The career of Holly Kennedy is one of purpose, perseverance, and an unrelenting passion for growing the game of golf in important ways. As the 2025 Southern California PGA Golf Professional of the Year, Kennedy embodies the qualities of leadership, service, and inclusiveness that represent the very best of the PGA profession.
Growing up, Holly Kennedy knew that golf was not simply a game, but a lifelong experience and vehicle for connection. This understanding has been the driving force behind her career of teaching, mentoring, and fostering an environment of inclusiveness for golfers of all kinds. As a PGA Professional, Kennedy has devoted her life to the development of golfers of all skill levels, from the beginner looking to establish confidence to the veteran golfer looking to refine their craft within the context of an approach that emphasizes the fundamentals, encouragement, and enjoyment of the game.
“We have so many incredible, talented, experienced golf professionals in the Southern California Section. To be considered worthy of this award by my peers whom I respect so much – and to be the 4th woman to receive it! – was truly the greatest honor of my career thus far.” – Holly Kennedy, PGA
A significant part of the professional career of Holly Kennedy has been her role at the Emerald Isle Golf Course, an experience that has been both transformative and lasting. As an owner/operator of the facility, Kennedy has been instrumental in the growth of the course, ensuring that the spirit of inclusiveness and community-focused approach has endured. It has been her hands-on approach to the operation of the facility that has made the Emerald Isle Golf Course one of the preeminent facilities of its kind, an environment where golf thrives at all levels and where the young, women, and new golfers of all kinds feel genuinely welcome.
While Kennedy’s accomplishments are impressive, her dedication to women’s golf is also noteworthy. She has played an active role in the development of opportunities for women to participate in the sport, whether it is on the course or behind the scenes, and has become a mentor and role model to the next generation of PGA Professionals.
While Kennedy’s accomplishments are impressive, her dedication to women’s golf is also noteworthy. She has played an active role in the development of opportunities for women to participate in the sport, whether it is on the course or behind the scenes, and has become a mentor and role model to the next generation of PGA Professionals.
Kennedy’s contributions to the sport go well beyond the facility at which she worked. She has continually used the sport of golf to teach life skills and strengthen the communities in which she worked.
Being awarded the Southern California PGA Golf Professional of the Year is a testament to Kennedy’s life and career, which have been marked by integrity and influence. Holly Kennedy’s life and career are a testament to the idea that the true measure of success in the sport of golf is the contributions made to the sport and the individuals who share her passion.
