Golf Professional of the Year
Luke Smith, PGA - Milburn Country Club
The Midwest PGA Golf Professional of the Year Award is the highest honor paid to a PGA golf professional who has demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities, demonstrated a strong moral character, has maintained a substantial record of service to the Association and game of golf, and is well regarded as a model PGA Professional. The award is presented to an individual based upon their: Overall performance as a golf professional at his/her facility, level of service to his/her Section and to the Association, leadership ability, image, and ability to inspire fellow professionals, promotion and growth of the game of golf.
Assistant Golf Professional of the Year
Cassie Sargent, PGA - Oakwood Country Club
The Midwest Section Assistant Golf Professional of the Year Award is the highest honor paid to a PGA Assistant Golf Professional. The award is presented to an individual who has excelled in: Overall job performance at his/her facility, Level of service to his/her Chapter and Section, Leadership ability, Participation in Chapter and Section activities, and Promotion of the game of golf.
Teacher & Coach of the Year
Rob Shipman, PGA - Milburn Country Club
Established in 1986, the PGA Teacher and Coach of the Year Award bestows special recognition on a PGA golf professional who has excelled at teaching the game of golf. The award is presented to an individual based upon their: Overall performance as a golf professional at his/her facility, Leadership ability, image, and the ability to inspire fellow golf professionals, Use of teaching aids and the ability to illustrate their effectiveness, Involvement in junior golf activities at the facility and in the community, Service to his/her Section and the Association, Promotion of golf, Techniques for teaching small and large groups, and Articles written for publication in books and magazines.
Bill Strausbaugh Award
Nic Ingram, PGA - The National Golf Club of Kansas City
The Bill Strausbaugh Award recognizes PGA Professionals who by their day-to-day efforts have made significant contributions through mentoring of fellow PGA Professionals. The award also considers the integrity and character of the PGA member, proven leadership ability, service to the Association, and involvement in community and charitable activities. The award is presented to an individual based upon their contributions to: building the image of the game of golf, the PGA Professional, and the Association, Involvement and significant contributions through mentoring of PGA Professionals and impacting their careers, Overall integrity and character of the PGA Member, and involvement in community and Association activities including civic and charitable activities.
Player Development Award
Brenndan Cooper, PGA - Brenndan Cooper Golf
The Player Development Award recognizes a leading PGA Professional for extraordinary and exemplary contributions and achievements in the area of Player Development. The award considers a PGA Professional’s growth of the game leadership commitment at the Section and National levels, and the impact at the members’ own facility.
Youth Player Development Award
Maureen Farrell, PGA - Oakwood Country Club
Established in 1988, the PGA Youth Development Award is designed to pay recognition to a PGA golf professional who is a leader in junior golf, reflects the qualities and ideals of those who work with our nation’s youth, and provides opportunities and experiences for juniors to learn and play golf. The award is presented to an individual based upon their: Contributions to junior programs and events in the PGA Section, Involvement in the promotion and development of junior golf at their facility and the community, Support of PGA Junior Golf programs, Overall image, service, and leadership in the area of junior golf, and Overall integrity as an individual and acceptance by junior golfers as a person of outstanding character.
PGA Professional Development Award
Nick Jones, PGA - Hallbrook Country Club
Established in 1970, the PGA Professional Development Award is designed to recognize golf professionals for their outstanding and continued contributions to developing and improving education opportunities for the PGA golf professional. The award is presented to and individual for their: Contributions to the National & Section PGA Education programs, Contributions and assistance toward the development of articles which benefit and relate to education, and Contributions to building the image of both the PGA Golf Professional and the Association.
Merchandiser of the Year - Public / Resort
Jared Henzlik, PGA - Big Cedar Lodge
Established in 1980, the PGA Merchandiser of the Year Award (Public & Resort) recognizes those PGA golf professionals who have demonstrated superior skills as merchandisers in the promotion of golf. In order to be eligible for this award, the individual must be a PGA Member in good standing and employed at a public or resort facility. The award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated ability in: Creating a successful merchandise plan, Merchandising performance, Merchandising philosophy, Inventory mix, Staff training and shop operations, and Effective use of specialized merchandising techniques including, displays, presentations, and advertising campaigns.
Merchandiser of the Year - Private
Billy Bolin, PGA - Prairie Dunes Country Club
Established in 1980, the PGA Merchandiser of the Year Award (Private) recognizes those PGA golf professionals who have demonstrated superior skills as merchandisers in the promotion of golf. In order to be eligible for this award, the individual must be a PGA Member in good standing and employed at a private facility. The award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated ability in: Creating a successful merchandise plan, Merchandising performance, Merchandising philosophy, Inventory mix, Staff training and shop operations, and Effective use of specialized merchandising techniques including, displays, presentations, and advertising campaigns.
Patriot Award
Sean Hanna, PGA - Loch Lloyd Country Club
The "PGA Patriot Award" bestows special recognition on a PGA Golf Professional, who personifies patriotism through the game of golf and demonstrates unwavering commitment and dedication to the men and women who have valiantly served and protected the United States of America.
Sales Representative of the Year - Soft Goods
Everett Scrima - Adidas
Presented annually since 2002, this award recognizes a Sales Representative who excels in customer service, knowledge of product, and commitment to PGA Professionals and the Section. This award winner must stand out in business ethics and integrity.
Sales Representative of the Year - Hard Goods
Chad Homsey - Titleist
Presented annually since 2002, this award recognizes a Sales Representative who excels in customer service, knowledge of product, and commitment to PGA Professionals and the Section. This award winner must stand out in business ethics and integrity.
Ben Wheeler - Summit Christian Academy
The Student-athlete award is given annually to a student-athlete or athletes who have excelled in five areas of character: athletics, sportsmanship, leadership, citizenship and community outreach. Additionally, each student-athlete must have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher to be considered.