Editors: For photos of Ken Morton Sr., click here.

FRISCO, Texas (July 29, 2024) – PGA of America Hall of Fame member Ken Morton Sr. received the PGA of America Master Professional Lifetime Achievement Award Sunday at the Home of the PGA of America. Morton was recognized for his decorated career and extensive contributions to the Association.

This recognition honors PGA Master Professionals who exemplify the high standards of the Association’s highest educational qualification. The honor was presented by PGA of America Vice President Don Rea Jr., the Association’s newest PGA Master Professional, during the fourth annual PGA Master Professional Conference. More than 35 PGA Master Professionals from across the country gathered for the conference.

The Association currently consists of more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals. In the history of the Association, 447 have achieved Master Professional status; Morton was the 271st in July 2004.

Morton, a key figure in the development of the PGA of America’s educational curriculum and also known for his award-winning merchandising efforts, is the longtime head professional at Haggin Oaks Golf Complex and CEO of Morton Golf Management, a golf course management company that oversees all management aspects of four Sacramento Municipal Golf Facilities.

A member of the PGA of America since 1964, Morton became involved in the development and implementation of Association Education in 1978, initially as a faculty presenter. He was instrumental in the evolution and development of the Apprentice, Member, Certification and Master Professional programs.

“I can say with all my heart that my business career would not be what it is today without PGA Education,” said Morton. “Becoming a PGA Master Professional has truly had a dramatic impact on my career. It is an honor to be recognized, although I have found that the journey to earn the award is more meaningful than the award itself. The years I spent on the PGA faculty and involved in these programs gave me the opportunity to work with some of the most talented golf professionals in the country, which was reflected in what I did when I went to work every day.”

He began his career in the golf industry in 1951 as an 11-year-old caddy at Del Paso Country Club in Sacramento. He worked his way up to store clerk and in 1958 landed a job at Haggin Oaks as an assistant golf professional. He has been there for over 66 years.

“Ken is the ideal recipient of the PGA Master Professional Lifetime Achievement Award for his unparalleled dedication and tireless pursuit of excellence throughout his career,” said Rea, owner of Augusta Ranch Golf Club in Mesa, Arizona. “He is the consummate Master Professional. His contributions have not only elevated the Association’s programs, but his leadership has inspired countless individuals to become better PGA of America Golf Professionals. This honor embodies the profound impact Ken has had on the lives he has touched along the way and celebrates a career marked by integrity and unwavering dedication.”

Morton is a member of several hall of fames, including the PGA of America Hall of Fame (2005), the California Golf Hall of Fame (2015) and the Northern California PGA Section Hall of Fame (2019).

Notable awards Morton has received include the National Golf Foundation Herb Graffis Award (2022); PGA of America Youth Player Development Award (2002); PGA of America Golf Professional of the Year (1998); PGA of America Merchandiser of the Year, Public (1998, 1990); PGA of America Professional Development Award (1995); and many more industry awards from International Network of Golf (ING), Golf Digest, Golfweek And Sports Illustrated for his merchandising activities at Haggin Oaks GC.

He has made a significant impact on the Sacramento golf community as a founder of the Sacramento Area Youth Golf Association (1983); the First Tee of Greater Sacramento (1998); the Morton Golf Foundation (2010), a 501(c3) charity that provides financial support to golf organizations in need, as well as disability and youth programs in the Sacramento region; and as a co-founder of the Northern California PGA Foundation (2012).

As the fifth recipient of the PGA Master Professional Lifetime Achievement Award, Morton joins Arnold Palmer, who received the award posthumously in 2021, Gary Wiren (2022), Tom Addis (2022) and Norm Blandell (2023).

The 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 activities. The curriculum is designed to ensure that golf professionals are prepared to meet the growing demands of the marketplace within the Executive Management, Golf Operations, and Teaching and Coaching Designations.

The Master Professional Conference brings together Master Professionals to discuss proactive ways to mentor not only PGA of America Members looking to further their education and expertise, but also those interested in becoming a PGA of America Golf Professional. It also serves as an introductory event to this week’s PGA Buying & Education Summit at PGA Frisco.

About the PGA of America
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