By Steve Pike, PGA.com
November 9, 2001
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. – Calling it the "best in what modern education and training can offer," PGA of
America President Jack Connelly dedicated The PGA Education Center Thursday night before a large group of PGA members
and city and state officials.
Since it was founded in 1916, The PGA of America "has remained committed to educating our membership about
the latest developments in teaching, merchandising, management and all other important aspects of the business
of golf," said Connelly, head professional at Huntingdon Valley (Pa.) Country Club.
"From apprentices to longtime PGA Professionals, our members will benefit greatly from this state-of-the-art
facility," Connelly said.
The PGA Education Center, a 23,650-square-foot facility with more than 11,000 square feet of classroom space, will
provide education programs to serve both PGA members and apprentice professionals. There are currently more than
7,900 PGA apprentices in the country. The PGA Education Center is designed to provide PGA apprentice professionals
with affordable education, while eliminating waiting lists. The Golf Professional Training Program for apprentices
has been rewritten and updated as part of the transition to a single education facility. The Education Center "can
be likened to a beacon of light for our community and our state," said Florida State Senator Ken Pruitt, who
represents St. Lucie County. "Its importance and its significance cannot be underestimated.
"Here in St. Lucie, we are incredibly proud to have The PGA featured as our crown jewel. It's the ultimate
seal of approval that sets our community apart," he added, noting that the facility "could not come at
a better, or more important time, for the state of Florida after the tragic events of Sept. 11. It is certainly
going to help kickstart our sagging tourist economy."
The PGA Education Center and PGA Learning Center are part of The PGA Golf Club here that features four golf courses
along with single family homes, hotel rooms, timeshares and vacation villas. PGA of America Chief Executive Officer
Jim Awtrey said The PGA has invested $30 million into this area as part of its commitment to be a long-term business
partner in Port St. Lucie and St. Lucie County.
"Our mission was to make this area a major center for golf," Awtrey said. "We have placed a premium
all of our lives on education, which was one of our objectives when we built The PGA Education Center.
"Our goal was to build the finest facility we could possibly do for the public and for our PGA Members where
they could play and live and learn about this great game of golf," he added, "and bring their families
and their members to experience what we've come to recognize as 'The PGA Experience.'"
The PGA Education Center also will conduct member education programs throughout the year, including various workshops
and seminars. The 35-acre PGA Learning Center, located adjacent to the Education Center, will serve as the venue
for PGA teaching seminars. Designed in an Old Florida theme by architect David Miller & Associates of West
Palm Beach, Fla., The PGA Education Center features nine classrooms that will accommodate nearly 450 students;
a 1,600-square-foot computer testing and club repair laboratory; and office and administrative support facilities
for full-time and adjunct instructors.
SOURCE: PGA.com