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PGA of America golf professional David Bennett earns PGA Master Professional designation

PGA Master Professional is the Association's highest educational designation

Editors:
For photos of David Bennett, click here.

FRISCO, Texas (August 5, 2026) - The PGA of America has announced David Bennett, Co-Founder of Bennett Golf Group in Mount Pleasant, S.C., and Chief Operating Officer of the Hill Club, 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, Bennett is the 487th PGA Member to achieve the designation. He achieved his designation in Executive Management.

"It's not just about playing the game; it's about education and pushing the limits to maximize your profession. I think anyone in any industry should strive for that," said Bennett. "I am extremely grateful for this career and owe it to my family. Being a Master Professional is not just about my achievements, but about the support and sacrifices of those around me. I’m fortunate to have had such a meaningful journey in the golf industry.”

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.

Bennett, a member of the Carolinas PGA Section, has been a PGA Professional since 2005, soon after graduating with a degree in Business Administration from University of North Florida. He spent the majority of his early career within the New England PGA Section, serving as Head Professional at Stowe Country Club in Stowe, Vt., and later returning to the region as General Manager of the Country Club of Vermont in Waterbury, Vt., from 2016-24. In 2024, Bennett was the General Manager at Cabot Citrus Farms in Brooksville, Fla. His career also includes international experience as Residence Manager at Capella Pedregal in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, from 2010-11.

Bennett, alongside his wife Amy, established the Bennett Golf Group in December 2025, a consulting entity through which he leverages his more than two decades of expertise in golf operations and course development. Bennett Golf Group is currently developing a golf course in Florida called The Hill Club. Upon completion, Bennett will assume the role of Chief Operating Officer and General Manager, overseeing the club’s entire operation.

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:
Nicole Mayberry, PGA of America, nmayberry@pgahq.com
Jared Minski, Mastro Communications, jared@mastrocomm.com


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