PGA Master Professional Kevin Compare, who brought us Divot the Clown, preps during a Pandemic for a Cross-Country Bike Ride to benefit Charities

For 36 years, PGA Master Professional Kevin Compare has made it his mission to go the extra mile to entertain audiences as golf's premier left-handed trick shot artist.

He's a guy who keeps orthopedic surgeons in business by smashing a golf ball while doing the splits. He's performed more than 1,700 exhibitions spanning 46 states and nine countries.

Now, Compare, whose alter ego is Divot the Clown, is training for something that's neither fantasy or magic with a club and ball. Call it an outgrowth of Compare's passion to push his limits at age 62, and it is happening as the world deals with a pandemic.

Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, Compare was in his 17th season as a PGA Teaching Professional at The Breakers in Palm Beach. Compare has picked June 15, to begin "Divot's Drive for Charity" - a 3,100-mile, 36-day cross-country ride across eight states. The goal: to support nine charities that have been embraced by the Compare family.

It's a challenge; but it's not beyond Compare.

Joined by his daughter, Amy, 25, they each will mount Jamis T-6 road bikes, and will be followed in a motor home by Compare's wife, Joan. The bikers will dip their respective back tires in the Pacific Ocean on the shores of San Diego and close the trek by dipping their front tires around July 20 in the Atlantic in St. Augustine, Florida.

They're also being assisted by Compare's son, Kyle, who turns 23 in May. About to complete his Master's Degree in Geology at Florida State University, the former four-year tuba player in the FSU "Marching Chiefs" will drum up public awareness for the ride on social media.

"It's a whole new world to me," said Kevin, who planned the ride well before the COVID-19 outbreak. "I think the easiest thing will be the pedaling. The toughest part will be fundraising."

Compare will attempt to raise $100,000, based upon attracting 1,000 donors of at least $100. The Compare Family Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization, will manage donations.

The bike ride targets nine charities, which are a tapestry of Compare's past and present:

-Martin County Special Olympics

-The South Florida PGA Foundation

-The Arc of Martin County, which benefits individuals with intellectual developmental disabilities.

-Urban Youth Impact, which empowers inner-city youth in West Palm Beach.

-The Breezy Foundation, which gives scholarship support to Martin County college-bound students studying to become Education Service Contracting (ESC) instructors.

-The Edna Fraser Athletic Scholarship, named after a legendary women's sports trailblazer at Compare's alma mater, Foran High School in Milford, Connecticut.

-The Neil Sheriden College Fund, named after a late greens superintendent at Breakers West who succumbed to cancer, and benefits his small children's college aspirations.

-The South Fork Scholarship, which the Compare family will present to a recipient at his children's high school in Stuart.

-The Michael Compare Scholarship, named in honor of his late nephew, a police officer in the Milford Police Department who was a pillar for city youth before passing at age 36.


It's one thing to attempt a cross-country bike ride and another when you consider Compare has had more than his share of physical issues. Last November, he crashed his bike into a bridge. Last Feb. 14, he underwent his 11th surgery, the fourth on his right knee, to repair a torn medial meniscus - commonly called a "shock absorber."

"Nothing hurts when I'm riding," Compare insisted, who has endured two back surgeries, insertion of two stents in his heart in 2007 to offset 99 percent arterial blockage; neck and shoulder surgery, and one procedure he will never forget - to repair a hemorrhoid.

Mapping the ride is like navigating a massive golf course, Compare explained: You have to allow for elevation, constant weather changes, curves and depend upon your equipment.

"We plan to ride 58 miles the first day and then put in 100 each day from there," Compare said.

"If we are on schedule, we plan to spend 10 days riding from San Diego to El Paso, Texas, and then 14 days to ride through the Lone Star State."

He received support researching the trail from the Adventure Cycling Association of Missoula, Montana, which touts its slogan, "Your Adventure Awaits."

Daughter Amy is an environmental educator with a degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Central Florida and a Masters of Education degree from the University of Washington. The furthest she's ridden a bike is 50 miles training for the trip. But, she's made of Compare "stock."

