Half & Quarter Century Members

Charlie Dugas Reaches the 50 Year Mark as PGA Member

Charlie Dugas was first introduced to golf as a child. He grew up on Louisiana Avenue which separated the family home from City Park Golf Course in Lafayette. As a teenager, Charlie worked as a caddy, in concessions, and in the locker room. He would listen to the players talk about their rounds of golf, and he just couldn’t shake the desire to want to play.

After working at City Park Golf Course as a teenager, Charlie moved on to Acadian Hills Golf and Country Club where he was PGA Head Professional along with co-lessee PGA Professional Luca Barbato from 1962-1972. He helped design and build Les Vieux Chenes Golf Club with Dr. Marvin Ferguson. He then leased and was PGA Head Professional at Jennings Golf & Country Club from 1983-1989. Having been away from the Lafayette area for a time, Charlie decided to return home to build and develop Lafayette Golf Academy, located on Kaliste Saloom Road. It was there that he retired in 2012. 

Charlie’s advice for today’s young PGA professionals is to “get involved with your local PGA Chapter and the Section. Never lose sight of the fact that junior golf programs are one of the most important programs at your facility. Promote them & get youth involved in the game. Also, do not neglect the ladies program at your club.”

Charlie accredits his success to the Hebert Brothers – Jay and Lionel, the Barbato Brothers – Mike, Luca, and Joe, and Emory Guidry – amateur. He also had the privilege of being a mentor to Tommy Grant – Hot Spring Village, Arkansas, and Paul Theriot – Squirrel Run Golf Club, New Iberia, LA. 

Charlie Dugas served as the Secretary and President in the Louisiana Chapter and Secretary/Treasurer in the Gulf States PGA. He was on the Committee for Section Employment and Oral Interview and was the Senior Chapter President and the Gulf States Senior PGA President.

Charlie served on the National Education Committee in 1969-1970, was the Assistant Coordinator Business School I in 1970 under then National Educational Chairman Al Michaels, and delegate to National PGA annual meetings numerous times.

Charlie was named Gulf States PGA Professional of the Year in 1971, named LA Chapter Professional of the Year in 1987, received the Barbato/Thomas Award in 1990, was in the Class of 2000 Gulf States PGA Hall of Fame, and received the 2002 Distinguished Service Award.

Charlie would like to thank his family for the many years of support while he was involved in the golf business. He would also like to thank Robert O Brown, Gulf States PGA Executive Directory, for his continuing efforts in building the strength of the Gulf States Section. Lastly, Charlie wants to show his respect and appreciation for Oliver Counce (deceased). Oliver was the first Executive Director for the Gulf States Section and a non-PGA member who donated his time and resources for countless years working with local PGA Professionals to create the Section. Oliver was later awarded an Honorary PGA membership for his efforts in establishing the Gulf States Section. 

Congratulations Charlie Dugas for 50 Great Years!