There are so many great responsibilities that come with the role of PGA of America President, including the privilege of announcing our national award winners.
One of the most impressive attributes of a PGA of America Member is the passion for the job, not winning awards. However, with excellence comes recognition. It is important that we continually champion those individuals who are truly making a difference at their facilities and in local communities every day as it raises the bar for our profession.
As a PGA of America Member for 23 years, I have been fortunate to win prestigious awards in the Southwest Section, and it is a humbling experience to be recognized by your peers. Translate that to the national level, and it is truly a “wow” moment to be honored among more than 30,000 strong PGA of America Golf Professionals.
Headlining this year’s national award winners is Scott Paris, the Chief Operating Officer/Director of Golf at historic Plainfield Country Club (PCC) in Edison, New Jersey. This is the highest annual honor given to a PGA of America Golf Professional, which is awarded for leadership, strong moral character and a substantial record of service to the Association and the game of golf.
A PGA of America Member for 30 years, Scott is a longstanding, dedicated leader in the New Jersey PGA (NJPGA), including his election to President in 2015-16. His contributions to the game and business of golf are extensive, not to mention his commitment as a mentor and leader. In fact, more than 20 past PCC Assistant Golf Professionals have earned PGA Director of Golf/Head Golf Professional positions throughout the U.S.
This is Scott’s second national PGA of America Award, having been named the Merchandiser of the Year for private facilities in 2013. He is also a decorated member of the NJPGA, having won numerous awards and honors, including Golf Professional of the Year in 2013 and 2017.
Congratulations to Scott Paris and all of the other PGA national award winners, including:
• PGA of America Teacher & Coach of the Year Award: Jason Baile, PGA, Director of Instruction, Jupiter Hills Club, Tequesta, Fla.
• PGA of America Golf Executive of the Year Award: Tony LaFrenere, PGA, Golf Executive, Schaumburg Golf Club, Schaumburg, Ill.
• Bill Strausbaugh Award: Jason Epstein, PGA, Senior Leadership Role, Congressional Country Club, Bethesda, Md.
• PGA of America Professional Development Award: Michael Jacobs, PGA, Head Professional, Rock Hill Golf & Country Club, Manorville, N.Y.
• Deacon Palmer Award: Kammy Maxfeldt, PGA (Deceased), Life Member at time of her passing, former Head Professional, Birchwood Country Club, Westport, Conn.
• Patriot Award: Adam Relan, PGA, Director of Golf, Bide-A-Wee Golf Course, Portsmouth, Va.
• PGA of America Player Development Award: Pam Elders, PGA, Director of Instruction, Boca West Country Club, Boca Raton, Fla.
• PGA of America Youth Player Development Award: Mike Suhre, PGA, Head Professional, Oak Brook Golf Club, Edwardsville, Ill.
• Herb Graffis Award: Northern Texas PGA Section
• PGA of America Merchandiser of the Year, Public: Matthew Adamski, PGA, General Manager, Sweetens Cove Golf Club, South Pittsburg, Tenn.
• PGA of America Merchandiser of the Year, Private: James Ondo, PGA, Head Professional, The Apawamis Club, Rye, N.Y.
• PGA of America Merchandiser of the Year, Resort: Danny Rainbow, PGA, Director of Golf, Sentry World Golf Club, Stevens Point, Wis.
As we salute this distinguished group, it further validates the true value of PGA of America Members across every aspect of the industry.
Congratulations to all of our national award winners and thanks for helping elevate the role of PGA of America Golf Professionals.
Sincerely,
