DAYTON, OH — The Southern Ohio PGA is proud to congratulate the newest member of the PGA of America in our section, Dakota McClain, PGA! Dakota was elected to membership in 2026 and is an Assistant Professional at Worthington Hills Country Club in Columbus.
Say hello to Dakota today via his email: dmcclain@worthingtonhills.com
The SOPGA caught up with Dakota to talk about his journey to becoming a member of the PGA of America.
SOPGA: Who or what inspired you to get involved with the GAME of golf?
Dakota McClain, PGA: I played every sport growing up and was wanting to try something new. My neighbor (Mike Bryant) was packing his golf clubs to go to a local league in my town and I wanted to try golf and go out for the team my freshman year. I spent weeks preparing for golf with him teaching me everything I know. He was the one that made me love the game. Even though I was struggling at first, I knew that what he was teaching me was more than a sport. He taught me how to be respectful to the game and this game will be one that will help control your emotions and how to be a better human being. As soon as you experience the “Golf Fever” you are hooked for life.
SOPGA: Who or what inspired you to get involved with the BUSINESS of golf?
DM: I realized my senior year of college that I wanted to get into the golf business. If I am able to make an impact on a junior or an adult to take them away from the outside world for a round of golf or even a 30 min practice session, that is all that I want. Golf has made me a better person on and off the golf course and I want that for anyone that is looking for change in their life.
SOPGA: What are you most looking forward to pursuing now that you are a PGA of America Member?
DM: I can’t wait to share what I have learned about golf and what it has done in my life that has made me a better person. I want to be the best at what I do and inspire those that are trying to join membership. I hope to give them the knowledge and passion that I have experienced in my time of being a part of golf.
SOPGA: What about the game makes you LOVE golf?
DM: I love the unknown of what is going to happen when you step foot on the golf course. You can practice so much and when you step out on the golf course your mind goes foggy. It’s an exciting feeling as you are fighting against yourself and also the golf course. You play a different field everyday and see beautiful golf courses. You can play this game alone or with people you don’t know and will always come out with a new friend. Thats why I love this game.
SOPGA: Have there been any mentors who have assisted your career along the way to PGA Membership that you would like to thank?
DM: I want to thank Justin Van Heukelom and my team at Worthington Hills Country Club. They have helped me get through the program and paved a path for me to get where I would like to go and what I inspire to be.