The STATE of Golf Volume 3 - 2016 | Page 22

New Head Professional at MSU GC

A great deal of change transpired in 2015, none greater than the repositioning of the MSU Golf Course, as it now administratively reports to the College of Business. As part of the process, the search for a new Head Golf Professional led to the hiring of Mike Hammond, PGA.

Mike has a tremendous record with experiences ranging from Assistant Professional through all positions to General Manager. He has owned a golf shop for many years and spent time playing on the PGA Tour. Additionally, Mike has served the PGA of America in numerous capacities and is a Past President of the South Central PGA. Mike has received numerous honors for his outstanding performance as a PGA Professional to include two PGA Professional of the Year awards and three Merchandiser of the Year awards.

Mike complete his undergraduate degree at the University of Oklahoma in 1982 and has been a member of the PGA of America since 1985. He is happily married to his wife Marcia, and together they have one daughter, named Somer. Mike enjoys playing as much golf as possible, while also making time to hunt and fish.

We are very excited to welcome Mike Hammond, PGA to the Bulldog Family!

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James Rainwater awarded Owen Compton Scholarship

Congratulations to James Rainwater, the recipient of the 2016 Owen Compton Scholarship, presented by Honours Golf.

James is from Elmore, AL and is currently enrolled as a junior in the PGA Golf Management Program. He started with Honours in the summer of 2014 at Highland Park Golf Course and has recently completed his second internship at Cider Ridge Golf Club.

The scholarship was created in memory of one of Honours Golf’s finest team members, Owen Compton. Owen, a graduate of Mississippi State University, started his career with Honours working his way up to the director of golf position at Highland Park. Owen passed away in a fatal car accident in 2003 and is survived by his wife and daughter. To continue his legacy within the company, Honours Golf created an annual $2,500 scholarship in his name. The scholarship is awarded to an outstanding PGM student who displays all of the characteristics and traits of a team leader.