Bridget Ackley, PGA: Welcoming All to the Game

By Anthony Witrado | PGA of America

Bridget Ackley’s dream was alive, and she was intent on pursuing it.


She had a successful junior golf and high school career, so the Wisconsin native went on to play college golf at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Indeed, she was living out her dream.


Until the summer going into her sophomore year. That’s when Ackley was involved in a serious car accident that left her without use of her left hand for about 18 months. During her playing hiatus, as the teenager pondered her future in the game, she caught the teaching bug.


“That’s really when I started to change my focus more to coaching,” Ackley says.

It was also when Ackley truly started understanding how LGBTQ+ golfers and communities fit into the game’s landscape, and how she could be among their advocates for making it more welcoming and inclusive. It’s partly why she earned her PGA of America Membership in 2018, and why she was chosen to be part of the PGA LEAD Class of 2021-2022.


PGA LEAD is a way for diverse Members to work their way into governance and leadership roles within the Association at the Chapter, Section and National levels. That attracted Ackley, who believes this is a way to effect change and acceptance for underrepresented people in golf, particularly those from LGBTQ+ communities.

Studies are finding larger numbers of people identifying as LGBTQ+, as high as 30% of Millennials and nearly 40% of Gen Z. As that population expands in the public eye, so does its spending power and participation in golf. As Ackley and others see it, the facilities willing to create a welcoming experience for those people are going to reap the benefits.


Ackley, who is part of the LGBTQ+ population, believes giving people from different backgrounds a voice can lead to changes in how the game is perceived, how the workforce looks and acts, and how people (including parents) are willing to give the game a chance.


“Being part of that community, and also a golfer, there’s a very large community out there that many don’t even know exist at their golf course,” says Ackley, who is the PGA Teaching Professional at Lake Forest Golf Club in Ann Arbor, Michigan. “The older generation of golfers in the LGBTQ+ community, a lot of them are still very closeted when they go to the course because they are so used to attitudes toward somebody who’s different, so they just stick to their own games. My philosophy around creating things as a teacher, whether it’s for adults of juniors, I want it to be welcoming for everyone.”


"The gestures don’t have to be grand," Ackley says. Nobody needs to paint their clubhouse like a rainbow or fly pride flags above the 18th green – unless they want to, of course. Simple things can make it known that all people can feel comfortable at a golf facility, and it can lead to large swaths of people frequenting those businesses they believe want them there.


“If I ever owned a golf course,” Ackley says, “I’d have a big sign on the front that says, ‘All are welcome.’ Because that’s the invitation most facilities are missing, and it makes a big difference.”


Ackley also makes sure her junior golfers feel welcomed. She was named a U.S. Kids Top 50 Coach in 2020 after earning honorable mentions in 2018 and 2019, a Top 100 GRAA Growth of the Game Teaching Professional in 2020 and 2021, and the 2021 South Florida PGA Section Youth Player Development Award recipient. Those accomplishments come in part because of how Ackley’s students and parents speak of her being a friend and mentor, not just a coach.


"My philosophy around creating things as a teacher, whether it’s for adults or juniors, I want it to be welcoming for everyone."

 –Bridget Ackley, PGA


Ackley makes sure her juniors know they can come to her with non-golf issues, that they can trust her because she operates in a judgment-free world with them. If the golf industry operated similarly, that could change the way it looks and is represented.

“We need to start seeing people of color, people of the LGBTQ+ community, underrepresented communities in leadership positions,” Ackley says. “If not, how are we going to welcome these groups into golf?


“Everybody in golf has a responsibility to welcome others to the game, not just PGA Professionals. But it is our job also to create those welcoming environments, so others can help people find the game.”

