Ken Morton Sr., a PGA of America Hall of Fame Member, was honored with the PGA of America Master Professional Lifetime Achievement Award at the PGA of America's headquarters in Frisco, Texas. The accolade celebrates his award-winning career and significant contributions to the association.
The award recognizes PGA master professionals who embody the highest educational standards within the association. It was presented by PGA of America Vice President Don Rea Jr., during the fourth annual PGA Master Professional Conference, which saw over 35 master professionals from across the country in attendance.
“I can wholeheartedly state that without PGA Education, my business career would not be what it has become today,” Morton said in an official statement. “Becoming a PGA master professional really did have a dramatic impact on my career. It’s an honor to be recognized, although I have found that the journey to earn the reward is more meaningful than the award itself. The years of being on PGA faculty and getting involved in these programs gave me the opportunity to work with some of the most talented golf professionals in the country, which was reflected in what I did when I went to work each day.”
As the fifth recipient of the PGA Master Professional Lifetime Achievement Award, Morton joins Arnold Palmer, who was awarded posthumously in 2021, Gary Wiren (2022), Tom Addis (2022) and Norm Blandell (2023).
Morton, a key contributor to the development of PGA of America education curriculum and renowned for his award-winning merchandising efforts, is the longtime head professional at Haggin Oaks Golf Complex. He is also the CEO of Morton Golf Management, a company that manages all aspects of four Sacramento Municipal Golf Facilities.
Morton began his golf industry career in 1951 as an 11-year-old caddy at Del Paso Country Club in Sacramento. He progressed to a shop assistant role and, in 1958, became an assistant golf professional at Haggin Oaks. He dedicated over 66 years to Haggin Oaks, establishing a long and distinguished tenure. Morton is a member of several hall of fames including the PGA of America Hall of Fame (2005), the California Golf Hall of Fame (2015) and the Northern California PGA Section Hall of Fame (2019).
The association currently includes over 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals, with only 447 having achieved master professional status throughout its history. Ken Morton Sr. became the 271st to earn this distinction in July 2004.
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