Hardison ’ s hard work began to yield results in 2018 when he won his first Midwest PGA Assistant Professional Championship . He repeated this feat in 2020 and 2021 , establishing himself as a formidable competitor in the Midwest Section . However , it was in 2023 that Hardison achieved what many consider to be the pinnacle of his career so far . He emerged victorious at the Midwest PGA Professional Championship held at Indian Hills Country Club .
Professionally , Hardison ’ s goal is to stay at Excelsior Springs Golf Course and continue building the golf atmosphere there . He appreciates the course ’ s rich history , noting that since its opening in 1915 , there have only been about a dozen golf professionals who have worked there . This sense of continuity and tradition is important to Hardison , who is honored to become a part of that enduring legacy .
Hardison is quick to acknowledge the support he ’ s received throughout his career . He praises Midwest Section PGA Executive Director Adam Greeno .
“ Adam has been a huge addition to the Section ,” he explained . “ He gives us [ members ] the opportunities and resources we need to succeed in our jobs .” Hardison also expressed gratitude towards Shane Gardner and Matt Roberts of Orion Management , as well as Jarman , for giving him the time and support to play in events and pursue his competitive goals .
In August this year , Hardison ( above ) finished in the top three in the Midwest PGA Professional Championship which qualifies him for the 2025 PGA Professional Championship in Port St . Lucie , FL . The top three qualifiers are Austin Jarchow , Robert Russell , and Austin Hardison who will represent the Midwest Section PGA at the Professional Championship in April 2025 .
This significant win qualified Hardison for the PGA Professional Championship in Frisco , TX . Hardison narrowly missed advancing , falling short by just one stroke . Undeterred , he recently finished in the top three in the Midwest PGA Professional Championship , which qualifies him for next year ’ s PGA Professional Championship in Port St . Lucie , FL .
“ My goal is to make the cut ,” said Hardison . If he finishes in the Top 20 , he will qualify for the PGA Championship , a goal he hopes to achieve .
At 29 years old , Hardison has already accumulated an impressive list of achievements . He has been a Midwest Section member since 2016 and has worked in the golf industry for eight years . In 2016 , he launched his own instruction business , through which he has given over 400 golf lessons to players of all ages , from juniors to seniors .
Despite his success , Hardison remains humble . When asked about his talents , he offered a unique perspective , “ It ’ s not necessarily skill , but perhaps a mix between natural talent and my stubbornness to fail .” This attitude of perseverance has been a driving force in his career .
As he looks to the future , Hardison faces new opportunities . He and his wife , Luz , welcomed their first child ( Severiaño León ) in October of this year . Hardison is enthusiastic about the prospect of one day teaching his young son the game that has given him so much .
Hardison and his wife , Luz , prepare to leave the hospital with their first child ( Severiaño León ) in October of this year . Hardison looks forward to one day teaching his young son the game that has given him so much .
As the head golf professional at Excelsior Springs Golf Course , Hardison continues to make his mark in the golfing world . He enjoys working with golfers of all ages , with a particular fondness for teaching junior golfers . His journey from a young golf enthusiast to a PGA professional and championship contender is a testament to the power of dedication , community support , and a love for the game .
Hardison ’ s story is more than just one of personal achievement ; it ’ s about the enduring appeal of golf and the strong bonds formed within a community . As he continues to compete , teach , and lead , Hardison remains a stellar example of what can be accomplished with talent , hard work , and deep roots in one ’ s hometown .
( Photos contributed by Midwest Section PGA staff .)
Ann Butenas is a contributing writer for the Midwest Section PGA . For more information about the Midwest Section PGA , call 816.229.6493 or visit www . midwest . pga . com .
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