GREENSBORO, NC (February 21, 2024) – Upwards of 800 Carolinas PGA Professionals and Associates attended the 2024 Carolinas PGA Super Show presented by GolfStatus. The show was held at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex on Monday, February 19th and Tuesday, February 20th and included the Section’s annual meeting, merchandise show, and various educational seminars.
The event was preceded by the Special Awards and Honors Dinner presented by Club Car on Sunday evening where fourteen Carolinas PGA Professionals were recognized for their contributions to the game including District 10 Director Paige Cribb, PGA as the 2023 Golf Professional of the Year. The Carolinas PGA inducted two individuals in the Hall of Fame, Cary Corbitt, PGA from The Sea Pines Resort and Bill Lytton, PGA from Benvenue Country Club who was elected posthumously.
The CPGA Annual Meeting presented by GolfProPayments took place on Monday morning. An election for the 2024-2025 Officers and Tournament Chairperson was held where the following Carolinas PGA Professionals were elected into office: Josh Wagaman, President; Jeff Avant, Vice President; Ben Bridgers, Secretary; and Luke Lovell, Tournament Chairperson. Tom VanHoogen was also sworn in as Grand Strand Chapter Director.
PGA of America Vice President Don Rea, PGA and Chief Membership Officer John Easterbrook, PGA joined Honorary President Chris Byrd, PGA and District 10 Director Paige Cribb for a town hall forum to address questions from the membership. It was also announced that Jeff Abbot would be promoted to the position of CEO/Executive Director of the Carolinas PGA. Byrd informed the membership that the PGA of America REACH Foundation awarded a $250,000 Places to Play Grant to Gillespie Golf Course, more information about this grant and its impact can be found here.
The newly created PGA REACH Carolinas Assistant of the Year Award and the PGA REACH Carolinas Retired Professional of the Year Award were presented as well where the following CPGA Assistant Professionals were recognized for their contributions to PGA REACH: 1st Place, Daniel Byrd (Tanglewood Park); 2nd Place, Donald Hepp (Hackler Golf GC); 3rd Place Cynthia Graham (Dunes Golf & Beach Club) and the following CPGA Retired Professionals were recognized for their contributions to PGA REACH: 1st Place, Tom Rader; 2nd Place Roger Mack; and 3rd Place Brian Oliver.
The Carolinas PGA sold out the Merchandise Show with 213 booths showcasing over 150 vendors. A cash jackpot prize was drawn at the conclusion of each day of the Merchandise Show where Andy Kohn, PGA won the day one drawing of $1,500, and Jeff Swangim, PGA, Robert Starkey, PGA, and Matt Zvanut, PGA won the day two drawings of $1,000. The grand prize drawing of $3,000 and the domestic trip for two courtesy of CPGA Partner Signature Golf was awarded to Seth Wilson, PGA from The Club at Longview.
CBS and Sirius XM Radio personality Michael Breed, PGA was featured as the keynote speaker for Monday evening where he encouraged the attendees to be their absolute best in every aspect of their personal and professional lives. Jason Mills, PGA, Director of Golf at Carmel Country Club and PGA of America Rules Committee member, led the Tuesday morning education session where he gave helpful tips and updates regarding the USGA rules of golf. The show concluded with the Winter Teaching Summit presented by Foresight Sports and GolfForever. Speakers included 2023 Carolinas PGA Palmer Maples Teacher of the Year Kevin Britt, PGA from The Carolina Country Club, GolfForever Swing Trainer Co-Creator and Physical Therapist Pete Holman, and Founder/Owner at Kay Performance Physio and Consulting Dr. Mike Kay who shared their expertise.
Thank you to section partners GolfStatus, Club Car, GolfProPayments, Signature Golf, Foresight Sports, GolfForever, Par4Success, and Greensboro Convention & Visitors Bureau for making the 2024 Super Show one of the best ones yet!