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July 8, 2026
Naples, FL - Mike Berger of Hammock Creek Golf Club and Chris Stanko of Banyan Golf Club of Palm Beach claimed the championship title with an 18-under performance at Hammock Bay Golf & Country Club and the Rookery at Marco on July 7-8, 2026. This year’s Championship returned to The Rookery at Marco and Hammock Bay, serving as the host facilities for the fifth time in the last six years. A full field of 240 South Florida PGA Professionals and Associates competed in a team four-ball format over the 36-hole event. After an 8-under opening round, Berger and Stanko were tied for sixth, only one shot behind the five teams tied for first. During the second round, Berger and Stanko fired off four birdies and an eagle on just the back nine, leading them to a 10-under score for the day. With an 18-under total for the championship, the two professionals took home the title by one stroke, finishing ahead of the teams of Andrew Filbert from West Bay Golf Club & Justin Smith of Bonita Bay, and defending champions Matt Cahill and Dakun Chang of Seminole Golf Club, who were tied for second at 17-under. In fourth place came Nick Latimer of Medalist Golf Club and Justin Hicks of Stonebridge Country Club, who wrapped the event at 16-under. The five teams, Michael Kartrude and Paul Scaletta, Zachary Wood and Patrick Ross, Maximilian Coulls and Jason Martin, Ryan Fountain and John Somers, and Daniel Lee and John Lento, finished tied at fifth place with a score of 15-under for the two days. Leaderboard
By Chance Bressler July 1, 2026
Atlantis, FL - Michael Kartrude and Eric Veilleux of the Bear’s Club did not shy away from the weather at the Yamaha Junior-Senior Championship. The two claimed the championship title with an 11-under performance today at Lost City Golf Club (East/North Courses). The 2026 Yamaha Junior-Senior welcomed 50 two-person teams of a junior SFPGA Member under the age of 50 and a senior SFPGA Member over the age of 50. Holes 1-6 were played in a best-ball format, while holes 7-12 were played in a modified alternate shot format, and holes 13-18 were played in a scramble format. Veilleux, a PGA Director of Golf and Kartude, a PGA Assistant Golf Professional had a bogey-free round, carding 11 birdies on the day, defeating the team of Mark Brown of The Yacht and Country Club and Matthew Sita of Boca Rio Golf Club by two shots. Finishing tied for third at 8-under were James Hamner of Windsor Club and Mike San Filippo of The Club at Lost Lake, along with Mike Berger of Hammock Creek Golf Club and Joe Kern of Mangrove Sands Golf Club. Leaderboard
By Chance Bressler June 25, 2026
NAPLES, FL - John Somers wins the Championship Division while Justin Hicks wins the Senior Division at the E-Z-GO South Florida Open, played June 23-25 at Bonita Bay Club - Sabal & Cypress Courses. The second South Florida PGA Major of the year and first three-day Major featured 167 total players competing at Bonita Bay Club in Naples. Following round 2, a Senior Champion was crowned, and the field was cut to 55 players for the final round. Championship Division Hobe Sound Golf Club Assistant Professional, John Somers, opened the three-day event with a 1-under 71 to trail the round 1 leader, Justin Bertsch, by seven shots. Somers fired away in the second round with a 6-under 66, jumping up the leaderboard after round two. Continuing the momentum, Somers finished with the low round of the day, shooting an 8-under 64. Both Somers and Derron Peyton of BallenIsles Country Club finished round three tied at 15-under, leading to a playoff. After the first hole, Somers won the playoff with a birdie, earning the 2026 E-Z-GO South Florida Open Champion title. “You just gotta stay in the moment and not think too far ahead,” Somers said about heading into the playoff. “It was an amazing feeling, especially when that final putt dropped.” This marks Somers’ first win with the South Florida PGA Section since his move to Hobe Sound Golf Club last December, coming from the North Florida Section. Finishing in third with a 13-under total was Justin Hicks of Stonebridge Country Club, while Nathan Kraynyk of Wyndemere Country Club took fourth place honors at 10-under par for the three rounds. Senior Division In the Senior Division, Justin Hicks, Teaching Professional at Stonebridge Golf and Country Club, secured the title with a 10-under performance after shooting 69 and 65 for the two rounds. At the end of the first round, five players shared the top spot including Hicks, Jared Blocker of The Club at Olde Cypress, Alan Morin of The Club at Ibis, Steven Vecellio of Frenchmans Reserve Country Club, and David Startzel of Bonita Bay Club in Naples. Hick’s bogey-free second round edged out Vecellio, shooting a 67 to take his total to 8-under as the Runner-Up. Finishing at 7-under was Morin who took third place, while Colin Amaral of Country Club at Mirasol, finished in fourth at 4-under.
By Chance Bressler June 2, 2026
