27th Kepler Classic (Mid-Am & Senior)

The first of two PBCGA championships devoted to the Senior golfer is the 27th Kepler Classic (Mid-Am & Senior). The late Don Kepler (1932-2023), was inducted into the PBCGA Hall of Fame in 1994, was a former PBCGA Executive Director and The Kepler Classic is named in his honor and will be hosted at PGA Golf Club at PGA Village – Ryder Course in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

The competition will consist of Open (49 and younger), Senior (50-59) and Super Senior (60+) contests with points awarded towards each of the PBCGA Point Cup Races presented by The Golf Crypt, Jupiter: Open Points Cup , Senior Points Cup and the Super Senior Points Cup .

The event will consist of an 18-hole shootout, played on Sunday, June 9th. Approximately 72 Mid-Amateurs and Seniors will compete in four age divisions: Mid-Amateur (25-49), Senior (50-59), Super Senior (60-69) and Legends (70+).

Tournament Field is Limited, register early to secure your entry!

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ABOUT DON KEPLER

Don Leroy Kepler, 92, of Jupiter Florida, passed away on March 18th, 2023. He was born in Massillon Ohio on September 2, 1932; son of the late Dorene (Daily) and Harold Kepler.

“Hating the cold Ohio winters,” Don came to Florida and found employment teaching at Palm Beach High School in West Palm Beach and later Howell L. Watkins Middle School in Palm Beach Gardens.

Those who knew Don understood that golfing was his life’s passion, and he was involved in the sport his whole life. He was employed by several local golf courses including North Palm Beach Country Club, Palm Beach Gardens Municipal Golf Course and Jonathan’s Landing Old Trail Course. He was actively involved in the Palm Beach County Golf Association where he mentored youth in the game of golf. In the 1970s he opened Kepler’s Clubs and was one of best golf club repairmen in Palm Beach County. If Don was not working, he was golfing with friends, fishing and playing cards.

While Don Kepler was running Kepler’s Custom Club and Repair, he became more than just a craftsman of golf clubs; he became a mentor to a generation of young golfers. Among his disciples were Dave Pesacov, Mark Calcavecchia, and Adam Armagost. These three went on to achieve remarkable success, each becoming Palm Beach County amateur champions.

Don’s influence went far beyond the workshop. He was a constant figure of support and encouragement at every significant golf event in the area. Whenever one of his mentees stepped onto the green, Don was there in the gallery, cheering them on. His presence was a fixture at Mark Calcavecchia’s tour events, unwavering in his dedication and belief in his protégé.

One of the most enduring testaments to Don’s impact is the persimmon driver he crafted for Dave Pesacov. This bespoke club, dubbed the Kepler Classic, was instrumental in Dave’s victory at the 1981 Florida Amateur, a moment that solidified both their legacies in local golf history. The Kepler Classic remains with Dave to this day, a cherished symbol of the mentorship and craftsmanship that defined Don Kepler’s enduring legacy in the world of golf.

Don received many accolades including a swimming scholarship to Bowling Green State University (BGSU) in Ohio. He was called to service in the United States Marine Corps where he served in the Korean War. After, he returned to BGSU where he competed in both collegiate swimming and golf. At graduation, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. In 1957, he was named an Accomplished Swimming and Diving Alumnus and in 1972, he was inducted into the BGSU Athletic Hall of Fame for both Men’s Golf and Men’s Swimming.

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ABOUT PBCGA

Since its inception in 1976, the Palm Beach County Golf Association has been a cornerstone to the many excellent golfers residing in Palm Beach County. For those of you who may not be familiar with the PBCGA, we are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by local business leaders in 1976.

Our purpose is two-fold: First, we conduct approximately 20 championship each year while promoting amateur golf throughout South Florida. Our championships are the best of their kind anywhere and we strive to make them enjoyable for golfers of all ages. Second, we are committed to providing college scholarships while supporting the growth and development of deserving and worthy Florida students. We stand with our hand selected scholars while encouraging opportunity to build life skills and gain college preparedness through regular mentorship.

The PBCGA provides an opportunity for local amateur golfers to play the best golf courses in their local area and affords access to the top golf venues in South Florida. Nearly 700 amateur golfers compete in PBCGA championships throughout the tournament season (March – October).

Operated by Executive Director Jordan Schneider, the PBCGA along with a team of dedicated volunteers performs the day-to-day operations of the PBCGA from its Headquarters in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. The Association is served by an elected Board of Directors, headed by Chairman of the Board Michael Blum.

The Palm Beach County Golf Association has awarded over $475,000 to 185+ area college students to help with their college education. These scholarships have helped students pay for tuition, books and other fees so that they could be more dedicated to their studies.

PBCGA has partnered with Take Stock in Children – Palm Beach County to provide tuition scholarships to attend the Florida state college of their choice. Take Stock in Children is a statewide mentoring/scholarship program. The program enrolls middle school, low-income students and helps them succeed by providing college and vocational scholarships, volunteer mentors, student advocates, early intervention and long-term support.

For more than 40 years, the PBCGA and local South Florida businesses have partnered to provide the highest level of golf services to the Palm Beach County area. Continued support from local organizations such as the Arrigo Family, Tiger Woods Ventures, Jack & Barbara Nicklaus, Morell Studios, Palm Beach Kennel Club, Tire Kingdom, PGA TOUR and The Honda Classic is a testament to the longstanding support of PBCGA’s mission to give back. Assistance from local businesses, alumni and friends allows the PBCGA to dedicate more time and resources to programs that provide college scholarships to deserving and worthy students in Palm Beach County.