Back to Where the Journey Began for Ed Rodgers, PGA - June Member Spotlight
At 10 years of age, Ed Rodgers, PGA, picked up his first golf club. His dad had been diagnosed with diabetes and it became an outlet to help him be more active.
Growing up in Baltimore, Maryland, Rodgers won several junior events and after he graduated high school, the Rodgers' family moved to south Florida. Rodgers attended a small junior college in southwest Florida before transferring to the University of West Florida to finish his degree in Marketing and continue his playing career.
After college, Rodgers was in need of a job and decided to go to Cypress Lake Golf Club to see about potential opportunities under the recently hired head professional.
Rogers described his younger self as, “as raw as you could be,” but was hired right then as a full-time assistant professional. His new gig became a springboard for his career and he entered the PGA Apprenticeship program shortly after.
During his first five year stint at Cypress Lake, LPGA legend and a founding club member, Patty Berg was one of the first people Rodgers met.
“She was just the nicest, most welcoming person in the world,” said Rodgers. “Quite frankly, other than knowing my mom had a set of clubs with Patty Bergs’ name on them, I didn’t really know about Patty Berg until I met her and played golf with her.”
As an assistant, Rodgers worked 13 straight days from 7:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. and had every other Sunday off. Every night, Rogers would hand pick the range and Berg would patiently wait for him to be done so she could hit her Wilson Staff balls and pick them up after.
While Rodgers would have to pick the range by hand regardless, he insisted that she could hit whenever she’d like and Rodgers would separate each of her balls, clean them and give them back.
“Hers were the easiest in the world to pick up because once I found one, they were all within a 10x10 circle,” Rogers explained laughing.
From there, the relationship grew stronger, resulting in the two playing nine holes together four to fives times a week after work, sharing many great memories.
After five years as an assistant professional at Cypress Lake, Rodgers was ready for his next step and took a head golf professional role at Lochmoor Country Club in North Fort Myers. Rodgers spent seven years at Lochmoor where he continued to learn and grow his portfolio. From there, Rodgers was hired as the director of golf and general manager at Bonita Bay Club.
After six years, Rodgers became the vice president of the Bonita Bay Group, overseeing 16 golf courses and seven club houses. During that time, Rodgers gained a detailed understanding of the development and club business, managing the entire amenities division.
With the experience as an assistant professional, head professional, director of golf, general manager and vice president, Rodgers was ready to take on his dream of owning his own golf course.
In 2005, Rodgers bought Jefferson Landing Golf Club in North Carolina, his ultimate goal when he first entered the golf industry. Unfortunately, due to timing and the recession that hit in 2008, Rodgers owned the property for three years before it returned to the original ownership group.
Undeterred, Rodgers was still passionate about golf management and returned to the club that gave him his first opportunity as a 21-year-old. In 2011, nearly 40 years after he first stepped foot on property, Rodgers returned to Cypress Lake Golf Club as the General Manager and Chief Operating Officer.
During his 50-year journey in the golf industry, Rodgers has remained fully committed to being the best golf professional that he can be in every area that he is involved with and now, looks to instill those values in the younger generation of PGA professionals.
“Be willing to do whatever it takes to be good, if it is more hours than it is more hours,” said Rodgers. “You have to be willing to make certain sacrifices but at the same time there is always a work life balance that you need to maintain, just know what those limitations are.”
When looking back on an amazing career, Rodgers has accomplished each goal he set out to achieve. From being a 21-year-old young man walking into the pro shop at Cypress Lake, to owning and operating a golf course and to now being able to finish his career at the club that gave him his first opportunity.
“I started my career at the same club that I will end my career at, in the sense of when I started here as an assistant professional, I didn’t know anything,” said Rodgers. “In the 12 years that I have been back, I actually believe that I have made a difference and that is all I can hope for.”
