Loveland, OH — The Southern Ohio PGA is proud to congratulate one of the newest members of the PGA of America in our section, Dean Carlson, PGA!

Congratulate Dean today via email at Dcarlson@heritagegolfgroup.com!

The SOPGA caught up with Dean to talk about his journey to becoming a member of the PGA of America, the influence of his family, and his goals for the future.

SOPGA: Who or what inspired you to get involved with the GAME of golf?

Dean Carlson, PGA: My grandparents, Rich and Elaine Carlson, inspired me to get involved with the game of golf. As far back as I can remember, my grandparents were taking me to the golf course and it quickly became a passion of mine at an early age.

SOPGA: Who or what inspired you to get involved with the BUSINESS of golf?

DC: Golf has given me several opportunities over the years to travel and enjoy time with friends and family, while providing me with the means to live the life I am blessed to live. Becoming a part of the business has already allowed me to give back to the game that I hold so dearly.

SOPGA: What are you most looking forward to pursuing now that you are a PGA of America Member?

DC: Now that I am a PGA of America Member, I look forward to pursuing the many opportunities that membership offers. Continuously learning from the best in our profession and being able to further enhance my philosophies as a PGA professional are things that I look to take advantage of.

SOPGA: What about the game makes you LOVE golf?

DC: The things that make me love golf stem from the on-course interactions that I have with other PGA professionals, friends, family members, and members at my club. There are not many sports that you can enjoy while learning from others and creating new friendships. The game continues to grow, and I am thankful to be able to make new relationships on the golf course with those that I come in contact with.

SOPGA: Have there been any mentors who have assisted your career along the way to PGA Membership that you would like to thank?

DC: There are several mentors who have assisted my career along the way to PGA membership that I would like to thank for guiding me along the way. This includes internship mentors:

  • Casey Brozek, PGA

  • Tim Drzewinski, PGA

  • James Lentino, PGA

  • Richard Webster, PGA

As well as the entire Eastern Kentucky University PGM staff both old and new, especially:

  • Tyler Caviness, PGA

  • Kim Kincer, PGA

  • Ross Lingenfelder, PGA

Each of these professionals played an integral role in my development as a PGA Professional and in earning my Class A Membership.