Mike Beverly Recognized as 2025 Section Golf Professional of the Year

Mike Beverly exemplifies the core values of a PGA Member through his steadfast dedication to integrity, sportsmanship, and ethical conduct throughout his 34-year golf career, including 31 years as a PGA Member. As President and CEO of SunBelt Golf Corporation, he has demonstrated a profound commitment to the game and the community.

As the leader of SunBelt Golf, Beverly holds a significant responsibility to the Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA) and the state. He oversees the RSA’s investment in 26 golf courses, ensuring profitability for its 380,000 members. He strives to contribute to the economic growth of the state while fulfilling the Trail’s mission of using the golf experience to strengthen the image and perception of Alabama by providing the finest collection of championship public courses.

Beverly believes in the power of investing in people, evidenced by initiatives to increase pay, enhance benefits, and implement the Trailblazer program. This professional development program prepares future leaders across all departments. In golf operations, it cultivates management responsibilities as assistants progress through the PGA PGM program, requiring them to meet SunBelt development standards and advance through their professional education. These actions have fostered a nurturing environment for the next generation of leaders.

He believes in competition to elevate performance. He introduced company-wide awards, including the Dr. David Bronner Award, given to a facility demonstrating outstanding dedication. This motivates the Trail’s 1,300 employees toward ongoing excellence. Furthermore, Beverly prioritizes servant leadership, focusing on group achievements and strategic long-term planning. To enhance the employee experience, he introduced programs like Dayford Wallet and the SunBelt Vacation Exchange Program based on employee feedback.

Beverly exemplifies leadership by empowering colleagues to strive for excellence. He created an advanced budget template that transformed financial planning across the Trail, enhancing collaboration and accountability. Under his guidance, a focus on customer service has emerged, utilizing secret shopper evaluations and training materials to elevate the experience.

His commitment to professional growth is reflected in his pursuit of excellence. He seeks to deepen his understanding of technology, integrating operating systems to create a more connected approach to internal processes and customer interactions. By analyzing customer data and demographics, he aims to understand the Trail’s customers so the marketing team can refine strategies and create personalized guest experiences.

Moreover, Beverly is pursuing the incorporation of AI and autonomous equipment into SunBelt’s future initiatives. This forward-thinking mindset drives innovation, helping the company stay ahead in an evolving tech landscape. By exploring these tools, he intends to optimize operations and improve efficiency while fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptation.

In his 19 years as a Member of the Alabama – NW Florida Section, he has consistently made an impact in his community. He served for over 13 years as the Director of Golf at RTJ Capitol Hill, managing the state’s busiest public facility. During that time, he hosted prestigious events, including AGA, PGA Section, LPGA, and Korn Ferry tournaments, as well as the PGA’s Drive, Chip and Putt and PGA Jr. League.

In 2025, the Trail hosted the AHSAA State Championships, AGA Men’s and Women’s State Amateur events, AJGA Junior All-Star events, PGA Tour Qualifying Stages, and numerous high school invitationals and championships. Additionally, the Trail is home to 24 college teams and serves 54 high school and five middle school programs. 

Since transitioning to a corporate role, Beverly has continued to foster relationships. Under his leadership, the Trail hosts all three levels of PGA Tour Qualifying, creating a pathway for aspiring professionals. The Trail also hosts PGA Tour Americas Qualifying and the LPGA Q School Finals.

He has worked to launch PGA HOPE programs at seven facilities, providing support to veterans, and acquired two SoloRiders to make golf more accessible. This program is very close to his heart, and he is grateful for the opportunity to give back to those who have served.

Beverly supports fellow professionals and state associations. In 2022, he worked to enhance the Alabama Open, leading to a successful three-year commitment from the Elmore County Economic Development Authority. By introducing a Pro-Am and leveraging connections, he secured 16 of 18 sponsors. Consequently, participation has doubled, with the 2025 winner receiving a $12,500 first-place prize.

Recognizing the importance of instruction, Beverly brought on Jeremy Gilbert as Director of Instruction and transformed the Academy at Capitol Hill into a TaylorMade Performance Center, reflecting his commitment to providing golfers with the best technology.

Beverly’s local involvement includes 12 years on local Chambers of Commerce boards in Kentucky and Alabama. He has devoted years to Economic Development boards and Prattville’s Tourism Board. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for PCH Hotels and the Alabama Golf Association’s Youth on Course Program.

What stands out is his commitment to carrying forward the legacy of his mentor and friend, John Cannon. Beverly embodies what it means to be part of this Association, lifting others up and sharing wisdom freely. A moving example of this dedication is the memorial created at The Back Yard in honor of Cannon, serving as a gathering place for fellowship and the continuation of a legacy.

Beverly’s dedication to lifelong learning sets him apart. He actively seeks new techniques and embraces emerging technologies, inspiring his executive team to do the same. He encourages his leaders to engage with organizations like the NGCOA, Golf Inc., the PGA, AGA, and GCSAA to benchmark best practices. He also contributes through industry collaboration, recently participating in a panel at the Golf Inc. Conference in Las Vegas.

His passion for the game motivates others. He enjoys playing and encourages Trail professionals to participate in Section events, believing that the love of the game is what brought everyone into the golf business.

Beverly is passionate about expanding access to golf, believing public facilities play a critical role in introducing the sport to juniors and beginners. By making golf accessible and affordable, public courses popularize the game and benefit the entire industry.

Under his guidance, the Trail has become a hub for junior golf, hosting four out of the Section’s five Drive, Chip and Putt Local Qualifiers. Through the Youth on Course Program, the Trail accounts for over 80 percent of the rounds played through this program.

The Trail has elevated the standard of public golf by offering championship-level design and year-round playability at accessible prices. Economically, it has driven tourism and generated state revenue, with over 750,000 rounds expected this year from all 50 states and various countries.

The Section is honored to celebrate the achievements of its 2025 Golf Professional of the Year, Mike Beverly.