Norm Blandel, PGA Master Professional, was recently honored by the PGA of America as the recipient of the 2023 PGA Master Professional Lifetime Achievement Award. The award was presented to Blandel at the 2023 PGA Master Professional Summit in Frisco, Texas.
Blandel has been a PGA Member for over 40 years and has served in a variety of roles throughout his career. He is a past president of the Oregon PGA Chapter and has been a member of the PGA Master Professional Program since 1996. Blandel is also a strong advocate for PGA HOPE, a program that provides golf instruction and access to the game for people with disabilities.
In his acceptance speech, Blandel thanked his wife, family, and colleagues for their support throughout his career. He also spoke about his passion for golf and his commitment to growing the game.
“We have two objectives: to grow the game and serve the Member. This group and the PGA of America can do it better than anyone can imagine,” said Blandel.
To see the 2023 Master Professional Summit event program, click here.
Read more about the 2023 PGA Master Professional Summit
The PGA Master Professional Program
The PGA Master Professional program was established in 1969 to recognize PGA Members who put forth significant efforts to improve themselves as golf professionals and maintain the utmost degree of excellence for both their personal skills and operational endeavors. The program is meticulously crafted to ensure that PGA Professionals are well-equipped to meet the escalating demands of the marketplace across the Executive Management, Golf Operations, and Teaching and Coaching Designations.
Throughout its history, the PGA of America has seen a total of 438 individuals attain the esteemed title of Master Professional. This designation stands as the pinnacle of educational achievement for a PGA Member. Current Master Professionals in the PNWPGA Section include: Norman G. Blandel, Jeffery Ellison, Dan Hill, James Hofmeister, Gerald Mowlds, Chuck Notestone, Matt Pinter, Grant Rogers, Jeff Simonds, Christopher Smith, John Wells, Charles West, and Steven Wickliffe.
About Norm Blandel
Before becoming a PGA Professional, Blandel served honorably in the United States Marine Corps and then as a Los Angeles Police Officer. In 1974, his career path changed when receiving golf clubs for Christmas. He became a PGA Member in 1982, and then a Master Professional in 1996, the 174th person to do so.
“We all have a journey, and I wouldn’t trade mine for anyone else, it’s been a dream come true. I’m just so grateful for all the relationships and friendships I’ve made in the 47 years as a PGA Member,” Blandel said.
Learn more about Norm’s PGA journey here.
History of the PGA Master Professional Leadership Summit
In 2019-2020, Co-Chairmen Norm Blandel (PNWPGA Section) and Frank Laber (Mid-Atlantic Section) created and developed the PGA Master Professional Leadership Summit. The summit was cancelled in both 2019 and 2020 due to COVID-19.
In 2021, the first inaugural PGA Master Professional Leadership Summit was held at PGA West. The event honored the legendary Mr. Arnold Palmer as the first Legacy Honoree (posthumously).
“Mr. Palmer was a personal mentor and friend to me throughout my career,” said Norm Blandel.
The second annual PGA Master Professional Leadership Summit was held in 2022, during the week of The PGA of America Annual Meeting, in Scottsdale, Arizona. The event was held at Grayhawk Golf Club and honored Co-Legacy Honorees Dr. Gary Wiren and Mr. Tom Addis III.
More on the PGA Master Professional Program
The PGA Master Professional Program is available to any PGA Professional with at least 10 years of PGA Membership and has achieved advanced certification through the PGA Certified Professional Program. The curriculum includes an extensive project based on the specific certification previously acquired by the PGA Professional. PGA Master Professional status is earned upon successful completion of the presentation.
If you are a PGA Member interested in the PGA Master Professional Program, click here.