2023 MAPGA Award Winner Bios

Jay Dufty, PGA, Director of Golf, Washington Golf & Country Club, Arlington, Va., is the PGA Professional Of The Year. This is the highest honor paid to a PGA Professional, and it is based on overall performance, level of service to the MAPGA, leadership ability, promotion of the game of golf, image as a PGA Professional and ability to inspire fellow professionals, among other criteria. 

A PGA of America Member for over 25 years, Dufty is a native of Fargo, N.D., and a resident of Sterling, Va., where he lives with his wife Michelle and two children, Mason and Maria. He learned the game from his Father, who was a college wrestling coach at the University of Minnesota-Morris and an avid golfer, and his passion for the sport earned him a job at Moorhead Country Club in Moorhead, Minn. working for Head PGA Professional Larry Murphy, who mentored him throughout his adolescent career, and as he played all four years on his High School golf team. The encouragement from Murphy also triggered Dufty’s interest to become a golf professional, resulting in his enrollment in the Professional Golf Management Program at New Mexico State University, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration & marketing.

While attending NMSU, Dufty worked as a PGA Intern at Oak Tree Country Club in Tulsa, Okla.; Wildflower Golf Club in Detroit Lakes, Minn.; and Rum River Hills Golf Club in Ramsey, Minn. Following graduation, he accepted an Assistant position at Blueberry Pines Golf Club in Menahga, Minn. and also worked during the winter months at TPC Scottsdale. In 1997, he moved into the Head Professional position at Blueberry Pines, earning his PGA Membership in 1998. 

For the next 20 years, and prior to his current position as PGA, Director of Golf at Washington Golf & Country Club, Dufty gained valuable experience managing high-end golf facilities, including 15 years with the TPC Network and 12 years as the Head PGA Professional at TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm. 

A decorated member of the Middle Atlantic PGA Section, Dufty has received numerous awards and accolades, including the Bob Metz First Tee of Montgomery County Award in 2013, the MAPGA President’s Award in 2014, the TPC Network Head Professional of the Year in 2014, the MAPGA Private Club Merchandiser of the Year in 2018 and the MAPGA Bill Strausbaugh Award in 2020. Dufty also sits on multiple MAPGA boards and The First Tee of Montgomery County.

This award bestows special recognition on a PGA Professional for excellence in golf instruction along with overall distinguished performance as a PGA Professional.

Bernie Najar, PGA, Director of Instruction, Caves Valley Golf Club, Owings Mills, Md.is the back-to-back (’22 &’23) PGA Teacher & Coach Of The Year, which is presented for excellence in golf instruction along with overall performance as a PGA Professional. It recognizes an individual’s impact on teaching and golf instruction, involvement in junior golf activities, innovative contributions to golf instruction and articles published, among other criteria. 

A native of Bethesda, Md., and a graduate of American University, Najar is recognized as one of the top instructors in both the Baltimore-Washington D.C. area and the nation. In fact, he is ranked as one of Golf Digest’s 50 Best Teachers, and the No. 1 Teacher in Maryland, as well as Golf Magazine’s Top 100 Teachers. A decorated PGA Professional, he is a two-time winner of two of the Middle Atlantic PGA Section’s top honors, including Teacher & Coach of the Year in 2004, 2014, 2022 and now 2023, and the Player Development Award in 2011 and 2012. 

Elected to PGA Membership in 1998, Najar has taught students at every level of the game, from beginners to aspiring tour players. His students have gone on to earn dozens of Division I golf scholarships and have won numerous club championships across the Middle Atlantic. 

Jason Epstein, PGA, a resident of Potomac, Md., and the Director of Golf & Athletics at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, is the 2023 recipient of the Middle Atlantic PGA’s (MAPGA) Bill Strausbaugh Award, which is presented to a PGA Professional for outstanding involvement in charitable and community activities; untiring and distinguished service mentoring fellow PGA Professionals, especially in the area of employment and club relations, integrity and character reflecting positivity upon the profession. These criteria reflect the characteristics and qualities that the late Bill Strausbaugh possessed during his lifetime as a PGA Professional and his service to MAPGA and his community. A PGA of America Member since 1996, Epstein is regarded as a transformational leader and mentor with a track record of success in all areas of high-end club operations. In his role at Congressional Country Club, he leads a dedicated team of professionals at one of the most storied golf facilities in the U.S., which has hosted five major championships. As both Director of Golf & Athletics at Congressional Epstein directs hundreds of club activities every week and is regarded as the consummate professional.

Lunn is a decorated and dedicated member of the MAPGA, which includes serving as the Past President of the Section and an Executive Committee member for the last 8 years. His continued commitment to the PGA and his efforts within the community and his facilities earned Lunn the prestigious MAPGA Professional of the Year Award in 2020.