Port St. Lucie/Stuart, FL - June 2, 2026 - Pine Tree Golf Club Club Professionals, Tom Cooper and Taylor Morgan captured the Srixon Cleveland Pro-Assistant Championship, presented by Club Car, with a 20-under performance over the last two days at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie and Mariner Sands Country Club in Stuart. This year’s Championship welcomed 82 two-person teams playing at PGA Golf Club and Mariner Sands Country Club. PGA Golf Club played a scramble format, while Mariner Sands Country Club played a Chapman format. The duo of Cooper, Pine Tree Golf Club’s Head Golf Professional, and Morgan, Assistant Golf Professional, posted a 12-under 60 during the first round in the scramble format, putting them one stroke ahead of Cameron Fady and Kyle Horvath of Quail Creek Country Club, Morgan Jewell and Nick Hocker of Floridian National Golf Club, and Mike Schuette and Walker Singleton of Loblolly following the first day. With the more difficult Chapman format left for the final round, Cooper and Morgan managed a bogey-free 8-under showing, holding off Fady and Horvath by three, who fired 6-under in the final round. Jewell and Hocker managed a third-place finish with a 5-under final round score. Defending champions Austin Davenport and Nick Beddow of APOGEE finished tied for fourth at 15-under with Mitch Gray and Daniel Escalera of La Gorce Country Club. Beddow also recorded a hole-in-one at Mariner Sands Country Club on hole 6 in the final round. Srixon Cleveland served as the title partner of the 2026 Pro-Assistant Championship, while the event was presented by Club Car, and supported by Ghost Golf, Perry Weather, Oakley, Range Servant, Signs by the Sea, and Firemaker. PGA Golf Club and Mariner Sands Country Club served as this year’s host facilities, led by Jeremy Wiernasz, PGA, Holly Taylor, PGA, and Garry Nelson, PGA of PGA Golf Club, and Tim McKenna, PGA, and Logan Knebels, PGA of Mariner Sands Country Club. Leaderboard
By Chance Bressler May 22, 2026
West Palm Beach, FL – The South Florida PGA Foundation has awarded two $30,000 scholarships to Natalia Conte of Coral Springs and Maria Serrano of Miami as the 2026 SFPGA Foundation Scholarship recipients. Now in its tenth year, a combined $60,000 are given out annually to support South Florida youth with their higher education. The South Florida PGA Foundation Scholarship is a merit-based award created to assist individuals with ties to the South Florida PGA Foundation and to recognize leaders in the local community. Natalia Conte Conte recently graduated from Coral Springs Charter School in Broward County. During her high school career, she was President of the National Honor Society and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, while competing on the varsity golf and flag football teams. Conte shares a passion for journalism and photography which has given her the opportunity to capture the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club and the ANNIKA Pro-Am at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida. She also involved herself with the school’s broadcast program, serving as associate producer and co-anchor for CTV2. In this role, she worked on broadcasts such as “Spotlight,” collaborating with the City of Coral Springs Marketing team to cover local events. This fall, Conte will attend Ave Maria University studying Communications & Theology, with plans to work as a photographer on mission trips. “This will help me share the love I have for helping others, as well as the love I have for journalism,” said Conte. “There is so much power in pictures, and knowing that I have the ability to bring awareness to things going on around the world is such a blessing.” Conte comes from a family with deep roots in the game of golf and the PGA Professional community. She is the daughter of Stephen Conte, PGA, Director of Instruction at Conte’s Golf Academy in Pompano Beach, Florida, and a dedicated South Florida PGA Member since 1995. Her mother, Michele Conte, is also a golf professional and proud LPGA Member, further reflecting the family’s lifelong commitment to the sport. Natalia’s passion for golf and service is also inspired by her late grandfather, John Conte, who was also a PGA Professional. “We are all so happy for Natalia, as she is the glue that holds our family together with her loving and generous heart,” Stephen Conte stated. “She helps us to keep things in proper perspective and makes the simplest things in life great joy.” Regarding her academic future, Conte added, “This scholarship will help me achieve my career goals by providing me with a balanced environment of the highest education, service opportunities, and the training and experience needed to pursue my life and career aspirations.” Maria Serrano Serrano graduated from Pinecrest Glades Academy in Miami, is an active competitor on the SFPGA Junior Tour, and works under John Moscoso, PGA, at the Trump Golf Academy of Miami. At the academy, Serrano coaches youth players in group and individual settings. She also serves as the Social Media Manager for the academy, creating content and managing event promotions and marketing campaigns. “Maria is a natural leader and someone who leads by example and with integrity,” Moscoso said. As Serrano coached and interacted with families, she discovered how meaningful it is to work in an environment that is inspiring. “Golf has become much more than a sport to me; it is the place where I found confidence, purpose, and a sense of belonging,” Serrano said. Serrano will attend St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens, Florida, where she will be a member of the women’s golf team and study Sports Administration. Upon obtaining her undergraduate degree, she has aspirations of working for the LPGA Tour in hopes to inspire and support future generations of girls golf by creating opportunities for young players to grow both on and off the golf course. “I want to continue giving back to the sport that changed my life and helped shape me into the person I am today,” Serrano explained. The South Florida PGA Foundation will follow both recipients' academic and professional progress in the years ahead. About the South Florida PGA Foundation The South Florida PGA Foundation is a not-for-profit organization founded to support the South Florida community, focusing on youth, military, and families. The South Florida PGA Foundation operates under the direction of the South Florida PGA, a not-for-profit organization of over 1,900 PGA of America Professionals serving as experts in the business and game of golf.
