SOUTHWEST PGA ANNOUNCES 2023 HALL OF FAME CLASS

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – October 12, 2023 – Southwest PGA members Kevin Lewis, Lynn Marriott and Scott Watkins comprise the 2023 class of inductees to be enshrined in the Southwest PGA Hall of Fame. The inductees will be honored at the Southwest PGA Semi-Annual Meeting on Monday, October 16, at the Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch.

"Honoring Kevin Lewis, Lynn Marriott, and Scott Watkins into the Southwest PGA Golf Hall of Fame is a testament to their expertise and their enduring impact on the game of golf," said Steve Leonard, President of the Southwest PGA. "Their passion and contributions to the Southwest Section and the golfing community embodies the very essence of growing the game. We celebrate their extraordinary dedication to our beloved sport."

Kevin Lewis embarked on his remarkable career in golf by earning his first PGA Head Golf Professional position in 1980 at Desert Hills Golf Course, immediately after becoming a member of the PGA of America. Over his four-decade career, he held pivotal roles as a PGA Head Golf Professional and PGA General Manager at various facilities in Arizona, Massachusetts, and had the unique experience of serving two, three-year stints in Scotland at Machrihanish Dunes. Lewis's contributions extended far beyond the course, as he was instrumental in the establishment of the Southern Chapter of the Southwest PGA in 1981. His dedication to the sport and his commitment to its growth were exemplified by his involvement on numerous Section, Chapter, and National Committees. He held all the officer positions in both the Section and Chapter, culminating in his presidency of the Section from 1999-2000. Mentorship was a core part of his career as he has graciously shared his knowledge and expertise with over 100 assistants and professionals. His impact extended to the national level when, in 2001, he co-authored the PGA of America National PGA Apprentice Program, which continues to be a vital program today. He received numerous awards at both the Section and Chapter levels. Southwest Section accomplishments include the 1995 Merchandiser of the Year and 2005 Golf Professional of the Year, the highest honor bestowed on a PGA Professional. Within the Chapter, he was honored as the Southern Chapter PGA Professional of the Year on four occasions and received the Southern Chapter Distinguished Service Award in 2019. He was honored as the Scottish Golf Resort Operator of the Year three times over a six-year period.

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Lynn Marriott earned her membership in the PGA of America in 1984, which marked the start of her illustrious career. Also a member of the LPGA, Marriott served as the Director of LPGA teacher training and Nike Golf Schools from 1988-1997 and Director of Education at ASU Karsten Golf Course from 1993-1999. Marriott's impact as a golf instructor and coach has been transformative. Her unwavering commitment to nurturing players at every skill level, from novices to professionals, earned her a reputation as one of the industry's most influential instructors. Co-founding the VISION54 Golf School with her business partner, Pia Nilsson, solidified her standing as a pioneer in golf instruction. VISION54 has been named the top golf school in the country on multiple occasions. She has authored best-selling books and instructional materials, sharing her expertise with a global audience. She continues to focus on golf education and her passion for helping individuals improve their game. Marriott has presented at the PGA Merchandise Show, the PGA Teaching and Coaching Summit, Southwest PGA Teaching and Coaching events, and numerous LPGA events throughout the years.  She served as a consultant to numerous organizations including the First Tee, the LPGA, colleges and universities and international teams. Among her numerous awards and recognitions, Marriott was honored as the LPGA National Teacher of the Year in 1992, the 2010 Southwest PGA Teacher of the Year and the 2018 Nancy Lopez Golf Achievement Award. She was inducted into the LPGA Professionals Hall of Fame in 2016 and Arizona Golf Hall of Fame in 2019.

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A notable player, Scott Watkins became a member of the PGA of America in 1982. While at Arizona State University, Watkins was a standout on the golf team. In 1979, he earned both Pac-10 Player of the Year and First-Team All-American honors, showcasing his exceptional talent and dedication to the game. Following his collegiate career, Watkins took his talents to the PGA TOUR from 1980 to 1984, competing in 90 events and making 34 cuts over that four-year period. Following his time on the TOUR, and upon his return to the Valley, he embarked on a new career as a PGA Teaching Professional, a role he embraced for over 35 years. He held Director of Instruction positions at prestigious establishments, including ASU Karsten Golf Course, Arizona Country Club, The Phoenician Resort, The Club at Black Rock, Sunridge Canyon, and Camelback Golf Club. His commitment to nurturing the next generation of golfers was evident through his active coaching involvement in the PGA Junior League at Papago Golf Club, where his father, the legendary Arch Watkins, served as the first PGA Golf Professional from 1963 to 1981. Among his victories in the Section, Watkins won four Southwest PGA Championships (1986, 1987, 1997, 1998) and the 1992 Arizona Open Championship. He was named the 1998 Southwest PGA Player of the Year. Three years after his father Arch won the award, Watkins was named the 1994 Southwest PGA Teacher of the Year. Throughout his playing career, he competed in 12 Phoenix Opens. Today, he continues to volunteer his time coaching at the high school level, further demonstrating his dedication to nurturing the next generation of golfing talent.