J.P. Lunn, PGA, a resident of Frederick, Md, and Owner/President of Sabre Golf & Rec, in Frederick, is the recipient of the 2023 Middle Atlantic PGA’s (MAPGA) PGA Professional Development Award, which bestows special recognition on a PGA Professional for outstanding service and contributions to developing and improving educational opportunities for fellow PGA Professionals. Additionally, contributions to PGA and MAPGA education programs and inclination for continuing contributions and assistance are additional criteria considered for this award. A PGA of America member for nearly 30 years, Lunn is a decorated and dedicated member of the MAPGA, which includes serving as the Past President of the Section and an Executive Committee member for the last 8 years. His continued commitment to the PGA and his efforts within the community and his facilities earned Lunn the prestigious MAPGA Professional of the Year Award in 2020.

Lunn is a decorated and dedicated member of the MAPGA, which includes serving as the Past President of the Section and an Executive Committee member for the last 8 years. His continued commitment to the PGA and his efforts within the community and his facilities 

Adam Relan, PGA, a resident of Chesapeake, Va., and the Director of Golf/General Manager, at Bide-a-Wee Golf Course, in Portsmouth, Va., is the recipient of the 2023 Middle Atlantic PGA’s (MAPGA) Player Development Award, which bestows special recognition on a PGA Professional for exemplary contributions and achievements in the area of player development and for extraordinary efforts in conducting and/or supporting growth of the game initiatives, as well as leadership commitment at the section and national levels, and the impact made at his/her own facility. A PGA of America Member since 2009, Relan has held numerous management positions at high profile golf facilities throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region as well as leadership positions within the MAPGA and board positions with related golf organizations. His expertise in player development is well chronicled, especially among junior golfers, and he has earned a breadth of instruction and club fittings certifications.

Lunn is a decorated and dedicated member of the MAPGA, which includes serving as the Past President of the Section and an Executive 

Leighann Albaugh, PGA, a resident of Glen Allen, VA., and the Director of Instruction at Magnolia Green Golf Club, in Moseley, Va., is the recipient of the 2023 Middle Atlantic PGA’s (MAPGA) Youth Player Development Award, which recognizes a PGA Professional who is a leader in junior golf, reflects the ideals and qualities that juniors can emulate and provides opportunities for juniors to learn and play golf. Contributions to the MAPGA and PGA junior programs and involvement in the promotion and development of junior golf at the facility and community level are additional criteria considered for this award. A PGA of America Member since 2005 who was also named the MAPGA Youth Player Development Award Recipient in 2018, Albaugh has earned numerous teaching accolades throughout her career in golf, including being named to the GOLF Magazine “Teachers To Watch” List in 2023-2024.

Lunn is a decorated and dedicated member of the MAPGA, which includes serving as the Past President of the Section and an Executive Committee member for the last 8 years. His continued commitment to the PGA and his efforts within the community and his facilities earned Lunn the prestigious MAPGA Professional of the Year Award in 2020.

Matt Fuller, PGA, a resident of Lutherville Timonium, Md., and the Director of Golf at Caves Valley Golf Club, Owings Mills, Md., is the recipient of the 2023 Middle Atlantic PGA’s (MAPGA) Merchandiser of the Year Award for Private Facilities. This honor recognizes PGA Professionals who have demonstrated superior skills as merchandisers in the promotion of golf. It is awarded for excellence in golf shop operations in three categories: private, resort and public/municipal/military/semi-private. Candidates are judged on merchandising performance, details and innovation, displays, merchandising techniques, inventory mix, shop operations, merchandising philosophy, and staff training. A PGA of America Member since 2023, Fuller has held numerous golf management positions at high profile facilities in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast Regions. A dedicated leader in growing the game, Fuller is a Board Member of the First Tee of Greater Baltimore.

Lunn is a decorated and dedicated member of the MAPGA, which includes serving as the Past President of the Section and an Executive Committee member for the last 8 years. His continued commitment to the PGA and his efforts within the community and his facilities earned Lunn the prestigious MAPGA Professional of the Year Award in 2020.

Willy Lutz, PGA, a resident of Chantilly, Va., and the Director of Golf, Raspberry Falls Golf & Hunt Club, in Leesburg, Va., is the recipient of the 2023 Middle Atlantic PGA’s (MAPGA) Merchandiser of the Year Award for Public Facilities. This honor recognizes PGA Professionals who have demonstrated superior skills as merchandisers in the promotion of golf. It is awarded for excellence in golf shop operations in three categories: private, resort and public/municipal/military/semi-private. Candidates are judged on merchandising performance, details and innovation, displays, merchandising techniques, inventory mix, shop operations, merchandising philosophy, and staff training. A PGA of America Member since 2007, Lutz has enjoyed a successful career in the golf industry, having held numerous leadership and management positions throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region.

Lunn is a decorated and dedicated member of the MAPGA, which includes serving as the Past President of the Section and an Executive Committee member for the last 8 years. His continued commitment to the PGA and his efforts within the community and his facilities earned Lunn the prestigious MAPGA Professional of the Year Award in 2020.