Like her dad, she enjoys challenges. A four-year piccolo player in the UCF marching band, Amy tried out for the rowing team her freshman year despite never having rowed a day in her life. She made the team and during her final two years at UCF, helped the Knights earn their first-ever American Athletic Conference (AAC) Championship and a berth in the NCAA Championships.

One of her goals is to complete walking the Appalachian Trail. She already has made two "sectional" hikes on the famed trail and during one of those journeys helped raise funds to offset medical expenses for a friend who was undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

"It's a quest for adventure," said Amy. "Having just graduated from graduate school and in transition between jobs, I knew this may be the last time for a while that I might be able to do something on this scale with my dad. The fact that my mom is coming, too, makes this trip even better. I'm excited to spend time with my family while helping to support the community where I grew up."

Said Joan Compare, "This bike ride has always been something he wanted to do, so I'm happy that he's finally getting the opportunity to achieve this goal. We've been planning this trip for a while. There is a lot of uncertainty in the world right now, but we're going to do what we can to make this trip happen while looking out for the safety of ourselves and others."

Born in Milford, Connecticut, Kevin Compare lived 10 miles from Yale University, and attended Foran High School, and the spring blended both prep baseball and golf seasons.

"We lived near a big field where we played baseball and where other kids were hitting golf balls," said Compare. "I did everything left-handed. At age 12, I saw a set of left-handed clubs that my father had and started playing with them. I began caddying and practicing. My first year with the clubs I broke 100, then was scoring in the high-80s and then low 80s."

Compare moved to Stuart, Florida in 1976, then searched for five years for a niche in the golf industry. He found his footing in 1981, as an assistant golf professional at Heritage Ridge Golf Club in Hobe Sound. He spent the summer of 1984 at The Towers Country Club in Floral Park, New York. From 1985-87, he was an assistant at Martin County Golf and Country Club in Stuart, with an emphasis on teaching.

Compare was elected to PGA Membership in 1987, the year he began a three-year term as a PGA Head Professional at Miles Grant Country Club in Stuart. He was 29 years old at a club where the average member age was 72 and had no practice range. In his first year at Miles Grant, Compare gave 762 golf lessons.

From 1991-92, Compare was the PGA Director of Instruction at the Golf and Racquet Club in Palm Beach Gardens. In 1993, he worked for two seasons under future PGA Hall of Famer Don Essig III as a Head Professional at South Grove Golf Course in Indianapolis.

From 1995-99, Compare was the lead instructor at the Total Performance Golf School at Woodlake Country Club in Vass, North Carolina, just 13 minutes northeast of Pinehurst.

In 1999, Compare joined the PGA Center for Golf Learning & Performance staff in Port St. Lucie, Florida, and remained until 2003. He became a road warrior in 2004, traveling with his branded trick shot golf exhibition firm, Divot the Clown Corporation. From 2004 to the present, he has been an instructor at The John Webster Golf Academy at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida.


"I'm currently riding between 20 and 50 miles a day," said Compare of his training. "I think, wow! I will be doing two to five times this distance each day for a month. Sometimes it seems overwhelming, but I think of the funds we will be raising and the individuals we will be helping.

 
"The mission statement of The Compare Family Foundation: 'Using God's Given Ability to Help those in Need.' This helps me focus on the goal."

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Heather Angell, PGA Presented South Florida PGA Professional Development Award

April 28, 2025
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.

Kyle Schulte, PGA & Stoneybrook Golf Club Win Cadillac Pro-Am

April 26, 2025
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

Teaching Runs in the Family - Jarryd Wood, PGA

By Matt De Tullio • April 25, 2025
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."

