Editors: For photos of Kelly Williams, click here.
FRISCO, Texas (July 20, 2026) - PGA of America Golf Professional Kelly Williams, General Manager of Greenbrier Golf & Country Club in Lexington, Ky., has achieved PGA Master Professional status, the highest education designation available within the Association.
One of more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals, Williams, a Member of the Kentucky PGA Section, is the 486th PGA of America Member to achieve the designation. He achieved his designation in Executive Management.
The PGA Master Professional program was established in 1969 to recognize PGA of America Members who make a significant effort to improve as Golf Professionals and maintain the highest degree of excellence for themselves and their facilities. The curriculum is designed to ensure Golf Professionals are prepared to meet the growing demands of the marketplace within the Executive Management, Golf Operations and Teaching and Coaching Designations.
The PGA Master Professional program is available to individuals with at least 10 years of PGA of America Membership, along with having achieved advanced certification through the PGA Specialized and Certified Professional Programs.
The curriculum includes an extensive project based on the specific certification previously acquired by the PGA of America Golf Professional. PGA Master Professional status is earned upon successful completion of the project’s presentation.
“Earning PGA Master Professional status is deeply meaningful because it represents a commitment to leadership, continuous improvement and the belief that there is always more to learn,” said Williams. “Throughout my career, I’ve challenged myself to keep growing as a leader and professional; this achievement is a reflection of that journey. I’m especially grateful to everyone at Greenbrier Golf & Country Club, whose support and encouragement over the years have made opportunities like this possible. Looking ahead, I’m excited to return to the Kentucky PGA Section, invest in mentorship opportunities at home and help inspire others to pursue their own professional goals. I’m honored to be part of this distinguished group, and I know this designation will continue to open doors I never imagined.”
Williams has served as the General Manager of Greenbrier Golf & Country Club in Lexington, Ky., since 2007. He has dedicated his entire career to Greenbrier, beginning as an Assistant Professional in 2001 while earning his PGA of America membership in 2007. Williams worked his way up to General Manager and is now in his 30th year with the facility.
A dedicated Member of the Kentucky PGA Section, Williams served as an Officer for the Section, including a two-year stint as President (2014-2015). Williams also served as the District 10 Director (2016-2019) on the PGA National Board of Directors and has served on many Section and National Committees.
A multi-award winner at both the national and section levels, Williams has been recognized by the Kentucky PGA Section with the PGA Professional Development Award in 2009 and 2011, Golf Professional of the Year in 2013, the Professional Development Award and Golf Executive of the Year in 2023. On the national level, Williams was named the PGA of America Golf Executive of the Year in 2024.
Williams resides in Georgetown, Ky., with his wife Lindsay and son Cameron.
About the PGA of America
The PGA of America is one of the world’s largest sports organizations, composed of more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals who love the game, are expert coaches, operators and business leaders, and work daily to drive interest, inclusion and participation in the sport. The PGA of America owns and operates numerous championships and events, including major championships for men, women, seniors and the Ryder Cup, one of the world’s foremost sporting events. For more information, visit PGA.com and follow us on X, Instagram and Facebook.
Media Contacts:
Jesse Dodson, PGA - PGA of America, jdodson@pgahq.com
Emily Tavares - PGA of America, etavares@pgahq.com