Mike O’Donnell, PGA     
Senior Director
Member and Section Operations
PGA of America
Frisco, Texas

PGA of America Master Professional Mike O’Donnell joined the PGA of America as Senior Director of Member & Section Operations in February 2024. He serves as the key driver of strategic vision and operational excellence for Section Business Operations, Player Engagement, Recruiting, Training, ExecuSearch and Career Services.

A PGA of America Golf Professional since 1997 and PGA Master Professional since 2010, O’Donnell brings over 20 years of experience in leading people, leading change and driving operational efficiencies across a variety of operating environments within the golf industry. O’Donnell has held a variety of positions within the golf industry from Apprentice Professional to General Manager; operated in all four sectors of green grass: public, private, resort and Military; and experienced a variety of governance structures from private single owner to Federal Government.

Most recently, O’Donnell served as the Director of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation at the United States Army Garrison in Fort Carson, Colorado. He had full responsibility and managerial authority to direct programs and services at one of the largest and most complex, multi-mission, Department of Defense (DOD) installations, in support of the quality of life and readiness of approximately 125,000 military community members across Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region. Additionally, he was responsible for the professional development and performance of approximately 800 personnel, the fiscal stewardship and control of all resources, a $35M annual operating budget and the effective balance of service and profitability required to sustain programs and services.

O’Donnell brings an international perspective on golf having worked in England, Germany, France and the United States. He served as the Asset Manager, General Manager and Director of Golf at Terre Blanche Golf Resort and Spa in Provence, France, from 2005 to 2009. He was hired by ownership to implement directional change of resort operations to meet its original intent and vision, and was responsible for all legal, social, fiscal and business practices concerning the Four Seasons Hotel and Spa, Terre Blanche Golf, real estate development and sales.

Before relocating to Frisco, Texas, O’Donnell served for 7 years on the Board of the PGA Colorado Section, most recently as Vice President, resigning in order to assume his new position within the PGA of America.

O’Donnell earned a Higher National Diploma in Business and Finance from the University of Suffolk in England and has received four Department of the Army Civilian Service Commendation Medals during his tenure with the Department of Defense.