Lockie picks up PGA award at St Andrews

A two-week holiday that turned into 16 years spent in Florida has led to Scottish professional Neil Lockie landing a prestigious award.

Lockie, son of decorated PGA Professional Bill, was awarded the Professional of the Year accolade by the South Florida PGA Southeast Chapter.

Earned through his hard work and dedication that was recognised by his peers, he received the prize at St Andrews Country Club in Boca Raton.

“For as long as I have lived in the US, I have never forgotten where I am from and how fortunate I am to find myself doing what I love every day," said Lockie.

"I take great pride in representing Scotland and the family name here in the US."

Lockie grew up playing at Troon St Meddans and Kilmarnock (Barassie), twice reaching the quarter-finals of the Scottish Boys Championship and winning the West of Scotland Boys Stroke Play Championship at Powfoot in 1998.

He attended Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, on a golf scholarship, graduating with a degree in Sport Marketing and a Business Minor.

He then did an internship with North Texas PGA in Dallas, running a Junior Tour in the summer of 2002, when he also worked at Oakmont Country Club in Pittsburgh.

During the autumn of that year, Lockie travelled to South Florida with professionals who were due to be working there for the winter.

"I was on a two-week vacation before heading back to Dallas....and that vacation has now lasted 16 years," he explained.

That stemmed from him being offered an assistant's post by Fred Harkness at Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club in Jupiter, where he progressed to head professional and, for the last four years, has been the director of golf.

“This award is hopefully reflective of some success in my efforts to make the most of the wonderful opportunities presented to me," added Lockie.

"I am very fortunate to be where I am and absolutely love the club I’m at and the staff I have. I have lots of PGA involvement and have great love of junior golf. I still play a lot but without much success.

"On a sad side note, I married my wife, Sonja, in July 2008. She sadly passed in 2014 after a lengthy battle with breast cancer. Enjoy everyday…life is too short."