PGA of America Hall of Fame Member Ken Morton Sr. is one of the golf business’s most decorated individuals, and he recently added another honor to his lengthy list of accolades at the Home of the PGA of America in Frisco, Texas. Morton was presented with the PGA of America Master Professional Lifetime Achievement Award for his award-winning career and many contributions to the Association.
Morton was recognized during the 2024 PGA Master Professional Conference, held July 28–29. Morton became the 204th PGA Master Professional in 2004, and he received his Lifetime Achievement Award from the 447th – and newest – PGA Master Professional, PGA of America Vice President Don Rea Jr. (both pictured above).
“I can wholeheartedly state that without PGA Education, my business career would not be what it has become today,” Morton said. “Becoming a PGA Master Professional really did have a dramatic impact on my career. It’s an honor to be recognized, although I have found that the journey to earn the reward is more meaningful than the award itself.
“The years of being on PGA faculty and getting involved in these programs gave me the opportunity to work with some of the most talented golf professionals in the country, which was reflected in what I did when I went to work each day.”
Morton – an instrumental figure in curriculum development for PGA of America education and also known for his award-winning merchandising efforts – is the longtime Head Professional at Haggin Oaks Golf Complex and CEO of Morton Golf Management, a golf course management company that oversees all management aspects of four Sacramento municipal golf facilities.
A PGA of America Member since 1964, Morton got involved in the development and implementation of Association Education in 1978, initially serving as a faculty presenter. He was instrumental in the evolution and development of the Apprentice, Member, Certification and Master Professional programs.
“Ken is the ideal recipient for the PGA of America Master Professional Lifetime Achievement Award for his unparalleled dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence throughout his career,” said Rea, Owner of Augusta Ranch Golf Club in Mesa, Arizona. “He is the consummate Master Professional. His contributions have not only elevated the Association’s programs, but his leadership has also inspired countless individuals to be better PGA of America Golf Professionals.”
The 2024 PGA Master Professional Conference (attendees are pictured below ) was organized by the PGA Master Professional Committee, which is co-chaired by PGA Master Professionals Warren Bottke and Cathy Harbin. Both were in attendance at the Conference and addressed attendees, as did Rea and PGA Director of Education and Organizational Development Dawes Marlatt, himself a PGA of America Master Professional.
The Conference included discussion of ways to support PGA of America Members who are currently in the program, and how to raise awareness of the value of earning the designation – the highest level of certification available to PGA of America Golf Professionals.
“We’re seeing a resurgence in the PGA of America Master Professional program as PGA Members seek to advance their careers,” Bottke said. “We want our current PGA Master Professionals to serve as a resource by focusing on four areas: the people, the members, the game and the business of golf.”
Those interested in learning more about the PGA Master Professional program can find information on PGA.org.