SOUTH FLORIDA PGA

Serving PGA Members and Growing the Game

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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.

Bridget Ackley, PGA Awarded South Florida PGA Player Development Honor

By Brett Graf • March 10, 2025
West Palm Beach, FL - Bridget Ackley, PGA Junior Golf Leader at the Park has been presented the 2024 South Florida PGA Player Development Award. The "PGA Player Development Award" bestows special recognition on a PGA Golf Professional, who has displayed extraordinary and exemplary contribution and achievement in the area of player development. The award considers the PGA Professional’s growth of the game leadership, commitment at the Section and National levels in the player development arena, and the meaningful impact made at the facility. “Winning the Player Development Award is an incredible honor that reflects my unwavering commitment to growing the game,” said Ackley. “As a PGA Professional, my goal has always been to create opportunities for everyone in a fun and welcoming environment, where every player—no matter their background or skill level—can learn, grow, and enjoy the game that has given me so much.” As a the Junior Golf Leader at the Park, Ackley plays an integral role in all player development and programming and while the Park has only been open for a little over a year, Ackley has managed to attract players of all ages and skills levels through fun and creative approaches. Since opening in April of 2023 Ackley has already administered seven, six-week adult programs for new golfers and women, working with over 50 golfers. Additionally, Ackley has hosted over 195 clinics for juniors 3-13, working with over 1,000 participants. At the same time, Ackley utilizes key PGA resources, such as PGA Coach and the ADM framework, to expand her personal lesson business. As a result of Ackley’s commitment to expanding programming at her own facility, the Park has hosted two six-week PGA HOPE clinics for over 30 Veterans and two PGA Jr. League teams for the 2024 season for 58 juniors, all with Ackley as the lead instructor. “This recognition motivates me to continue finding new ways to make golf accessible and enjoyable for all,” emphasized Ackley. The Player Development Award is one of the South Florida PGA’s annual awards. Ackley was presented with her award yesterday at The Park.
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The South Florida Section of the PGA of America is an association of golf professionals whose mission is to promote interest, participation and enjoyment in the game of golf; establish and maintain professional standards or practice; and enhance the well-being of golf professionals.

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What's the News?

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.

Bridget Ackley, PGA Awarded South Florida PGA Player Development Honor

By Brett Graf • March 10, 2025
West Palm Beach, FL - Bridget Ackley, PGA Junior Golf Leader at the Park has been presented the 2024 South Florida PGA Player Development Award. The "PGA Player Development Award" bestows special recognition on a PGA Golf Professional, who has displayed extraordinary and exemplary contribution and achievement in the area of player development. The award considers the PGA Professional’s growth of the game leadership, commitment at the Section and National levels in the player development arena, and the meaningful impact made at the facility. “Winning the Player Development Award is an incredible honor that reflects my unwavering commitment to growing the game,” said Ackley. “As a PGA Professional, my goal has always been to create opportunities for everyone in a fun and welcoming environment, where every player—no matter their background or skill level—can learn, grow, and enjoy the game that has given me so much.” As a the Junior Golf Leader at the Park, Ackley plays an integral role in all player development and programming and while the Park has only been open for a little over a year, Ackley has managed to attract players of all ages and skills levels through fun and creative approaches. Since opening in April of 2023 Ackley has already administered seven, six-week adult programs for new golfers and women, working with over 50 golfers. Additionally, Ackley has hosted over 195 clinics for juniors 3-13, working with over 1,000 participants. At the same time, Ackley utilizes key PGA resources, such as PGA Coach and the ADM framework, to expand her personal lesson business. As a result of Ackley’s commitment to expanding programming at her own facility, the Park has hosted two six-week PGA HOPE clinics for over 30 Veterans and two PGA Jr. League teams for the 2024 season for 58 juniors, all with Ackley as the lead instructor. “This recognition motivates me to continue finding new ways to make golf accessible and enjoyable for all,” emphasized Ackley. The Player Development Award is one of the South Florida PGA’s annual awards. Ackley was presented with her award yesterday at The Park.
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