Don Platt

Don Platt became the 13th person to be enshrined in the SDGA Hall of Fame. Don was the first Executive Director of the South Dakota Golf Association, serving in that capacity from 1971 until 1985. Under his direction, the SDGA implemented a course-rating program, developed the Tee to Green magazine, and also introduced a handicap system for its individual members. Golfer of the Year Awards were introduced and Don and the Board of Directors also developed a course rotation schedule for the SDGA Championships. Prior to Don becoming the Executive Director, the only championships conducted by the SDGA were the Men’s Match Play Championship, Men’s Senior, and the Women’s Championship which was played at match play until 1963 The following events were added to the SDGA schedule during Don’s tenure: Men’s Stroke Play (1971), Husband and Wife (1975), Junior (1979), Men’s Pre-Senior (1980) and Women’s Senior (1974). An accomplished golfer as well, Don won the SDGA Pre-Senior Championship three times (1981, 1983, 1985) and the SDGA Senior Championship in 1990.