals throughout my career, and it was inspiring to see their focus on being the best version of themselves,” said Wilson. “Earning PGA Master Professional status is important to me because it reflects a lifelong commitment to professional development and the pursuit of excellence in our industry. The designation represents a higher standard of knowledge, performance and accountability, challenging me to continually grow as a golf professional. Most importantly, it strengthens my ability to lead by example, mentor others and positively impact the members, staff and community I serve.”
Wilson, a Member of the Carolinas PGA Section, earned his Master Professional designation in Golf Operations. He was elevated to Director of Golf at Balsam
Mountain Preserve in May 2025 after serving the membership as the Head
Professional for nine years. Prior to Balsam Mountain, Wilson was an Assistant Professional at The Cliffs at Keowee Falls in 2011, followed by a similar role at Thornblade Club until 2013. He also served as Assistant Professional at Cliffs at Walnut Cove in Arden, N.C.
In 2009 Wilson graduated from the Florida Gulf Coast University Professional Golf Management Program while serving as an Assistant Golf Professional at Gateway Golf & Country Club in Fort Myers, Fla.
The PGA Master Professional program is available to individuals with at least 10 years of PGA of America Membership, along with having achieved advanced certification through the PGA Specialized and Certified Professional Programs.
The curriculum includes an extensive project based on the specific certification previously acquired by the PGA of America Golf Professional. PGA Master Professional status is earned upon successful completion of the project’s presentation.
Wilson resides in Canton, N.C., with his wife of 25 years and three children.
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:
Jesse Dodson, PGA – PGA of America, jdodson@pgahq.com
Emily Tavares – PGA of America, etavares@pgahq.com
Jared Minski – Mastro Communications, jared@mastrocomm.com
