The Padgett name has long been associated with Pinehurst Resort. For those who have visited Pinehurst Resort, the Padgett Learning Center is a prominent reminder of the family’s impact on the game. 

 

Don Padgett II, son of Donald Padgett Sr. — the former Director of Golf at Pinehurst, past president of the PGA of America, and a 2006 inductee into the Carolinas Golf Hall of Fame — followed in his father’s footsteps in shaping the future of Pinehurst. Padgett II served as the President and Chief Operating Officer of Pinehurst Resort and Country Club from 2004 to 2014. Under his leadership, the resort hosted several prestigious events, including the 2005 U.S. Open, the 2008 U.S. Men’s Amateur Championship, and the 2014 U.S. Open Championships. 

 

“Padgett’s visionary leadership was especially evident during the 2014 U.S. Open when he played a key role in the restoration of Pinehurst No. 2, returning the course to its historic roots,” said Pinehurst President Tom Pashley. “This restoration not only earned Pinehurst the Green Star Award for Outstanding Environmental Practices by Golf Digest, but it also ensured that Pinehurst No. 2 remains one of the most sought-after courses for golfers of all generations.” 

 

Padgett’s own golfing accolades began long before his tenure in the Carolina sandhills. A native of New Castle, Indiana, Padgett played collegiate golf at Indiana University, where he was a two-time All-American, a Big Ten individual champion in 1969 and a member of the Big Ten Championship team in 1970. Other on-course accolades include Indiana Amateur champion, two-time Indiana Open champion, two-time Indiana PGA Section champion, four-time Northern Ohio PGA champion, Ohio Open champion and World Golf Hall of Fame Champion.  

 

Padgett was a member of the PGA TOUR from 1972-74, competing in three U.S. Opens and eight PGA Championships, making the cut four times and was the low club professional three times. He represented the United States on four PGA Cup teams in 1976, 1981, 1982 and 1984. His most thrilling round of professional golf came during the 1977 U.S. Open at Southern Hills Country Club, where he shot a tournament-low 4-under-par 66 in the third round, paired with Lee Trevino.

 

“Throughout my many years working with Don, I have seen firsthand his visionary leadership and remarkable passion for the game,” said Jim Hyler, former USGA President and 2019 Carolinas Golf Hall of Fame inductee. “His knowledge, playing ability, and respect for golf, combined with his unparalleled leadership at Pinehurst, make him an invaluable figure in the golf community.” 

 

Before joining Pinehurst, Padgett was the Vice President and General Manager of Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio, for 25 years. His legacy includes being inducted into several halls of fame, including the Indiana Golf Hall of Fame, Ohio Golf Hall of Fame, and Northern Ohio PGA Hall of Fame. In 2015, he was named Golfweek Magazine’s Father of the Year.

 

“This award was not one l was expecting,” said Padgett. “To have my name placed among the previous honorees is humbling.  Golf is part of the fabric of the Carolinas, and I consider it a great honor to be included in The Carolinas Golf Hall of Fame."