Lower Gwynedd Township, Pa. (October 14, 2026) — The Philadelphia PGA Section and its Hall of Fame Committee have inducted PGA of America Golf Professional Jim Smith Jr. into its Hall of Fame as the class of 2026. He is the 49th Philadelphia PGA Hall of Fame member.
Smith, the Philadelphia Cricket Club’s chief operating officer and PGA director of golf, is being recognized for over three decades of exceptional leadership, mentorship, and service to the golf profession. Elected to PGA Membership in 1994, Smith’s dedication to advancing the game has left an indelible mark on both the local and national levels. Smith has served in every capacity of the Section’s governance, culminating in his tenure as Philadelphia PGA Section President from 2007 to 2009. During his time on the Section Board of Directors and Executive Committee, he was instrumental in establishing sound financial practices and pioneering innovative tournament concepts, including the Tournament Players Division framework.
A hallmark of Smith’s distinguished career is his commitment to education and mentorship. He has mentored nearly 50 former PGA assistant golf professionals into key leadership roles across the country—including PGA directors of golf, head golf professionals, and directors of instruction. Recognized nationally by the PGA of America, Smith was awarded the Association’s prestigious Bill Strausbaugh Award in 2024, having previously earned the Section’s Bill Strausbaugh Award three times previously. He was also recognized as the Section’s PGA Golf Professional of the Year in 2006 and Merchandiser of the Year – Private Category in 2002.
“Being elected to the Philadelphia PGA Hall of Fame is not something I ever dreamed of or aspired to; rather, my only goal as a PGA Professional has been to give members, guests, and teammates the best of me every day,” said Smith. “I’ve failed as much as I’ve succeeded, and know this honor is mostly an acknowledgement of the great mentors and teammates I’ve been supported by in my career, the love and support of my family (Kathy, Courtney, Justin, Haley), and the incredible membership that is the Philadelphia Cricket Club. Recognition of me is recognition of them, and I am thankful beyond words.”
Smith will be recognized at the Section’s Fall Membership Meeting on Monday, October 19 at Jericho National Golf Club, and will be formally honored at the Section’s Awards Banquet in early 2027.
About the Philadelphia PGA Section
The Philadelphia PGA Section, covering eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware, is one of 41 geographical managing entities of the PGA of America. This Section manages nearly 900 PGA of America Members and Associates who are employed at over 300 golf facilities in our region.
Contact: Matt Frey, PGA, Director of Operations, mfrey@pgahq.com
