IN PGA recognizes Benson, Tilbury

MUNCIE, Ind.  — The Indiana PGA (IN PGA) honored two Trine University golf management faculty for their contributions to the sport during its Annual Business Meeting, held Feb. 24 at Horizon Convention Center in Muncie, Indiana.

Catherine Benson, who serves as dean of the Ketner School of Business and leads the university’s golf management program, was honored as the 2025 IN PGA Golf Professional of the Year.

According to its website, the Golf Professional of the Year Award is the highest honor paid to a PGA professional within the Indiana Section PGA.

Christopher Tilbury, an adjunct faculty member, was recognized with the 2025 IN PGA Roger Lundy Youth Player Development Award.

The Player Development Award recognizes a PGA professional for extraordinary and exemplary contributions and achievements in player development.

Dedicated career

The IN PGA said in a statement on its website that Benson “has dedicated her career to growing the game of golf, mentoring future professionals, and serving her community with excellence.”

The organization noted that Benson has more than two decades of experience in various leadership roles, including women’s golf coach at Bethel College in Tennessee and director of golf for the City of Richmond, Indiana, before coming to Trine.

She has led Trine University’s Golf Management program since 2012, with many graduates going on to earn PGA membership and thrive in various sectors of the golf industry. She has served as dean since 2019.

“Despite her demanding academic role, she remains committed to hands-on instruction, providing lessons, hosting junior clinics and fostering a passion for golf among students,” the IN PGA said.

She was named the first female president of the Indiana PGA Section in 2019 and has championed career development and networking opportunities, initiated monthly Associate and Women in Golf calls, and collaborated with PGA Career Consultants to promote employment opportunities within the industry.

The IN PGA presented Benson the Bill Strausbaugh Award in 2024, given to PGA members who through their day-to-day efforts have distinguished themselves in the field of club relations. In 2019, she received the Horton Smith Award, which recognizes individual golf professionals for their outstanding and continuing contributions to developing and improving education opportunities for the PGA golf professional.

Profound impact

The IN PGA said Tilbury “has made a profound impact on junior golf through his leadership at Tilbury Golf Academy and his commitment to growing the game at both the local and national levels. His dedication to player development is evident in the success of his programs, his mentorship of young golfers, and his contributions to the broader golf community.”

In 2024, he organized five PGA Junior League sessions, engaging 39 students year-round and providing over 72 hours of instruction, the organization said. Additionally, he also collaborated to establish PGA Junior League teams, expanding opportunities for an additional 96 junior golfers.

He introduced the PGA Family Cup at Tilbury Golf Academy, “fostering a welcoming environment where parents and children could enjoy the game together.”

His efforts earned him a 2024 #GameChanger Award from the PGA of America.

In addition to his work at the Academy and at Trine, Tilbury volunteers with the Fremont Middle School and High School golf teams and, alongside his wife, coaches the Fremont High School girls golf program.

He implemented an affordable U.S. Kids Clubs leasing program to ensure children have access to properly fitted equipment. He also has reduced greens fees and introduced family-friendly tees at Lake James Golf Club, which he manages.

IN PGA said his leadership contributed to a 47% increase in junior golf participation in his region from 2023 to 2024.

“Chris remains committed to making golf more accessible, inclusive and engaging for the next generation,” the organization said. “His passion, leadership and innovative approach continue to inspire both young golfers and the professionals who guide them.”