The North Florida PGA is honored to announce the North Florida PGA Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Inductees will be recognized at the North Florida PGA Celebration of Members on May 31 at Evermore Orlando Resort.

Duke Butler III, PGA
Duke Butler III has dedicated his life to the advancement of golf through leadership, service, and volunteerism at both the national and local levels. A former standout at Texas A&M and PGA TOUR professional, Butler served as Executive Director of the Houston Golf Association and Tournament Director of the Houston Open for more than a decade, where he helped elevate one of the TOUR’s premier events while expanding its charitable reach. He later joined the PGA TOUR, rising to Senior Vice President, where he played a key role in tournament operations and contributed to initiatives that generated significant charitable impact across the country.

Since relocating to North Florida, Butler has become a highly influential leader within the regional golf community. As President of the Jacksonville Area Golf Association, he has helped strengthen the organization’s role in promoting and supporting the game at all levels. His leadership has led to the creation and growth of several impactful local initiatives, including junior golf instruction programs, high school competitions, and family-focused events designed to increase participation and accessibility.

In recognition of his commitment to growing the game, Butler was honored with the PGA of America’s National Junior Golf Leader Award in 1990.

Butler remains deeply engaged at the grassroots level, volunteering his time to mentor junior golfers, support aspiring collegiate players, and provide instruction through community-based programs. His ability to combine visionary leadership with hands-on involvement has made a lasting impact on the North Florida PGA Section and the broader golf community. His lifelong commitment to service, player development, and charitable giving continues to shape and strengthen the game for future generations.

John Hughes, MPGA
John Hughes, PGA Master Professional, and North Florida PGA Past President, has devoted more than 25 years to advancing the game of golf through education, mentorship, and leadership, leaving a lasting impact on the North Florida PGA. One of the Section’s most dedicated volunteer leaders, Hughes has been an impactful leader within the Section, serving in numerous roles at both the Chapter and Section levels, including long-standing service on the North Florida PGA Board of Directors and leadership roles across education, finance, and governance.

In 2013, he was honored with the PGA of America’s National Professional Development Award, recognizing his contributions to education, mentorship, and the advancement of PGA Professionals.

A driving force behind professional development within the Section, Hughes founded and led the North Florida PGA Teaching and Coaching Summit, which has become a valuable and enduring educational program across the Section. Through this initiative and his broader service, he has helped elevate standards for instruction and created meaningful opportunities for PGA Professionals to grow and develop throughout their careers.

Hughes’ commitment to mentorship has directly influenced more than 100 PGA Professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, learning, and service within the Section. In addition to his leadership and volunteerism, he has built a distinguished career as an instructor and coach. As CEO of John Hughes Golf at Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate, he delivers thousands of hours of instruction annually while mentoring fellow professionals and producing educational content that reaches a global audience.

His sustained contributions to education, mentorship, and leadership continue to strengthen the North Florida PGA and reflect a career defined by service to both the profession and the game.

William (Bill) Hughes, MPGA
William (Bill) Hughes, a PGA Master Professional, has built a distinguished career in golf operations and club management spanning more than four decades, including a significant and lasting impact within the North Florida PGA Section. After beginning his career as a Head Golf Professional and club owner in Ohio, Hughes joined the PGA TOUR’s TPC Network, where he held leadership positions at several premier facilities nationwide. His tenure culminated with his role as General Manager and Chief Operating Officer of TPC Sawgrass, one of the most recognized venues in golf.

During his time at TPC Sawgrass, Hughes oversaw transformative capital projects, including the completion of the clubhouse and extensive renovations to both championship courses, while also directing operations for THE PLAYERS Championship. His leadership helped further establish the facility’s global reputation and reinforced North Florida’s position as a premier destination for the game.

Beyond his operational leadership, Hughes has made meaningful contributions to the Section through mentorship, professional development, and community engagement. He has guided and influenced numerous PGA Professionals throughout his career, while also supporting a wide range of charitable initiatives and local organizations. His continued leadership, most recently serving as General Manager and COO of Glenn Kernan Club in Jacksonville, established the club as one of the nation’s most refined golf and lifestyle communities.  

In 2015, Hughes received the PGA of America’s National Bill Strausbaugh Award, recognizing his outstanding commitment to mentoring PGA Professionals and supporting their career development.

Hughes currently resides in Bluffton, SC and is a Member of the Carolinas Section.

About the North Florida PGA Hall of Fame

The North Florida PGA Hall of Fame was established in 1991 to honor outstanding North Florida PGA Members who have made a significant impact on the game and business of golf within the Section. This distinguished group of PGA of America Professionals includes leaders, players, coaches, and promoters of the game. Since its inception, the North Florida PGA has inducted individuals whose contributions have meaningfully advanced the sport. Hall of Fame Members exemplify the values of the game, demonstrate a lifelong commitment to its growth, and have established a lasting legacy through their achievements. 

 

Visit (https://nfpga.com/hall-of-fame/) to learn more.