May 12, 2026
Jupiter, Fla. – Justin Hicks, PGA, Teaching Professional at Stonebridge Country Club, fired rounds of 68-66, 10-under to capture the 39th South Florida Senior Open at Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club – Medal Course. The South Florida Senior Open, contested May 11-12, included 78 senior South Florida PGA Professionals competing across five divisions over 36 holes. Hicks entered the final round two shots off the lead after opening with a 4-under-par 68. Roger Kennedy Jr., PGA of The Club at Quail Ridge, and Paul Scaletta, PGA of The Bear’s Club, shared the first-round lead after each carded 6-under-par 66s on Monday. In Tuesday’s final round, Hicks carded a bogey-free 6-under-par 66, highlighted by six birdies, to finish the championship at 10-under-par 134, securing a one-shot victory. Alan Morin, PGA of The Club at Ibis, finished solo in second at 9-under par after posting rounds of 67-68. Kennedy Jr. claimed third place at 8-under par, while Rod Curl, PGA of Crane Watch at Evergreen, finished fourth at 7-under total. Scaletta rounded out the top five at 5-under par. In the age divisions, Bud Lintelman, PGA Life Member, captured the 60-69 division title at 3-under par. Jay Horton, PGA Life Member, won the 70-74 division at 1-under par, while Rick Whitfield, PGA of Loblolly, claimed the 75+ division title at 1-over par. The South Florida PGA extends a special thank you to Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club for hosting this year’s championship, led by PGA Director of Golf Brian Corbitt and PGA Head Professional Jared Werner. Complete results from the 38th South Florida Senior Open Championship can be found below.  CLICK HERE
May 12, 2026
WEST PALM BEACH, FL — The South Florida PGA Foundation, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Okeechobee County, will break ground on a new home Wednesday, May 14, at 10 a.m., marking the 13th Habitat for Humanity home build project. The groundbreaking represents another step toward the Foundation’s goal of building a home in every county of the South Florida PGA Section, including Puerto Rico. The initiative began in 2011 with the construction of the Foundation’s first Habitat home in Lee County. Since then, the South Florida PGA Foundation has partnered with local Habitat for Humanity affiliates throughout the Section to help provide affordable housing opportunities for families in need. The Foundation contributes $50,000 to each project, while PGA Professionals from across South Florida donate more than 250 volunteer hours to assist with construction alongside community volunteers and future homeowners. “For the South Florida PGA Foundation to be partnering with Habitat for Humanity for a 13th home is truly incredible. The impact that is made on these families is life-changing, and that's just one reason why aligning with Habitat is important to the Foundation,” said Lee Stroever, PGA Director of Golf at Emerald Dunes Club and Vice President of the SFPGA Foundation. “After seeing a handful of ‘key presentations’ at the end of a build, you can't help but feel good about what is being accomplished.” Construction on the Okeechobee County home is expected to begin in the fall of 2026. Applications for the future homeowner are anticipated to open during the same timeframe through Habitat for Humanity of Okeechobee County. “Working alongside the families that will be receiving the home is so humbling and rewarding; it’s a program that the Foundation and Section board is very proud of,” said Kevin Murphy, PGA General Manager at McArthur Golf Club and Treasurer of the SFPGA Foundation. The South Florida PGA Foundation’s home-building initiative has expanded throughout the Section over the past 15 years. Each project includes financial support from the Foundation and volunteer participation from PGA Professionals. Habitat for Humanity of St. Lucie and Okeechobee, founded in 1996 as an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, works to provide affordable housing opportunities for families in need throughout the region. The organization partners with families and volunteers to support homeownership opportunities in St. Lucie and Okeechobee counties. For more information about the South Florida PGA Foundation and its charitable initiatives, visit South Florida PGA Foundation.
May 8, 2026
