(March 15, 2019) The PGA North Section presented Kennie Sims, PGA, with the 2019 Bill Strausbaugh Award (Club Relations). The award is designed to recognize PGA Professionals who by their day-to-day efforts have distinguished themselves by mentoring their fellow PGA Professionals in improving their employment situations and through service to the community. Sims serves as VP of Golf Operations at Tampa Sports Authority, Tampa, Fla., He has held this position since October 1, 2012.
In his role at Tampa Sports Authority, Sims is responsible for the daily operations and strategic planning for the three golf courses owned by the City of Tampa: Babe Zaharias, Rogers Park and Rocky Point. Collectively these operations generate $3.2 million annually and staff over 130 employees and volunteers. In May of 2008, he was named Director of Golf Operations, since that time he has improved the profitability of the operation by 65% and during the same period he managed over $6 million of capital improvements.
He is responsible for managing the TSA relationship with The First Tee of Tampa which is a nonprofit foundation that impacts the lives of young participants through the game of golf. Kennie has served as the Executive Producer of “A Tampa Golf Tour” a thirty minute documentary of the three City of Tampa golf courses and several television commercials designed to drive traffic to the courses. He has an extensive background in the golf industry, with thirty years’ experience.
He has served in various positions for the Tampa Sports Authority including Head Golf Professional. As an accomplished instructor, he has paved the way for many to enter and master the game. Kennie earned his Masters of Business Administration at the University of South Florida and completed his Business Administration undergraduate studies at Fayetteville State University (NC).
Sims has been awarded Golf Professional of the Year twice by his peers in the PGA of America, he has served as President of his chapter of the PGA and has served on the Government Relations committee for the PGA of America, where he has been asked to represent the golf industry on Capitol Hill. He currently serves as a board member of The First Tee of Tampa Bay and a member of the World Golf Foundation’s Diversity Task Force. Kennie resides in Tampa, Florida and has two children, Kevin and Leslie. He is a savvy executive that enjoys sports, backgammon, travel and personal growth.
Kennie Sims, PGA can be reached at ksims@tampasportsauthority.com or (813) 350-6510.
The GA North Section is based in Kissimmee, Fla., and headed by Steve McMillen, PGA, Executive Director/CEO. To see the full list of 2019 Bill Strausbaugh Award recipients visit https://www.nfpga.com/pga-professionals/honors-recognition/2019-section-awards
Since its founding in 1916, The PGA of America has maintained a twofold mission: to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf. By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, The PGA enables its professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in the multi-billion dollar golf industry. By creating and delivering world-class championships and innovative programs, The PGA of America elevates the public’s interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere. The PGA brand represents the very best in golf.
