The Section held its Spring Meeting on Monday, March 10 at Eagle Eye Golf Club with over 170 members and associates in attendance.
President Stephanie Jennings welcomed special guests:
Don Rea Jr., PGA of America President
Stacey Rice-Dorman, Player Engagement Consultant
Todd Smith, Career Services Consultant
Seth McGuinness, PGA of America Product Manager – Technology Team
Kelly Williams, PGA General Manager at Greenbrier CC in Lexington, KY
Cory Cox, Mike Thiel & Brian Macrae of Pepsi
Any past Presidents in attendance
THANK YOU to PGA National Resort & Spa and Pepsi for sponsoring the meeting.
PGA of America President, Done Rea Jr., delivered the invocation remembering deceased Michigan PGA members Randy Tylo, Paul Hasse, Dick Dewling, Ed Muir, Tom Sheldon, and Fred Muller.
Vice President Dan Urban, along with Executive Director Kevin Helm, reviewed the Section’s investments as well as year-end financials.
Secretary Jeff Rachar, acknowledged and welcomed newly elected/transferred members.
Honorary President Dean Kolstad discussed the officer election and nominated member, Ward Sutton reviewed his platform for the Secretary position.
Executive Director Kevin Helm thanked the staff for their hard work and dedication to the membership.
Executive Director Kevin Helm and President Stephanie Jennings talking with PGA of America President, Don Rea Jr. during the town hall Q&A session.
Secretary, Jeff Rachar reviewed the items for the 2025 Tournament season.
Special Awards Chair Jeremy Lathwell announced the 2025 Michigan PGA Special Awards winners:
They will be honored at the President’s Dinner on October 19th.
Assistant Professional of the Year- Ryan Bayer, PGA
Bill Strausbaugh- Dave Kendall, PGA
Distinguished Service Award- Dave Kendall, PGA
Merchandiser of the Year-Private- Wally Sierakowski, PGA
Merchandiser of the Year-Public- Wes Blevins, PGA
Merchandiser of the Year-Resort- Jackson Davison, PGA
Patriot Award- George Bowman, PGA
Player Development- Kelly Plaisier, PGA
Professional Development- Jimmy Wisinski, PGA
Youth Player Development- Raquel Bryant, PGA
Teacher & Coach of the Year- Jimmy Wisinski, PGA
Golf Executive of the Year- Josh Richter, PGA
Golf Professional of the Year- Glenn Pulice, PGA
Business discussions included information from Career Services Consultant, Todd Smith, and Player Engagement Consultant, Stacey Rice-Dorman.
The Education Seminar took place after lunch from Seth McGuinness, PGA of America’s Product Manager – Technology Team and Kelly Williams, PGA General Manager at Greenbrier CC in Lexington, KY. They talked about the power of artificial intelligence tailored specifically to PGA Members.
President Stephanie Jennings spoke about the 2025 Patriot Classic Charity Hockey Game and showed to recap video.
Growth of the Game Chair, Kelly Kuhlman, and PGA REACH Michigan Activities Director, Madison Maurier led an informative session about the Foundation of the Michigan PGA Section, PGA REACH Michigan. Joe Simpson, PGA, shared his experience as a PGA Jr. League Coach, while Doug Temple, PGA, discussed his role as a PGA HOPE Lead Instructor. Hayley Guilinger also reflected on her time as the current PGA WORKS Fellow for the Section.
Growth of the Game Chair, Kelly Kuhlman then recognized the Youth Grant Program of the Year Award winner, Lynn Janson, PGA and Adult Grant Program of the Year winner, JT Aude, PGA.
At Large Director Ward Sutton talked about PGA’s mentorship initiative and the Section’s plans for membership activities in the Michigan PGA.
The meeting concluded with a raffle drawing where various prices were given out to the members and associates. Prizes included hats and hockey jerseys from the Patriot Classic Charity Hockey Game.
We would like to thank PGA of America President, Don Rea Jr., Seth McGuinness and Kelly Williams, PGA for taking the time to speak at the meeting and educational seminar.