North Palm Beach, FL – The South Florida PGA Foundation hosted its 10th Annual South Florida PGA HOPE Classic May 7th at Lost Tree Club, raising $125,000 in support of the Foundation’s flagship military initiative, PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere). Celebrating a decade of impact, the annual event continues to serve as one of the South Florida PGA Foundation’s premier fundraising efforts benefiting Veterans throughout the South Florida community. For the fifth consecutive year, Lost Tree Club graciously served as the host venue, welcoming 23 teams of four competing in a better ball format on one of South Florida’s premier golf courses. The PGA HOPE Classic brings together PGA of America Golf Professionals, community leaders, supporters, and Veterans for a day centered around camaraderie, philanthropy, and the game of golf. In addition to the on-course competition, participants enjoyed a raffle and silent auction that generated additional funding to support future PGA HOPE programming across the South Florida Section. Adding to the significance of the day, eight South Florida PGA HOPE graduates volunteered throughout the event, assisting with operations and engaging with participants. Their involvement highlighted the life-changing impact the program continues to have on Veterans and the meaningful community fostered through PGA HOPE. "This program saves lives, and I just want to say thank you to everyone here for your support in this program," said SFPGA HOPE Ambassador Christina Alaverez. Established in 2015, the South Florida PGA HOPE program has impacted the lives of over 2,000 Veterans through six-week instructional programs led by PGA of America Golf Professionals across South Florida. PGA HOPE introduces Veterans to the game of golf as a means to enhance their physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being, while fostering lasting connections both on and off the golf course. All programming is provided at no cost to participating Veterans. The continued success of the PGA HOPE Classic reflects the unwavering support of the South Florida golf community and the growing impact of PGA HOPE throughout the region. Through events like the HOPE Classic, the South Florida PGA Foundation remains committed to positively impacting Veterans’ lives through the game of golf for years to come. Titled by Keiser University , this year’s event was also supported by PXG , Firemaker Brewery, Garmany Golf , 2nd Swing , Raymond James , The City of Boynton Beach, and Tito’s Handmade Vodka , whose continued partnership and generosity help make the event possible year after year.
May 5, 2026
PARKLAND, Fla. (May 5, 2026) — Justin Hicks, PGA Teaching Professional at Stonebridge Country Club, captured the Srixon/Cleveland Fort Lauderdale Open, the first South Florida PGA Major of the 2026 season, held May 4–5 at Parkland Golf & Country Club and Fort Lauderdale Country Club. Hicks posted 2-under-par 70 in the opening round at Parkland Golf & Country Club before firing a tournament-low 8-under 64 in the final round at Fort Lauderdale Country Club, highlighted by nine birdies and one bogey, to finish at 10-under-par. The victory secured both the Championship and Senior Division titles, marking the first time Hicks has won both divisions in a South Florida PGA Major. In the Championship Division, Hicks finished three strokes ahead of Dylan Miranda of Apogee Golf Club, who carded rounds of 68-69 to finish at 7-under-par.  A four-way tie for third place at 6-under-par included Jamie Sindelar of Hammock Creek Golf Club, Jeremy Wells of Cypress Lake Golf Club, Derron Peyton of BallenIsles Country Club and Christian De Greiff of Coral Ridge Country Club. In the Senior Division, Hicks led the field at 10-under-par. Steven Vecellio of Frenchman's Reserve Country Club finished runner-up at 6-under-par, while Alan Morin of The Club at Ibis placed third at 5-under-par. The Srixon/Cleveland Fort Lauderdale Open was supported by title partner Srixon and Cleveland Golf, presenting partner Golf Sign and Design, and supporting partners Flash Weather AI, Global Golf Sales, Kohler, Maui Jim, Southeast Land and Water Management, StrackaLine, Tagmarshal, The Turf Guy and Unknown Golf. Leaderboard
April 30, 2026
West Palm Beach, Fla. — South Florida PGA Professionals Michael Kartrude and Tyler Collet qualified for the 2026 PGA Championship after finishing in the top-20 at the PGA Professional Championship, which concluded Wednesday at Bandon Dunes Resort in Oregon. Kartrude, an assistant professional at The Bear’s Club in Jupiter, placed third at 2-under total in just his second appearance in the event. With the result, the 36-year old has advanced to the major championship in both of his attempts after surviving a four-for-one playoff at last year’s national championship. Collet, an assistant professional at John’s Island Club in Vero Beach, tied for fourth at 1-under, jumping 39 spots up the leaderboard to secure his place in the field, backing up his historic 2025 PPC win. The 2026 event marked his fifth career start for the 30-year old, previously starting in the ‘21,’22,’24 & ‘25 championship. With their finishes, Kartrude and Collet earned positions on the Corebridge Financial PGA Team and will join 18 other PGA of America Golf Professionals at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, May 14-17. The national championship annually determines a 20-player group out of 312 PGA of America Golf Professionals who advance to the major, providing a pathway for professionals who primarily work in instruction and club operations to compete alongside top players in the world. Both players will be making their second consecutive appearances in the major. Kartrude’s third-place finish represents the best result of his career in the event, while Collet’s tie for fourth adds another top-five performance following his victory one year ago. Since 2023, the South Florida PGA Section has been represented by six different professionals, combining to fill 10 total spots in the championship field during that span