(Fairborn, OH) – The Southern Ohio PGA and our Hall of Fame Committee are thrilled to announce the 2024 Hall of Fame class; Gary Dixon, PGA; Cory George, PGA; and Don Sargent, PGA. Additionally, Larry Dornisch, PGA, has been named the Legacy Award Winner and Jackie Hutchins has been named the Lifetime Achievement Award winner.
“We’re excited to honor all three of these PGA of America Professionals into the Southern Ohio PGA Hall of Fame,” noted Southern Ohio PGA Honorary President and Committee Chair Pat Bernot, PGA. “All three inductees as well as our two award winners have made a significant impact on the game and our members in their own way.”
The Southern Ohio PGA Hall of Fame elected its first class in 1997 to honor and recognize individuals who through their lives, careers, service and support have made significant and enduring contributions to the Southern Ohio PGA. It is the highest honor that the Southern Ohio PGA bestows upon its membership. Honorees are selected by a committee made up of all past inductees as well as past presidents of the Southern Ohio PGA.
Gary Dixon, PGA, served as the Head Professional at Athens Country Club for nearly twenty years before moving on to serve as the Head Professional at Delaware Golf Club and New Albany Links Golf Course in the Columbus area. Dixon also served the Southern Ohio PGA as a board member and office, culminating in his term as SOPGA President from 2003 to 2005.
Cory George, PGA, was the longtime owner and Head Professional at Valley View Golf Course in Lancaster, OH. A strong competitor, Cory claimed the Southern Ohio PGA Professional Championship in 1998 and played in 17 PGA Professional National Championships. George competed in the 2009 Senior PGA Championship held at Canterbury in Cleveland, OH.
Don Sargent, the Director of Instruction at Scioto Country Club, is one of the most highly regarded instructors in the history of the Southern Ohio PGA. Sargent has earned the Teacher & Coach of the Year award a record five times (2008, 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2021) as well as being recognized as the best instructor in the state by many national publications.
The Legacy Award, which goes to a member who has shown exemplary devotion and commitment to enhancing the well-being of the Southern Ohio PGA, will be given to longtime Muirfield Village Head Professional Larry Dornisch, PGA. Dornisch was honored with multiple SOPGA Awards; Private Club Merchandiser of the Year (2001 and 2012); Bill Strausbaugh Award (2016) and Golf Professional of the Year Award (2015). He also earned the PGA of America’s Bill Strausbaugh Award in 2020.
The Lifetime Achievement Award, which goes to those who have greatly contributed to the game of golf in the Southern Ohio Section PGA, will be given to Jackie Hutchins. Hutchins is a longtime Sales Rep in Southern Ohio who not only supported PGA of America Golf Professionals through her work but also through volunteering at countless Chapter and Section tournaments over the years.
The Hall of Fame inductees and Award winners will be recognized on Friday, November 22, 2024 during the SOPGA Awards Dinner to be hosted at Pinnacle Golf Club.
More information will be shared about all of the honorees in the coming months.