Perry's Birdie on 17 Seals Florida Senior Open Victory

By FSGA • April 24, 2025
Special from the Florida State Golf Association BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. (April 24, 2025) – In a final round filled with nonstop leaderboard shifts it was Rod Perry of Crane Lakes Golf & Country Club who stayed steady amid the storm to emerge victorious at the 48th Florida Senior Open Championship. The day began like any other final round, with the leaders going off in the final group. But it didn’t take long for the leaderboard to unravel. Players rose and fell with nearly every hole, creating a whirlwind of momentum shifts that made it nearly impossible to keep track of who was actually in control. Miles McConnell, who started the day with the lead, stumbled early with a double bogey on the 4th, falling to 2-under. First-round leader Timothy Cantwell also faltered, dropping three shots on holes five, six, and eight to sit at 1-under by the turn. Meanwhile, Frank Bensel surged into contention with three front-nine birdies to briefly grab the lead. As players made the turn, the lead changed hands so rapidly it seemed like every hole produced a new frontrunner. Perry, starting the day in second, posted a 3-over front nine. But then came the spark. Back-to-back birdies on the 10th and 11th holes put him right back in the mix. Also making noise was Jonathon Kaye, who clawed his way into contention after a 76 in the opening round with a gritty comeback in round two. The first sign of clarity came on the 14th when Cantwell birdied to take solo possession of the lead at 3-under. But Perry was lurking just one shot back. McConnell and Kaye were still within striking distance, turning the final stretch into a high-stakes showdown. By the end of the 16th hole, the original leaders had clawed their way back to the top, and Cantwell and Perry were tied at 3-under with just two holes to play. Then Perry struck. A clutch birdie on the 17th pushed him to solo first, the decisive blow that sealed his win. Perry’s consistent play across all three rounds, 70-70-71--212, earned him the title and a $12,000 payday as the 48th Florida Senior Open Champion. It was a wild finish, but in the end, calm and composure carried the day. Timothy Cantwell of PGA National Resort & Spa finished in second place with rounds of 69-73-72--214. Third place was a tie between Jonathan Kaye and Miles McConnell who both finished at 1-under total. McConnell earned Low-Amateur Honors after rounds of 71-69-75--215. Results

Southwest Chapter Claims 2025 Nelson Cup; Breaks Southeast Chapter Streak

April 22, 2025
B oca Raton, FL (April 22, 2025)— The Southwest Chapter earned 31 points in the annual Nelson Cup Matches, played at Stonebridge Country Club, claiming the 2025 Nelson Cup by half a point. The Southeast Chapter streak of three consecutive wins came to a close as the Southwest Chapter earned their first Nelson Cup since 2019 with the 2020 event being cancelled due to the pandemic and the 2021 event being rained out. The day started with nine-hole foursome matches, which saw the Southeast Chapter get out to an early 3-point lead over the Southwest Chapter and a 9-point lead over the Southern Chapter. Three-ball matches were played on the second nine, where the Southwest Chapter managed to earn 7.5 points to the Southeast Chapter’s 5, giving the Southeast Chapter a .5 lead over the Southwest Chapter. Heading into the singles matches, the scores stood: Southeast (15), Southwest (14.5), and Southern (6.5), with the most points up for grabs in the singles matches. Matt Markle, PGA of True Spec Golf, led off for the Southwest Chapter, earning two 4 & 2 wins to earn the first two points of the singles matches. With only a few matches left on the course, a tie between Andrew Filbert, PGA of West Bay Club, and Mike Midgette, PGA of Delaire Country Club, flipped the Southwest to have a .5 point lead. Kyle Horvath, PGA of Quail Creek Country Club, was ultimately the deciding point with his 2 & 1 victory over Stephen Conte, PGA of Conte’s Palm Aire Golf Academy. In the Cup’s 31-year history, the Southwest Chapter has now earned 13 wins. The annual Nelson Cup was supported by Scales, who outfitted each team. This year’s Cup was hosted at Stonebridge Country Club, led by PGA Director of Golf, Jeff Hall, and PGA Head Professional, Jordan Mathers. Southwest Chapter Roster: Justin Bertsch - Club Pelican Bay - Bay/Club Evan Bowser - LaPlaya Golf Club James Desanges - Panther Run Golf Club Gary Shea - The Club at Olde Cypress Andrew Filbert - West Bay Club Jeremy Wells - Cypress Lake Golf Club Domenico Geminiani - Old Corkscrew Golf Club Kyle Horvath - Quail Creek Country Club John Lento - The Golf Club at Crown Colony Nick Marcoaldi - Colonial Country Club Matt Markle - True Spec Golf - Naples Grande

