LOUISVILLE, KY (August 25, 2023) – The Kentucky Golf Hall of Fame’s selection committee is pleased to announce the induction of four members as the 2023 Hall of Fame class. The committee has voted to induct Phil Armbruster, Cullan Brown, Jeff McGill, PGA, and Susan Stewart as this year’s class. The four represent various past, present, and future contributions to all aspects of golf in Kentucky.

Phil Armbruster has been involved in many facets of the golf world, both inside and outside of the Commonwealth, and his achievements and contributions are far-reaching. An accomplished golfer in his own right, his accolades include Low Junior at the 1964 Kentucky Amateur, qualifying for the USGA Junior Championship in both 1964 and 1965, and receiving a golf scholarship to play at the University of Florida. His business career in the golf industry was lifelong, and had the opportunity to impact many. A majority of his career was spent at Powerbilt, where his responsibilities included working with their sponsored tour players, who continue to speak highly of him to this day. While at Powerbilt, he facilitated advancements for the game that touched all audiences in Kentucky, such as the revitalization of the Kentucky Open, initiation of the Mr. and Ms. Kentucky Golf awards, sponsorship of junior clinics and tournaments, and much more. Since retiring from the industry in 2012, he has continued to serve through the Kentucky Golf Association Board of Directors, where he has held numerous leadership positions. During his time on the board, he has continued to impact broad audiences in the Commonwealth by helping found the Kentucky Youth on Course Caddy Program, initiating KGA Women’s Am Series events, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in Kentucky golf participation. 

Cullan Brown is being posthumously inducted for his playing achievements and contributions to not only the game, but the golf and state communities. A lifetime native of Eddyville, Brown learned the game at Mineral Mound golf course, helping establish his decorated junior golf career. His highlights include a Rolex Junior All-American title, multiple prestigious tournament wins at events such as the 2016 KHSAA State Individual Championship and the AJGA Bass Pro Shops/Payne Stewart Junior Championship, and representing Team USA at the Evian Junior Cup Championship in Evian, France. His accolades continued while playing for the University of Kentucky, bagging four top-20 finishes his freshman year, tying the lowest 18-hole score in the Brian Craig era with a 64, and being named to the 5-man SEC All-Freshman team. He also received a sponsor’s exemption into the 2019 Barbasol Championship, making the cut and posting a score of 10-under par. Though Brown had an incredible playing career, he is perhaps best remembered for his actions off the course. Widely regarded as both a fantastic player and person, Brown leaves a lasting legacy for his infectious personality and impact on everyone he met.

Jeff McGill, PGA, has impacted players across the Commonwealth through his teaching and tenures at both Madisonville Country Club and Bowling Green Country Club. After graduating from Mississippi State University with a degree in Turfgrass Management, he worked with many talented players throughout his career, from professionals on the PGA Tour to successful amateurs in Kentucky and collegiately. His role in shaping the success of these players is reflected in his multiple teaching awards, highlighted by being named a two-time Golf Digest Best Teacher in Kentucky, in addition to Kentucky PGA Section awards. His impacts stretch outside of the realm of teaching with his work as a Head Golf Professional. Beginning at Madisonville Country Club in February of 1976, he spent five years as both the head golf professional and head greenskeeper for the facility. Other notable accomplishments include cutting-edge instruction, automating the golf shop, and organizing and facilitating tournaments and special events, including establishing junior golf activities. In 1990, he started at Bowling Green Country Club until his retirement in 2019. He continued his teaching career and revamped the pro shop with the addition of an online feature. Additionally, McGill expanded the tournament calendar, automating the program and establishing pre-junior and junior golf programs with over 130 participants. He is also a member of the KHSAA Hall of Fame for his integral part in helping to grow the number of tournaments and bring the state championship to Bowling Green Country Club. 

Susan Stewart is a decorated player whose accomplishments span over many years and levels. Beginning with her high school golf career at Sacred Heart Academy, she continued to Western Kentucky University having earned a golf scholarship, where she claimed an Indiana State Invitational title. She has only continued her playing career since then, claiming all types of titles from the 1983 Amaretto di Saronno Pro-Lady Championship to an astonishing combined 36 Club Champion titles at Audubon Country Club, University of Louisville Golf Club, and Harbour Ridge Yacht and Country Club in Florida. Recently, she was a back-to-back Kentucky Women’s Senior Amateur Champion in 2021 and 2022. On a national scale, she qualified for a combined eight USGA events across her career - two United States Girl’s Juniors, two United States Women’s Amateurs, and four United States Women’s Senior Amateurs. Her actions in the game have also impacted many - along with 2022 Kentucky Golf Hall of Fame Inductee Tennye Ohr, Stewart helped found the Kentucky Women’s Open Championship. She was also a golf coach for grades 5-8 for four years at St. Agnes School. Stewart is a fantastic representative for the game at local, state, and national levels and events.

Media Contact: Abby Ligons | Golf House Kentucky | aligons@kygolf.org