P G A A W A R D S
Perry, a 1996 graduate of Mississippi State University, said that his goals were to "play well enough to finish in the Top 20 and have a good chance of making the PGA Cup Team. I enjoyed playing a course like (Bayonet Black Horse), which was tough, but was the type of golf that favors me. I have been able to play better on the tougher courses."
Perry follows former North Florida PGA member Brett Upper (1990), then of Clearwater, Fla., to win the national award. Perry credited his surge to the top of the final standings after receiving the endorsement of his employer, the Becks family of Daytona Beach, Fla., owners of Crane Lakes Country Club, and from Director of Business Development Craig Wells.
Cleared to compete in the season-ending PGA Tournament Series, Perry went on to cap his big season in style. "It was a tough three weeks, traveling two hours to compete in Port St. Lucie in the PGA Tournament Series and head back after
each event," said Perry. "Thankfully, my club gave me the opportunity to compete for a once-in-a-career opportunity. It is an honor to join the many decorated players who have their names on this award. I started getting serious for golf later than most, around 18 of 19 years old. I ended up doing something I love."
The PGA Professional Player of the Year award began in 1984.
Rod Perry is the first PGA Golf Management University graduate to win the PGA Professional Player of the Year Award since its inception in 1984.
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