*Patty Berg plaque at Cypress Lake Golf Club
*Bonita Bay Club
*Jefferson Landing Golf Club (North Carolina)
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West Palm Beach, FL - Jeff Nixon, PGA Director of Professional Operations at G to Z Turf Services, Inc. and Consulting Managing Partner at Myerlee Country Club, was presented the 2024 South Florida PGA Deacon Palmer Award. The Deacon Palmer Award bestows special recognition on a PGA Professional who personally displays outstanding integrity, character, and leadership to overcome a major obstacle in their life. This individual is an unsung hero at their facility, in their community, and serves to inspire, empower, and assist others inside and outside the game. “It is with immense fulfillment and gratitude that I accept the Deacon Palmer Award, " Nixon expressed. “This recognition embodies the spirit of perseverance, integrity, and dedication that defines our profession. The Deacon Palmer Award is named in honor of Arnold Palmer’s father, Deacon Palmer, a lifelong Golf Professional who embodied resilience and passion despite personal health challenges. The award is presented to a PGA Professional who has not only overcome a significant obstacle in their life but has also gone above and beyond to inspire others through their leadership and service both on and off the course. “It is a true honor to be acknowledged alongside those who inspire and uplift, and it fuels my commitment to continue serving the game and its community with passion and purpose,” said Nixon. In the spring of 2023, Nixon suffered a stroke, not only putting a question mark on his future as a Golf Professional but, more importantly, how this could affect his life. As an active Professional, Nixon went from playing 4-5 times a week to being unable to walk, a complete life-altering shift that Nixon admits was not easy. Determined to get back to the game he loves, Nixon battled through his condition and returned to the golf course. Additionally, Nixon returned to his position as head coach of the Bishop Verot Catholic High School's Girls Golf Team, something Nixon was incredibly passionate about, to prove that nothing can keep you down. As Nixon continues to be an active SFPGA Member at every level, the 2024 South Florida PGA Annual Award marks Nixon’s 20th in his 20 years as an SFPGA Member. The Deacon Palmer Award is one of the South Florida PGA's annual awards. Nixon was honored at the Southwest Chapter Meeting, May 19, at The TwinEagles Club. Click here for a complete list of award winners.
(North Palm Beach, FL - May 15, 2025) - The South Florida PGA hosted its 9th Annual PGA HOPE Classic at Lost Tree Club, raising nearly $85,000 to support the South Florida PGA Foundation’s flagship program, PGA HOPE. The PGA HOPE Classic raises funds to enhance the lives of veterans through the game of golf, helping to improve their mental, emotional, physical, and social well-being. Established in 2015, the South Florida PGA HOPE program has impacted the lives of nearly 2,000 Veterans at 122 different 6-week programs with the help of 189 PGA of America Golf Professionals. Competing in teams of four in a one-net best-ball format, this year’s HOPE Classic was won by Foundation supporter, Hunter Hallowell, and his team of Kris Kampsen, Dr. Lee Greenwald, and Peter Mendina, with a score of 57. For the fourth straight year, Lost Tree Club served as the host facility. The facility is led by PGA Director of Golf Brian Peaper, PGA Head Professional Mike Kostelnik, and three PGA Assistant Professionals. This year's event was also presented by Keiser University and supported by Raymond James, Rob Torrington, Weber Ranch Vodka and Bank United.
(Jupiter, FL / May 13, 2025) - Alan Morin, PGA , carded a 3-under back nine to capture the 38th Annual South Florida Senior Open, supported by Wilson Golf at Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club at Old Trail - Medal Course. After an opening round, 3-under 69, Morin, the Assistant Professional at the Club at Ibis, trailed Joe Kern, PGA of Mangrove Sands Golf Club, by two shots. Heading into the final round after significant rain overnight, Morin knew birdies were on the table. “The greens were soft with all the rain, so you can fly it right at the flag and don't have to worry about the ball taking off you,” Morin explained. “So it frees your mind up.” With a 2-under performance on the front nine, Morin had secured the solo lead heading into the final nine, with Morin ultimately prevailing, finishing at 8-under, while Kern finished at 6-under and in solo second. “I played steady today and I finally made a few putts today,” Morin said, holding his second career South Florida Senior Open trophy. Finishing in a tie for third at 4-under was Tim Cantwell, PGA of PGA National Golf Club, Jared Isaacs, PGA of Adios Golf Club and Rod Curl, PGA of Cranewatch of Evergreen. The event also featured age divisions with the following Professionals taking home first-place honors: 60-69 (T1) = Jim Karr, PGA - Palm Beach Country Club | Victor Tortorici, PGA - Sailfish Sands Golf Club | Matt Ball, PGA Delray Indoor Golf Center (1-under) 70-74 = Joseph Bostic, PGA - Turtle Creek Club (6-under) 75+ = Fred Harkness, PGA - PGA Life Member (8-over) Wilson Golf supported the South Florida Senior Open at Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club. For the second consecutive year and the 12th time in the event's history, Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club at Old Trail has served as the host facility. The team is led by PGA Director Brian Corbit, PGA Head Professional Jared Werner, and five PGA Assistant Professionals.
