Copyright Athlon Sports
This week, at the Omni PGA Frisco Resort in Frisco, Texas, the 109th PGA Annual Meeting will be held. On Wednesday, the 5th, the recently announced PGA of America 2025 Hall of Fame Class will be honored for their impacts on golf in all its forms. This year’s class includes a past PGA president, two esteemed golf professionals, a groundbreaking PGA coach, an LPGA Tour legend, and one of golf’s greatest ambassadors. PGA Past President: Example in Leadership Jim Richerson Jim Richerson oversaw record growth during his time as PGA of America President. His work has been recognized through multiple Wisconsin PGA awards. Richerson’s selection in the Past President category reflects his substantial influence on the organization’s trajectory. Golf Professionals: Masters of Their Craft Ronny Glanton Ronny Glanton joined the PGA of America in 1984 and has become a fixture in Texas golf. The head professional at Sherrill Park Golf Course in Richardson has won Northern Texas PGA Golf Professional of the Year honors three times. He’s claimed multiple NTPGA Major Championships and played a key role in the PGA’s relocation to Frisco, helping establish the organization’s new headquarters in North Texas. Four decades of commitment to the game in the Lone Star State have earned him this recognition. J.D. Turner J.D. Turner dominated Iowa golf for years. The Iowa PGA Section member and former head professional won five Iowa Open Championships, establishing himself as one of the state’s best competitive players. Turner was inducted into the Iowa PGA Hall of Fame in 1995. Now he receives national recognition with his selection to the PGA of America Hall of Fame. Those five Iowa Open titles represent sustained excellence at the highest level of competition in the Hawkeye State. PGA Coach: Groundbreaker and Mentor Jim McLean Jim McLean built his reputation as one of golf’s premier instructors after founding the Jim McLean Golf School at Doral. A PGA Master Professional, McLean has taught more than 100 professionals competing on the PGA, LPGA, and Champions Tours. He has written 15 books on instruction, sharing his thoughts, methodology and teaching philosophy to players around the world. His influence on both tour-level players and the average golfer has made him a widely recognized figure in golf education. Nancy Lopez Nancy Lopez compiled one of the most impressive resumes in women’s golf. The LPGA Tour legend and World Golf Hall of Fame member won 48 LPGA Tour events, including three major championships, during her playing career. Lopez combined exceptional talent with a charisma that made her one of golf’s most popular figures. Her impact went beyond tournament wins. She became an ambassador for women’s golf and inspired countless young players. This induction adds another honor to an already remarkable career. Ambassador of the Game: Inspiring Golfers Worldwide Dennis Walters Dennis Walters refused to abandon golf after a 1974 accident left him paralyzed from the waist down. Instead, he became an adaptive trick-shot artist and eventually a PGA of America Honorary Member. For decades, Walters has performed his golf show across the country, demonstrating considerable skill while showing golfers of all abilities what’s possible. His performances and attitude have inspired thousands. Walters’ selection in the Ambassador category recognizes his unique contribution to promoting accessibility in golf. A Personal Perspective As a proud PGA member for nearly 20 years, I always look forward to the exciting announcement of each year’s Hall of Fame class. In 2017, when the PGA of America held our Annual Meeting and Awards in Austin, Texas, I was thrilled to receive that year’s National Youth Player Development Award. That was an unforgettable milestone in my career. Being on hand that year allowed me to attend the Hall of Fame induction ceremony, which is held in conjunction with the National awards. That was my first Hall of Fame ceremony, and I have to tell you, it was a truly inspirational experience, one that profoundly deepened my appreciation for what it means to be a PGA Professional. Within this year’s class, I’ve had the pleasure of spending time with two of the inductees: Jim McLean and Dennis Walters. These two men, along with the rest of the class of 2025, are shining examples of excellence in golf. A Celebration of Excellence The 2025 PGA of America Hall of Fame Class represents different paths to impact in golf, leadership and instruction, competitive success and inspirational advocacy. Each inductee has left a distinct legacy. The ceremony at the Omni PGA Frisco Resort will honor not just individual accomplishments but the values these six people represent: dedication, excellence, innovation, and service to golf. As the PGA of America continues forward, these inductees demonstrate what a life committed to the game can achieve.
