Alex Abbruzza, Jared Henzlik and Chris Rowe, the 2026 PGA of America Merchandisers of the Year for public, resort and private facilities, respectively, have all enjoyed careers marked by passion and creativity.
While each one has forged a different path, they’ve all built a reputation for knowing their customers and curating their shop’s product mix accordingly — with amazing results.
Abbruzza, PGA, Head Professional at TPC Louisiana outside New Orleans, has nearly doubled sales in less than three seasons by using the unique culture of the Big Easy to transform the golf shop into an extension of the local spirit –mainly through local designers who help translate cool concepts into apparel and accessories.
Henzlik, PGA, Director of Retail at Big Cedar Lodge Resort in Ridgedale, Missouri, brought his vast experience as an executive at several top golf apparel companies to his current role, helping grow shop sales by 300 percent through strategic merchandising, team empowerment and a deep respect for the traditions of golf.
And Rowe, PGA, the Director of Golf at Whispering Pines Golf Club in Trinity, Texas, took sales of less than $100,000 when he started in 2004 to nearly $2 million last year with a list of profitable ideas on logos, merchandising/member programs and staff incentives, while also employing students from a nearby PGM Program and helping raise up the next crop of golf professionals.
Abbruzza, Henzlik and Rowe will be honored along with the other PGA of America national award winners during the 2026 PGA Annual Meeting in Las Vegas in early November. —Lisa Goulian Twiste
