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.