Lori Van Sickle, PGA Certified Master Professional
DuPont Country Club - Rockland, Delaware

Lori Van Sickle, head professional at DuPont Country Club in Rockland,
DE, is The PGA of America's first member to achieve Certified Master
Professional status. 

A PGA member since 1993, she is the first to complete PGA Specialty
Certification in four areas: General Management, Golf Operations,
Teaching and Tournament Operations. In addition to earning certification
in four areas, PGA Certified Master Professionals must accrue at least
12 years of combined education and/or experience. 

Van Sickle, 39, completed her written and oral examinations in General Management this past October. "The initial result of the work is increased credibility. Having been certified in four different areas demonstrates a diverse level of expertise," said Van Sickle, the mother of two daughters, 10 and 7. "I hope that the body of work sets me up to expand my role in the profession. I have a strong desire to be a facility general manager." 

PGA of America President Jack Connelly applauded Van Sickle's efforts. "The PGA of America is proud that Lori Van Sickle has achieved the distinction of being our first PGA Certified Master Professional," Connelly said. "Lori's enthusiasm and desire for achieving goals is an example of the type of PGA Professional we are proud to have in our membership. We join her friends and family in saluting her for her outstanding record of achievement and for helping advance the goals of PGA Certification." 

Van Sickle has been the recipient of what she called overwhelming support from both her husband, Michael, who manages the DuPont Country Club golf shop, and from club members and fellow PGA Professionals from throughout the country.

"It certainly makes me feel good to be recognized by my peers. Many of my fellow PGA Professionals ask me where I find the time to do all this additional work. I certainly sacrificed many hours of personal time with my family and friends," she said. "The club members have expressed that they respect me for the hours of dedication I put into developing myself as a PGA Professional." 

Van Sickle said her drive to improve hasn't ended with the conclusion of her PGA Certification. "I have that kind of personality that I am always looking to better myself," she said. "I want to continue with two more specialty certification projects. I plan to expand my knowledge base. 

"I have a thirst for knowledge. I was not a dedicated student in high school or college. I did not have a focus on a profession. But once I get hooked on something, I want to be the best at it. That is what happened to me with golf. I was hooked as a player. When that ended, I became passionate about teaching and the business."