May 1, 2024
Ferris State PGA Golf Management Alumni Honored as Leaders in their Field In 2024 Michigan Section Awards
Graduates of Ferris State University’s PGA Golf Management program are recognized as leaders in their field, with several earning 2024 PGA Michigan Section special awards.
The five alumni honored include 1995 College of Business graduate Doug Brody, who received the Golf Professional of the Year award, 2010 alumnus Joe Hatch, who received his Professional Development Award and 2009 graduate Kyle Martin, who was named Teacher and Coach of the Year.
Martin has been nominated twice and was a finalist last year.
“It is a great opportunity, a chance to interact with other professionals and present your efforts in terms of personal investment to support the game, its players, and fellow professionals,” he said. “I spoke about welcoming PGA Golf Management interns at The Fortress in Frankenmuth, where I am head golf professional and my involvement in Ferris’ program advisory board. I feel like I must give back double, when I consider what Ferris did to shape me to succeed as a professional.”
Martin said his regular conversations with Brody, who is head golf professional at Warwick Hills Golf and Country Club in Grand Blanc Township are another facet of how PGA Golf Management alumni collaborate for the good of the sport and industry.
“The key to growth as a professional is not believing ‘We already know it all,’” Martin said. “I began as a teacher in a golf academy and am so thankful Doug and Jason Guss, who has gone on to the Illinois PGA Section would make themselves available for counsel, or simple conversations about doing the most with our operations. The PGA Golf Management program has fostered that kind of commitment among its alumni since it began, nearly 50 years ago.”
Hatch said it was a thrill earning the PGA Western Michigan Chapter Player of the Year award in 2020.
“My role as the university’s PGA Golf Management coordinator certainly contributed to my prospects for this award, as all the Class A certified professionals who are active in Michigan can vote on who advances to review by the awards committee,” Hatch said. “I am always talking with Ferris alumni and other professionals, promoting our program and its students. This is a most humbling honor to be recognized by the professionals supporting and growing the game in our state.”
Other PGA Golf Management alumni due to receive awards at the Michigan Section President’s Dinner this fall include 2013 graduate Cody Haughton of Red Run Golf Club in Royal Oak, the Assistant Golf Professional of the Year and 2016 alumnus Tyler Jablonski, recognized as Merchandiser of the Year-Resort, from his prowess at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. In all, 12 professionals and Renee Fluker, an icon of urban golf instruction through her Midnight Golf program in the Detroit area were recognized for their contributions.
Ferris’ PGA Golf Management Bachelor of Science degree was the first such program to receive sanction from the Professional Golf Association. There are now 16 active PGA Golf Management programs nationally, with Clemson University and North Carolina State University set to join that rank.
The awards were presented earlier this spring at an event in Lansing.