The Section held its Spring Meeting on Monday, March 11, 2024 at Eagle Eye Golf Club with over 175 members and associates in attendance.
President Stephanie Jennings welcomed special guests, John Lindert, PGA of America President, Steve Parker, District 5 Director, Chris Whitten, Executive Director – Golf Association of Michigan, Stacey Rice-Dorman, PGA Player Engagement Consultant, Todd Smith, Career Services Consultant, and all past Presidents in attendance.
THANK YOU to Pepsi for sponsoring the meeting.
Growth of the Game Chair, Kelly Kuhlman, delivered the invocation remembering deceased Michigan PGA members, Al Lopez and Ken Niblock.
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.
Executive Director, Kevin Helm thanked the staff for their hard work and dedication to the membership.
Tournament Chair, Chris Moore reviewed the items for the 2024 season.
Special Awards Chair, Jeremy Lathwell announced the 2024 Special Awards winners:
Assistant Professional of the Year- Cody Haughton, PGA
Bill Strausbaugh- Kevin McKinley, PGA
Distinguished Service Award- Renee Fluker, Midnight Golf Program
Merchandiser of the Year-Private- Dan Urban, PGA
Merchandiser of the Year-Public- Jeff Stalcup, PGA
Merchandiser of the Year-Resort- Tyler Jablonski, PGA
Patriot Award- Dean Kolstad, PGA
Player Development- Kelly Kuhlman, PGA
Professional Development- Joe Hatch, PGA
Youth Player Development- Kevin McKinley, PGA
Teacher & Coach of the Year- Kyle Martin, PGA
Golf Executive of the Year- Chris Whitten, PGA
Golf Professional of the Year- Doug Brody, PGA
They will be honored at the President’s Dinner on Sunday, October 20th.
Section Sponsors, Pass Charters (Jim McGovern) and Corebridge Financial (Stacey Feanza) spoke briefly to the members.
The second portion of the meeting then went into a town hall format with President Jennings talking with PGA of America President, John Lindert, and District 5 Director, Steve Parker.
Business discussions included information from Career Services Consultant, Todd Smith, and Player Engagement Consultant, Stacey Rice-Dorman.
Growth of the Game Chair, Kelly Kuhlman, then recognized the Youth Grant Program of the Year Award to Chase Kuyers, and Adult Grant Program of the Year to Raquel Bryant.
The meeting concluded with a raffle drawing where various prizes were given out to the members and associates. Prizes included hockey jerseys from the Patriot Classic Hockey Game and a gift from the Pepsi.
The Teaching & Coaching Summit took place following the Spring Meeting on Monday afternoon. Monday’s speakers consisted of Tim Briand from Foresight Sports, Nick Clearwater, PGA – Senior Vice President of Player Development GOLFTEC, and PGA of America Youth Player Development Award Winner, Connie DeMattia, PGA.
The Teaching & Coaching Summit continued throughout Tuesday, March 12. Morning speakers included Andy Matthews from Neuropeak Pro, PGA Professional, Will Robins – owner and operator of WRGolf Coaching and CEO of Robins Golf Logistics, and Brandi Jackson, College Recruiting. After lunch was a College Coaches Panel made up of Michigan PGA President, Stephanie Jennings, Ryan Williams, Mike Masten, and Brent Greenwood. The panel was followed by Stacey Borkowski from GolfForever, Lance Gill from TPI, and a panel of Michigan PGA Professionals, Jimmy Wisinski, Mike Fay, and Kelly Kuhlman on Teaching & Coaching at your Facility.
We would like to thank Foresight Sports, Neuropeak Pro, and GolfForever for sponsoring the Teaching & Coaching Summit!