Born in Tennessee, Jon DePriest is the current PGA Director of Golf at Sunset Hills Country Club and has been in that role since 1999. His golf story began well before that though.  When he was 6 years old, he started playing golf.  Jon’s love for the game would soon turn into working at various golf facilities at the age of 14. He continued working and playing to become a PGA Assistant in 1980 and eventually received his PGA Professional status four years later.

Since a boy, Jon has been surrounded by men and women serving this great nation, such as his father, who fought in the Korean War. In addition to his father, his childhood hero was a Marine who enlisted immediately following his high school graduation. This young man was Jon’s neighbor and served his time fighting in the Vietnam War. Today, many of the members at Sunset Hills Country Club that Jon interacts with, are military or first responders.  Looking back upon these patriotic citizens inspired Jon to become involved with PGA HOPE and Folds of Honor. Jon feels it in his heart to do what he can to give back to those who give so much of themselves protecting our freedom.

Some of the events hosted by Jon are the 100 Holes for Heroes Golf Marathon, 5 Star Challenge, Global Brew Tap House Tournament, and many other marathons and auctions.  The funds raised from these events go towards the efforts of PGA HOPE and Folds of Honor. The first year Jon starting his fundraising efforts, he had a goal of $25,000 and ended up raising a total of $74,000. Over the past four years, the 5 Star Challenge has raised $600,000. This year’s Global Brew Tap House Tournament brought in 176 individuals that played a shotgun style tournament and raised $6,000. It is safe to say that the events hosted by Jon DePriest are done on a big scale and do not go unnoticed.  He has received countless stories from the families that benefit from his efforts and it motivates him to keep going.

In 2018, Jon was surprised and recognized on a larger scale for his dedication to raising funds for our military. He was presented with the Ely Callaway Award, which is the most prestigious award given by the company and is named after the company’s founder.  Jon always puts in 100% in everything that he does and based on the lives he has been able to change; he is truly making a difference.