PGA of America Golf Professional Scott Vandegrift, Head Coach at Millersville University and a member of the Philadelphia PGA Section, has been named the 2024 Labron Harris Sr. Award recipient presented by the Golf Coaches Association of America in cooperation with the PGA of America.
The Harris Award is presented to the college or high school coach and Class A PGA of America Professional whose support of the game through teaching, coaching and involvement in the community has helped ensure the game of golf's continued growth and who represents the finest qualities the game has to offer.
“Being selected to receive the Labron Harris Sr. Award is something that I’ve always dreamed about happening” says Vandegrift. “I was flattered that former SMU Coach Barry Rodenhaver nominated me, and after researching the history of Labron Harris Sr., it meant even more to me to be considered.”
Vandegrift was hired as head men’s golf coach at Millersville in 1985 and has also been the head women’s golf coach since the program’s inception in 2008. The Delaware native’s Marauders have maintained success at the conference, regional and national level, winning a combined 123 events (93 men and 31 women) and six Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Championships (five men and one women).
A member of the Philadelphia PGA Section since 1981 and now a Life Member, Vandegrift has been a PGA of America Teaching Professional at Tanglewood Manor Golf Course in Quarryville, Pennsylvania, since 2018.
Statement on the passing of Don Kotnik, 80, in Toledo, Ohio, on Dec. 23, 2024:
“We are saddened to learn of the passing of PGA of America Hall of Famer and 1993 Golf Professional of the Year Don Kotnik. Don was a fixture in the Toledo golf community and helped so many people love the sport of golf.
“Don was also a champion of PGA of America education, reaching our highest honor as a Master Professional, and inspiring numerous people to enter our profession. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends in the Northern Ohio Section.”
An enormously talented and popular figure in Toledo golf, Don passed away surrounded by loved ones. The PGA of America Master Professional leaves behind an enduring legacy shaped by his lifelong commitment to the game and the community.
A native of Barberton, Ohio, Don was Toledo Country Club’s most revered PGA of America Professional for more than 40 years, and the Head Golf Coach for the University of Toledo for 17 years. Don was a gifted all-around athlete who played for both the football and golf teams at the school.
Sought after nationwide for his teaching and coaching expertise, Don taught more than 100 state, regional and city champions on the local level, and was the founder of the Northern Ohio PGA Assistants Championship.
