Michael Haywood, PGA
Chairman

PGA Professional Michael Haywood is Chairman of the Southwest Section PGA Foundation. As Chair he is accompanied by a talented group of PGA professionals and Executive Director, Michael Miller. A 34-year veteran of the golf industry Michael has spent 32 of those years in Private Club operations most recently as the Director of Golf at Tucson Country Club for 21 of his 27 years at the Club. Currently he is the Director of Instruction for his own Coaching & Performance entity The Player’s Institute.

Michael is the only PGA professional in Southwest Section PGA history to have served in every leadership position within the Section. Southern Chapter, Southwest Section PGA President (2005-2007), Southwest Section PGA President (2011-2013), Member of the PGA of America National Board of Directors (2010-2013), Chairman of the Board of Inquiry (2013-2015), Chairman, Southwest Section PGA Hall of Fame Committee (2008-2016), Chairman, Southwest Section PGA Foundation (2019-Present). Having served on a vast number of Chapter, Section & National Committees, Michael is a veteran of PGA of America governance as well as serving on a number of industry and community Board of Directors across the country. Michael’s family lineage spans 4 generations of military service having served his country while in the United States Army as a soldier within the 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. As a computer programmer/operator Michael deployed to a variety of regions throughout the world. A recipient of the United States Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and Air Assault Badge, Michael was honorably discharged from active duty service in 1987.

His passion continues with his volunteer service and efforts for a number of charitable and philanthropic organizations such as Team Rubicon, Beads of Courage, Folds of Honor and more... Michael’s instruction, coaching and performance programs have reached a vast number of students and players of all skill levels. Having coached at the PGA Tour, LPGA Tour and Champions Tour level, Michael has been acknowledged for his instruction as a past Southern Chapter, Southwest Section PGA Teacher of the Year, 3-time PING Regional Club Fitter of the Year, 2-Time Golf Digest Best in State (Arizona) Instructor, 4-Time Golf Range Association of America Top 50 Growth of the Game Professional, Southern Chapter, Southwest Section PGA Player Development Award Winner.

His peers have bestowed upon him a variety of acknowledgements and awards that include being a 2-time Southwest Section PGA Professional of the Year, 3-time Southern Chapter, Southwest Section PGA Professional of the Year, 2-time Southwest Section PGA Horton Smith Award, 2-time Southern Chapter, Southwest Section PGA Patriot Award, and the 2020 Southwest Section PGA Patriot Award recipient. Michael’s endearing passion to improve the lives of our PGA professionals, our community and military veterans throughout the country and world at-large is inscribed within all of his work with 3 simple words....COURAGE - STRENGTH - HOPE! “It is the COURAGE within that bestows the STRENGTH necessary to deliver HOPE to all we are privileged to meet in our lives.”