Each year we recognize Members in our Section who excel in their role as golf professionals. Michigan is home to some of the very best, most innovative professionals in golf. Surely you have co-workers or friends who continually distinguish themselves from their peers.
Click the category below to read the Special Awards Nominee’s Candidate Bio Forms!
Assistant Golf Professional of the Year
Brad VanGorder
Brandon Archibald
Brian Jakeway
Bryan Fegert
Ben Proben
John Breedlove
Lucas Baumann
Ryan Bayer
Tiffany Simons
Tim Pearce
Brian Corwin
Casey Powers
Charley Vandenberg
Ed Mitchell
Edward Bialek
Kevin McKinley
Kyle Horton
Mark Wilson
Matt Koets
Patrick Markley
Steve Brady
Chris Sobieck
Chris Whitten
Dean Kolstad
Dean Marks
Harry Dixon
Jeff Carlson
Thomas Ham
Rolla Frisinger
Casey Powers
Dan Urban
Doug Brody
Doug Bell
Glenn Pulice
Harry Dixon
Ian Ziska
Matt Koets
Patrick Markley
Steve Brady
Merchandiser of the Year-Private
Chris Bathje
Daniel Urban
Garrett Campbell
Kyle Horton
Matt Flaherty
Matt Koets
Patrick Markley
Perry Busse
Merchandiser of the Year-Public
Merchandiser of the Year-Resort
Gary Lewandowski
Steve Niezgoda
Bob Bales
Dean Marks
Ian Ziska
John Lindert
Professional Development Award
Charley Vandenberg
Chris Sobieck
Josh Richter
Kyle Horton
Brandon Roby
Dean Marks
Ed Laprade
Jeff Caminiti
Jimmy Wisinski
Joe Charles
Pete Kelbel
Raquel Bryant
Scott Shapin
Shaun Bezilla
Tyler Wong
Will Ellender
Adam Farabaugh
Adam Schriber
Bradon Roby
Bret Hartman
Daniel Lock
Edward Laprade
Ian Hughes
Jack Seltzer
Kelly Sivier
Kyle Martin
Matt Barton
Pete Kelbel
Rex Wiggins
Scott Shapin
Scott Wilson
Thomas Piscopink
Brandon Roby
Bryan Fegert
Dean Marks
Lucas Baumann
Matt Barton
Pete Kelbel
Raquel Bryant
Randy White
ASSISTANT GOLF PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
BILL STRAUSBAUGH AWARD
GOLF EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR
GOLF PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
MERCHANDISER OF THE YEAR (PRIVATE, PUBLIC AND RESORT)
PATRIOT AWARD
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AWARD
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AWARD
TEACHER & COACH OF THE YEAR
YOUTH PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AWARD
Awards that require the candidate must have been a Class A PGA member in good standing for a minimum total of 10 years to win National Award: Golf Executive, Golf Professional, Teacher & Coach of the Year, Bill Strausbaugh, and Professional Development Award.
Awards that require the candidate must have been a Class A PGA member in good standing and/or Associate for a minimum total of 10 years combined to win National Award: Player Development, Youth Player Development, and Patriot Award.
Date | Action Item |
Sept. 23, 2022 | 2023 nomination forms due |
Oct. 21, 2022 | Candidate bio forms due |
Oct. 31-Nov. 11, 2022 | Bio forms are posted on the Michigan PGA website and emailed to Members who are eligible to vote |
Nov. 14-Nov. 18, 2022 | 2023 voting open! |
Early December 2022 | Announce 2023 finalists! |
January 2023 | Special Awards Committee interviews finalists |
Spring 2023 | Candidates are submitted for National Special Awards consideration |
March 20, 2023 | 2023 Winners are announced at Spring Membership Meeting |
Fall 2023 | 2023 Winners are awarded at the President’s Dinner & Fall Membership Meeting |
Lauren Strong, PGA
First Assistant Golf Professional
Teaching Professional
Forest Dunes Golf Club
Ian Ziska, PGA
Head Golf Professional
American Dunes Golf Club
Kelly Kuhlman, PGA
Director of Instruction
Twin Lakes Golf & Swim Club
Teaching Professional
Red Run Golf Club
John Lindert, PGA
President of the PGA of America
Director of Golf
Country Club of Lansing
Brian Cairns, PGA
Teaching Professional
Fox Hills Learning Center
Edgewood Country Club
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.
