The Georgia PGA recently recognized its 2010 Award winners at the Section's Fourth Annual Special Awards and Weir Scholarship Banquet at the 755 Club at Turner Field. The event is Presented by the Shirley and Billy Weir Foundation and Club Car. Award recipients and recipients of the Weir scholarship are shown to the right:
Professional of the Year – Scott Mahr, PGA - Barnsley Gardens Resort, Adairsville, GA - The Golf Professional of the Year Award is determined annually by the Georgia PGA to honor the working club professional whose total contributions to the game best exemplify the complete PGA golf professional. While the honor is based on the candidate's entire record, special emphasis is placed on performance in areas such as service to the section and the Association, leadership ability, and the promotion of golf.
Teacher of the Year – Bobby Hix, PGA - Idle Hour Club, Macon, GA- This award was inaugurated in 1986 to honor outstanding teachers of golf among the ranks of the PGA of America membership. The award is based on the professional's overall performance in teaching; innovative and special teaching programs the professional has played a key role in implementing; and articles written in books and magazines.
President's Award Winner – Jimmy Hodges, PGA - Awarded Postumously - Introduced for the first time in 2003, the President's Award is presented annually to a Section member based on the following criteria: Overall promotion of golf, level of impact on the game of golf, ability to inspire fellow professionals, and level of professional expertise.
Bill Strausbaugh Award – Danny Elkins, PGA - Georgia Golf Center, Roswell, GA - This award bestows special recognition on a PGA Professional who has shown outstanding integrity, commitment to mentoring his fellow PGA Professionals in improving their employment situations, and involvement in community and charitable activities.
Horton Smith Trophy – Brian Dobak, PGA - The Ford Plantation, Richmond Hill, GA - The Horton Smith Trophy is an award designed to give special recognition to an individual golf professional for outstanding and continuing contributions to professional education.
Junior Golf Leader – Mike Gill, PGA - Maple Ridge Golf Club, Columbus, GA - Started in 1988, the Junior Golf Leader Award recognizes the PGA Professional who is a leader in junior golf and who reflects the ideals of those who work with youth. Work by this PGA professional includes the promotion and development of junior golf at the club level, and support for national junior golf programs.
Growth of the Game Award– Michael Raymond, PGA - Reynolds Plantation, Greensboro, GA- This award is presented to the PGA Professional that has made extraordinary contributions and achievements in conducting and/or supporting Play Golf America initiatives. The award also considers the member's service to the Association, and involvement in community and charitable activities.
Assistant Professional of the Year – Jared Morton, PGA - Athens Country Club, Athens, GA - The Assistant Professional of the Year Award is based on the criteria outlined for Professional of the Year: overall performance at his/ her club; service to the section and the Association, and leadership ability.
Merchandisers of the Year - In 1978, The PGA of America and Sports Illustrated established the Merchandiser of the Year Award to recognize those PGA professionals who have excelled as businessmen/ merchandisers in the promotion of golf. The Georgia PGA honors professionals in three categories: Public, Private, and Resort.
Public Category – Jarred Reneau, PGA - International City Golf Course, Warner Robins, GA
Private Category – Rich Gaffoglio, PGA - Capital City Club, Atlanta, GA
Resort Category – Steven Phelps, PGA - Brasstown Valley Resort, Young Harris, GA
Distinguished Service Award – Kathy Cousart, Georgia Jr Golf Foundation, Athens, GA - Begun in 2000, the Georgia PGA Distinguished Service Award is presented annually to an individual who has had a significant impact on the game of golf within Georgia, by promoting interest and involvement, and/or through service to the game. Those selected shall have displayed humanitarian qualities including integrity, good sportsmanship, and a love and enthusiasm for the game of golf.
Salesman of the Year – Bill Huebach, Divots Sportwear- In recognition of your dedicated, generous and tireless support of the Georgia PGA. This award honors the golf salesperson in the Georgia Section for her/his outstanding service and dedication to the members and apprentices of the Georgia PGA.
2007
Angela Hix, Macon, GA
Okaloosa-Walton Community College
Brendan Gillins, Savannah, GA
Augusta State University Ann Marie Wagoner, Duluth, GA
