LOUISVILLE, KY - Yesterday evening, hundreds of family and friends gathered at The Seelbach Hotel in downtown Louisville to celebrate the lifelong accomplishments of four incredible figures in the Kentucky golf community: Velvet Milkman, Whitney Wade Young, Eddie Mudd, and George "GG" Johnson (posthumous). Along with these four Hall of Fame inductees, Craig Heibert, PGA, was honored with the 2024 Distinguished Service Award. 

From beginning to end, the night's festivies were full of joy. After a brief introduction by Golf House Kentucky's Executive Director Sally Morgan, PGA, each inductee took the stage and shared impactful stories and highlights of their career in golf and the people who helped them along the way. Every word shared was greatly impactful and solidified that golf is more than just a game; It is an opportunity to join a benevolent community and a platform to impact the lives of those around you. After their message, each inductee was then presented with a handcrafted portrait and trophy to encapsulate their incredible lifelong achievements. 

The words of the new Hall of Fame members were supplemented by video interviews of their friends and family members, which can be found on the Golf House Kentucky Youtube page. 

Golf House Kentucky and The Kentucky Golf Foundation would like to thank everyone who attended yesterday evening's festivities, as well as The Seelbach Hotel, artists, and all other vendors who helped produce such an impactful event. 

Learn more about the 2024 Kentucky Golf Hall of Fame Inductees below: 

George "GG" Johnson was a pioneering African American golfer who broke racial barriers in a sport traditionally dominated by white players. Born in Columbus, Georgia, in 1938, Johnson began his journey in golf at the age of 15 as a caddy at a segregated golf course. Despite the challenges of racial prejudice, he fell in love with the game and worked tirelessly to hone his skills. After graduating high school, Johnson played on African American golf tours in the South, winning several tournaments.

In 1968, Johnson made history by becoming one of the first African Americans to gain membership in the Professional Golfers Association (PGA). A talented and determined player, he qualified for the U.S. Open in 1965 and, in 1971, became the fourth Black American to win a PGA Tour event when he triumphed at the Azalea Open. His success on the PGA Tour helped break down racial barriers, inspiring future generations of Black golfers.

In 1997, Johnson moved to Louisville, Kentucky, where he became the first Black Head Golf Professional at Bobby Nichols Golf Course. He continued to give back to the community, founding the Annual George "GG" Johnson Golf Scramble in 1998 to provide young people with the opportunity to learn the game. Johnson was also an active volunteer with First Tee - Louisville, mentoring youth and teaching them that golf could be a path to personal growth, regardless of their race or background.

Inducted into the African American Golfers Hall of Fame in 2008, Johnson’s legacy endures. He passed away in 2014, but his impact lives on through the scholarship program established in his honor. Each year, a deserving participant from First Tee - Louisville is awarded a scholarship, ensuring Johnson's commitment to youth development and inclusion in golf continues for years to come.

George "GG" Johnson’s life story is one of resilience, passion, and a deep love for golf, demonstrating that the sport is a place where anyone, no matter their background, can thrive.

Velvet Milkman’s name is synonymous with the success, growth, and elevation of women’s golf in Kentucky. A trailblazer both as a player and a coach, she has made a lasting impact on the game, earning recognition not just for her victories on the course but for her dedication to mentoring the next generation of golfers.

Velvet’s golf career began in Kentucky, where she first garnered attention as a standout junior golfer, claiming the KHSAA State Tournament individual title in 1981. This victory paved the way for a scholarship to the University of Alabama, where she continued to develop her skills and love for the game. Upon completing her collegiate career, Velvet transitioned to a career in the golf industry before returning to Kentucky, where her greatest contributions would unfold.

In 1993, Velvet founded the Murray State University Women’s Golf Program, becoming its only head coach for nearly three decades. Under her leadership, the program flourished, with her teams winning 12 Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) championships and producing 12 OVC Individual Champions. Velvet’s dedication to her players was matched only by her commitment to their education, ensuring that every one of her four-year student-athletes graduated, a rare achievement in collegiate athletics.

Her coaching legacy is rich with accolades and achievements. Over her 29 seasons at Murray State, Velvet’s teams were perennial powerhouses in the OVC, with a remarkable record of finishing in the top three at the conference championships in 28 out of 29 seasons. Velvet’s teams made seven NCAA appearances, competing in prestigious regional tournaments across the country, including in Columbus, Ohio (2009), Tallahassee, Florida (2014), and Auburn, Alabama (2019).

Velvet’s influence extended far beyond the golf course. She was a pillar of leadership within the NCAA and the OVC, serving a four-year term on the NCAA Women’s Golf Committee, including two years as Chair. Her contributions to women’s golf were recognized by the Women’s Golf Coaches Association (WGCA), which honored her with the Gladys Palmer Meritorious Service Award in 2022. Velvet’s work also included a four-year stint as Senior Woman Administrator for Murray State Athletics and serving as the department’s interim athletics director during a critical period in 2018-2019.

Throughout her career, Velvet was known not only for her ability to develop golfers but also for her deep investment in her players’ personal and academic success. Many of her athletes went on to excel both on and off the course, with several earning OVC Player of the Year honors, and many achieving academic excellence, including multiple OVC Medal of Honor winners with perfect 4.0 GPAs. Her impact has been felt globally, as several of her former players have gone on to play professionally, and many others have become leaders in their communities and careers.

Off the course, Velvet is beloved by those who know her for her character, mentorship, and unwavering support. Beyond the accolades, it is Velvet’s personal touch that has earned her the lasting affection and admiration of her players. 

