Tag Archives: PGA of America

Golf Companies, Ping, Professionals

PGA of America – John A. Solheim, Executive Chairman of PING, named 2022 PGA Distinguished Service Award recipient

Octubre 27, 2022 – John A. Solheim, the Executive Chairman of PING in Phoenix, Arizona, and son of founder Karsten Solheim, has been named the 2022 PGA Distinguished Service Award recipient by the PGA of America. Solheim will be honored on Wednesday, Nov. 2, as part of the 2022 PGA Annual Meeting at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort in Phoenix.

Since 1988, the PGA Distinguished Service Award honors outstanding individuals who display leadership and humanitarian qualities, including integrity, sportsmanship and enthusiasm for the game of golf. Among the recipients are three U.S. Presidents (Gerald Ford, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton), Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Barbara Nicklaus, Pete Dye, Vince Gill, Bob Hope and Lee Trevino.

One of the game’s true innovators, Solheim, who began working for his father as a teenager in the family garage in 1959, is a renowned inventor and forward thinker. With more than 170 U.S. patents to his name, he has influenced the design of golf clubs and bags across the industry, helping PING become one of the most trusted manufacturers in golf and recognizable names in sports equipment.

“John Solheim has set an industry standard for how a golf company should run, and his love and dedication for creating the highest quality products has elevated the bar for all equipment manufacturers,” said PGA President Jim Richerson. “But what is truly admirable about John, and what speaks to his character, is his commitment to growing golf through youth participation and helping physically challenged adults, children and military Veterans discover a love for the game.”

“I’m very appreciative to receive such a prestigious honor from the PGA of America,” said John A. Solheim. “I’ve been blessed to spend my entire career in the golf industry. It’s allowed us to continue building a family business, which is very enjoyable for me to now guide our strong third generation in their leadership positions and still allow me to do what I enjoy most, design and develop future products.”

PING, under Solheim’s watch, has sponsored more than 50 American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) tournaments and created thousands of playing opportunities for juniors. In 2002, Solheim personally created the PING Junior Solheim Cup for girls ages 12-18, modeled after the Solheim Cup, which was founded by Solheim’s parents in 1990. PING is also a supporting partner of PGA Jr. League, which provides an introduction to the game for kids 17 and under in a fun team environment.

Under Solheim’s leadership, PING expanded its club fitting services for physically challenged golfers. He’s advanced that further by integrating those efforts into physical rehabilitation for wounded and disabled Veterans, ensuring they can enjoy the game.

Solheim and PING also collaborated with Bubba Watson to raise funds for Phoenix Children’s Hospital, leading to the development of the Bubba Watson and PING Golf Motion Analysis Lab — which uses state-of-the-art equipment to measure real 3D motion, force and muscular activity to develop personalized care plans for children with orthopedic and neurological conditions.

As a company, PING has flourished under Solheim’s leadership. It became the first club manufacturer to be ISO certified, a distinction given to companies that meet a set of established quality standards to meet and exceed customer and stakeholder needs.

PING is also a founding member of the United States Golf Manufacturers Council, which works with governmental agencies on international trade matters and anti-counterfeiting efforts. The USGMC also works with golf’s ruling bodies to improve upon the equipment rule making process.

“To lead today requires unbelievable research in every category, and I promise we won’t stop,” said John A. Solheim. “Much of our success is directly related to our relationships with the PGA Professionals who have represented and helped promote our products for more than 60 years. Early on, my father, Karsten, recognized that the PGA’s role and expertise would have a big influence in custom fitting our clubs to help golfers play better, and enjoy the game more. To be recognized by the PGA is especially meaningful and one of the biggest highlights of my career.”

Honma Golf, Professionals

HONMA Golf – Charity Fundraiser Aids PGA of America Workforce Impacted by Coronavirus

April 23, 2020 – Leading golf equipment brand HONMA Golf has launched two fundraising efforts in support of the PGA of America’s newly-established Golf Emergency Relief Fund, which provides short-term financial assistance to members of the golf industry workforce in the U.S. who have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Using #PickUpYourPro as a rallying cry, HONMA hopes to raise at least $25,000 in support of the industry-spanning relief campaign.

HONMA, which has operating headquarters in both Carlsbad, Calif. and Sakata, Japan, has established a charity fundraiser at honmagolf.rallyup.com, giving golfers the opportunity to win premium current-model brand equipment as well as rare and collectible clubs and accessories.

HONMA’s charitable #PickUpYourPro initiative, which features nearly $50,000 in Honma retail product, invites donors to support the Golf Emergency Relief Fund by contributing $10, $25, $50 or $100 fixed-entry amounts between April 22 and May 15, 2020. In turn, donors have a chance to win attractive product packages. Winners will be selected randomly on May 20.

