Special Awards

Watch Scott’s PGA of America Youth Player Development Award Video!

Scott Wilson, PGA, a PGA Professional at Bay Meadows Family Golf Course, in Traverse City, Mich., is the recipient of the 2019 “PGA Youth Player Development Award,” given annually to a PGA Golf Professional who has displayed extraordinary and exemplary contributions and achievements in the area of youth player development.

A 21-year PGA Member, Wilson has played an integral role in elevating youth-player development at Bay Meadows, while also re-energizing the Traverse City Junior Golf Association’s programming. His passion and commitment for player development is contagious: The Golf in Schools program he plays a major role in has reached more than 2,000 kids at 17 schools; Drive, Chip & Putt participation continues to increase; and the growth of PGA Jr. League has been incredible. Starting with 28 kids upon Wilson’s arrival in 2015, PGA Jr. League now has enrolled more than 90 boys and girls at Bay Meadows.

Additionally, his Junior Elite program, which takes on 18 juniors each year, is one of his most fulfilling programs: 40 graduates have gone on to play collegiate golf, including a three-time “Miss Golf” in the state of Michigan. Wilson has twice been honored with the Michigan Section Youth Player Development Award (2017, ’19); the Player Development Award three times (2007, ‘08, ‘18); and he’s a multi-award winner for Northern Michigan Chapter. He has also been recognized on Golf Digest’s “Best Teacher in the State” list.

Criteria includes:

• Strengths as a player/teacher/merchandiser/tournament administrator/business person and overall golf professional.
• Contributions made to the success of the candidate’s facility and the game of golf itself.
• Character, image and integrity of the candidate.
• Examples of the candidate’s mentors.

Emily Rohdy | 2019 Assistant Golf Professional of the Year

Assistant Golf Professional of the Year Award Winners

Criteria includes:

• Involvement and significant contribution through mentoring of fellow PGA professionals/apprentices/PGM students.
• Recognition as a person of outstanding integrity and character that reinforces the values and image of the association.
• Level of service and activity to the section, association and the game itself.
• Previous awards and participation in non-golf community/civic activities.

Bernie Friedrich | 2019 Bill Strausbaugh Award

Bill Strausbaugh Award Winners

The Deacon Palmer Award honors a PGA Professional who personally displays outstanding integrity, character and leadership in the effort to overcome a major obstacle in their life.

Monty Elam | 2018 Deacon Palmer Award Winner

Watch Monty’s National Special Award Video

In 2007, Monty had a routine eye procedure that went terribly wrong and left him completely blind. After six months, a special procedure enabled him to regain limited sight in his left eye, while he remained completely blind in his right eye.

The advice from health professionals was to give up his dream and leave the golf business. However, Monty knew that was NOT an option, as he was ready to tackle the new challenges he faced, while determined to continue his lifelong passion as a PGA Member. Elam’s ability to adapt to different situations, combined with his knowledge of club operations and impeccable attention to detail, has allowed him to re-assume a leadership role at his club.

Monty, a 23-year PGA Member, is an advocate for individuals with special needs, as his facility hosts several programs annually for golfers with disabilities. Monty is an inspiration through his actions and commitment to excellence on a daily basis.

The Award honors outstanding individuals who display leadership and humanitarian qualities, including integrity, sportsmanship and enthusiasm for the game of golf.

Distinguished Service Award Winners

Criteria includes:

• Strengths as a player/teacher/merchandiser/tournament administrator/leader/mentor and lifelong example of a model golf professional.
• Examples of contributions made to candidate’s facility and the game of golf within the Michigan Section.
• Previous awards and non-golf community involvement.

Doug Kreis, a 24-year PGA Member, was raised in Kalamazoo, MI and began working at The Moors Golf Club at 12-years-old, where he stayed until graduating from the University of Maine, in 1991. That fall, he moved to Ft. Myers, FL to work for Jim Butler at the Forest Country Club and spent the next three winters there, along with two summers for Doug White at Barton Hills Country Club.

In 1994, Doug worked for Tommy Valentine at Lochmoor Club, where he spent four seasons, while also spending winters at Tamarisk Country Club in Rancho Mirage, CA. His first head professional job was at Flushing Valley Golf and Country Club where he worked three years.

