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February, 2026
Honoring Excellence in Leadership, Service, and Player Development Across Six Chapters
BOYLSTON, MA - The New England PGA (NEPGA) is proud to announce the 2026 Chapter Award winners, recognizing an elite group of New England PGA Golf Professionals for their outstanding contributions to the game of golf, their communities, and the Association.
Leading this year’s class are the six Chapter Professionals of the Year, the highest honor a chapter can bestow upon a member. These individuals represent the gold standard of the profession, excelling in leadership, golf operations, and the promotion of the sport.
2026 Chapter Professionals of the Year
Cape Cod: Tim Watroba, PGA (Hyannisport Club)
Recipient of the Gary Philbrick Professional of the Year Award, Watroba has been a PGA Member since 2006. At the Hyannisport Club, he is recognized for balancing deep-rooted club traditions with innovative programming, including sold-out member events and expanded PGA Junior League participation. Beyond the club, his "Sand & Gravel" tournament at Cotuit Highgrounds has become a staple for fostering local camaraderie.
Massachusetts: Mark Aldrich, PGA (Whitinsville Golf Club)
The General Manager and Director of Golf at Whitinsville, Aldrich is a former NEPGA District Director and Chapter President. He is celebrated for his inclusive leadership, specifically his efforts to grow youth participation in the Northbridge community by over 60% and establishing dedicated Ladies League memberships. He also serves as a certified PGA HOPE Instructor and an interviewer for the Francis Ouimet Scholarship.
Maine: Rob Jarvis, PGA (Bangor Municipal Golf Course)
A 32-year veteran of Bangor Municipal and the 36th President of the NEPGA, Jarvis is a titan of the Maine golf community. He has grown Bangor’s membership by nearly 50% and was a driving force behind the creation of the NEPGA Foundation. A founding site for PGA HOPE in New England, Jarvis continues to lead the Maine Chapter through 2026, focusing on the "muni" experience and professional certification.
New Hampshire: Scott DeVito, PGA (Pease Golf Course)
Over an 18-year tenure as General Manager, DeVito has transformed Pease Golf Course into a regional powerhouse, overseeing $8 million in capital improvements and growing annual play to over 70,000 rounds. A former Chapter President, DeVito is a pioneer in year-round golf via simulator technology and has dedicated over a decade to introductory clinics for local elementary students.
Rhode Island: Lou Rivers, PGA (Agawam Hunt)
The recently elected Secretary of the NEPGA Section, Rivers has led a massive revitalization at Agawam Hunt, resulting in a 300% growth in retail operations and a vibrant membership waitlist. Known for his "service-first" mentality, Rivers has served multiple terms as a District Director and Chapter President, consistently advocating for his peers in the boardroom while modernizing the family-centric club model.
Vermont: Roger King, PGA (Sugarbush Resort Golf Club)
King’s leadership was defined by extraordinary resilience this past year when he returned Sugarbush to full operation just 24 hours after a tragic clubhouse fire. A dedicated philanthropist, King founded the "King Golf Challenge," which has raised $60,000 for cancer-related charities. He is a past Chapter President and a frequent mentor known for his "Teachers Teaching Teachers" seminars.
Full List of 2026 Chapter Award Winners
Cape Cod:
2026 CC Award Winners
Award
Recipient
Club
Gary Philbrick Golf Professional of the Year
Tim Watroba
Hyannisport Club
Bill Strausbaugh Award
Frank Leja
The Club at New Seabury
Assistant Professional of the Year
Kevin Maynard
Sankaty Head Golf Club
Merchandiser of the Year
Keith Gagnon
The Captains Golf Course
Teacher of the Year
Jennifer Hudson
Youth Player Development Award
Dave Donnellan
Donnellan Golf 365
Massachusetts:
2026 MA Award Winners
Golf Professional of the Year
Mark Aldrich
Whitinsville Golf Club
Ryan Small
Bass Rocks Golf Club
Alec Vozzella
Marshfield Country Club
Naomi Nesenoff
She's My Golf Pro
Youth Player Development
Bobby Broderick
Brae Burn Country Club
Maine:
2026 ME Award Winners
Rob Jarvis
Bangor Municipal GC
Assistant Professional
Eric Aguiar
York Golf & Tennis Club
Bill Strausbaugh
Jan Murken
The Woodlands Club
Merchandiser-Private
Dan Venezio
Portland Country Club
Patriot
Sean Barrett
Falmouth Country Club
Player Development
John Mullen
Chris Twombly
Prouts Neck Country Club
Brian Bickford
Maine Golf
New Hampshire:
2026 NH Award Winners
Scott DeVito
Pease Golf Course
Tony Zdunko
NEPGA
Lucas Langelier
Cochecho Country Club
Jim Schouller
Abenaqui CC
Kori Doring
Coach Club
Brian Diamond
Atkinson Resort
Rhode Island
2026 RI Award Winners
Lou Rivers
Agawam Hunt
Nate Chhim
Fall River Country Club
Dave Tiedemann
Shelter Harbor Golf Club
Tim Leigh
Patriot Award
Jason Howard
Kirkbrae Country Club
RJ Soares
Sakonnet Golf Club
Tyler Piekarski
Button Hole Teaching Center
Vermont
2026 VT Award Winners
Roger King
The Sugarbush Resort Golf Club
Assistant Golf Professional of the Year
Brennan Earls
Vermont National Country Club
Tom Mackey
Ekwanok Country Club
Teacher of the Year Award
Susan Fasoldt
Dorset Field Club
Jeff Flis
Rutland Country Club
Josh Olney
Orleans Country Club
Evan Carty
Burlington Country Club
Professional Development Award
David Jankowski
Golf Garage VT