Local PGA Professional Honored by PGA of America With National Award

PGA Master Professional John Hughes of Haines City, Fla., who followed a dream to coach and teach, and became both a Section and national education contributor, has been named the recipient of the 2013 Horton Smith Award.

Hughes, 50, is the national director of instruction for Golf Digest Schools in Orlando, Fla., and is the third member of the North Florida PGA Section to receive the Horton Smith Award, which was established in 1965 for outstanding contributions to professional education. The award is named for the late Past PGA President and inaugural Masters Champion.

Hughes will be honored during The PGA of America Awards ceremony Jan. 22, 2014, during the 61st PGA Merchandise Show at the Orange County Convention Center’s Chapin Theater in Orlando, Fla.