LLOYD (PETE) BISHOP, 70, COMPLETES REMARKABLE
JOURNEY TO EARN MEMBERSHIP IN THE PGA OF AMERICA
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. – Lloyd “Pete” Bishop of Frankenmuth, Michigan, a 70-year-old former coach, school administrator and who has battled leukemia for half his life, completed the final “checkpoint” in a six-year quest February 27, becoming the fourth oldest apprentice in PGA of America history to earn membership in The PGA of America.
Bishop was a member of a class of 86 new PGA Professionals representing 37 states, and who completed the final leg of PGA education requirements. He was introduced along with his classmates in a gathering at the PGA Education Center in Port St. Lucie, Fla. Bishop is the eldest member of any class to have matriculated through the PGA Education Center, which since its opening in 2001 has produced 3,094 graduates representing 48 states, Canada, The District of Columbia, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Puerto Rico, The Netherlands and the Virgin Islands.
“After we had completed all of our presentations, we gathered in one room and they let us know that we had made it, that we were now member of The PGA of America,” said Bishop, who will continue teaching duties at The Fortress in Frankenmuth, Michigan. “Each one of us was called forward, and when they called my name the kids went crazy. It was very emotional, just a wonderful experience.”
The journey for Bishop to achieve such a moment in the PGA Education Center began in 2001, when he joined the staff at The Fortress in Frankenmuth as an apprentice under PGA Master Professional Mark Black, an adjunct professor in the PGA Professional Golf Management Program. Bishop began teaching the game, and then was stricken with a severe case of shingles, the painful chicken pox-like virus, which made him physically unable to continue his work on a regular basis. However, Bishop remained in education as an adjunct professor in kinesiology at Saginaw Valley State University in Saginaw, Michigan.
“Through all of the time, I maintained a connection with The PGA, which was there to help me and give me direction,” said Bishop. “I began to gain strength and slowly worked myself into weightlifting and trying to get my golf game back. I had to pass the PAT (Playing Ability Test) and petitioned The PGA to help me with a plan.”
Bishop was granted the option of completing the PAT on a 5,900-yard layout at Sawmill Golf Club in Saginaw, Michigan. He was required to complete four nine-hole rounds in two weeks with a target 36-hole score of 155. In June 2006, Bishop completed his PAT and met the standard with a 153 total, after rounds of 39, 39, 38 and 37.
“When you suffer from shingles, you truly never are free of them, they are with you forever,” said Bishop. “I was drained after nine holes.”
The final piece to the membership puzzle for Bishop was Level III, a checkpoint where candidates must complete written exams, an oral presentation and a mock interview.
“I never was a good student,” said Bishop, who is a 1958 graduate of Aquinas College of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and who later earned a master’s degree in education and a doctoral degree in higher education, both from Michigan State University. “When I received my certificate with the rest of the classmates, I agreed with them that it was like the world was lifted off your shoulders. There is so much pressure on you, but it is more self-induced.
“I have always loved the game of golf. As a teacher, it is a natural fit for me. I wanted to give back to the game. I am in a great situation to do that with Mark Black at The Fortress. He has been one of many who have been so supportive.”
“I’m very proud of how Pete has been able to apply all the modern parts of the PGA Education program and be successful,” said Black, who at 50 is in his 23rd year at The Fortress. “He has been around a major part of my life already and he has been a teacher, an athletic director, a principal, and a prominent university figure before he even got into golf.”
“He received a standing ovation at the graduation party and everyone really accepted him. At my club, it is a bonus for a man of his age who can relate so well to the baby boomer generation,” added Black.
Prior to his professional golf aspirations, Bishop served from 1969 to 1989 as a school administrator, including both teaching and coaching from Aquinas College to public schools in Comstock Park, Mich., and Buena Vista High School in Saginaw.
Bishop has continued a maintenance program the past 35 years in dealing with leukemia and with shingles. He takes a form of chemotherapy four times per year intravenously for leukemia and gamma globulin infusions for shingles.
“The challenges I’ve had have been tough, but I have been blessed in having the chance to enjoy golf and to have both a wonderful wife and family,” said Bishop. “And, I also credit sports for helping me throughout life. Earning PGA membership was a tremendous moment for me, one of the highlights of my life along with having my children.”
Bishop and his wife, Pamela, live in Frankenmuth, Mich. He is the parent of three adopted children: sons Lloyd Thomas and Matthew, and daughter, Alison. Bishops has seven grandchildren.
The PGA of America is the world’s largest working sports organization comprised of 28,000 men and women golf Professionals who are the recognized experts in growing, teaching and managing the game of golf while serving millions of people throughout its 41 PGA Sections nationwide. Since its founding in 1916, The PGA of America has enhanced its leadership position in a $62 billion-a-year industry by growing the game of golf through its premier spectator events, world-class education and training programs, significant philanthropic outreach initiatives, and award-winning golf promotions. Today’s PGA Professional is the public’s link to the game, serving an essential role in the operation of golf facilities throughout the country.
