Illinois Section PGA

The Illinois Section of the PGA of America is a professional organization serving the men and women golf professionals in northern and central Illinois who are the recognized experts in growing, teaching and managing the game of golf. The Illinois PGA is responsible for the administration of competitive golf tournaments, educational opportunities, support programs and growth of the game initiatives. With over 800 members and associates, the Illinois PGA is one of the largest of the 41 regional Sections that comprise the PGA of America.

History

The PGA of America was comprised of seven Sections in April 1916 – Central, Metropolitan, Middle States, New England, North & South Pacific, Northwest & Southwest and Southeastern. The Middle States Section, which was headquartered in Illinois, included: Alabama, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Toronto, Canada (The PGA of Canada was founded in 1911). In 1921, The PGA of America decided to break up the original seven Sections and form individual Sections based on geographical locations. The Middle States Section became the Illinois PGA. The Middle States Section was renamed the Illinois Section when the other states and Toronto were split off in 1921.

Mission

Since its founding in 1916, The PGA of America has maintained a twofold mission: to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf. By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, The PGA enables its professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in the multi-billion dollar golf industry. By creating and delivering world-class championships and innovative programs, The PGA of America elevates the public’s interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere. As The PGA nears its centennial, the PGA brand represents the very best in golf.