United States ProMini Association inducted eleventh member Greg Newport into the USPMGA Hall of Fame October 13, 2018 during the USPMGA Master’s. Newport started playing mini golf in 1984 at local courses near his hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina because his brother was the athlete in the family and mini golf was not his bother’s sport. In 1989 he began traveling to other mini golf locations which soon lead to him traveling the world to compete. In 2006 Greg Newport competed in his first USPMGA event, the USPMGA Master’s at Hawaiian Rumble in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
In 2016 Greg Newport shot a perfect 18 during a PPA tournament in Richmond, Virginia. This is a great accomplishment because only four pro putters have ever reached this goal in the history of putting.
Newport became a member of USPMGA Team USA in 2016 traveling to compete for the United States in 2016 Kosovo, 2017 Croatia, and 2018 Czech Republic. Newport became Captain of Team USA in 2017 and with his leadership the United States received in 2017 a Gold medal in Womens Senior Division by Team member Paula Gay, 2018 a Gold medal in Womens Senior Division b y Team member Vanette Block. Greg Newport received the Bronze medal in the Seniors division during the 2018 World Adventure Golf Masters in Czech Republic.
Greg Newport won the 2007 USPMGA US Open title and in 2009 USPMGA Masters title. If you ask Newport, he would tell you his most memoriable moment on the the USPMGA Tour would be 2008 during the USPMGA Master’s where he was paired with Becky Sandefur. After the first day of the 2008 event, Greg Newport was leading the twelve round tournamnet however by day three of the event Newport lost to long time competitor Brad Lebo but won the heart of Becky, who is now his beloved wife Becky Newport.
Newport sets an example for all the pro’s to follow, with the most respect for the USPMGA tour and how a pro player should conduct himself on and off the course. With his leadership Team USA will continue to improve until they come home with the Gold medal in team competition. Newport has been one of the best individuals to ever play the mini golf sport.