The Club at Admirals Cove Hosts Club Car Pro-Official

April 17, 2025
Jupiter, FL —The Club Car-Pro Official, presented by Earth Networks, opened the 2025 South Florida PGA Section Tournament season today at The Club at Admirals Cove with Richard Terga and Alex Gilmurray from the Breakers Rees Jones Course taking home first place honors. Admirals Cove East Course welcomed 50 teams comprised of one SFPGA Professional and an Official from the same facility competing in a four-ball stroke play format. With a 9-under 61, Terga and amateur Gilmurray were tied with Justin Rountree, PGA at Eagle Lakes Golf Club, forcing a scorecard playoff where the team from The Breakers Rees Jones Course were the eventual champions. In the gross division, John Brunet, PGA General Manager at Eagle Lakes Golf Club and amateur Dan Sopcak at 5-under 65 were crowned the champions after winning a scorecard playoff with four other teams. Brunet also captured the low professional division at 5-under, defeating runner-up finisher Michael Kartrude, PGA of the Bear’s Club by three. Brunet and Kartrude were the only two professionals who finished under-par. Brunet managed only two bogeys on his round, which was highlighted by an eagle on par-5, 17th hole. The 2025 Club Car Pro-Official was presented by Earth Networks and supported by Ballz 4 Change, BlueGolf, DLL Financial Solutions, Golf Sign and Design, ExecuSearch, Holderness and Bourne, Jacket, Prize Possessions, Relay, TRUE Linkswear and Toptracer. The Cub at Admirals Cove boasts six PGA Professionals and four PGA Associates, led by PGA Director of Golf Sean Burke-McDermott and PGA Head Professionals Matt King and Chas Golibart. Leaderboard / Photo Album

4th Annual Play Yellow Birdie Bash Raises Over $300,000

April 14, 2025
Palm Beach Gardens, FL - The South Florida PGA administered its fourth annual Play Yellow Birdie Bash, today at PGA National Resort, raising $303,576.78 to benefit the South Florida PGA Foundation and the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation. 34 two-person teams of South Florida PGA Professionals and Associates took on the Match and Staple courses at PGA National, playing 81 holes in an effort to make as many birdies as possible. Each birdie was supported by donor pledges with funds aiding the SFPGA Foundation and Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation to promote its missions further. The fourth annual event raised over $300,000, bringing the grand total to just shy of 2 million in four years. Donations will be available until Friday, April 18th. Eric Veilleux, PGA Head Professional at The Bear’s Club, managed to keep his streak of most funds raised alive with a new partner, Michael Kartrude, PGA Assistant Professional at The Bear’s Club. The duo raised nearly $55,000 alone, making 54 birdies over the 81 holes. Play Yellow Birdie Bash returners Josh LaPointe, PGA Head Professional at Addison Reserve Countr. and Kevin Baldizar, PGA Director of Golf at Addison Reserve Country Club, led the field in birdies with 60, besting Veilleux and Kartrude by six. Now in its fourth year and extended to both the East and West Coast of Florida, the South Florida Play Yellow Birdie Bash has nearly surpassed the $2 Million mark. In the past two years alone, the SFPGA Foundation has administered free golf lessons to more than 600 military personnel, granted $40,000 to support students in higher education, and provided smiles to more than 1,000 children going through a range of hardships at six medical facilities. “What we accomplished together goes beyond just golf,” said Paul Clivio, SFPGA Section President. “It is about making a lasting impact on the lives of children and families in our community through the South Florida PGA Foundation and the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care 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 falls under the direction of the South Florida PGA, a not-for-profit organization of 2,000 PGA of America Professionals serving as experts in business and the game of golf. Jack and Barbara Nicklaus founded the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation in 2004 to provide world-class pediatric care to children in Palm Beach County and beyond. The Foundation’s primary beneficiary is Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, which has helped children from every state in the union and 119 countries. To support the South Florida Play Yellow Birdie Bash, click here.

