Vernon Hills' Sones earns PGA's Horton Smith Award

Todd Sones, a 34-year member in the Illinois PGA Section, was presented the 2019 Horton Smith Award last week in West Palm Beach, Florida.

The honor goes to a PGA member "who displays commendable contributions to the education of PGA professionals."

An accomplished teacher and a sought-after presenter, Sones is a PGA Master Professional who serves on the National Coaching and Teaching Committee and the Illinois PGA Section Education Committee. A passionate advocate for continuing education, Sones mentors other PGA pros, including an interactive teaching series in the Illinois Section for younger members.

Sones launched the Impact Golf School in 1997, and it is now one of the top-ranked golf schools in the country. In 2016, Impact Golf School was recognized with the Editor's Choice Award for Best Golf Schools in America by Golf Digest.

Sones is a three-time recipient of the Illinois Section Horton Smith Award (2003, 2014, 2017) and a two-time recipient of the Teacher of the Year Award (1994, 1996). He has also been one of the Top 100 Teachers in America, as chosen by Golf magazine since 1996.

Sones is part of a committee developing the new Level 1, 2 and 3 PGA 3.0 Teaching and Coaching curriculum.