Suzy Whaley, Derek Gutierrez, Barry Howard,
Rob Elliott and Eric Eshleman
Photos Provided By: Hailey Garrett/Montana Pritchard/PGA of America
Write-Up Provided by the PGA of America
MILWAUKEE, Wis. (Nov. 4, 2021) – Hometown Milwaukee-area resident Rob Elliott, PGA, was among four PGA Members elected to three-year terms on the PGA of America Board of Directors today during the 105th PGA Annual Meeting at the Wisconsin Center. Joining Elliott as new Board Members are Eric Eshleman, PGA of Birmingham, Alabama; Derek Gutierrez, PGA, of Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico; and Barry Howard, PGA of Hot Springs, Arkansas.
In addition, the Board renewed the term of Andrea Smith as an Independent Director through 2024. Smith is the Chief Administrative Officer of Bank of America in Charlotte, North Carolina. She has served as an Independent Director on the PGA Board of Directors since 2018.
The PGA Board of Directors is composed of the Association’s President, Vice President, Secretary and 19 Directors. The Directors include representatives from each of the PGA’s 14 Districts, an At-Large Director, three Independent Directors and a member of the PGA Tour. New District Directors are elected by their local PGA Sections.
“The PGA of America is led by some of the world’s most talented PGA Members, who are elected by their peers and volunteer their time to serve on the PGA Board of Directors,” said PGA President Jim Richerson. “It is an honor to serve alongside these highly respected leaders, whose knowledge, insight and expertise will help direct and guide our Association as we elevate the standards of our profession and the game of golf.”
District 3: Eric Eshleman, PGA – Country Club of Birmingham – Birmingham, Ala.
Alabama-NW Florida, Gulf States and Tennessee PGA Sections
District 6: Rob Elliott, PGA – Rob Elliott Golf Academy – Pewaukee, Wis.
Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin PGA Sections
District 7: Barry Howard, PGA – Hot Springs Country Club – Hot Springs, Ark
Gateway, Midwest and South Central PGA Sections
District 12: Derek Gutierrez, PGA – Santa Ana Golf Club – Santa Ana Pueblo, N.M.
Northern Texas, Southern Texas and Sun Country PGA Sections
Independent: Andrea Smith – Bank of America – Charlotte, N.C.
(3-year term renewed)
District 6 Director Bio – Rob Elliott, PGA, Founder and Teacher of the Rob Elliott Golf Academy in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, began working in the golf industry as a sales professional before pursuing his dream of becoming a PGA Professional and earning PGA Membership in 1993. He served as a Teaching Professional at Missing Links Golf Course & Driving Range and Assistant PGA Professional at Dretzka Park (a Milwaukee County Course) before moving to Oconomowoc Golf Club, where he eventually ascended to PGA Head Golf Professional. In 2017, he created the Rob Elliott Golf Academy, offering year-round lessons at his indoor studio. Elliott has been an active member of the Wisconsin PGA Section for 25 years while serving as chair of five committees. His passion for governance and volunteerism led him to serve as a Section Officer, including as Section President from 2013-2015. In 2020, Elliott was honored by the Section with the Player Development Award for his contributions toward professional education. Elliott will represent the Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin PGA Sections.