(Franklin, TN) – Elected to membership in 2005, Chris DeBusk has proven to leave a lasting impact throughout his career through his leadership of being a PGA Professional. His career started in 2000 as an assistant golf professional in the South Florida section. As the First Assistant Golf Professional and then a non-member PGA Head Professional and a non-member General Manager, he gained valuable knowledge and industry insight by spending time at facilities in Florida, Arizona, and Missouri. Working at various facilities around the country allowed Chris to hone his leadership skills. DeBusk’s impact in Tennessee began in the summer of 2020 when he accepted the General Manager role at Council Fire Club in Chattanooga, Tennessee. DeBusk prides himself on being an integral part of Council Fire Club staff. His commitment to providing outstanding member services is at the forefront of Chris’s efforts. “We are in the people-pleasing business – all we should have as a goal is to meet or exceed the expectations of our members. We are constantly thinking of ways to create WOW moments. Moments that are unexpected for our members, but moments they do not forget.”

“To have my name mentioned in the same breath as some of the best PGA Professionals in Tennessee is honor enough. I am truly humbled to receive this award and will endeavor to represent the over 550 Tennessee PGA Members and Associates in a manner fitting them and the greatest association on the planet,” said DeBusk. “Leaders accomplish things through others and Council Fire Club is no different. I am honored to work alongside some wonderful servant hearted associates as everyone works daily to serve our members.”

Throughout the past year, DeBusk has been an integral part in the renovation projects at Council Fire Club providing planning and guidance. These projects include significant upgrades to the clubhouse and the addition of the new 2,400 sq ft patio for members who wish to eat and drink in an open-air atmosphere. In addition, the club is in the process of revamping the pool complex as well as making upgrades to the golf course by installing new irrigation throughout and renovating the 18th hole.

“Chris, congratulations on your success at Council Fire and in the PGA of Tennessee Section. It has been an honor to know you for the past 30+ years,” said longtime friend and colleague Don Poag. “In your short time at Council Fire you have made great strides for the club, but even more than that – added value to your fellow PGA members in your section. Your dedication to the game and delivering the best experiences for all golfers at all levels of play has been exceptional. You epitomize what a PGA Professional should strive to be. I am proud for you to see all you have accomplished and I am confident that there are many great things to come. Congratulations Pro!”

Chris leads with a servant’s heart and even though PGA Professionals and General Managers wear many hats throughout the day, it is serving the members at Council Fire Club while mentoring the associates which offers his greatest satisfaction. During his career, he has mentored countless fellow PGA Professionals and encouraged them to get involved, expand their network, and explore growth opportunities outside their facility to enhance their careers. Continuing education is an opportunity close to his heart and he is a strong advocate for growth opportunities for PGA Members. Always choosing to lead by example, DeBusk is one of only four PGA Members to ever receive specialty certification in all seven of the original career paths. In recent years, he has assisted five fellow members in receiving their certification. DeBusk continues his professional growth by continuing education opportunities and he became a PGA Master Professional. Finally, today he continues his desire to ever improve by becoming a CMAA member personally and is currently working towards the distinguished accreditation of Certified Club Manager (CCM) and Certified Club Executive (CCE).

“I have enjoyed watching your continued growth and development throughout the last decade of our relationship,” said longtime colleague Bill Hughes. “You are a real credit to the organization, your community and more importantly, your club and family! Having worked in the mid-south in my early years with the PGA TOUR in Memphis at TPC Southwind, I know very well the quality and history of PGA golf professionals in the State of Tennessee. Congratulations on joining this elite group of professionals!”

Chris embraces the opportunity to lead a life of service as a PGA Member. Proof of that is found in the fact that in his 20+ years as a member and associate, he has served on various boards and committees at both the chapter and section level. DeBusk has served both the Chattanooga Chapter and the Tennessee Section including being a Tournament Committee Chair, Awards Chair, and a member of the Tennessee Section Education Committee. Currently DeBusk serves as the Chattanooga Vice President. The recipient of the Tennessee Section 2022 PGA Professional Development Award, DeBusk is no stranger to being recognized for his commitment to excellence.

Spend only a little bit of time with Chris DeBusk and you will understand the passion and commitment he has to not only the game of golf, but to the membership of Council Fire Club as well. It is this passion for development, unwavering commitment to his fellow PGA Professionals and his community, and genuine love for the game that culminated in Chris DeBusk being named the 2023 Tennessee PGA Golf Professional of the Year.

About the Tennessee PGA
Formed in 1968, The Tennessee Section PGA is one of the 41 sections that comprise the Professional Golfers’ Association of America. It is one of the largest sections, with over 550 members and associates. Tennessee PGA seeks to elevate the standards of the professional golfers’ vocation, to promote the interest in the game of golf, to protect and advance the mutual interest of the Members, to conduct tournaments and offer educational opportunities for the employment and benefit of the Members and to promote good relations with clubs and communities within the Tennessee Section’s boundaries.

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