Contact Information: North PGA 7450 Sparkling Court Kissimmee, FL 34747 386-256-1221

Release Date: 04/26/21

NORTH FLORIDA PGA HONORS 2020 AND 2021 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

[Kissimmee, FL (April 26, 2021)] — The North Florida PGA will proudly commemorate Jim Deaton and Gary Koch with the distinct honor of being inducted into the North Florida PGA Hall of Fame. During their impressive careers as PGA Professionals, Deaton and Koch have exemplified the true spirit of excellence through their unwavering commitment to service and leadership. The North Florida PGA Section is honored to announce these two dedicated Members as the 2021 Hall of Fame inductees.

Throughout Deaton’s 46 years of being a distinguished Member of the PGA, the one-time captain of the Oklahoma State Golf Team has truly evolved with such an extensive career legacy that has made a lasting impact on all those he has encountered. Throughout his life, Deaton has obtained many achievements to his name. He served as the President of the North Florida PGA in 2000-2001 and the Southern Texas PGA in 1983-1984. He was recognized as the Golf Professional of the Year for North Florida in 1998 for his outstanding contributions to the Section.

Over the course of his career, Deaton hosted and led the PGA Advanced Teaching Seminar and the PGA Rules of Golf Workshops, enabling others to enhance their knowledge of the Rules and broaden their education of the sport.

Born in Baton Rouge, Koch began his golf career at the age of eight, playing golf at the Bobby Jones Municipal in Sarasota. Throughout his college career at the , Koch won 10 collegiate tournaments. Two years after graduating, he joined the PGA Tour and embarked on a full-time career in the sport spanning 15 years, earning six victories. Following his professional career, Koch transitioned into broadcasting in 1991 for ESPN and NBC Sports, providing his elaborate expertise. Koch is familiar with receiving acknowledgements for his distinct contributions to golf, as he has been inducted into the University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame in 1979, the FSGA Hall of Fame in 2006, and the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 2012.

Since 2014, Koch has been determined to give back through his philanthropic efforts with the Gary and Donna Koch Family Foundation, providing educational opportunities to young men and women interested in the game of golf.

Deaton and Koch will be honored for this achievement at the Celebration of Masters on the evening of Monday, June 7. Additionally, 2020 inductee Jack Aschenbach, will be honored at this year’s event as well. Congratulations to all of our honorees.

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About the North Florida PGA The North Florida Section is one of 41 Sections that make up the PGA of America. Formed in 1979, the North Florida PGA is the 4th largest of the 41 geographic Sections that make up the PGA of America. Approximately 1,250 PGA Members and 189 Apprentices strive to promote the enjoyment and growth of the game of golf in the North Florida region. With its executive offices at Reunion Resort in Kissimmee, the NFPGA is dedicated to serving its members and growing the game. North Florida PGA Professionals are the experts in the business of golf and are responsible for conducting a variety of golf-related functions, which include general management, golf instruction, tournament operations, golf shop merchandising, junior golf programs, golf club repair and much more. Each North Florida Section PGA Professional serves as an expert in the ever-changing business of golf and is the leading expert player, teacher, skilled business manager, community leader, and superior merchandiser who have dedicated their career to the local delivery of these services.

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