Velvet’s remarkable contributions to Kentucky golf and her legacy as a coach and mentor make her a perfect candidate for induction into the Kentucky Golf Hall of Fame. Her impact on the game, on her players, and on the Kentucky golf community cannot be overstated. Velvet Milkman’s dedication to growing the sport, mentoring young women, and creating a culture of excellence will be remembered for generations to come.

Whitney Wade Young is a standout figure in Kentucky golf, known for her exceptional talent, dedication, and contributions to the game. Starting her career at an early age, Whitney made history by winning the Kentucky Women's State Amateur at just 13 years old. As a high school player, she led Glasgow High School to four state championships and captured individual titles in 2000 and 2001.

A standout at the University of Georgia, Whitney was a four-time First-Team All-SEC selection and helped the Bulldogs win an SEC Championship in 2007. Her career also included multiple accolades as a National Golf Coaches Association All-American and a career stroke average of 74.21, ranking her among Georgia's all-time best.

Whitney transitioned to the professional ranks, winning the Kentucky, Ohio, and Colorado Women's Opens, along with the 2010 LPGA Duramed Tour Championship. She competed on the LPGA Tour from 2010 to 2011 and qualified for the US Women’s Open multiple times.

As a coach, Whitney has made a lasting impact at the University of Louisville, where she has served as Head Women's Golf Coach since 2019, after stints as an assistant at both UGA and Coastal Carolina. Her leadership extends beyond coaching, with active involvement in the First Tee of Louisville.

Whitney’s remarkable achievements as a player and coach, along with her positive influence on the Kentucky golf community, make her a deserving candidate for induction into the Kentucky Golf Hall of Fame.

Eddie Mudd’s career in golf is a testament to his exceptional talent, dedication, and lasting impact on the sport in Kentucky. As a player, promoter, and instructor, Mudd’s contributions have shaped Kentucky golf for over four decades, making him an ideal candidate for induction into the Kentucky Golf Hall of Fame.

Mudd’s playing career is nothing short of extraordinary. He began to make a name for himself in the early 1970s, winning the Junior Falls City Championship in 1972 and earning the title of Ohio Valley Conference Champion and medalist as a freshman in 1973. His success continued with a quarterfinal finish at the prestigious North/South Amateur in 1975 and a Sweet Sixteen finish at the Western Amateur that same year. In 1976, Mudd captured the USGA Public Links Championship, one of the sport’s most respected titles. He also finished as the runner-up in the Kentucky State Amateur that year. Throughout his career, Mudd was a dominant force in Kentucky golf, winning numerous events and earning six Kentucky Senior Player of the Year titles. His victories in the Kentucky Senior Open in 2007 and 2009 further cemented his legacy, as did his success in the Kentucky PGA Senior Match Play Championship, which he won three times. In 1996, Mudd’s outstanding achievements were honored with induction into the Morehead State University Golf Hall of Fame, a fitting tribute to his success at the collegiate level.

Beyond his individual accolades, Mudd’s influence on the game of golf in Kentucky extends to his role as a promoter and steward of the sport. Throughout his career, he has been deeply committed to growing the game and making golf accessible to players of all ages. He served as an assistant and head golf professional at various courses in Louisville, including Iroquois Golf Course and Woodhaven Country Club, where he mentored countless golfers and provided valuable instruction. As Director of Golf for the Kentucky State Parks system from 1999 to 2005, Mudd was instrumental in the development of several state park golf courses, including Mineral Mound, Dale Hollow, Grayson Lake, Kincaid, and Yatesville. His work helped expand opportunities for golfers across the state, creating new venues for play and fostering a greater love for the game.

In addition to his roles as a golf professional, Mudd has been dedicated to teaching the next generation of golfers. From 2006 to 2013, he worked as a private instructor with a focus on junior golf, helping young players develop their skills and pursue their dreams of playing at the collegiate level. Many of his students went on to achieve success, both in competitive golf and as teaching professionals, a testament to Mudd’s skill as a mentor and his passion for the sport.

Mudd’s legacy is not defined solely by his tournament victories or his career accomplishments, but by his commitment to the game and to the golfers he has inspired throughout his life. His contributions to Kentucky golf have been profound, and his influence continues to be felt in the lives of the players he has mentored and the communities he has served. Inducting Eddie Mudd into the Kentucky Golf Hall of Fame does not only recognize his outstanding achievements but also honors a lifetime of dedication to the growth and promotion of the sport. His induction serves as a lasting tribute to a man whose love for golf has had a significant and enduring impact on the Kentucky golf community.

Craig Heibert, PGA has been an enthusiastic volunteer throughout his career. During his tenure as president of the KPGA and then Golf House Kentucky, Heibert led with grace and dignity. He led multiple large fundraising campaigns that allowed the organizations to grow despite turbulent surroundings. In his time as a professional in Louisville, Craig has owned or operated multiple facilities. At every course, he has been more than generous in making those facilities available to amateur, professional and junior golfers alike, regardless of status. It goes without saying that Heibert could have easily centered his leadership style on profitability, but instead he emphasized the importance of growing the game and serving the community.Heibert's involvement as a founder of the First Tee of Louisville emphasized his commitment to junior golf and making the game accessible for all in the local community. In the early years, he was often the only professional available to give lessons, and all his work was pro bono. Heibert also initiated the effort to build youth-specific facilities and was a leader in the First Tee’s program with JCPS that now reaches 15,000 students with indoor golf lessons.


In the words of Phil Armbruster, Vice President of the Kentucky Golf Association, "Craig is an outstanding golf professional, a tireless worker for the betterment of the game, and a humble leader everywhere that he has been involved. I am fortunate to have served with him and realize what a deserving winner he is for this award."