Tony Decker
Director of Golf
I was introduced to the game by my Uncle Al at the age of 12. I remember my mom would drop me off in the morning at the golf course near our home and I would stay there all day, 27-holes were the norm. Upon graduating from the University of Southern Maine in 1991, I turned professional and entered into the PGA Apprentice Program and earned my PGA membership in 1996. I started my golf career at Gorham Country Club and worked as the First Assistant from 1992 to 2002. In 2003, I went to work at The Woodlands Club and had been there until coming to Purpoodock. I also had the good fortune of working for The New England PGA since 2000. As the Executive Director for the Maine Chapter, I spent most of my time in tournament operations, member services, growth of the game initiatives and employment services. One of my first memorable golf experiences was attending the Unionmutual Senior Classic in 1984 with my Uncle. I can clearly remember walking down the fairways wondering how on earth someone could hit a golf ball so far. So to be here at Purpoodock nearly 30 years later is very special to me. I’ve been recognized in Golf Digest Magazine as “Best Teachers in Your State multiple times, 2000-2001, 2007-2008, 2011-2012 and 2013-2014. Professional Accomplishments: • New England Section PGA Assistant Professional of The Year - 2012 • New England Section PGA Horton Smith Award – 2003 and 2008 • Maine Chapter NEPGA Teacher of The Year – 2014 • Maine Chapter NEPGA Junior Golf Leader – 2006 and 2007 • Maine Chapter NEPGA Horton Smith Award – 2003 and 2004 •2016 MSGA Thomas “TK” Kimball Award for outstanding contributions to junior golf. •2017 Named the New England Golf Professional of the Year by the Professional Golfers’ Association •2018 U.S. Kids Golf Top 50 teacher •2019 PGA Golf Professional Merchandiser of the Year by the Maine Chapter of the NEPGA •2021 Maine Golf Hall of Fame •The Horton Smith Award recognizes professionals for their contributions to education. To learn more about me please visit my website www.tonydeckergolf.com