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Contact: James Carskadon

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Jeff Adkerson, director of Mississippi State’s PGA Golf Management program, is the 2017 recipient of the Professional Golfers’ Association National Horton Smith Award. The honor recognizes golf professionals for outstanding and continuing contributions to professional education.

Adkerson will be recognized during an awards ceremony in conjunction with the 101st PGA of America Annual Meeting this November. The two-time ������ alumnus has received the Gulf States PGA’s Horton Smith Award four times.

“It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by the PGA of America as the National Horton Smith Award recipient,” Adkerson said. “Supporting PGA Professionals and those aspiring to become PGA members through education only grows our profession and the game of golf. Professionally, there is no greater reward than seeing our students achieve the goals they have established in their careers. To think I may have played a small part in their development and growth is a true honor.”

Earlier this year, Adkerson became one of approximately 350 people since 1969 to earn the PGA’s Master Professional in Golf Operations distinction, given to PGA Professionals that demonstrate the highest degree of excellence. Adkerson joined the ������ College of Business’ PGA Golf Management program in 2003 and became the program’s director in 2007. He currently serves as president of the Gulf States PGA and was named Mississippi Golf Professional of the Year in 2009 and 2011.

������’s PGA Golf Management program, housed in the university’s College of Business, is the second oldest program sanctioned by the PGA in the country and boasts 100 percent job placement among its graduates. Adkerson is the second graduate of ������’s PGA Golf Management program to receive a national PGA award. Alumnus Rod Perry was named PGA Professional Player of the Year in 2012 and 2013. For more on ������’s PGA Golf Management program, visit .

The PGA of America is the world's largest sports organization, comprised of 28,000 men and women golf professionals who are the recognized experts in teaching and growing the game. Founded in 1916, the PGA of America has enhanced its leadership position by conducting premier spectator events – PGA Championship, Ryder Cup, Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid and KPMG Women's PGA Championship – as well as significant philanthropic outreach initiatives and award-winning golf promotions.

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