June 6, 2008 -- For PGA of America President Brian Whitcomb, some of his most cherished memories were his formative years walking the halls of Crook County High School in Prineville, Ore. On Friday, June 6, there was one additional hall of the school where he had to visit.

Brian Whitcomb, President of The PGA of America, returned to his high school to address graduates and his induction into the Hall of Fame. (Photo: The PGA of America)

In what Whitcomb is calling "one of the greatest honors of my life," Crook County High School inducted one of its favorite sons into its Hall of Fame.

"We must provide the youth of our community with inspirational men and women who have preceded them through the halls of our institution," explained Crook County High School principal Jim Golden. "It's a way for us to provide them with appropriate role models and people who have gone on from our small town to do great things."

And do great things he has. Whitcomb, who graduated from CCHS in 1973, has been a PGA of America member since 1984 and has consistently served in leadership positions in the almost 25 years since. He was elected President of The PGA of America in 2006 and has been instrumental in growing and promoting the game as well as serving the 28,000 men and women members of The PGA of America.

Whitcomb, who has traveled the world on behalf of The PGA of America, feels this is a special honor for him because he still feels most at home in Central Oregon.

"I've been fortunate to visit so many great places," Whitcomb expressed, "but this is home. It always feels great to come back here. There's no place quite like it.

"I can't really put into words how honored I feel," Whitcomb stated about his induction. "It's not something you ever plan on, but when it happens, it's overwhelming."

Whitcomb spoke in a special ceremony early in the day, that included a Question and Answer session with the students, and later took part in his induction into the school's Hall of Fame and the school's graduation ceremonies. His message was simple: Success comes from a tried and true formula -- work hard, prepare yourself, show some dedication and commitment and the results will take care of themselves. He is living proof.

It sounds almost like a dream; small town boy makes good and returns to a hero's welcome, but when it actually happens, it truly is something special to see. As the students of Crook County High School learned first hand on this Friday night; sometimes those dreams do come true. And even more, every student that walks the halls of Crook County High can look at someone who has walked where they walk and know they have hope for their own dreams as well.

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In an amazing coincidence, PGA of America CEO Joe Steranka was inducted into his High School Hall of Fame on the same day, June 6, 2008. Steranka attended Fredonia Central High School in Fredonia, N.Y. (photo: The PGA of America)