HORTON SMITH AWARD: Craig Liddle
Craig Liddle, Meadowbrook Country Club, is the 2019 Gateway PGA Horton Smith Award winner. The PGA Horton Smith Award is designed to recognize a PGA Professional who is the model educator of PGA Golf Professionals. This award is designed to give special recognition to an individual Gateway PGA Professional for outstanding and continuing contributions to professional education. A native of Salem, Illinois, Craig is a graduate of Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville with a BS Degree in Finance.
He first joined the Meadowbrook Country Club Professional staff in 1995 as an Assistant Professional. After three very successful seasons, he accepted the Head Professional position at Fox Run Golf Club in 1998 where he led the golf operation for three seasons. Craig returned to Meadowbrook Country Club in December of 2000 as the Head Professional and he has been the face of golf at the Club for the last 18 seasons. Craig is an accomplished player and teacher and has given thousands of lessons.
He’s created quite a following with his personal and relatable style of teaching. Craig was a member of the Gateway PGA Board of Directors. He also chaired the Tournament, Employment, and Professional Development Committees. Craig has been recognized by his peers on several occasions including being awarded Professional of the Year, Merchandiser of the Year as well as the Bill Strausbaugh and Horton Smith awards. He is also a Callaway Master Staff Professional and has been inducted into their Staff Professional Hall of Fame. Craig enjoys spending time with his wife, Lisa, and their three children, Madison, Mallory and Drew.