Middle Atlantic PGA Honors Joan Lovelace, PGA/LPGA with Prestigious President’s Award
Head PGA/LPGA Professional & Director Of Instruction at Hobbits Glen and Fairway Hills Golf Clubs Recognized for Tireless Effort, Unwavering Dedication, and Exceptional Contributions to the Game of Golf
Stafford, Va. … (January 11, 2024) – The Middle Atlantic Section of the PGA of America (MAPGA) has honored PGA/LPGA Professional Joan Lovelace with the prestigious President’s Award. Lovelace is the PGA/LPGA Director of Instruction at both Hobbit’s Glen & Fairway Hills Golf Clubs, in Columbia, Md. This award bestows special recognition on an individual whose tireless effort, unwavering dedication, and exceptional contributions to the game of golf result in significant benefit to the Middle Atlantic PGA Section, its members and apprentices, and to the entire golf community.
“Each year, the MAPGA President personally selects the President’s Award winner to recognize an MAPGA Member who has been working ‘under the radar,’ to improve our game, our industry, and our Association,” said Jon Guhl, Executive Director, Middle Atlantic PGA. “This year, MAPGA President Lynne Hunter selected Joan Lovelace for her endless support of the Section, her fellow PGA Professionals, local charities, and the overall advancement of the game of golf.”
A native of Ellicott City, Md, Lovelace boasts over 40 years of experience teaching golf at all levels of play, while serving as an accomplished golf business leader. A member of both the PGA of America and LPGA, Lovelace is one of only 200 golf professionals nationwide to hold the dual membership distinction.
A lifelong golfer who was introduced to the game by her parents who were avid players, Lovelace’s talent led her to make the Men’s Varsity Golf Team at Howard High School in Ellicott City, where in 1975 she became the first female in Howard County, Maryland to play a men’s varsity sport. In fact, she played all four years at Howard HS as the number one or two position on the men’s golf team.
A Class-A member of the LPGA since 1995, and a Class A member of the PGA of America since 2001, where she is also certified in Player Development, Lovelace began her golf career in 1983 at Hobbit’s Glen Golf Club. She became an Assistant Professional in 1984, where she learned all facets of the business operation, from running tournaments to teaching, managing the golf shop and much more. She went on to become the General Manager at both facilities in 2004, where she remained for 18 years. In 2022, Joan transitioned to her “dream job” as a full-time Director of Instruction at both courses.
A longtime, dedicated golf and business leader, Lovelace has earned numerous awards and accolades throughout her career, including 2012 when she was inducted into the Howard County Women’s Hall of Fame, which is an honor given to those who play a varsity sport and give back to their community in their sport. In 2019, she was named the LPGA Northeast Section “Professional of the Year” award. Lovelace has held numerous board and association positions, and currently serves as an advisor to the Howard County High School golf program.
Lovelace, who resides in Ellicott City, Md., holds an AA degree from Catonsville Community College, in Catonsville, Md. She is married to Barb Van Winkle and has three children (Kevin, Matt and Brian), as well as four grandchildren (Lilly, Emma, James, and Ava).