THE EPITOME OF A PGA PROFESSIONAL
I switched over to Butch probably when I was 12, maybe 13. Then, I worked with him all through college and shortly thereafter, probably until 25. He was the best guy in the area, in my opinion. He worked with Carl Paulson, Billy Judah, guys that got to the next level and had success. He had such a great reputation in this area he was the logical next step to improve on what I was doing.
He was always telling jokes and stories and keeping it very light and fun. That’ s what I remember about him. More than a great golf coach, he was a great friend to me and still is.
I don’ t see him as much as I did back then. It’ s not just about the golf with Butch. He is truly one of a kind, I was lucky enough to have him be in my life for so long. I think this Hall of Fame thing is extremely well deserved.
He was very good at taking an interest and seeing the best in people. It didn’ t matter whether they were going to play on the PGA Tour or LPGA Tour, he liked you; he loved you. He was always there for you. Golfing ability didn’ t matter. It was a vehicle to get to know somebody. I think it was much more about the relationships with him. Hall of Fame career aside, it was always about the people with him. He was a very good mentor and important person in my life for a long time.
He made [ the swing ] extremely simple, easy to understand. This was before Trackman and all the technology and everything. I don’ t think we ever took a swing video. It was all ball flight, contact, how to stay connected and hit it with your chest. It was as straightforward as it gets.
— Evan Beck, 2024 U. S. Mid-Amateur champion; two-time all-American at Wake Forest University( while working with Liebler)
USGA
Butch was recognized as the 1998 MAPGA Golf Professional of the Year, the section’ s highest award. He was named 1990 Merchandiser of the Year – Private category, and he received the 1985 MAPGA Professional Development Award.
He was president of the Virginia Chapter( 1982 – 83) and on the MAPGA Section board.
“ Butch Liebler has made an incredible impact on the Middle Atlantic PGA, and not just through his early years in the Virginia Chapter and Section Board governance. Butch developed an incredible stable of PGA protégés, including his two sons, to influence the business of golf,” said Jon Guhl, whose 31-year run as MAPGA executive director recently ended.
“ He helped the Buy. com tour event in Virginia Beach grow and succeed, and he helped the Payton Invitational become a renowned junior golf event,” Guhl said.“ Lastly, as an instructor, he helped a handful of players reach the various tours and countless amateurs improve their game. Butch is the epitome of a PGA professional who has excelled in the business and the game of golf.”
Connect with Butch vsga. org J ULY / A UGUST 2026 | V IRGINIA G OLFER 27