South Florida PGA Selected for the 2025 PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup

April 1, 2025
The South Florida PGA will compete for the first time in the 2025 PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup on May 12th at Carmel Country Club in Charlotte, North Carolina. This prestigious event, held during PGA Championship Week, celebrates the transformative impact of PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) on Veterans and military personnel. The PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup provides a unique and memorable experience for Veterans and the PGA of America Golf Professionals who dedicate themselves to positively impacting military personnel through the game of golf. The annual event, which started in 2016, honors the Secretary of Veteran Affairs and recognizes the Memorandum of Understanding between PGA REACH and the Department of Veteran Affairs. The competition follows a 5-person scramble format featuring four PGA HOPE Graduates and one PGA/LPGA Professional from each of the 12 selected teams. The host course is always located within the same PGA Section as that year’s PGA Championship, providing participants with an unforgettable experience alongside one of golf’s most prestigious events. Representing Team South Florida at the 2025 PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup are: 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 “This is an incredible milestone for our Section and a testament to the strength of our PGA HOPE program,” said Darrell Bock, PGA, Director of Foundation Programs. “We are honored to showcase our Veterans and Section on a national stage and continue our mission of using golf to change lives.” Following the event, the momentum will continue with the PGA HOPE Classic on May 15th, the South Florida PGA’s signature charitable event that directly supports local PGA HOPE programming. Click here to view the event page and register. Stay tuned as we spotlight Team South Florida in the coming weeks. Click here to learn more about PGA HOPE and how you can support our mission.

Celebrating Legacy: The Ed Ficker Sportsmanship Award

March 20, 2025
The South Florida PGA Junior Tour began recognizing a junior boy and girl annually in 2006 for displaying extraordinary sportsmanship with the Ed Ficker Sportsmanship Award. The award was established as a gesture to Ficker, his commitment to the South Florida PGA, the South Florida community, and his 41 years as the PGA Head Professional at Tequesta Country Club. “He was simply an incredible guy,” recalled Don Law, PGA of Don Law Golf Academy and a 2013 SFPGA Hall of Fame inductee. “He was one of the nicest humans you will ever meet in your life.” In 1965, Ficker took over as the club’s second head golf professional, succeeding Dow Finsterwald, who enjoyed a very successful playing career, proudly displaying his 1958 PGA Championship Wanamaker Trophy in the golf shop. Ficker stayed loyal to Tequesta, serving 41 years until his retirement in 2006. Following his retirement, the award was created and included in the South Florida PGA Junior Tour’s Annual Award honors. Since then, several recipients have gone on to work in the golf industry, including Matt Cahill, PGA, a 2008 Ed Ficker Sportsmanship award recipient and current Head Golf Professional at Seminole Golf Club. As a young junior golfer, it is difficult to expect one to know or understand the impact a retired golf professional had, but that is what raised the curiosity for Cahill to learn more. “I wanted to really find out what he stood for and learn about his life,” explained Cahill. “I was blown away at how much he gave back to the game of golf and the community. Not just going to work each day as a club professional, but spending time to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.” Samantha (Coleman) Lodigiani, PGA, a 2011 award recipient, went on to study Professional Golf Management at Florida Gulf Coast University and is currently an Assistant Professional at Babcock National Golf Club. And, Danny Green, a current University of Florida student, and 2021 award recipient. Green grew up as a member of Tequesta, and when he received the recognition, Ficker arranged a dinner to spend extra time with Green. “Dinner was wonderful, and he was kind, attentive, and very knowledgeable,” explained Green. “Mr. Ficker was a great man. I am honored to carry on his legacy.” The names featured above are just a few examples of individuals of whom Ficker had a positive impact on. The range of effects Ficker had is unmeasurable, and the Annual Ed Ficker Sportsmanship Award is a small indication of our appreciation. "Ed Ficker was the consummate PGA Professional and one of the most respected PGA members not just in South Florida but the entire country. Honoring and carrying on his legacy with the Sportsmanship award is a small way we can ensure the impact of Ed Ficker will never be forgotten," said South Florida PGA Executive Director Geoff Lofstead. All Award Winners: 2024: Boy: Thomas Nevico Girl: Eva Lye 2023: Boy: Alex Greer Girl: Dounia Bezzari 2022: Boy: Danny Green Girl: Punchy Mahathep 2021: Boy: Michael Rivera Girl: Ariana Silva 2020: Boy: Chase Cohen Girl: Erin Marcelino 2019: Boy: Matthew Myers Girl: Madyson Gold 2018: Boy: Chase Scholze Girl: Kelli Kragh 2015 Boy: Joe Lewis Girl: Jillian Bourdage 2014 Boy: Timothy Simpson Girl: Emily Faulkner 2013 Boy: Matt Newman Girl: Mary Janiga 2012 Boy: Robert Butler Girl: Radi Sauro 2011 Boy: Jackson Schoenfelt Girl: Samantha Coleman 2010 Boy: Harley Abrams Girl: Annie Dulman 2009 Boy: Jaime Rodriguez Girl: Ashley Burke 2008 Boy: Matthew Cahill Girl: Julie Olmo 2007 Boy: Derek Wilcox Girl: Christina Amoriello 2006 Boy: Ben Vertz Girl: Kristen Hill

