Golf pro Tom Mason honored for making difference for game in South Carolina

Those who earn a living in golf like to talk about “growing the game.” But how many turn conversation into action and really make a positive impact on the sport?

There’s no doubt that Tom Mason belongs on the list of those who make a difference.

His contributions again came to the forefront with his receiving the South Carolina Golf Association’s Tom Fazio Service to Golf award during the organization’s recent Golf Day celebration at Forest Lake Club.

For Mason, a PGA of America professional who owns and operates Par Tee Golf Center in West Columbia, promoting golf is, to borrow an Irving Berlin song title from a Broadway show, “Doin’ What Comes Natur’lly.”

He’s full speed ahead in all things golf. He’s the go-to guy to get things done.

In presenting the award, SCGA executive director Biff Lathrop touched on a few of Mason’s contributions, ranging from his hosting numerous events, his leadership in junior golf’s Hootie Series and PGA Jr. Golf League, his coaching the Columbia College golf teams, his working with high school teams and his giving away clubs at his facility to newcomers to the game.

“The list goes on and on,” Lathrop said, and it does — including making Par Tee available for national Long Drive tournaments and Drive, Chip and Putt competition.

There’s his business, too. Par Tee’s range can accommodate 100 players, and the facility offers a par-3 course and a miniature course along with lessons, clinics, club repair and a well-stocked pro shop.

A native of Pennsylvania, Mason came to the University of South Carolina to pursue an advance degree in international businesses and ended up in golf. He worked part-time for pro Clem King at WildeWood, then took on added responsibilities on his way to becoming a PGA of America professional and compiling a record to envy.

In addition to WildeWood, he made stops at Woodcreek, Oak Hills and The Woodlands before purchasing Par Tee about 14 years ago.

He’s a man for all seasons in the game, and perhaps his foremost calling card is his devotion to junior golf.

“I really got into junior golf when our kids (daughter Bailee and son Palmer) were at that age,” Mason said. “Then, the Carolinas PGA asked if we could do a Drive, Chip and Putt competition, and we said yes. Justin Fleming (South Carolina Junior Golf Association) called about the Hootie Series, and we said yes.”

A call from a friend led him to the Columbia College teams. All the while, he took leadership positions in the Carolinas PGA and South Carolina PGA Chapter.

“You want to get people involved in golf,” he said, a philosophy he put into practice long before the “grow the game” became the mantra. “I really like working with kids, watching them grow up and develop both on and off the course. Several from our junior programs have gone into the golf business and are doing well.”

Mason remembers his taking on more duties at WildeWood after college and how he ignored his boss’ advice.

“Clem (King) tried to talk me out of making golf a career,” Mason said. “Then, he became my mentor and made me into the golf professional I have become.”

Also at Golf Day:

• Michael Carlisle was inducted into the South Carolina Golf Hall of Fame;
• Sam Jackson received his fourth-straight player of the year award;
• Eddie Hargett earned the senior player of the year honor for the fifth time;
• George Montgomery received the Rick Miller Volunteer of the Year award;
• And Steve Behr received the Charles Drawdy Distinguished Service award.

Officers elected for 2026 include Danny Stubbs, president; David Ellison, vice-president; Bennett Jordan, treasurer; and Sonny Slaughter, secretary.

Chip shots. Although he played in only nine tournaments, Hartsville’s Tommy “Two Gloves” Gainey earned the PGA Tour’s Hale Irwin Award, symbolic of the PGA Champions Tour’s rookie of the year. Gainey, who won the 2012 RSM Classic during his Tour career, played his way onto PGA Tour Champions after his 50th birthday via open qualifiers and top-10s before securing his breakthrough win at the Constellation Furyk & Friends in his fifth start. In addition to his tourney win, he posted two other top-10 finishes in his nine starts. ... Kylie Smith (Blythewood) won the girls’ 13-19 division in the SCJGA’s Bobby D. Championship for the second straight year. Ted Neal (Mount Pleasant) edged Canon Moriarty (Charleston) in a playoff for the boys’ title in the competition at Crowfield GC in Goose Creek.

This story was originally published January 23, 2026 at 7:30 AM with the headline "Golf pro Tom Mason honored for making difference for game in South Carolina."