By Don Jozwiak
T
he 108th PGA of America Annual Meeting is set for Nov. 5–8 at the Amway Grand Plaza and DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and the agenda is packed with items geared toward honoring PGA of America Golf Professionals while setting the course for the Association’s future.
The Michigan PGA Section, headquartered an hour away near Lansing, will be hosting hospitality events throughout the week, including an invitation-only dinner honoring outgoing PGA of America President John Lindert on Nov. 6.
“I am looking forward to welcoming delegates and special guests to Michigan for the 2024 Annual Meeting and the election of our next slate of Officers,” say Lindert. “It is hard to believe that my six years as an Officer is coming to a close.”
The week will also include the PGA of America National Awards on the evening of Nov. 5, and the Annual Meeting Closing Reception on Nov. 7.
Tuesday evening’s PGA of America National Awards will honor the 12 individuals to earn 2024 awards, headlined by PGA of America Golf Professional of the Year Tony Pancake, as well as the Iowa PGA Section – winner of the Herb Graffis Award (presented on Wednesday morning, Nov. 6). In addition to Pancake, other 2024 award winners include: PGA of America Teacher & Coach of the Year Joe Hallett; PGA of America of America Golf Executive of the Year Kelly Williams; James Smith Jr., Bill Strausbaugh Award; Dean Kandle, PGA Professional Development Award; Crystal Morse, PGA Player Development Award; Connie DeMattia, PGA Youth Player Development Award; Jon DePriest, Patriot Award; and Mark Egly, Deacon Palmer Award.
During the PGA of America Annual Meeting informal, general and formal sessions, delegates will hear reports from PGA Officers and Interim PGA of America CEO Kerry Haigh. As in recent years, there will also be breakout rooms for delegates to meet and have discussions in smaller groups.
Delegates will also hear 15-minute presentations from each of the four candidates for PGA of America Secretary: Jared Barnes, PGA of America Head Professional at Cedar Ridge Golf Course in Cedar City, Utah; Eric Eshleman, PGA of America Director of Golf at Country Club of Birmingham in Birmingham, Alabama; Derek Gutierrez, PGA of America General Manager at Santa Ana Pueblo Golf Club in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico; and Barry Howard, PGA of America General Manager at Hot Springs Country Club in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
PGA of America Members can see the full agenda for the 108th PGA Annual Meeting on PGA.org, and can log on to a livestream of the event through the site on Nov. 5–7.