The AJGA prepares to celebrate the legacy of Gene Siller at the Babygrande Atlanta Classic honoring Gene Siller, set to take place from July 7-10 at Pinetree Country Club in Kennesaw, Georgia. This prestigious event will honor the memory of Gene Siller and will feature 78 of the world's top junior golfers, both boys and girls ages 12-19, competing in a 54-hole stroke play format.
On July 3, 2021, Ashley Siller and the golf community were struck by the heartbreaking news of Eugene “Gene” Karl Siller’s tragic passing. Siller, the PGA Director of Golf at Pinetree Country Club, left a legacy that continues to inspire and support junior golfers. His life and career were a testament to his dedication, passion and unwavering commitment to the game of golf and the people around him.
Gene always wanted to do more to help young junior golfers in need. As a full-time PGA Professional, he witnessed first-hand young junior golfers who could excel if they had financial assistance and support/guidance from a PGA Golf Professional. His desire to help junior golfers in need to learn, play and compete is the basis of his grant program.
Siller’s path in the golf industry was motivating. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University, he began his career as a Professional Engineer, where he contributed to the development of several US Patents. Despite his success in engineering, his true passion lay in golf, leading him to ultimately pursue a career as a PGA Professional.
Siller’s natural talent for teaching and mentoring was evident as he held leadership positions at several prestigious golf clubs around Atlanta, Georgia. His relentless pursuit of excellence and his incredible work ethic made him a beloved figure in the golfing community.
When Gene passed away three years ago, I made a commitment to our family that I would raise our boys with Gene’s values at the heart and center of everything we do. I also committed to keeping his legacy alive by giving back to the golf community in a way that would make him proud. Gene’s passion for golf, huge heart, extraordinary moral compass and commitment to putting other people first makes it easy to celebrate his legacy every day. His impact on and off the golf course will live on forever, and we are so incredibly grateful for our partnerships with GA PGA and Babygrande to help us execute our mission.
Siller was a heavily respected man in the golf community. No matter where he was, people looked up to him as a sign of his hard work and dedication to the community around him. Siller was powered by a heart of golf; one of the biggest in the sport of golf. If it was another person or animal, Siller led with a helping hand and a mighty heart.
Gene was an ethically sound man. Built to the core with a strong, centered, and grateful personality. He was never swayed in the wrong direction; he always took the right path.
Siller’s life may have been short-lived, but his memory will be cherished forever. Gene will be remembered for making others around him feel loved, cared for, and better human beings.
The AJGA’s Babygrande Atlanta Classic honoring Gene Siller will be a vessel of unwavering support to Gene as juniors worldwide will make their way to the course to honor him once again.