"It is quite humbling to be named a Master Teacher by U.S. Kids Golf," Abrams said. "This is a very prestigious list and to be included is an honor that I don't take lightly. U.S. Kids Golf and its president Dan Van Horn have done so very much to promote and grow junior golf over the years and to be honored by them is quite special."

The Master Kids Teacher award distinguishes individuals named to the U.S. Kids Golf Top 50 Kids Teachers list three or more times. The Top 50 Kids Teachers Award recognizes golf professionals across North America who focus much of their time and energy on developing young golfers in their communities. The instructors are judged on several criteria, including percentage of time devoted to kids programs, creativity, communication and efforts to grow the game.

Including the 16 instructors being inducted this year, there are 55 individuals who have earned the distinction of Master Kids Teacher. This group represents 26 states and Canada and includes teachers who work at public, private, resort and municipal courses.

"The Master Kids Teachers represent a group of professionals who have demonstrated a dedication towards impacting the lives of young golfers over a sustained period of time," said Dan Van Horn, founder and president of U.S. Kids Golf. "We are pleased to recognize their talents and commitment." The 2011 Master Kids Teachers were recognized in a ceremony on Friday, January 27, at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando.

VIEW COMPLETE LIST >>

2012 RYDER CUP COMMEMORATIVE LICENSE PLATE
The Illinois PGA Foundation in conjunction with the Illinois Secretary of State's office will release a limited-run special event license plate to celebrate the 2012 Ryder Cup matches taking place at Medinah C.C. The commemorative plate will be valid for Illinois drivers August 2 - September 30. Out of state golf enthusiasts may order a plate as a souvenir that will be shipped following the conclusion of the event.

Proceeds from the sales of the plate will benefit the Illinois PGA Foundation’s youth golf initiatives, including GolfWorks Illinois, a youth-based scholarship and work-study program in cooperation with the University of Illinois.

The 2012 Ryder Cup special event license plate is available at three price points including FREE for Illinois drivers with the purchase of the Foundation's permanent Support Youth Golf Illinois license plate.

RYDER CUP LICENSE PLATE APPLICATION FORM >>

SUPPORT YOUTH GOLF LICENSE PLATE APPLICATION FORM >>

THE 11TH ANNUAL ILLINOIS PGA LAS VEGAS PRO-AM
The Illinois PGA is pleased to announce the 11th Annual Illinois PGA Las Vegas Pro-Am will take place March 11-15, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. We invite you to participate in our showcase annual fundraising event. This year, up to 30 teams will compete on three of the best golf courses Las Vegas has to offer.

Teams will be made up of an Illinois PGA Professional with four (4) amateurs and will include a rotation of the exclusive Cascata, TPC Summerlin and Bear’s Best Las Vegas.

All competitors will receive four (4) nights single occupancy accommodations at Paris Las Vegas, three rounds of golf, golf cart fees, range balls and participant tee-gifts. In addition, all participants will be competing for a daily team purse and will be treated to daily cocktail receptions.

MORE INFORMATION >>  |  ENTRY FORM >>

Hit balls with this year's new clubs and hear representatives from club manufacturers explain why their clubs are the best. Take one-on-one full swing and putting lessons from Illinois PGA Teaching Professionals and get Show Special bargains on gloves, balls, shoes and other golf apparel and equipment. Hear top national and local PGA and LPGA professionals make golf presentations from the Golf Academy and Junior Golf Academy Stages. Get discounted rounds for the season at area golf courses and plan your golf vacations at hundreds of resort destinations.

All this and more at this year's Chicago Golf Show. Get ready to Swing into Spring!

VISIT THE CHICAGO GOLF SHOW WEBSITE >>

ILLINOIS PGA 2ND ANNUAL WINTER TEACH-A-THON
Sharing the Game, Helping Communities” is at the heart of the Illinois PGA's 2nd Annual Winter Teach-a-thon. This year's campaign is generously sponsored by Tour Edge Golf Mfg. Each month Tour Edge Golf will recognize the top fundraising golf professional with a $500 gift to the partnering charity of his or choice.