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The PGA of America announced its 2026 national award recipients at the 73rd PGA Show, with the Philadelphia PGA Section’s own Sean Palmer being named PGA of America Golf Executive of the Year. The Association annually recognizes 13 award recipients for their extraordinary accomplishments and efforts within the golf industry, standing out among more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals.
Sean Palmer, PGA, chief operating officer of the Union League of Philadelphia, is the recipient of the 2026 PGA of America Golf Executive of the Year Award. The honor recognizes outstanding services in an executive management position, as well as leadership, vision, courage, moral character and a substantial record of service to the Association and the game.
Palmer’s career began at age 13 as a caddie and now oversees more than 1,400 employees and seven properties at one of the nation’s largest and most respected private clubs. After graduating from Penn State’s PGM program and learning from industry leaders at top clubs, Palmer joined The Union League in 2014 as Head Golf Professional, tasked with launching its first golf property, Torresdale. Starting with no golf members or staff, he led the creation of three successful golf operations, growing golf membership from zero to more than 1,200 and annual golf revenue to more than $22 million.
In the past decade, Palmer has overseen more than $64 million in capital projects and played a lead role in the acquisition and development of additional golf properties. Under his leadership, The Union League’s membership has grown from 3,200 to 4,700, and annual revenue has increased from $34 million to $117 million. As COO, Palmer manages all Union League operations, including golf, hospitality and business functions, with a focus on innovation, culture and team development.
Palmer leads the Union League University, a staff training and mentorship program that has become a model for peer organizations. The program provides golf interns and employees across all departments with a structured curriculum, mentorship and career development opportunities. More than 25 assistant professionals, caddie masters and retail associates have advanced to leadership roles under his guidance.
A champion for community engagement, Palmer has led The Union League in supporting PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), hosting the 2022 PGA Works Collegiate Championship and raising more than $1.4 million for HBCU golf programs. The club is a proud partner of The First Tee of Philadelphia, providing facilities, fundraising support and enrichment programs for youth. Palmer also created the UL Caddie Scholarship Program and has expanded access to golf for juniors, women and families by removing traditional barriers and offering innovative membership and instruction models.
Palmer serves on four Philadelphia PGA Section committees and is active in the PGA Reach mentorship program. He is a frequent speaker at industry conferences and has served on the Penn State PGM Alumni Board for nine years, including as president. His leadership has been recognized with the Philadelphia Section’s Professional Development Award (2024), Golf Professional of the Year Award (2021) and Assistant Golf Professional of the Year Award (2014), as well as Penn State’s Frank B. Guadagnolo Award for Mentoring Excellence (2021) and Pride of the Lions Alumnus of the Year Award (2019).