(Charlotte, North Carolina - May 12, 2025) - The South Florida PGA made its debut appearance at the 2025 PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup on Monday, hosted at Carmel Country Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, enjoying several days of camaraderie before the ninth playing of the prestigious event. The PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup celebrates the transformative power of PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) by honoring Veterans and the PGA Professionals who lead with purpose and compassion to positively impact their lives. The event, held annually in conjunction with PGA Championship Week, began in 2016 and is named in honor of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, recognizing the long-standing partnership between PGA HOPE and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Each Secretary’s Cup team featured four PGA HOPE Graduates and one PGA of America Professional or Associate in a five-person scramble format. Competing against 11 other PGA of America Sections, Team South Florida, led by PGA Associate and U.S. Army Veteran Zach Anzaroot of The Rookery at Marco, completed play at 2-over, finishing in a tie for tenth. Prior to the week culminating on the golf course, team South Florida arrived in Charlotte last Friday, enjoying a special welcome dinner, a trip to the NASCAR Hall of Fame for the events reception, and a team practice round. Each team member was proudly recognized on the first tee with their name and branch of service. Additionally, team South Florida was gifted custom golf bags from Vessel Golf, custom headcovers and shoe bags from Winston Collection, and apparel, including polos and mid layers from Dunning Golf. In its first trip to the PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup, the following South Florida PGA HOPE Graduates made up team South Florida: Patti Baker – U.S. Air Force Richard George – U.S. Navy Dwight Hanners – U.S. Navy Chris Short – U.S. Army Zach Anzaroot, PGA Associate, The Rookery at Marco – U.S. Army
At 6:00 AM, May 1st, Tyler Collet, PGA, was back at John’s Island Club, fulfilling his role as an Assistant Professional. Only about 12 hours prior, he was handed the Walter Hagen Cup, winning the 2025 PGA Professional Championship at PGA Golf Club by 10 shots - The largest margin of victory in the Championship's history. “It still doesn’t feel real; I am just super thankful to have the trophy,” Collet said proudly. Not only did the 29-year-old earn entry into his fourth PGA Championship in five years, but the win also granted Collet six special PGA TOUR invitations. “My excitement is off the charts; I honestly can’t put it into words,” exclaimed Collet. A South Florida PGA Member since 2018, Collet has won two South Florida PGA Professional Championships (2020/23) and was named the 2022 and 2023 Rolex South Florida PGA Player of the Year. As a result, Collet has previously earned four PGA TOUR invitations, excluding PGA Championships, through the SFPGA. “I am super thrilled with the opportunity, and I am so happy and thankful that the PGA offers these exemptions and everything that comes with this win,” said Collet. Collet will be well accompanied on his trip to the 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Golf Club as Justin Hicks, PGA, and Michael Kartrude, PGA, finished within the top-20, joining Collet and 17 other PGA of America Golf Professionals as the Corebridge Financial PGA Team. A Teaching Professional at Stonebridge Golf & Country Club, Hicks wrapped the four-day championship in a tie for ninth at 2-under, earning entry into his first career PGA Championship. “Coming from our Section, we have such a strong group of players, and I think we all feed off of that, and it promotes us all to get better throughout the year,” explained Hicks on being one of five different SFPGA Members to qualify for the PGA Championship in the last two years. “I have watched several of our guys make it to the PGA while I've been playing, and it drives me.” While this marks his first PGA, Hicks is no stranger to competing against the world’s best. Before fully transitioning to a career with the PGA of America in 2022, Hicks competed on the PGA TOUR for over a decade, playing in more than 100 events, including seven Major Championships (6 U.S. Open Championships / 1 Open Championship). A self-proclaimed “late bloomer,” Hicks was a 36-year-old rookie on the PGA TOUR, consistently competing against younger talent, but for Hicks and his ability to keep up - age is irrelevant. “I don’t think of age as how most people see it because for some crazy reason and maybe because of my time now as an instructor, I am hitting the ball further now than when I was on TOUR 10 years ago,” said Hicks. As Hicks looks ahead to the Major Championship, he is reminded by his 13-year-old son Owen, a Member of the SFPGA Junior Tour, that it is just another round of golf and to not look at it any differently. “You always play well with me, so maybe just try to feel like you are out there playing against me instead of anyone else,” Owen told his dad. “When you stay in your little comfort zone, it's easier to do what you have always