UE Alumnus Elected PGA of America Vice President, Poised for Future Presidency
Evansville, Ind. (07/08/2025) — The University of Evansville (UE) Purple Aces now have a powerful voice in pro golf: Nathan D. Charnes '01. Charnes has been elected Vice President of the PGA of America, teeing up a new chapter of influential leadership on a global stage.
An Evansville native, Charnes earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, majoring in Management with a minor in Marketing. After beginning his first year of college on a golf scholarship at the University of Indianapolis, he transferred to UE, where he discovered a community that felt like home.
"I really liked the community of people there," Charnes shared. "It felt small town in the best way-a family environment where you couldn't disappear, and everyone knew you and what you were involved in."
During his time on campus, where he also met his wife, Eva, Charnes was a member of the Division I golf team and fully immersed himself in campus life. He became highly involved in his fraternity, serving in multiple leadership positions, including president, herald, IFC chair, social chair, and warden. Those experiences, along with his role as a student-athlete, taught him the importance of organization, time management, and accountability.
"Being that busy at UE shaped me into who I am today," Charnes said. "It also taught me how important it is to treat people well and build relationships that last."
Following graduation, though he initially resisted entering the golf business, Charnes realized it was his calling and embarked on a distinguished career in golf management. He joined WingHaven Country Club in O'Fallon, Missouri, in 2004, rising to General Manager and Director of Golf by 2011. Under his leadership, WingHaven has become a premier private club, recognized for exceptional member experiences, innovative programming, and continual growth.
Beyond the club, Charnes has been an engaged leader within the PGA of America for over two decades. His contributions span five national committees and numerous leadership positions, including service as President of his local Gateway PGA Section. His passion for expanding golf access led him to be involved in the establishment of PGA REACH Gateway, a regional foundation that has since grown into a national initiative dedicated to making the game more inclusive.
In November 2024, Charnes was elected Vice President of the PGA of America by his peers. Before this role, he served as Secretary of the PGA of America from 2023 to 2024, helping guide national membership initiatives and policy development. He began his two-year term as Vice President in 2025, positioning him among the association's top executives and in line to serve as President of the PGA of America in 2027-2028.
Charnes's achievements have earned widespread recognition, including induction into the Greater Evansville Golf Hall of Fame and the Indiana Sports Hall of Fame. He has received multiple PGA awards, such as Golf Professional of the Year and the Bill Strausbaugh Award for mentorship.
While his professional responsibilities keep him traveling across the country, Charnes remains connected to his UE roots, often receiving updates from his grandmother, Patricia Mitsos '60, a longtime trustee of the University. He continues to follow the growth of the University's golf programs and looks forward to engaging with student-athletes in the future.
Reflecting on his journey, Charnes encourages current students to get involved, embrace challenges, and build relationships, noting that those habits will serve them long after graduation. He also credits the University of Evansville for empowering him to step confidently into leadership. "UE was the place where I learned to balance competing priorities and to never lose sight of what really matters-treating people with respect and making a positive impact," he said.
The University of Evansville is a private, comprehensive university with a solid foundation in the arts and sciences and professional schools in business, engineering, education, and health sciences. Established in 1854, UE is recognized across the globe for its rich tradition of innovative, academic excellence and dynamic campus community of #Changemakers.
Home of the Purple Aces, UE is located in the southwestern region of Indiana and offers over 75 majors, 17 Division I sports, and a unique study abroad experience at Harlaxton, the University's very own Victorian manor located in the countryside of England. For more information, please visit evansville.edu.
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