PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Florida – With nearly 2,000 employees in the TPC Network across the United States, Danny Caldera, Kitchen Manager at TPC Summerlin, has been named the 2024 recipient of the Network’s A. James Clark Award. Now in its 10th year, the annual award is given in recognition of an employee who upholds the values of the TPC Network and who exemplifies Mr. Clark’s same commitment, strong work ethic and inspirational leadership.
Caldera joined TPC Summerlin in 2022, demonstrating unwavering dedication to the success and reputation of the club. His hard work and commitment have left a lasting impression on TPC Summerlin’s employees, members and guests. In 2024 alone, Caldera played a pivotal role in assisting with the transition of the executive chef at TPC Summerlin and traveled to TPC Scottsdale where he provided direct support during the TPC Network’s Men's National Interclub.
"With a lasting commitment to helping others, Danny is not only a talented chef but also a cornerstone of support for his family and a beacon of hope within our community. His positive influence resonates with everyone at TPC Summerlin, making him an invaluable asset to our team," said Brian Hawthorne, general manager, TPC Summerlin. "Danny's journey exemplifies transformation, resilience and selfless service. We are incredibly fortunate to have him as a member of our team."
Caldera’s impact reaches far beyond his professional achievements, as the devoted father of five children and grandfather to nine is also an active member of his Las Vegas community. The Duarte, California native volunteers his time to cook for the homeless in areas of Las Vegas affected by poverty, crime and violence. Caldera works to raise money for the area little league baseball program in his hometown of Duarte, California, and through his involvement in a lowrider car club, he organizes fundraiser for people in need.
"I am honored to receive this award, which is a testament to the incredible team here at TPC Summerlin and the hard work we all put in day in and day out. I saw these people that wanted me to do well and help others, and it motivates me to continue to give back because of their support," Caldera said. "I appreciate the TPC Network and PGA TOUR for this honor and am deeply moved by the recognition, as all I ever want to do is provide a memorable experience to our TPC Summerlin members and guests."
The inaugural A. James Clark award was presented in 2015, with past recipients of the award including Jody Boudreau (TPC Sawgrass), Dulce Muniz (TPC Southwind), Maggie Peebles (TPC River’s Bend), Jose Murillo Rodriguez (TPC Deere Run), Noel Hall (TPC River Highlands), Robin Morello (TPC River Highlands), Alex Rodriguez (TPC Harding Park), Elizabeth (Beth) Stentiford (TPC Boston) and Misty Kadel (TPC Summerlin).
Each TPC club submits one nomination, with all nominees recognized on the A. James Clark plaque at each of their respective clubs. The overall winner is honored on the permanent plaque located at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. Caldera will be recognized at the PGA TOUR Global Home, along with a plaque and donation to the charity of his choice. Caldera selected Duarte High Falcons Baseball program.
About Mr. A. James Clark
The PGA TOUR started working with Mr. Clark in 1987 and named him to what was its Investments Board in 1991. He became a member of the newly created PGA TOUR Golf Course Properties Board in 1994, a position he held until his death in March 2015.
The career of A. James Clark is a true American success story. As a young man, fresh out of the University of Maryland in 1950 with a degree in Civil Engineering, he joined a small local general contracting company that he would eventually own. Over the course of the next sixty years, his leadership and vision transformed it into one of the largest privately held and most successful construction companies in the nation. Clark Enterprises built power plants, hotels, military barracks, government research facilities, museums, sports arenas and transportation projects. Forbes Magazine once dubbed him the “King of Concrete.”
Clark Enterprises was contracted to construct the 77,000 square-foot Mediterranean Revival-style clubhouse at TPC Sawgrass, a project the company completed in 10 months, just in time for the 2007 PLAYERS Championship.
As an engineer, entrepreneur and philanthropist, Mr. Clark was the recipient of many academic, professional and civic honors. He was an honorary Trustee of the University of Maryland College Park Foundation, where he contributed tens of millions of dollars to the University, which named its engineering school after him. He was also an Emeritus Trustee of The Johns Hopkins University and Johns Hopkins Medicine.
About TPC Network
Owned, operated and licensed by the PGA TOUR, the TPC Network is comprised of 29 premier private, resort and daily fee golf properties designed by some of golf’s most elite architects. Sixteen of the clubs are operated by affiliates of PGA TOUR Golf Course Properties, Inc. Each TPC meets the requirements to host TOUR-sanctioned events. Since TPC Sawgrass first opened its world-renowned PLAYERS Stadium Course in the fall of 1980, TPCs have provided the PGA TOUR with rent-free venues for tournaments, helping to boost championship golf purses and increasing charitable donations to grass roots non-profit organizations. At the same time, TPCs have provided recreational golfers with the unique opportunity to test their skills on the same layouts where the world’s best golfers compete.
TPCs are known for their history of hosting PGA TOUR-sanctioned events, their outstanding conditioning and amenities, as well as a commitment to environmental excellence. The TPC Network is also distinguished by its unwavering commitment to further the PGA TOUR’s mission of giving back through support of charitable and grass-roots programs. For more information, please visit www.tpc.com. For the most up-to-date news, follow the TPC Network on Twitter (@PlayTPC), Instagram (@PlayTPC) or Facebook.com/TPCNetwork.