Steve Parker, a 26-year PGA Member and the PGA Director of Golf at Portage Country Club in Akron, Ohio, has joined the PGA Board of Directors as District 5 Director for the PGA of America. He was elected at the 106th PGA Annual Meeting, held in Phoenix, Arizona.
Parker will serve a three-year term, representing the Michigan, Northern Ohio and Southern Ohio PGA Sections.
The current Honorary President of the Northern Ohio PGA, Parker has served on the Section’s Board of Directors and as an Officer and on several committees since 2007. Previously, as a Member of the Western New York PGA Section, Parker served on its Board from 2013-2014.
“It’s truly a privilege to serve alongside such a distinguished group of mentors and leaders on the PGA Board of Directors,” said newly elected PGA President John Lindert. “These passionate PGA Members volunteer their time and share a common goal of working tirelessly to elevate our profession, and ensure the game of golf is well positioned for future growth and success.”
A decorated PGA Member, Parker is a two-time recipient of the Northern Ohio PGA Teacher of the Year Award (2009, 2011) and was named the Section’s Horton Smith Award Winner in 2010 (now known as the PGA Professional Development Award). He was named one of Golf Digest’s Best Teachers in the State of Ohio for 2021. He is also an accomplished player, highlighted by serving as a six-time Northern Ohio Cup Team Member and a five-time qualifier for the PGA Professional National Championship.
Parker is an acclaimed teacher and coach, having held leadership roles at several prestigious golf facilities including: PGA Director of Instruction at Firestone Country Club, in Akron, Ohio, from 2006-2011; Head Golf Professional at Wanakah Country Club in Buffalo, New York, from 2011-2015; and a return to Firestone as Head Golf Professional from 2015-2016, before assuming his current position at Portage Country Club. The former Men’s Golf Coach at the University of Akron from 1999-2006, he also served as Executive Director of The First Tee of Akron from 2006-2011.
“I am honored to be a PGA Member, and it is a privilege to serve on the PGA Board of Directors representing District 5,” said Parker. “I look forward to representing my fellow PGA Members during the next three years and helping to drive the Association to new heights.”
The PGA of America Board of Directors is composed of the President, Vice President, Secretary and 19 Directors who establish Association policy. The Directors include representatives from each of the PGA’s 14 Districts, three Independent Directors, an At-Large Member Director and a Player Director, who is a member of the PGA TOUR.
A 1990 graduate of Kent State University with a Bachelor’s in Finance, where he played on the Men’s Golf Team and was a two-time All-MAC Selection, Parker resides in Akron, with his wife Diane, and has three children, Cole (Lindsay), Cory and Chase.