Year | Winner | Award |
2019 | Scott Wilson | Youth Player Development Watch Scott’s National Special Award Video |
2018 | Monty Elam | Deacon Palmer Award Watch Monty’s National Special Award Video |
2017 | Zack Chapin | Merchandiser of the Year-Resort |
2017 | Kevin McKinley | Patriot Award |
2013 | Jordan Young | Player Development |
2008 | Mark Wilson | PGA Horton Smith |
2006 | Dick Stewart | Merchandiser of the Year-Private |
1985 | Roger Van Dyke | Bill Strausbaugh |
1985 | Larry Startzel | PGA Horton Smith |
1977 | Don Soper | Golf Professional of the Year |
1974 | Walter Hagen | PGA World Golf Hall of Fame |
1969 | Dave Hill | Vardon Trophy |
1968 | Chick Harbert | PGA Hall of Fame |
1965 | Emil Beck | PGA Horton Smith |
1960 | Warren Orlick | Golf Professional of the Year |
1960 | Walter Hagen | PGA Hall of Fame |
1958 | Horton Smith | PGA Hall of Fame |
Criteria includes:
Year | Winner |
2022 | Lauren Strong |
2021 | Brandon Dean |
2020 | Jimmy Wisinski |
2019 | Emily Rohdy |
2018 | AJ Partenio |
2017 | Rocky Mullendore |
2016 | Heath Scott |
2015 | Kyle Horton |
2014 | Jeff Rachar |
2013 | Paul Townsend |
2012 | Rick Slaght |
2011 | Kelly Sivier |
2010 | Adam Howe |
2009 | Karen VandenBerg |
2008 | Peter Mogg |
2007 | Paul Lehnert |
2006 | Jeremy Lathwell |
2005 | John Myers |
2004 | Jeff Ferry |
2003 | Todd Scarafoni |
2002 | Brian Dice |
2001 | Jim Amiot |
2000 | Al Kuhn |
1999 | Ted Tallefson |
1998 | Karen VandenBerg |
1997 | David Vaclav |
1996 | Bill Jayne |
1995 | Glenn Pulice |
1994 | Peter Driscoll |
1993 | Bob Magness |
1992 | Jon Helmker |
1991 | Timothy Bennett |
1990 | Michael Areddy |
Criteria includes:
Year | Winner |
2022 | Doug Kreis |
2021 | Chris Sobieck |
2020 | Mark Wilson |
2019 | Bernie Friedrich |
2018 | Kevin McKinley |
2017 | Jeff O’Malley |
2016 | Ian Ziska |
2015 | Mike Areddy |
2014 | Dick Stewart |
2013 | Wally Sierakowski |
2012 | Lynn Janson |
2011 | Dick Stewart |
2010 | Mike Chumbler |
2009 | Frank McAuliffe |
2008 | John Lindert |
2007 | Mark Wilson |
2006 | Mark Black |
2005 | No Nominees |
2004 | Brian Sanderson |
2003 | Bill Shriver |
2002 | Rodger Jabara |
2001 | Michael Kernicki |
2000 | James Dewling |
1999 | Gordon Marmion |
1998 | John Lindeman |
1997 | Jon Gates |
1996 | Jon Gates |
1995 | James Dewling |
1994 | James Dewling |
1993 | Richard Stewart |
1992 | Richard Stewart |
1991 | Richard Stewart |
1990 | Richard Stewart |
1989 | John R Williams |
1988 | Richard Stewart |
1987 | Roger Van Dyke |
1986 | Roger Van Dyke |
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.
Year | Winner |
2022 | Doug Dingwall |
2021 | Justin Phillips |
2020 | Glenn Pulice |
2014 | Harry Barrett |
2012 | Ron LaParl |
Criteria includes:
Year | Winner |
2022 | Kevin McKinley |
2021 | Bernie Friedrich |
Criteria includes:
Year | Winner |
2022 | Jeff O’Malley |
2021 | Dean Kolstad |
2020 | Dick Stewart Watch Dick’s Video |
2019 | Doug Kreis Watch Doug’s Video |
2018 | Greg Babinec Watch Greg’s Video |
2017 | Kevin McKinley |
2016 | Pat Croswell |
2015 | Kirk Scheerhorn |
2014 | Ron Beurmann |
2013 | Shaun Bezilla |
2012 | Ron Osborne |
2011 | Dave Mocini |
2010 | Frank McAuliffe |
2009 | John Lindert |
2008 | Mike Areddy |
2007 | Dick Stewart |
2006 | Dave Kendall |
2005 | Fred Muller |
2004 | Doug White |
2003 | Brad Dean |
2002 | Randy Erskine |
2001 | Bernie Friedrich |
2000 | Nick Berklich |
1999 | Gene Bone II |
1998 | Bernie Friedrich |
1997 | Pat Croswell |
1996 | Larry Mancour |
1995 | Lee Woodruff |
1994 | Michael Kernicki |
1993 | Buddy Whitten |
1992 | Lynn Janson |
1991 | David Kendall |
1990 | Rodger Jabara |
1989 | Gary Whitener |
1988 | Frank Jawor |
1987 | Dick Stewart |
1986 | Michael Kernicki |
1985 | John Molenda |
1984 | Jim Dewling |
1983 | Jim Picard |
1982 | Tom Deaton |
1981 | Glenn Stuart |
1980 | Roger Van Dyke |
1979 | Bob Clark |
1978 | Don Soper * |
1977 | Gene Bone |
1976 | Don Soper |
1975 | Jack Clark |
1974 | Gregory Matthews |
1973 | Louis Powers |
1972 | Frank Metzger |
1971 | Alex Sinclair |
1970 | Ray Maguire |
1969 | Ron LaParl |
1968 | Tommy Shannon |
1967 | Al Watrous |
1966 | Don Soper |
1965 | Cliff Good |
1964 | Joe Belfore |
1963 | Horton Smith |
1962 | Emil Beck |
1961 | Warren Orlick * |
1960 | Joe Belfore |
1959 | Horton Smith |
1958 | Al Watrous |
1957 | Warren Orlick |
1956 | Joe Devany |
* National Award Winner
In recognition for providing exceptional media coverage in helping the PGA Member and Association become more visible.
