Jim McGovern

An Oradell native, Jim McGovern emerged as a standout amateur before going on to a decorated collegiate career at the University of Arkansas and then Old Dominion University, where he earned multiple All-Conference honors and was later inducted into the school’s Athletics Hall of Fame. He turned professional in 1989 and quickly reached the game’s highest level, qualifying for the U.S. Open that same year and earning full PGA TOUR status in 1990. 

McGovern competed on the PGA TOUR from 1991 to 1998, highlighted by his victory at the 1993 Shell Houston Open and a fifth-place finish at the 1994 Masters. He recorded 14 top-10 finishes on the PGA TOUR and later added 10 more while competing on the Nationwide (now Korn Ferry) Tour. 

Since returning full-time to New Jersey, McGovern has continued to be a major force in the state’s competitive golf landscape. He has served as head golf professional at White Beeches Golf & Country Club since 2011 and has recorded numerous victories and honors, including a runner-up finish at the 2013 New Jersey Open and a berth in the 2014 PGA Championship. McGovern has also dominated NJPGA senior competition, earning three Senior Player of the Year awards and multiple state and regional senior titles.