Posted: Jan 23, 2026

Columbia's Mason Honored for Making Difference for Golf in South Carolina

courtesy of Bob Spear of the State.

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Columbia College Head Golf Coach Tom Mason was honored with 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. Mason is a PGA of America professional who owns and operates Par Tee Golf Center in West Columbia.

"I am truly honored and humbled to receive the South Carolina Golf Association's Tom Fazio Service to Golf Award," said Mason. "It is a pleasure to help beginner golfers develop skills and watch them fall in love with the game of golf. It is great to see young golfers continue to play golf through high school and college, whether they play recreationally or competitively."

During the presentation of the award, SCGA executive director Biff Lathrop mentioned 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 working with high school teams and his giving away clubs at his facility to newcomers to the game.

Mason makes 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.

He is in his 6th year coaching the men's and women's golf teams at Columbia.