Through the #PickUpYourPro charity promotion, Honma is creating unprecedented access to several of its most coveted product offerings. Among the new and vintage items that golfers have a chance to win include a full premium TR20 package including the TR20 driver, irons, wedges, and choice of bag ($2,375 value), seven premium BERES 07 Three Star irons plus a hybrid, and a choice of bag ($4,900 value), or a Priceless Classic Package of persimmon woods and iron relics from the Honma museum housed in a handsome leather carry bag ($4,675 value). Also, up for grabs are premium XP-1 packages, custom “Wedge Wizard” fittings (by wedge artisan Jacob Sanborn), high-end club fitting experiences at Reunion Resort in Orlando, FL., as well as Honma accessories and swag, including golf bags, hats, beanies, T-shirts, and hoodies.

“As a part of this close-knit family we know the golf industry to be, the Honma team is acting on a responsibility to do what we can to help lift those affected by the global COVID-19 pandemic,” says John Kawaja, president of HONMA Golf USA. “The Golf Emergency Relief Fund will provide crucial support for many of the men and women who are the very lifeblood of this business. In this time of crisis, it’s inspiring to see golf people unite for this cause to Pick Up Your Pro.”

HONMA is also contributing 10 percent of the proceeds from all online sales at honmagolf.com from April 15, 2020 through May 30, 2020 to the PGA’s Golf Emergency Relief Fund. This includes sales of all Honma golf clubs and accessories.

“Even simple gestures can have a significant impact during this crisis, so we appreciate every bit of support golfers can lend to the folks who make this industry special,” John Kawaja says.

THE GOLF EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND

The Golf Emergency Relief Fund was initiated by the PGA of America through a lead pledge of $5 million and a matching fund for gifts by third parties of up to $2.5 million. The PGA contribution included every member of the executive leadership team voluntarily reducing their compensation as well as pledges of personal donations from members of the PGA’s Board of Directors. The effort is also being supported in various ways by a number of industry organizations, including the Golf Course Superintendent Association of America, PGA TOUR, LPGA, United States Golf Association, National Golf Course Owners Association and Association of Golf Merchandisers.

“The golf industry is in an unprecedented crisis, and our friends, colleagues and their families need our help right away,” said PGA of America president Suzy Whaley. “We have to ensure that the heart and soul of our game – our people – are able to get back on their feet and continue to serve others down the road. Eventually, golf will return, but first we need to reach out and help people in our industry during this national emergency.”

Professionals, Srixon

Srixon/Cleveland Golf/XXIO – Partner of National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship

PGA-SHOW-2016-SRIXON

August 7, 2016 – In a multi-year agreement, the PGA of America has named Srixon/Cleveland Golf/XXIO a supporting partner of the National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship, as well as a Supporting Partner of Golf Retirement Plus and a Proud Supporter of PGA Junior Golf Camps.

“The PGA of America is delighted that Srixon/Cleveland Golf/XXIO has furthered its commitment to the PGA Professional and the future of the game of golf,” said PGA President Derek Sprague.

“Their investment in the game and their deeply held belief in the tangible impact and influence of the PGA Professional is something we’re extremely proud and honored to have earned. We are very grateful for their enduring support and partnership.”

The 40th National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship will be conducted at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida, Oct. 27-30. The Assistant PGA Professional Championship field is composed of representatives from 41 nationwide Section Championships conducted in the late summer and fall of 2016. Sponsorship of both the national and Section championships are effectively immediately.

“We’re proud to be a partner of the National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship and are committed to supporting America’s next generation of PGA Professionals,” said Mike Powell, President of Sales & Marketing for Srixon/Cleveland Golf/XXIO, North America.

“The great work that PGA Professionals do on a daily basis proves their commitment to this game of a lifetime. Srixon is privileged for this opportunity. On behalf of all our stakeholders around the world: Thanks PGA Pro!”

The company will also make contributions to Golf Retirement Plus. Founded in 1997, Golf Retirement Plus is a retirement program for PGA Professionals and apprentices, GCSAA Superintendents and CMAA Club Managers, which allows them to make their own contributions or have their employers contribute to their Golf Retirement Plus accounts on their behalf. PGA Professionals can also earn personal incentives by participating in the Golf Retirement Plus Partner Programs.

In addition, Srixon/Cleveland Golf/XXIO will provide wedges and golf accessories to PGA Junior Golf Camps nationwide. These camps provide a learning opportunity which is virtually unobtainable in other instructional settings. With weeklong, consecutive day-to-day programming, juniors are immersed in the game. At more than 75 locations, the camps offer half-day, full-day camps and a select number of overnight camps. All camps are taught by PGA Teaching Professionals and are designed to make instruction meaningful, as well as fun. Kids ages 6-17 and of all ability levels are welcome to participate.