The PGA Master Professional Program was established in 1969 to recognize PGA of America Members who make a significant effort to improve themselves as golf professionals and maintain the highest degree of excellence for themselves and their operations. As of press time, 478 individuals have achieved PGA Master Professional status since the program began. For more information about the program, log on to PGA.org or email PGAMEMBEREDU@pgahq.com, or call 866-866-3382 and select option 6.
The highest designation a PGA of America Golf Professional can achieve is PGA Master Professional status. The program was recently updated as part of the PGA Certified Professional Program to provide additional support to those hoping to reach this rarified achievement. Pursing this designation allows applicants to study in the career path they’ve chosen – Executive Management, Golf Operations or Teaching & Coaching – and, after being employed for 10 years, an individual can apply for the PGA Master Professional program through the PGA Education department.
Once in the program, candidates will serve as a mentor to five PGA Certified Professionals while being assigned a mentor of their own from the roster of current PGA Master Professionals. We recently talked with PGA Master Professional candidate Kelly Williams and his mentor, PGA Master Professional Tom Wildenhaus, about what it takes to complete the curriculum and how having a mentor helps the process.
Wildenhaus, the national 2021 PGA of America Golf Professional of the Year, became the 466th PGA Master Professional when his thesis on leadership skills and operational excellence received approval in 2024.
“Personally, becoming a PGA Master Professional has impacted me a great deal,” says Wildenhaus, the PGA of America Director of Golf at Olde Florida Golf Club in Naples, Florida. “I learned a few things about myself. It felt really good to take on a project like this and see it come to a positive finish, and it has been great to see my members’ reaction to my achievement.”
Wildenhaus is currently mentoring three PGA Master Professional candidates, including 2024 PGA Golf Executive of the Year Kelly Williams. He says it’s enjoyable to help a fellow PGA Professional work through the program.
“This is a great way for PGA of America Golf Professionals to separate themselves in their careers,” Wildenhaus says. “Kelly has had such a great career and his club has completed so many big capital improvements under his leadership. I’m just trying to encourage him.”
For Williams, taking on the process of becoming a PGA Master Professional is a logical next step in his ongoing education and career advancement.
“I’m interested in becoming a PGA Master Professional because I have always had a deep passion for education and personal growth,” says Williams, the PGA of America General Manager of Greenbrier Golf & Country Club in Lexington, Kentucky. “I’ve sought opportunities to learn from industry experts, and I’ve found tremendous value in being mentored by those who have shaped our game and profession. Pursuing PGA Master Professional status felt like a natural extension of that mindset – an opportunity to challenge myself, continue developing as a leader and elevate the standards by which I serve my members and community.”
Williams is working on a project about differentiating, adding value and strengthening membership by constructing amenities to become a four-season club in the Central Kentucky market, documenting his multi-year journey to transform Greenbrier into a year-round lifestyle destination for its members.
When Wildenhaus learned Williams was working toward becoming a PGA Master Professional, he immediately offered his help as a mentor – and the inspiration he provided has given Williams momentum as he finalizes his project.
“Tom has played a pivotal role throughout this entire process, truly a blend of big brother, accountability partner and enthusiastic cheerleader,” Williams says. “I constantly find myself bouncing ideas off him, and I rely on his experience and guidance to keep me grounded and on track.
“Our regular conversations have strengthened our relationship in a way I truly appreciate, and it has also expanded my network of PGA of America Golf Professionals in a way that has not only enriched the quality of my project, but has also connected me more deeply to the broader community of committed, supportive peers within our Association.”