Tom Wildenhaus to be Inducted into Jackson Golf Hall of Fame

Tom Wildenhaus.  Photo courtesy PGA of America,  South Florida.

(August 17, 2024 9:00 AM ET) The Jackson Golf Hall of Fame today announced that Tom Wildenhaus, whose service to the game of golf has earned him numerous accolades, is this year’s inductee into the Jackson Golf Hall of Fame.

Wildenhaus will become the 72nd member of the Hall of Fame when he is inducted in ceremonies at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 15 at Sharp Park Golf Course. The public is invited to the induction ceremony at no charge.

“Tom Wildenhaus’ love of golf was fostered in Jackson, and he has devoted his career to spreading that love of the game as a PGA professional,” Hall of Fame committee chair Elaine Crosby said. “His numerous awards point to the tremendous impact he has had on golfers and on growing the game. His work exemplifies the spirit of the Jackson Golf Hall of Fame.”

A Jackson native who graduated from Lumen Christi High School in 1982, Wildenhaus became a PGA member in 1990 and earned the PGA’s Master Professional designation this year. He has spent the majority of his career at Olde Florida Golf Club in Naples, Fla., where he has been the director of golf and club manager for 26 years.

His list of accomplishments was highlighted in 2021 when the PGA of America named him its Golf Professional of the Year. Wildenhaus previously had been honored by the South Florida PGA with its Horton Smith Award (1996 and 1998), Golf Professional of the Year (2007 and 2016), Bill Strausbaugh Award (2008) and Hall of Fame induction (2011).

Wildenhaus has served on numerous boards and committees for the PGA of America, the South Florida Section and the Southwest Chapter, including serving as president of both the section and the chapter. He is also in his 14^th year as president of the South Florida PGA Foundation, a charitable organization whose mission is “giving back, changing lives and growing the game.”

Wildenhaus has served on the advisory board for the professional golf management program at Florida Gulf Coast University for 25 years, has been the First Tee of Naples/Collier tournament coordinator for 10 years, and was on the leadership advisory council at Titleist for four years.