Michael Mignano, PGA was awarded the Conrad Rehling Award on Sunday, September 26, 2021 at the Special Olympics Michigan Summer Games held at Eagle Crest Golf Club in Ypsilanti, MI.

Mignano began the Area 5 Special Olympics Michigan golf program in 2010 and doubled athlete participation in just 5 years. He served as the Head Coach for Team Michigan golf at the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games and led the golf coach certification training sessions in 2015 and in 2019. Most recently, Mignano has been involved as both an assistant coach and head coach for the Area 8 golf program, serving the Greater Lansing area. He hosted a regional event in 2019 and led the golf athletes to the Special Olympics Michigan Fall Games.

The Conrad Rehling Award, first presented in 2005, honors the late PGA Master Professional who followed a successful collegiate coaching career at Florida and Alabama by transforming his retirement into inspiring PGA Professionals to give back to those with disabilities. The founding father of Special Olympics golf in 1988, Rehling spearheaded the PGA of America’s efforts to introduce golf to Special Olympics, and since has resulted in countless hours, services and funding to support Special Olympics athletes.

“Special Olympics golf has provided me with so many valuable lessons and opportunities. I am continuously amazed by the dedication and pride of all the athletes involved. Coaching the athletes has been one of the greatest highlights and honors of my career in the game of golf.” – Michael Mignano