Mike Schultz Named to the PGA of America's Hall of Fame

Minnesota

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. (Sept. 7, 2017) – Gary Player, Renee Powell, Mickey Wright and Lew Worsham, a foursome that impacted American and global golf, lead a class of seven inductees, including Mike Schultz of Tequesta, Fla., to be enshrined in the PGA of America Hall of Fame.

The 2017 class, to be honored Nov. 2, at the PGA’s 101st Annual Meeting in Austin, Texas, also features Joe Tesori of Dewitt, New York; and the late visionary golf administrator George Henry Schneiter, formerly of Salt Lake City.

Mike Schultz, just the second PGA Head Professional in the history of storied Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota, has shaped the careers of more than 40 aspiring PGA Professionals. In 2012, Schultz became the fourth Minnesota PGA Section Member to be named recipient of the PGA Golf Professional of the Year Award.

A native of Pittsburgh, who was raised in Houston, Schultz was introduced to the game by his father, a geologist in the oil industry. Schultz caddied for his father at Memorial Park Golf Course in Houston, where he developed his game, as well as across the city at Sharpstown Country Club. Schultz later attended the University of Texas. He saw his hopes for competing in baseball ended by being injured in an automobile accident.




"The PGA of America takes great pride in welcoming this exceptional class into the PGA Hall of Fame. They represent some of the most significant contributors to our Association and to the game of golf,” said PGA of America President Paul Levy. “This class captured many of the prize jewels of our sport; stood strong against social injustice; inspired junior players and future professionals; gave hope to military Veterans; and whose on-course success left an indelible mark in our sport. Their names will be inscribed among those who have made golf the greatest game.”
He turned his concentration to golf and attended South Texas Junior College for two years. He returned to the University of Texas and attempted to walk on to the Longhorns’ golf team before turning professional in 1970. Schultz competed in tours overseas before arriving in the Minneapolis area in 1971, at the encouragement of PGA Professional Bob Olds at Minnetonka Country Club. Schultz was elected to PGA membership in 1975, and would gain invaluable experience from Minnesota Golf Hall of Fame PGA Professionals Bill Kidd at Interlachen Country Club in Edina, and Joel Goldstrand at Minneapolis Golf Club.

In January 1976, Schultz succeeded Don Waryan as PGA Head Professional at Hazeltine National Golf Club. He was a member of the executive committee for three men’s major championships – the 1991 U.S. Open, and the 2002 and 2009 PGA Championships, along with the 1983 U.S. Senior Open, 1977 U.S. Women’s Open and the 2006 U.S. Amateur. Schultz combined his club duties while serving on the PGA Rules Committee from 1990 to 2002, a term that included officiating at multiple major championships and the Ryder Cup.

Schultz was the 1988 Section PGA Professional of the Year; and served nearly four decades on the Section Board of Directors, including Section president from 1986-87. Among his other honors included the 1991 Section Merchandiser of the Year; the 2002 Section Facility Promoter of the Year; and the 2006 Steve Weidner Award for Community Service. In 2009, Schultz was inducted into the Minnesota Golf Hall of Fame. Among the initiatives at Hazeltine National Golf Club under Schultz’s direction was developing a junior program in 1980 that twice earned Golf Digest’s No. 1 award, and involved more than 450 juniors.

When Schultz retired from Hazeltine National after the 2012 season, he and his wife, Diane, teamed with three business partners and friends to launch Four Under Golf Partners. The company develops and manages charitable golf events; and creates programs to ease access for youths, Veterans, seniors and the physically challenged. The company also is exploring the development of a summer camp for inner-city youth that features fun, golf, fishing and hiking. Schultz didn’t stop there, working with different partners to develop a national junior tour.

IN HIS OWN WORDS: “As PGA Professionals we continue to instill in young people how golf can impact their lives. For my wife, Diane, and I, our involvement with the game and with the PGA has created an extended family for us. Many of our friends from our 37 years at Hazeltine, our young professionals and outside operations staff, and PGA Professionals friends and headquarters staff have become our extended family. The quality of people and values learned through the game of golf are becoming rare, but are found here: It is a tribute to those that enjoy this wonderful profession.”

For the complete news release, click here.