done, and I think that's the way to look at it,” Justin added. In his first attempt at the PGA Professional Championship as a Class-A Member, Kartrude was forced to earn it. Coming off a lengthy par save on the 71st hole, the Assistant Professional at The Bear’s Club made a costly 3-putt bogey on the 72nd hole, dropping him to even-par total and into a 4 for 1 playoff for the 20th and final spot. “I was crushed. I've missed by one so many times in so many tournaments, and it's going to happen again,” Kartrude began telling himself. “As I saw it unfold, I was saying, just give me a shot.” Kartrude got his opportunity and was mentally not going to squander it, telling himself, “You didn't beat 19 guys, but you already beat 290 or whatever. What's three more?” After four intense playoff holes that was narrowed down to a head-to-head following the second playoff hole, Kartrude was standing on the 475-yard par-4 13th hole with out-of-bounds left and hazard right. Only hours earlier in regulation, Kartrude pulled this same tee shot left. “I guarded against left, I hit it off the heel, and I blocked it over to the right,” explained Kartrude as he began thinking of his chances if he had to drop. Amazed to see his ball in play, Kartrude is left with 210 yards to the pin as trees overhang, impeding his angle. “I hammered this five iron as hard as I could with a held-off face, and then as soon as I hit it, that ball did exactly what I pictured,” Kartrude said, reliving the shot. “It was probably one of the best shots I've ever executed, given the situation.” With his ball ending roughly 20 feet from the hole, a two-putt par secured Kartrude the 20th and final spot, and a dream came true. “I didn't win the golf tournament, but I couldn't have scripted it any other way, hitting one of the greatest shots of my life, my daughter, wife, and son on the green giving me hugs. It was one of the best feelings ever,” Kartrude exclaimed. Hicks and Kartrude will join the ever-growing list of SFPGA Members to qualify for the PGA Championship, with five in total in the last two years alone. South Florida PGA Members have excelled on the national level. In addition to sending five different Members to the PGA Championship, the South Florida PGA currently holds all three PGA of America National Championships. Tyler Collet, PGA - PGA Professional Championship Alan Morin, PGA - Senior PGA Professional Championship Domenico Geminiani, PGA - National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship
Parkland, FL (May 6, 2025) - Ryan Isaacson and Michael Kostelnik, PGA, won the shortened Fort Lauderdale Open, presented by Srixon/Cleveland, played May 5-6 at Parkland Golf & Country club. The first South Florida PGA Major of the Year, the Fort Lauderdale Open, was shortened to an 18-hole Championship due to inclement weather impacting the first day of play. Play was suspended on Monday and resumed today. Isaacson, an Associate Teaching Professional at the John Webster Golf Academy at the Breakers, managed a 6-under 66 in his first event of the year, edging out Ashley Grier, PGA of The Legacy Golf & Tennis Club, by one shot. “I made the most of my round,” explained Isaacson, who was in the third group to tee off on Monday and was able to complete all 18 holes the first day. “I was thrilled to post a number that could be chased.” In his first event of the 2025 season, the 29-year-old Isaacson carded only one score worse than par, a double on the fourth hole, which helped calm his nerves. “I had a double early in my round, and it kind of settled me in,” said Isaacson. “With it being the first event I've played in several months, there are a few jitters getting going, but the double on four settled me in and then made a great eagle on nine.” Following a 3-under front nine, Isaacson added a bogey-free, 3-under back nine, which included a chip-in from the front of the green on the par-4 17th. In the Senior Division, Michael Kostelnik, PGA Head Professional at Lost Tree Club, signed for a 7-under 65, besting fellow playing partner, Jared Isaacs, PGA, by one shot. “I'm excited to sneak out a win against a strong field of talented professionals,” emphasized Kostelnik. “A little unexpected to play that well coming out of a busy season,” he added. Starting on hole 10, Kostelnik opened his round with a bogey before rattling off three straight birdies and finishing the opening nine at 4-under. Kostelnik rode that momentum into the second nine, carding three more birdies to finish at 7-under, his lowest individual stroke play round as an SFPGA Professional. “It was very unexpected to putt so well, but the greens were phenomenal," said Kostelnik, who first became a Member of the SFPGA in 1995. “ The South Florida PGA Fort Lauderdale Open is one of four South Florida PGA Majors to be played throughout the 2025 season. This year’s Championship was presented by Srixon / Cleveland and supported by Ahead, Global Golf Sales, Golf Sign & Design, Maui Jim, Prize Possessions, Strackaline, and the Turf Guy Pro. Parkland Golf & Country Club is led by Miles Harris, the PGA Director of Golf; Spencer Stillman, the PGA Head Professional; Scott Rolland, the PGA Director of Instruction; and three PGA Associates.
