MSU’s Adkerson Receives National PGA Honor
ceremony in conjunction with the 101st PGA of America Annual Meeting in November 2017. The two-time MSU alumnus has received the Gulf States PGA’s Horton Smith Award four times.
“It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by the PGA of America as the National Horton Smith Award recipient,” Adkerson said. “Supporting PGA Professionals and those aspiring to become PGA members through education only grows our profession and the game of golf. Professionally, there is no greater reward than seeing our students achieve the goals they have established in their careers. To think I may have played a small part in their development and growth is a true honor.”
In early 2017, Adkerson became one of approximately 350 people since 1969 to earn the PGA’s Master Professional designation, given to PGA Professionals that demonstrate the highest degree of excellence. Adkerson joined the MSU College of Business’ PGA Golf Management program in 2003 and became the program’s director in 2007. He currently serves as Honorary President of the Gulf States PGA and was named Gulf States PGA Golf Professional of the Year in 2013.
MSU’s PGA Golf Management program, housed in the university’s College of Business, is the second oldest program sanctioned by the PGA in the country and boasts 100 percent job placement among its graduates. Adkerson is the second graduate of MSU’s PGA Golf Management program to receive a national PGA award. Alumnus Rod Perry was named PGA Professional Player of the Year in 2012 and 2013. For more on MSU’s PGA Golf Management program, visit www.pgagmu.msstate.edu.
The PGA of America is the world's largest working sports organization, comprised of 29,000 men and women golf professionals who are the recognized experts in teaching and growing the game. Founded in 1916, the PGA of America has enhanced its leadership position by conducting premier spectator events – PGA Championship, Ryder Cup, Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid and KPMG Women's PGA Championship – as well as significant philanthropic outreach initiatives and award-winning golf promotions.
STARKVILLE, Miss.—Jeff Adkerson, director of Mississippi State’s PGA Golf Management program, is the 2017 recipient of the Professional Golfers’ Association National Horton Smith Award. The honor recognizes golf professionals for outstanding and continuing contributions to professional education.
Adkerson was recognized during an awards
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