Celebrity-Filled Audience Follows Inspiration on Stage As

IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Bob Denney January 28, 2010 561/624-8582 [email protected]

CELEBRITY-FILLED AUDIENCE FOLLOWS INSPIRATION ON STAGE AS THE PGA OF AMERICA PAYS TRIBUTE TO ITS 2009 NATIONAL AWARD RECIPIENTS

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. - Nearly 1,000 guests, including former Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge and World Golf Hall of Fame members Tom Kite, Beth Daniel and Carol Mann, celebrated outstanding achievements by its Professionals and the daughter of a PGA Professional, Jan. 28, at the 2009 PGA of America Awards program in Orlando, Fla.

The program, conducted in the Linda Chapin Auditorium of the Orange County Convention Center, was highlighted by a closing acceptance speech by PGA Golf Professional of the Year Jack Barber of Indianapolis, Ind.

The PGA head professional at Meridian Hills Country Club, Barber is the second member of the Indiana PGA Section to earn the highest annual honor that Association bestows upon one of its members.

All of those previously named golfers, all of us here this evening, are linked by a common thread – the game of golf.

“We all have any number of links in our lives. . .family, friends, work, social, religious . . . and for those of us who proudly serve and represent The PGA of America, we are linked to each other,” said Barber.

“Although we may come from different types of golf facilities, we all proudly wear the same badge. We are linked by a love of the game, our endeavors to grow the game and our membership in this great organization.

“It is imperative that we never forget the most important task – that of being a positive role model and a mentor to all we come in contact with, especially to future PGA Professionals and future junior golfers.

“Noted author, motivator and accomplished speaker, Herman Cain, once said: Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. These words perfectly fit me for the 38 years I have been in the golf business. How fortunate I’ve been to be employed in a job that I love so much.”

Donna Caponi-Byrnes of Orlando, another member of the World Golf Hall of Fame, was recognized as the PGA First Lady of Golf. Caponi-Byrnes, a two-time U.S. Women’s Open Champion, is the daughter of the late PGA Life Member Harry Caponi, and who continues her career as a highly- respected on-course reporter for Golf Channel. “I’m so proud and respectful of the 28,000 PGA Professionals and what they do for our sport,” said Caponi.

Mike Bender, owner and Master Instructor of the Mike Bender Golf Academy in Lake Mary, Fla., paid tribute to his father, who once told him that if playing didn’t work out, he’d make a great teacher. “It’s amazing how things work out,” said Bender. “It just goes to show that maybe father does know best.”

The other PGA of America award recipients honored included:

 Vikki Vanderpool, Murfreesboro, Tenn. - PGA Junior Golf Leader  Derek Hardy, Santa Ana, Calif. - PGA Horton Smith Award  Dennis Satyshur, Timonium, Md. - Bill Strausbaugh Award  Kyle Heyen, Arvada, Colo. - PGA President's Plaque  Rick Schuller, Chester, Va. - PGA Professional Player of the Year  Chris Starkjohann, Oceanside, Calif. - Senior PGA Professional Player of the Year PGA Merchandisers of the Year  Nevin Phillips, St. Thomas, V.I. - Public Facilities  Brian Morrison, Flossmoor, Ill. - Private Facilities  Caroline Basarab-Dennison, Hilton Head Island, S.C. - Resort Facilities

About The PGA of America Since 1916, The PGA of America's mission has been twofold: 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 Association enables PGA 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 dramatic world-class championships and exciting and enjoyable golf promotions that are viewed as the best of their class in the golf industry, 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 of America brand represents the very best in golf.

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