Tyler Collet is a PGA Professional Champion. And he earned his victory with a record-breaking performance. The PGA Assistant Professional from John's Island Club in Vero Beach, Florida, won the 2025 PGA Professional Championship at PGA Golf Club with a final score of 15-under par, beating Houston's Jesse Droemer by 10 shots to claim the Walter Hagen Cup. It's the largest margin of victory for a Champion since Matt Dobyns in 2012, who won by 8 strokes. The victory march for Collet started on Sunday, when he fired a 65 on PGA Golf Club's Wanamaker Course to have a share of the lead with Michael Block after the first round. He followed that up with a 67 on the Ryder Course, taking a solo lead by three shots. Collet then kicked it into overdrive in the third round back on the Wanamaker Course, mastering windy and firm conditions to fire 68. A final-round 72 sealed the win for him.
West Palm Beach, FL - Heather Angell, PGA Director of Instruction at The Golf Club at Fiddler’s Creek, has been awarded the 2024 South Florida PGA Professional Development Award. The PGA Professional Development Award bestows special recognition on a South Florida PGA Golf Professional who personally displays a strong desire for lifelong education, including outstanding and continuing contributions to professional education. “I am honored to receive the SFPGA Professional Development award,” said Angell. “ As PGA Professionals, it is our responsibility to enhance the game of golf not only to our students but also to fellow PGA Professionals.” Before starting at Fiddler’s Creek in November of 2024, Angell served as the Director of Instruction at Heritage Palm Golf & Country Club from 2019 to 2024. A PGA of America Golf Professional for a decade, Angell is a prime example of a “lifelong learner” who wants to be as informed as possible to better herself, her students, and her fellow professionals. In addition to her position as the Director of Instruction at The Golf Club at Fiddler’s Creek, Angell plays an integral role in the Southwest Chapter, serving as one of the Education Committee Chairpersons. In 2024, Angell led the charge in creating the Southwest Chapter Teaching Symposium, which welcomed 75 Professionals and featured a Top-100 instructor as the keynote speaker. Additionally, Angell is very passionate about mentoring, which is apparent in her work at Florida Gulf Coast University. From 2018 to 2024, Angell had the opportunity to impact over 115 Professionals as an adjunct professor. Angell also worked several evening clinics at FGCU, serving over 40 PGA Professionals while providing insight on instruction and various topics. “Creating accessible educational opportunities lifts us all to be better industry representatives,” explained Angell. Angell was presented the 2024 South Florida PGA Professional Development Award last Saturday at Fiddler’s Creek.