Bob Usher, PGA Awarded South Florida PGA Teacher of the Year

March 18, 2025
West Palm Beach, FL - Bob Usher, PGA Director of Instruction at Grey Oaks Country Club, has been named the 2024 South Florida PGA Teacher of the Year. The Teacher of the Year Award honors outstanding teachers of golf among the ranks of the SFPGA membership. This award is based on the PGA Professional’s overall performance in teaching; unusual, innovative and special teaching programs that the Professional has initiated or played a key role in implementing; articles published in books and magazines; as well as outstanding golfers the Professional has instructed. “Winning the South Florida PGA Teacher of the Year is the biggest highlight of my career. I am so honored to be selected by my peers,” said Usher. Usher has displayed a strong passion for teaching and has shared the passion with the team and members of Grey Oaks Country Club since taking over as the Director of Instruction in 2011. “I was given a tremendous opportunity to do what I’m most passionate about. I’ve been teaching golf for over 34 years; But in 2011 I was given the opportunity to do it full time,” explained Usher. That passion has held true as Usher has pursued several teaching certifications to expand his knowledge and expertise. A few of those certifications include: TPI (Titleist Performance Institute) Level 3 Certified in Golf Instruction and Junior Coach, The Golfing Machine Certified Master Instructor, U.S. Kids Certified Coach and many more. Along with his personal accomplishments, Usher serves as a leader for eight other instructors at Grey Oaks, generating over a half a million dollars in revenue throughout the 2023/24 fiscal year. In addition, Usher has instilled new player development programs, resulting in an increased overall number of members who take lessons, but specifically Juniors and Women. Compared to 2023, over 200 more female lessons and over 100 more junior lessons were given. Lastly, as personal marketing has continued to evolve for Teachers, specifically, Usher has not fallen behind, utilizing Instagram and Facebook as key tools to promote his business. Additionally, Usher is able to further connect with his students and members, sharing instructional videos and recognizing others for their accomplishments. Although Usher has seen great success personally as a Teacher and and leader at Grey Oaks, his desire to learn more and get better at his own craft has not diminished. “I am proud of the instructor I have become, and I will continue to pursue more knowledge and build more relationships with other teachers for a very long time,” explained Usher.
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