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Whether you work in the golf business or are taking your first swings; every journey is unique and no one can take that journey alone.
The South Central Section of the PGA is an association of golf professionals dedicated to promoting the overall involvement and enjoyment of golf in the South Central region. Previously known as the Oklahoma Section, we offer tournaments, junior golf activities, training events, playing opportunities and more in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and part of Kansas. Every year, we encourage students to pursue higher education goals through our scholarship program.
The Section’s success would not be possible without the hard work of our 450 PGA Members and Associates. Our PGA professionals are the teachers, business managers, merchandisers and community leaders who reflect the highest standard of professionalism, fair play and sportsmanship in the game. By making our golf game better, we “grow the game of golf” and make it more fun for the many players, employees, manufacturers, and members in the South Central community.
Congratulations to Ryan Rody, PGA on his selection as Teacher & Coach of the Year.
Ryan serves as the Director of Instruction at Southern Hills Country Club, where he manages customized instruction and leads a junior program that has reached record enrollment. He developed the ...“Combine” and “Mini-Combine” classes to create a competitive training environment for high school and youth golfers, while also implementing “Get Golf Ready” clinics for women and introductory classes for club staff.
On a national level, Ryan was recognized by Golf Digest as one of the Best Young Teachers in America and included on their “Best Teachers in State” list. His technical work includes serving as an ambassador for Swing Catalyst and Sportsbox AI, as well as collaborating with Dr. Scott Lynn to optimize ground reaction forces for PGA Tour player Austin Eckroat. His students’ recent achievements include wins on the AJGA circuit, USGA event qualifications, and a selection to the United States National Development Team.
Ryan will be recognized at our South Central PGA Award Banquet on February 22nd.
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Congratulations to Tracy Phillips, PGA on his selection into the South Central PGA Hall of Fame!
Tracy Phillips’ professional career is characterized by his leadership in the South Central PGA Section and a remarkable competitive “second act.” As the Director of Instruction at Cedar ...Ridge Country Club, he holds a prestigious role at the same facility where his father, Buddy Phillips, served as Head Professional for 40 years. Tracy has built a reputation as a world-class teacher, particularly noted for his expertise in the short game, and was named the 2013 South Central PGA Teacher of the Year. His selection into the South Central PGA Hall of Fame is a distinction that honors his long-term service and character within the association.
On the course, Phillips’ professional record includes a significant list of titles earned after returning to competition in his late 40s. He won the South Central PGA Section Championship in 2011 and 2013, and was named the section’s Player of the Year in 2011. His recent play in the senior circuit is highlighted by his 2024 and 2025 recognitions as the South Central PGA Senior Player of the Year. Beyond regional success, Phillips has excelled on the national stage, qualifying for five Senior PGA Championships and finishing as the Low PGA Professional (T-17) at the 2022 Senior PGA Championship. His career reached a historic milestone in 2024 when, at age 61, he finished T-8 at the PGA Professional Championship to earn a spot in the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla, becoming one of the oldest club professionals to ever qualify for the major.
Tracy will be recognized at our South Central PGA Award Banquet on February 22nd.
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The South Central PGA is proud to announce Chris Mayes, PGA, Director of Golf at Pleasant Valley Country Club, Little Rock, AR, as the recipient of the 2025 South Central PGA Golf Professional of the Year Award. This honor is the highest distinction a Section professional can receive, recognizing a... PGA Member who demonstrates outstanding leadership, strong moral character, and a substantial record of service to the Association and the game of golf.
Mayes, a veteran leader in the Arkansas golf community, has served as the Director of Golf at Pleasant Valley Country Club for over 25 years. His tenure has been defined by a relentless pursuit of excellence, helping transform the 27-hole Joe Finger-designed facility into one of the premier championship venues in the Section. Most recently, Mayes played a pivotal role in the successful launch and hosting of the Simmons Bank Championship, which brought the PGA TOUR Champions to Little Rock and showcasing the Section on a national stage.
Throughout his career, Mayes has been a fixture of service within the PGA. He was previously honored with the 2021 South Central PGA Bill Strausbaugh Award, recognizing his significant contributions in mentoring fellow PGA Professionals and improving employment conditions within the industry. His leadership extends beyond the club’s gates, as he has been a long-time supporter of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock golf programs and various grassroots initiatives aimed at introducing the next generation to the sport as well as a being a 2026 inductee into The Arkansas State Golf Association Hall of Fame.
Congratulations Chris!
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We are pleased to announce our 2025 Awards Class, headlined by Golf Professional of the Year, Chris Mayes! This outstanding group of honorees represents the dedication, professionalism, and passion that define PGA of America Professionals.
We will be highlighting our selections over the ...next few weeks. Learn more about the award winners now by visiting the link in our bio!
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Congratulations to our 2025 Chapter Award Winners!!
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Congratulations to our 2025 South Central PGA Super Senior Division Player of the Year — Troy Hendricks!
An awesome season filled with hard work and dedication!
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Congratulations @pga_cl
‼️ Feature Friday ‼️
Meet Jim Young - PGA Member, Director of Instruction at Gaillardia CC, and serves as Secretary on our Board of Directors.
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Whether you work in the golf business or are taking your first swings; every journey is unique and no one can take that journey alone.