Fort Myers, FL (April 25, 20245) - Kyle Schulte, PGA and the team from Stoneybrook Golf Course of Estero won the South Florida PGA Cadillac Pro-Am, presented by DeVoe and Val Ward Cadillac, played April 25th at Miromar Lakes Golf Club. The 2025 Cadillac Pro-Am welcomed 15 teams of a South Florida PGA Professional and three amateurs, playing in a team two best ball of four format with one net and one gross. Schulte, the PGA Head Professional at Stoneybrook and amateurs Chris Larson, Matt Dennis and Brent Wright managed a 19-under total, defeating Jon Pazdera, PGA and the team from Cypress Lake Golf Club by four. In addition to the team division, SFPGA professionals were able to compete for low professional honors. Jonas DeWitte of Indian River Club claimed Low Professional honors with a 5-under performance, holding off Schulte by two. This year’s Cadillac Pro-Am was presented by DeVoe and Val Ward Cadillac, respectively, with Airshare and XXIO | Never Compromise | Asics as supporting partners. Miromar Lakes Golf Club is led by PGA General Manager, Ken McMaster as well as PGA Head Professional, Daniel Lee and PGA Assistant Professional, James Tamasy. Click below to view event results. Leaderboard
As a college student, Jarryd Wood, PGA, practiced at the Diplomat Golf and Tennis Club (now Shell Bay Club). Following practice sessions, Wood would help legendary teaching professional Manny Zerman tidy the practice area at the end of the day, fostering a strong relationship that would greatly impact Wood’s life beyond what he could have imagined. Born into a family of golfers on Long Island, Wood's father served as a PGA Professional at Inwood Country Club for 40 years, affording a young Wood many opportunities to experience all that golf can provide and different avenues available to continue to advance in the game. A strong junior golfer, Wood earned a spot on the Johnson and Wales University Golf team in North Miami. At the team's first event during Wood's freshman year, he started alongside four seniors and fired rounds 75’s across the board. Respectable scores for a Freshman in his first event, but his score did not contribute to the overall team score once. "If I can't beat these guys, who am I going to beat?" Wood recalled telling himself. While defeated in the moment, Wood's focus transitioned to what a career as a teaching professional could look like. He used the rest of his college career as an opportunity to grow and learn. While Wood was in college, Zerman began working at La Gorce Country Club, where Wood spent three months as an intern. Upon graduation, Wood obtained a job at Pine Hallow Country Club in Long Island, where he spent one season before receiving a chance to reconnect with his mentor. In need of an assistant, Zerman called Wood. "He called me in October asking if I wanted to come down as an assistant. So I quit my job up north and moved to Miami," Wood deadpanned. For Wood, the facility or location wasn't important; it was simply the chance to work for Zerman. Wood did not take the chance lightly, following Zerman like a fly and studying his teaching philosophy. As Zerman moved on, Wood was fortunate to obtain many of Zerman's clients. "I started teaching them a little bit, and even though it was maybe a little early for me in my career, it was always my passion because that is what I grew up around," Wood said. Following Zerman at La Gorce came Ray Boone, PGA, another successful teaching professional and valuable resource for Wood. Similar to Zerman, Wood followed Boone closely, building a bond with many of his clients. As with Zerman, once Boone moved one, Wood obtained even more clients, virtually having a full book within his first four years. At this time, Wood had found his niche and was only growing. Incredibly passionate about teaching, Wood approached the La Gorce board and transitioned from an assistant to a teaching professional. As Wood thrived for nearly the next 10 years as a teaching professional, La Gorce experienced many transitions in the leadership space. With almost 16 years at La Gorce, the facility had become home to him and his family, and Wood was committed to the long haul. In 2023, the head professional role was vacant. "I stepped in, not really because that is what I wanted to do as much as what needed to be done," explained Wood passionately. A familiar face brought comfort to La Gorce and its membership, but Wood has no issue admitting the leadership transition is not easy. "It was definitely a change for me to manage people," said Wood. "But the membership is super respectful of me and the position I took." As Wood grew in his new role, the challenges of hiring and maintaining staff in a major city like Miami became evident compared to the extensive community facilities in Palm Beach County and others within our Section. "It is different to get assistants down here. It's a big city, and it's a big city life, and to get a family to move here is nearly impossible," explained Wood. While Wood continues to manage all the moving parts of being a head professional at a facility to the magnitude of La Gorce, there has always been one consistent piece to his life… his Dad. "He is the only reason I do what I do. I talk to him every day, sometimes twice a day. We know each other's lives, and he knows exactly what I am saying when I tell a story because he has been there and done that,” emphasized Wood. "I have grown my business, and I have grown my life learning from what he did and how he managed and made himself part of the community."