Year | Winner |
2021 | Anna Epkey |
2018 | Bill Hobson |
2016 | Greg Johnson |
2014 | Art McCafferty |
2012 | Jack Berry |
Criteria includes:
Year | Winner |
2022 | Kyle Horton |
2021 | Paul Lehnert |
2020 | Dan Urban |
2019 | Doug Brody |
2018 | Mike McGonigal |
2017 | Jeremy Lathwell |
2016 | Jeremy Lathwell |
2015 | Paul Lehnert |
2014 | Doug Brody |
2013 | Matt Barton |
2012 | Adrian Jolliffe |
2011 | Pat Croswell |
2010 | John Lindert |
2009 | Jim Wilson |
2008 | Ron Beurmann |
2007 | Mark Stevens |
2006 | Dick Stewart * |
2005 | Wally Sierakowski |
2004 | Jon Gates |
2003 | Chris Freeman |
2002 | David Steighner |
2001 | Tommy Valentine |
2000 | Kirk Scheerhorn |
1999 | Jon Gates |
1998 | Ron Beurmann |
1997 | John Lindeman |
1996 | Kirk Sheerhorn |
1995 | Dick Stewart |
1994 | Jon Gates |
1993 | Pat Croswell |
1992 | Richard Stewart |
*National Award Winner
Criteria includes:
Year | Winner |
2022 | Ian Ziska |
2021 | Ian Ziska |
2020 | Mark Bayer |
2019 | John Paul Westbrook |
2018 | Ian Ziska |
2017 | Ian Ziska |
2016 | Ian Ziska |
2015 | Jon Conklin |
2014 | Ian Ziska |
2013 | John Paul Westbrook |
2012 | Doug Lichty |
2011 | John Paul Westbrook |
2010 | Doug Lichty |
2009 | Doug Lichty |
2008 | Greg Babinec |
2007 | Gary Smithson |
2006 | Gary Smithson |
2005 | Chad Maxim |
2004 | No Nominees |
2003 | Mike Alpers |
2002 | Kevin O’Brien |
2001 | Kevin O’Brien |
2000 | Kevin O’Brien |
1999 | Kevin O’Brien |
1998 | Jim Roschek |
1997 | Jim Roschek |
1996 | Doug Grove |
1995 | Doug Grove |
1994 | Jim Norgart |
1993 | Carl Rose |
1992 | Jim Roschek |
Criteria includes:
Year | Winner |
2022 | Gary Lewandowski |
2021 | Elliott Oscar |
2020 | Jason Horricks |
2019 | Elliott Oscar |
2018 | Elliott Oscar |
2017 | Zack Chapin |
2016 | Zack Chapin |
2015 | Zack Chapin |
2014 | Scot Cucksey |
2013 | Michael Rey |
2012 | Rob Fuhrman |
2011 | Kevin O’Brien |
2010 | Ian Ziska |
2009 | Gene Bone |
2008 | Brad Dean |
2007 | Dave Trudell |
2006 | Rob Fuhrman |
2005 | Doug Bell |
2004 | Rob Fuhrman |
2003 | Dan Turcott |
2002 | Brian Sanderson |
2001 | No nominees |
2000 | Brain Sanderson |
1999 | Brain Sanderson |
1998 | Brain Sanderson |
1997 | Brain Sanderson |
1996 | Bernie Friedrich |
1995 | Bernie Friedrich |
1994 | Lee Woodruff |
1993 | Rick Smith |
Criteria includes:
Year | Winner |
2022 | Doug Bell |
2021 | Walter Sierakowski |
2020 | Doug Bell |
2019 | Dean Kolstad |
2018 | Paul Hawkins |
2017 | Doug Bell |
2016 | Kevin McKinley |
2015 | Kevin McKinley |
2014 | Bob Bales |
2013 | Kevin McKinley |
2012 | Wally Sierakowski |
2011 | Bob Koutnik |
Criteria includes:
Year | Winner |
2022 | Kelly Kuhlman |
2021 | Andre Pillow |
2020 | Chelsea Guoynes |
2019 | Mike Fay |
2018 | Scott Wilson |
2017 | Dean Marks |
2016 | Mike Fay |
2015 | Ina Davis |
2014 | Jason Guss |
