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.
Past Presidents:
2022 – 2024 – Alex Mendez
2020 – 2022 – Nick Papadakes
2018 – 2020 – Jim Miller
2016 – 2018 – Mark Labiak
2015 – 2016 – Jim Opp
2013 – 2014 – Chris Gumbach
2011 – 2012 – Casey Brozek
2009 – 2010 – Trey VanDyke
2007 – 2008 – Terry Russell
2005 – 2006 – Don Pieper
2003 – 2004 – Dennis Johnsen
2001 – 2002 – Emil Esposito
1999 – 2000 – Paul Reinking
1997 – 1998 – Roger Warren
1995 – 1996 – Bruce Patterson
1993 – 1994 – Paul Reinking
1991 – 1992 – Leon McNair
1989 – 1990 – John Cleland
1987 – 1988 – Sherm Finger
1985 – 1986 – Dave Ogilvie III
1984 – 1984 – Terry Carlson
1982 – 1983 – Hal Miller
1980 – 1981 – Don Wegrzyn
1978 – 1979 – Ken Weiler
1976 – 1977 – Bill Heald
1974 – 1975 – Larry Rouse
1972 – 1973 – Hubby Habjan
1970 – 1971 – Zigfield Troy
1968 – 1969 – Bill Ogden
1951 – 1967 – Harry Pezzullo
