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)
Share this story
(West Palm Beach, FL - June 16, 2025) – For the first time in its history, the South Florida PGA Foundation has awarded two scholarships as part of its annual scholarship program. Braden Miller and Dounia Bezzari have been selected as the 2025 recipients. Now in its ninth year, this prestigious $20,000 scholarship will be awarded in increments of $5,000 over four years. The SFPGA Foundation Scholarship is a merit-based award created to assist individuals with strong ties to the South Florida PGA Foundation and to recognize exceptional leaders in our local community.
(West Palm Beach, FL - June 13, 2025) - Eric Veilleux, PGA, was elected the 24th South Florida PGA President yesterday at the SFPGA Annual Meeting, hosted at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens. A PGA of America Golf Professional since 1993, Veilleux is the Director of Golf at The Bear’s Club, a position he has held since 1999 when the Club was founded. Before his time with The Bear’s Club, Veilleux was on the bag for the golden bear, Jack Nicklaus, for five years. Veilleux succeeds Paul Clivio, PGA Director of Golf at St. Andrews Country Club, who completed his two-year term as President and will now serve as the Honorary Past President of the Section and Secretary of the SFPGA Foundation. Jeff Waber, PGA, follows Veilleux as Vice President. Waber is the Director of Golf at Broken Sound Club - Old Course and has served as the Section Secretary for the last two years. Ben Bauer, PGA Director of Golf at Hunter Run Golf & Racquet Club, was elected by the Membership as the new Section Secretary. In addition to the Section Officer Election, yesterday’s annual meeting marked the first in-person meeting since 2019 and was hosted at the SoFi Center, gathering over 200 South Florida PGA Professionals and partners. CJS Global served as the presenting partner of the Meeting, while Airshare, Florida Window & Door, and PGA National Resort served as supporting partners.
(Fort Myers, FL - June 10, 2025) - Apogee Club Professionals, Austin Davenport, PGA, and Nick Beddow, PGA, captured the Pro-Assistant Championship, presented by Club Car, with a 20-under performance over the last two days at The Verandah Club.
The South Florida PGA hosted its annual Travel Pro-Am in Northern Michigan, playing three different facilities, June 1-5. The event was supported by Kickpoint and featured 11 teams comprised of one South Florida PGA Professional and three amateurs. The competition consisted of three rounds played at High Pointe Golf Club, Arcadia Bluffs the Bluffs Course, and Grand Traverse Resort the Bear Course. Each day featured a different format, along with a low professional division scored based on stableford. Winning this event at twenty-eight under for the week was the team from Trump Jupiter Golf Club, led by PGA Professional Alastair Mackenzie and amateurs Matt Lindahl, Tony Assawamatiyanont, and Imaad Qureshi. Capturing low professional honors was Assistant Professional at Lost Tree Club, Brant Peaper 122 earning points. Special thanks to all those who joined us, as next year's trip will head to Scotland. Leaderboard
In September of 2024, Tim Cantwell, PGA, qualified for the 2025 Senior PGA Championship after finishing T17 in the 2024 Senior PGA Professional Championship, allowing him to make his second career Senior PGA Championship start. Incredibly proud and honored by the achievement, Cantwell was later faced with a nightmare decision: His 18-year-old son Chandler had his high school graduation on the Friday of the Major. A Srixon South Florida PGA Junior Tour member for over five years, Chandler knew what the opportunity meant to his Dad. In talks with his son, Tim told Chandler he would fly back down for the graduation to ensure he doesn't miss this moment for his son. In response, Chandler said, “No, Dad. I want to come up there, I want to watch you play, and I want to experience it with you.” With full support, the entire Cantwell family made the trip to Congressional Country Club for the 85th Senior PGA Championship. After an opening round of 5-over 77, Tim’s chances of making the cut had become slim as he sat in 105th place. In watching the round, Chandler noticed a flaw in his Dad’s putting stroke and offered him a tip following the round. “Dad, you just are not staying down through your putting stroke,” Chandler shared. The two went over to the putting green to practice before a vital second round. With his newfound confidence on the putting green and a better understanding of the course, Tim bounced back in an inspiring way, matching the second-round low score of the day with a 4-under 68, catapulting him over 70 spots up the leaderboard to make the cut. The difference was the putter, Tim said proudly. “Chandler deserves a lot of credit for that Friday round, I putted really well.” With a lifetime dedicated to golf and over 30 years of playing professionally, Tim was headed to the weekend for the first time in a Major Championship. “I love the opportunities PGA of America gives to play,” Tim said. “It means a lot to me to compete.” After 20+ years of caddying at Seminole Golf Club while playing full-time, Tim transitioned to a full-time career with the PGA of America in 2019, serving as a Teaching Professional at PGA National Golf Club. Since then, Tim has won the 2022 South Florida PGA Professional Championship, qualifying him for the Puerto Rico Open on the PGA TOUR. He has also secured wins at the 2024 E-Z-GO South Florida Open, 2024 South Florida Senior Open, and 2025 Florida Senior Open. During his time at Seminole, Tim was encouraged by longtime Head Professional Bob Ford, PGA, and current Head Professional Matt Cahill, PGA, to enter the PGA program, a move for which Tim is incredibly thankful. Lastly, Tim could not be more thankful for the opportunities PGA National gives him to teach while taking advantage of every playing opportunity that comes with being a PGA of America Golf Professional.
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
