The Midwest PGA is proud to announce Luke Smith, PGA, Head Golf Professional at Milburn Country Club, as the 2025 Midwest PGA Golf Professional of the Year. This award is the highest honor our Section presents, recognizing a PGA Member who exemplifies excellence in leadership, service, mentorship, and growing the game of golf. We would like to thank E-Z-GO and George Hobbs for sponsoring this award. E-Z-GO will extend an invitation to Mr. Smith to attend the Golf Professional of the Year conference at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort. Luke’s career spans more than 30 years, beginning in England, where he discovered his passion for golf as a young junior working in a local golf shop. Since earning his British PGA membership in 1997, he has built a reputation as a talented professional, a dedicated mentor, and a trusted leader within every organization he has served. Luke currently serves as Vice President of the Midwest PGA Section, following terms as Section Secretary and Kansas At-Large Director. He has contributed to several key Section initiatives, including hiring processes for the Tournament Director, Foundation Director, and Executive Director, and serves as Board Liaison to both the Tournament Committee and the PGA REACH Midwest Foundation Board. He also represents PGA Professionals across the region as the PGA Delegate on the Central Links Golf Board of Directors. Luke’s impact is most evident in the careers of those he has mentored. With eight PGA-affiliated staff members at Milburn, including three active Associates, he is committed to developing confident, capable future leaders of the game. Several of his former assistants have earned Section awards or advanced to Head Professional or General Manager roles, a point of great pride for Luke and a reflection of the culture he has built. Luke is known throughout our Section for his integrity, empathy, and commitment to constant improvement. Whether competing at the 2023 National Club Professional Championship, studying under respected coaches, or engaging with members daily, he continues to elevate the standards of our profession. Please join us in congratulating Luke Smith, PGA, on being named the 2025 Midwest PGA Golf Professional of the Year. His dedication to service, mentorship, and growing the game represents the very best of the PGA of America, and we are honored to recognize his outstanding achievements. We also celebrate our 2025 Chapter Golf Professional of the Year recipients: Flint Hills Chapter: Scott Wempe Kansas City, Kansas Chapter: Luke Smith Kansas City, Missouri Chapter: Wayne Ogle Ozarks Chapter: Shawn Freeman
Congratulations to all these deserving professionals. |
