News
Meet the Pro
Austin Hardison
A golf journey that began at age three — to a qualifier for the 2025 PGA Professional Championship .
by Ann E . Butenas , contributing writer
Growing up in Excelsior Springs , MO , Hardison has a deep connection to his hometown . He learned to play golf at the Excelsior Springs Golf Course , a place that would become central to his professional life . After playing golf throughout high school , Hardison decided not to play the sport at the collegiate level . Instead , he opted for a different path , one that would ultimately lead him back to his roots .
Hardison studied at Metropolitan Community College - Maple Woods for two years , during which time he began working at the Excelsior Springs Golf Course . This experience proved pivotal , as it allowed him to gain practical knowledge of the golf industry while continuing his education . Following his time at junior college , Hardison took a significant step towards his future career by entering the PGA ’ s Professional Golf Management ( PGM ) Associate Program .
Austin Hardison won the 2023 Midwest PGA Professional Championship held at Indian Hills Country Club . The win qualified Hardison for the PGA Professional Championship in Frisco , TX .
Austin Hardison ’ s journey in the world of golf began when he was just three years old . That is when he first picked up a golf club under his father ’ s guidance . This early introduction to the sport sparked a passion that would shape his entire career . By the time he was approaching his middle school years , Hardison was fully immersed in the game , developing skills and an unwavering passion for the game that would serve him well in the years to come .
Hardison ’ s journey to becoming a PGA professional was marked by determination and hard work . He studied online , attended hands-on experiences in Port St . Lucie , FL , and continued to work full-time at the golf course . This combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience formed the backbone of his professional portfolio . Hardison successfully completed three levels of certification before achieving the status of a certified Class A PGA professional , all while maintaining his responsibilities at the golf course . Under the continued mentorship of Tim Jarman , the general manager at Excelsior Springs Golf Course , Hardison ’ s career flourished .
“ Tim was a very big part of my career going into golf and continuing forward with it ,” Hardison acknowledged .
Despite his current success , Hardison is candid about his early days in the industry .
“ I was not the best junior golfer ,” he admitted . “ But I knew I had to be proficient .” This self-awareness drove him to practice regularly , a habit that would pay dividends in his competitive and professional career .
12 Nov . / Dec . 2024 TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE