McCabe is committed to guiding future golf leaders and growing the game’s community
When Mike McCabe earned PGA Master Professional status this month, he joined an elite group of fewer than 500 professionals nationwide to hold the title. As general manager of The Golf Clubs at The Tribute in The Colony, McCabe has spent more than a decade shaping one of North Texas’ premier golf destinations, and his latest achievement marks another milestone in a career defined by leadership and community.
Reaching The Game’s Highest Professional Level
For McCabe, earning the PGA Master Professional designation is more than a career milestone; it was the culmination of years of dedication to his craft. The designation marks the pinnacle of professional achievement in golf, something McCabe had been working toward since he first joined the PGA of America in 2007.
“To represent North Texas golf and the Northern Texas PGA Section at this level is truly an honor — this region is home to so many talented professionals and world-class facilities, so being able to carry that banner forward is very special to me,” McCabe tells Local Profile.
The Master Professional designation, established in 1969, is the PGA of America’s highest educational honor. To earn it, members must complete advanced certification and a specialized project that demonstrates measurable results in leadership and innovation. McCabe’s focus was in executive management, which required written work, peer review and a live presentation before a national evaluation panel at PGA Frisco.
“It’s a rigorous and comprehensive process,” he says. “It’s designed to test your knowledge, your ability to lead and your impact on the business of golf.”
Building The Tribute’s Legacy
McCabe joined The Tribute in 2011, a time when The Colony’s lakeside golf community was still finding its footing. Over the years, he’s helped oversee a transformation.
“It’s been incredible to see the growth,” McCabe says. “When I first arrived in 2011, The Tribute was already a special place, but over the years it’s evolved into a vibrant, connected community.”
Under his leadership, The Tribute Golf Links and Old American Golf Club merged into a unified, semi-private 36-hole facility. Major course and clubhouse renovations followed, and the surrounding area flourished alongside it.
That growth culminated in hosting the LPGA’s Volunteers of America Classic for six years, giving The Tribute and The Colony a global spotlight. For McCabe, it’s a dream come true.
“To showcase our facility, development and the city of The Colony to a global audience was incredibly rewarding,” he says. “It took tremendous teamwork from our staff, volunteers, membership and city partners to make it happen. Seeing fans, families and players enjoy the event made all the effort worthwhile.”
What Makes The Tribute Special
But what sets The Golf Clubs at The Tribute apart? For McCabe, the answer is easy: culture and connection.
“We’ve built an environment where members, staff, and guests all feel connected to something bigger,” he said. “ The golf itself is simply spectacular with two unique courses that have their own stories.”
Tribute Golf Links pays homage to iconic Scottish holes from St. Andrews, Royal Troon and Royal Dornoch, while Old American Golf Club draws inspiration from the Golden Age of golf course architecture.
“Players love the authenticity, lakeside views and serene setting,” McCabe said. “Our hospitality, camaraderie and sense of pride truly set us apart. It feels like home for so many people, and that’s what makes it special.”
A Growing Game In North Texas
Across the country, golf has seen a major resurgence, and North Texas is no exception. “We’ve seen record levels of play year over year, new members joining, and families getting involved in the game like never before,” McCabe said. Junior programs are thriving, and the game is reaching a broader, more diverse audience.
“It’s an exciting time to be part of the game’s growth in North Texas,” McCabe says.
He credits the region’s growing reputation, especially with PGA Frisco now serving as the “front door to the golf world.” He notes that North Texas has firmly established itself as one of the premier golf regions in the nation.
“The depth of talent, the quality of our courses, and the sense of community within the industry are unmatched,” McCabe says.
Looking Ahead
Despite reaching one of golf’s highest professional honors, McCabe sees this moment as a beginning, not an endpoint.
“I’m passionate about developing the next generation of professionals and continuing to enhance the member experience at our club,” McCabe says. “There is still so much to learn and more ways to make an impact.”
As for what excites him most about the future? Easy. The growth of the game he loves. “With the talent, innovation and passion in this region, the future of golf in North Texas is incredibly bright,” he says.
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