2026 HONOR ROLL:
Dedicated to service at the local, Section and national level, the 2026 PGA of America national award recipients represent the best of the best among PGA of America Golf Professionals. Each 2026 award winner exudes a passion for the game and the business of golf, while demonstrating leadership and coaching skills that have elevated them to the top of their profession.
The 2026 PGA of America national award recipients are anchored by PGA of America Golf Professional of the Year Brian Crowell (pictured), PGA, General Manager at Bally’s Golf Links at Ferry Point Park in Bronx, New York, and PGA of America Teacher & Coach of the Year Bernie Najar, PGA, Director of Instruction at Caves Valley Golf Club in Owings Mills, Maryland.
They’re joined in the national awards spotlight by PGA of America Golf Executive of the Year Sean Palmer, PGA, Chief Operating Officer of The Union League of Philadelphia in Philadelphia, Pa.; Bill Strausbaugh Award recipient Carl Alexander, PGA, Director of Golf at The Golf Club of Purchase in Purchase, New York; and PGA of America Professional Development Award winner Robin Shelton, PGA, General Manager of Newport Beach (California) Country Club.
Plus, PGA of America Player Development Award honoree Ryan Young, PGA, Head Professional at Chambers Bay in Tacoma, Washington; Henry Stetina, PGA, Association Golf Administrator at New Mexico State University’s PGM Golf Management Program in Las Cruces, New Mexico, the PGA of America Youth Player Development Award recipient; Bo Preston, PGA, The Links at Boynton Beach (Florida), the Patriot Award winner; and Mike D’Agostino, PGA, Penfield (New York) Country Club, the Deacon Palmer Award honoree.
The New England PGA Section is the winner of the Herb Graffis Award for player development and growing the game.
The three PGA of America Merchandisers of the Year are Alex Abbruzza, PGA, Head Professional at TPC of Louisiana in Avondale, Louisiana, public facilities; Jared Henzlik, PGA, Director of Retail at Big Cedar Lodge in Ridgedale, Missouri, resort facilities; and Chris Rowe, PGA, Director of Golf at Whispering Pines Golf Club in Trinity, Texas.
PGA Magazine will profile each of the 2026 PGA of America national award recipients in the March 2026 issue. Recipients were scheduled to be announced and recognized at last month’s PGA Show in Orlando, Florida.