2013 | John Lindert |
2012 | Ina Davis |
2011 | Jordan Young |
2010 | Bob Bales |
2009 | Jordan Young |
2008 | Scott Wilson |
2007 | Scott Wilson |
2006 | Ina Davis |
Criteria includes:
Year | Winner |
2022 | John Lindert |
2021 | Glenn Pulice |
2020 | Jason Guss |
2019 | Kevin McKinley |
2018 | Ian Ziska |
2017 | Aaron Waltz |
2016 | Aaron Waltz |
2015 | John Lindert |
2014 | Aaron Waltz |
2013 | Aaron Waltz |
2012 | Dick Stewart |
2011 | Jordan Young |
2010 | Dave Kendall |
2009 | Bob Bales |
2008 | Mark Wilson * |
2007 | Dave Mocini |
2006 | Mark Wilson |
2005 | Mark Black |
2004 | Matt Pinter |
2003 | Mike Hodgins |
2002 | Matt Pinter |
2001 | Matt Pinter |
2000 | Matt Pinter |
1999 | Dave Mocini |
1998 | Mark Wilson |
1997 | Dave Mocini |
1996 | Mark Wilson |
1995 | Mark Wilson |
1994 | Mark Wilson |
1993 | Mark Wilson |
1992 | Michael Kernicki |
1991 | Thomas VanHaaren |
1990 | Mark Wilson |
1989 | Frank Jawor |
1988 | Ron Smock |
1987 | John R. Williams |
1986 | Larry Startzel * |
1985 | Roger Van Dyke |
1984 | Richard Stewart |
1983 | Jim Dewling |
1982 | Bill Uzelac |
1981 | Tom Stewart |
1980 | Ron LaParl |
1979 | Jim Applegate |
1978 | Tom D Talkington |
1977 | Norm Bennett |
1976 | Warren Orlick |
1975 | Emil Beck * |
*National Award Winners
Criteria includes:
Year | Winner |
2022 | Brian Cairns |
2021 | Jason Guss |
2020 | Mike Fay |
2019 | David VanLoozen |
2018 | Adam Schriber |
2017 | Jason Guss |
2016 | Jeff Goble |
2015 | Steve Brady |
2014 | Charles Vandenberg |
2013 | Jason Guss |
2012 | Jordan Young |
2011 | Brad Dean |
2010 | Charles Vandenberg |
2009 | Bill Baldwin |
2008 | Paul Haase |
2007 | Charles Vandenberg |
2006 | Bob Percey |
2005 | John DalCorobbo |
2004 | Dave Kendall |
2003 | Charles Vandenberg |
2002 | Gary Robinson |
2001 | Brad Dean |
2000 | Dave Kendall |
1999 | Brad Dean |
1998 | Charles Vandenberg |
1997 | Terri Anthony-Ryan |
1996 | Rick Smith |
1995 | Henry Young |
1994 | Rick Smith |
1993 | Dick Bury |
1992 | Rick Smith |
1991 | Ronald English |
1990 | Ronald LaParl |
1989 | Alex Redmond |
1988 | Glenn Hall |
1987 | Glenn Hall |
Criteria includes:
Year | Winner |
2022 | Rolla Frisinger |
2021 | Kelly Kuhlman |
2020 | Rolla Frisinger |
2019 | Scott Wilson * |
2018 | Kelly Sivier |
2017 | Scott Wilson |
2016 | Ian Ziska |
2015 | Raquel Bryant |
2014 | Brian O’Neill |
2013 | Shaun Bezilla |
2012 | Dean Marks |
2011 | Brian Cairns |
2010 | Brian O’Neill |
2009 | Mark Hogan |
2008 | Dan Thomas |
2007 | Dean Marks |
2006 | Ian Ziska |
2005 | Denis Husse |
2004 | Winn Moore |
2003 | Casey Powers |
2002 | Brian O’Neill |
2001 | Ron Osborne |
2000 | Ron Osborne |
1999 | Jim Dennis |
1998 | Jim Roschek |
1997 | Rolla Frisinger |
1996 | Rolla Frisinger |
1995 | Jim Roschek |
1994 | Buddy Whitten |
1993 | Jim Roschek |
1992 | Greg Matthews |