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Nick Papadakes, PGA, Wins Illinois PGA Professional of the Year
GOLF, Ill. – February 12, 2026 – The Illinois PGA Section has announced its slate of Special Award winners for 2025. Nick Papadakes, PGA (Onwentsia Club), has been selected as the 2025 Illinois PGA Professional of the Year and headlines the 14 Illinois PGA Members who won awards in this cycle. With the exception of the Bill Heald Career Achievement Award, these awards are based on the past five years of a member’s contributions, with the 2025 awards placing special emphasis on the 2025 and 2024 seasons.
The following are the 2025 Illinois PGA Special Award Winners:
Professional of the Year – Nick Papadakes, PGA (Onwentsia Club)
Teacher of the Year – Connie DeMattia, PGA (Cantigny Golf)
PGA Executive of the Year – Randy Bolstad, PGA (Willow Crest Golf Club)
Assistant Professional of the Year – Robert “Bobby” Schmelter, PGA (Mistwood Golf Club)
Youth Player Development Award – Eva Rogers, PGA (Medinah Country Club)
Player Development Award – Charles Lynch, PGA (Play Better Golf Academy)
Bill Strausbaugh Award – Mark Labiak, PGA (Ruth Lake Country Club)
PGA Professional Development Award – TJ Sullivan, PGA (Golftec - Oak Brook)
Bill Heald Career Achievement Award – Gary Binder, PGA (KemperSports Management)
Merchandiser of the Year (Private) – Chris Gumbach, PGA (River Forest Country Club)
Merchandiser of the Year (Public) – Michael Campbell, PGA (Village Links of Glen Ellyn)
Deacon Palmer Award – Phil Kmak, PGA (PGA Life Member)
Distinguished Service Award – Karl Bollnow, PGA (Riverside Golf Club)
Patriot Award – Tyler Wollberg, PGA (Pine Meadow Golf Club)
“We are fortunate to have such an outstanding group of PGA Professionals that make up the Illinois PGA Section. Selecting a handful of members for these prestigious awards is never easy, but these professionals have shown extraordinary dedication to growing and improving the game of golf for everyone within the boundaries of the Section,” said Carrie Williams, Executive Director of the Illinois Section. “This year’s Special Award winners, selected by a committee of their peers, exemplify all that PGA Professionals have to offer as experts in the business and game of golf.”
GOLF, Ill. — February 18, 2026 — The Illinois PGA Foundation expresses its gratitude to Mike Munro and David Glod upon their retirement from Board service, recognizing their years of dedicated leadership and lasting impact. Collectively contributing more than 40 years of leadership, insight, and advocacy, Munro and Glod have played vital roles in advancing the Foundation’s mission to positively impact lives through the game of golf.
Mike Munro concludes more than 25 years of dedicated Board service as a cornerstone supporter of the Illinois PGA Foundation, providing steady leadership, institutional continuity, and an unwavering commitment to its mission. As the longtime owner of the White Pines Golf Dome, Munro helped shape the region’s player-development landscape by expanding year-round access to golf, supporting juniors, adults, and PGA Professionals through one of the area’s most impactful indoor facilities. A strong advocate for youth mentorship and golf-based character development, he also served on the Maryville Golf Academy Board, championing programs that use golf to teach life skills and foster personal growth.
Within the Foundation, Munro was a valued member of the Finance Subcommittee, offering thoughtful guidance and serving as a trusted advisor in the oversight and strategic management of the Foundation’s investment portfolio. Known for bringing a community-centered, practical, and deeply service-oriented perspective to Board discussions, he helped strengthen outreach, accessibility, and the long-term sustainability of Foundation programs. He is widely respected for his operational expertise and decades-long commitment to ensuring the Foundation continues to serve those who rely on its programs.
David Glod retires after approximately 15 years of distinguished service to the Illinois PGA Foundation, during which he provided steady governance leadership and deep commitment to the organization’s growth. Glod held multiple key officer roles, including Secretary, Treasurer, and Vice Chair, guiding the Foundation through important periods of expansion and transition.
As a senior executive at Tour Edge, he facilitated significant corporate support for the Foundation, including major contributions to the Capital Campaign that made the 1 Briar Road renovation possible. A trusted corporate advisor, Glod offered strategic insight that strengthened organizational planning, partnerships, and long-range direction. His industry expertise helped expand the Foundation’s network and enhance its programming and community impact. He is widely respected for his pragmatic leadership style and longstanding dedication to supporting PGA Professionals and the broader golf community.
The Illinois PGA Foundation is pleased to announce that Gary Binder, PGA, has been selected to serve as the Foundation’s new Secretary. Binder joined the KemperSports family in 2005 and brings a distinguished career spanning more than 20 years of leadership across the daily fee, resort, and private club sectors. His transition into operations management broadened his expertise to include portfolio management and development, multi-site property operations, property acquisitions and sales, golf and real estate development, course construction, retail, food and beverage operations, and membership growth and retention. A 38-year member of the PGA of America – Illinois Section, Binder has been honored multiple times for his expertise and outstanding performance in golf shop operations. He currently oversees KemperSports’ Strategic Partner and Preferred Vendor initiative as well as True Service, KemperSports’ proprietary customer service training program. He was invited to serve on the Foundation Board in 2022.
With Binder’s appointment, the Illinois PGA Foundation Board Officers are President Hans Larson, PGA, of Westmoreland Country Club; Vice President Chris Gumbach, PGA, of River Forest Country Club; Secretary Gary Binder, PGA, of KemperSports; and Treasurer Andrew Stevens, PGA, of Polo Ralph Lauren.
“The Illinois PGA Foundation is deeply grateful for the decades of service provided by Mike Munro and David Glod,” said Hans Larson, PGA, President of the Illinois PGA Foundation. “Their leadership, generosity, and commitment to growing the game and supporting our community have left a lasting legacy. We are equally excited to welcome Gary Binder to the officer team and are confident his leadership and perspective will further strengthen the Foundation.”