Jeff Adkerson receives prestigious PGA distinction

Jeff Adkerson, director of Mississippi State’s PGA Golf Management program, is receiving a distinguished recognition from golf’s leading organization.

Adkerson has completed the requirements to become a Professional Golfers’ Association Master Professional in Golf Operations. The MSU alumnus is one of approximately 350 people to earn the distinction since the PGA Master Professional program’s inception in 1969.

In a recent letter to the university, PGA of America President Paul Levy commended Adkerson for achieving the organization’s highest designation.

“The PGA Master Professional Program was established in 1969 to recognize PGA Professionals who make a significant effort to improve themselves as golf professionals and maintain the highest degree of excellence for themselves and their operations,” Levy said. “Jeff has recognized the importance of striving for excellence with the golf industry by successfully completing this highest degree of excellence.”

Adkerson joined the MSU College of Business’ PGA Golf Management program in 2003 and became the program’s director in 2007. He graduated from the PGA Golf Management program in 1999 and received an MBA from MSU in 2005. He currently serves as president of the Gulf States PGA and was named Mississippi Golf Professional of the Year in 2009 and 2011.

“We are very proud of Jeff for this outstanding accomplishment,” College of Business Dean Sharon Oswald said. “This recognition is the highest degree of excellence awarded by the PGA of America for a golf professional. Not only is this a great honor for Jeff personally, but it is an honor for Mississippi State University to have someone of Jeff’s caliber leading its professional golf management program. Jeff’s leadership and mentorship of our students has made MSU’s PGA Golf Management program one of the premier programs in the country.”

To receive the Master Professional designation, golf professionals must have at least eight years as a PGA member, must be certified by the PGA in their area of mastery and complete a written project, among other requirements.

“It is a tremendous honor to have earned this designation, and I hope in doing so I have inspired alumni and current students of the Mississippi State University PGA Golf Management program to continue to elevate their knowledge and expertise in the golf industry,” Adkerson said.

MSU’s PGA Golf Management program is the second oldest program sanctioned by the PGA in the country and boasts 100 percent job placement among its graduates. Adkerson is one of five program alumni who have earned the PGA Master Professional designation. For more on MSU’s PGA Golf Management program, visit www.msupgm.com.