In 2001, Doug became just the fifth golf professional at Battle Creek Country Club, where he has spent the past 19 seasons.

Accomplishments

• Served on the Michigan Assistants Association & Central Chapter Board
• Served on the Western Chapter Board-all chairs, including two years as president
• 3 terms–Michigan PGA Board
• 4 years–Michigan PGA Special Awards Chairman

Watch Doug Kreis’ Golf Professional of the Year Video

Golf Professional of the Year Award Winners

* National Award Winner

Criteria includes:

• Candidate’s contributions, techniques and support of both National and Section Education programs and seminars.
• Articles or programs that directly relate to education of fellow PGA Professionals.
• Contributions made by the candidate to grow and strengthen the image of a PGA Professional.
• Examples of the candidate’s leadership and networking ability.

Kevin McKinley | 2019 Horton Smith Award

Horton Smith Award Winners

*National Award Winners

In recognition for providing exceptional media coverage in helping the PGA Member and Association become more visible.

Bill Hobson | 2018 Media Award Winner

Media Award Winners

Criteria includes:

• Summary of exemplary retail philosophy and image.
• Examples of excellence in profit margin/stock turn/cost of goods/sales/dollars per round/inventory mix and other metrics used to evaluate golf shops.
• Innovation in displays, merchandising techniques, staff training and the overall success and growth of the candidate’s operation.
• Continued education and advancement in the retail arena

Doug Brody | 2019 Merchandiser of the Year-Private

Merchandiser of the Year-Private Award Winners

*National Award Winner

Criteria includes:

• Summary of exemplary retail philosophy and image.
• Examples of excellence in profit margin/stock turn/cost of goods/sales/dollars per round/inventory mix and other metrics used to evaluate golf shops.
• Innovation in displays, merchandising techniques, staff training and the overall success and growth of the candidate’s operation.
• Continued education and advancement in the retail arena

John Paul Westbrook | 2019 Merchandiser of the Year-Public

Merchandiser of the Year-Public Award Winners

Criteria includes:

• Summary of exemplary retail philosophy and image.
• Examples of excellence in profit margin/stock turn/cost of goods/sales/dollars per round/inventory mix and other metrics used to evaluate golf shops.
• Innovation in displays, merchandising techniques, staff training and the overall success and growth of the candidate’s operation.
• Continued education and advancement in the retail arena

Elliott Oscar | 2019 Merchandiser of the Year-Resort

Merchandiser of the Year-Resort Award Winners

Criteria includes:

• Contributions and support of the US Armed Forces personnel and veterans.
• Examples of providing opportunities for US Armed Forces personnel and veterans to learn and play golf.
• Outstanding leadership and a strong moral character.
• Continued growth and success in programs and fundraising for Folds of Honor or other similar military initiatives.

Dean Kolstad | 2019 Patriot Award

Patriot Award Winners

Criteria includes:

• Recognition as a PGA Professional for extraordinary efforts in administering Play Golf America initiatives.
• Development of candidate’s own programs that support both growth and exposure to the game of golf.
• Overall image of the professional as a teacher/coach.
• Use of innovative techniques and specialty certifications that enhance the candidate’s programs and ability as a golf instructor.

Mike Fay | 2019 Player Development Award

Player Development Award Winners

Criteria includes:

• Overall impact on teaching/coaching at the candidate’s facility to include number/hours of lessons/clinics and dollars generated.
• Unusual, innovative or special teaching programs initiated or implemented.
• Instructional articles, videos or publications written or produces.
• Examples of innovative techniques/technologies used or specialty certifications that enhance the candidate’s programs, lessons and ability as an instructor.
• Continued education and training in the area of golf instruction.

David VanLoozen | 2019 Teacher of the Year

Teacher of the Year Award Winners

Criteria includes:

• Number of participants and length/frequency of junior golf clinics.
• Amount and overall size of junior golf tournaments.
• Teacher to students ratio and agenda of junior golf program to include goals and metrics of success.
• Previous awards or non-golf community/civic involvement.

Scott Wilson | 2019 Youth Player Development Award

Youth Player Development Award Winners