Zach Pfingst, PGA, a resident of Cape Charles, Va., and the Director of Golf at Bay Creek Resort & Club in Cape Charles, is the recipient of the 2023 Middle Atlantic PGA’s (MAPGA) Merchandiser of the Year Award for Resort Facilities. This honor recognizes PGA Professionals who have demonstrated superior skills as merchandisers in the promotion of golf. It is awarded for excellence in golf shop operations in three categories: private, resort and public/municipal/military/semi-private. Candidates are judged on merchandising performance, details and innovation, displays, merchandising techniques, inventory mix, shop operations, merchandising philosophy, and staff training. A PGA of America Member since 2007, Pfingst has spent his entire career at Bay Creek Resort & Club, rising to his current role as Director of Golf. During his career, he has earned all 6 PGA Certifications through the PGA of America, including Golf Operations, Executive Management, General Management, Ownership/ Leasing, Retail, and Instruction.

Lunn is a decorated and dedicated member of the MAPGA, which includes serving as the Past President of the Section and an Executive Committee member for the last 8 years. His continued commitment to the PGA and his efforts within the community and his facilities earned Lunn the prestigious MAPGA Professional of the Year Award in 2020.

Megan Leineweber, PGA, a resident of Potomac, Md., and the Assistant Golf Professional at TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm, is the recipient of the 2023 Middle Atlantic PGA’s (MAPGA) Assistant PGA Professional of the Year Award, which bestows special recognition on an Assistant PGA Professional for distinguished service to his/her peers and the MAPGA and in his/her commitment to improving opportunities for fellow assistants in the MAPGA. A PGA of America Member since 2010, Leineweber has held numerous positions at high profile golf facilities around the country, and was the first female golf professional on staff at Stonewall Golf Club (PA) in 2016. A dedicated leader in providing instruction to juniors and women, Leineweber is also an accomplished player having qualified and competed in the 2023 National Assistants Championship.

Lunn is a decorated and dedicated member of the MAPGA, which includes serving as the Past President of the Section and an Executive Committee member for the last 8 years. His continued commitment to the PGA and his efforts within the community and his facilities earned Lunn the prestigious MAPGA Professional of the Year Award in 2020.

Dr. Kendy K. Vierling, LPGA, a volunteer at Links to Freedom, in Lorton, Va., is the recipient of the 2023 Middle Atlantic PGA’s (MAPGA) David Wortman Citizen of the Year Award, which recognizes an outstanding amateur or amateurs whose contributions to the MAPGA include the promotion of golf, promotion of the MAPGA and PGA Professionals, and recognition by the MAPGA and business community as a leader in his/her field. As a volunteer in Links to Freedom, Dr. Vierling is part of an organization that helps provide injured military service members & disabled veterans with an adaptive golf program taught by PGA & LPGA professionals. 

Dr. Vierling received her Bachelor of Arts degrees in Psychology and Advertising from Southern Methodist University and her Masters in Exercise Science from Arizona State University. Vierling then earned her Ph.D. in Exercise Science from Arizona State University, where she focused on social psychological and psychophysiological factors of human performance.

She grew up in Arizona playing golf and her first job in the golf industry was on the ASU Women’s Golf Team coaching staff as the Manager/Graduate Assistant for a few years, and Assistant Coach of the for a year. There she was able to pursue her graduate degrees; learn about coaching, golf instruction, golf operations such as hosting tournaments, teach undergraduate human performance related academic courses, and conduct human performance related research.  

Mike Morrone, PGA, a resident of Glen Allen, VA., and the host of the Emergency Nine Podcast broadcasting from The Foundry Golf Club, Powhatan, Va., is the recipient of the 2023 Middle Atlantic PGA’s (MAPGA) Earle Hallen Sports Media Award, which honors an outstanding individual in the field of journalism for exemplary contributions to the section with regard to the promotion of golf, promotion of the MAPGA and PGA Professionals, based on scope and distribution, quality and content of media coverage and recognition as an outstanding journalist by his/her peers. A PGA Member since 2008, Morrone runs his golf podcast alongside his management role as Head Golf Professional at The Foundry Club, while he also serves on numerous committees within the MAPGA. 

Lunn is a decorated and dedicated member of the MAPGA, which includes serving as the Past President of the Section and an Executive Committee member for the last 8 years. His continued commitment to the PGA and his efforts within the community and his facilities earned Lunn the prestigious MAPGA Professional of the Year Award in 2020.

Scott Bavaro, a resident of Wilmington, Del., and a Sales Representative for TaylorMade Golf Company, is the recipient of the 2023 Middle Atlantic PGA’s (MAPGA) Salesperson of the Year Award, which honors a golf salesperson in the region for outstanding service, support and dedication to the members and apprentices of the MAPGA. This year’s award continues a stellar career in golf sales for Bavaro as he was named the Nike Golf National Sales Rep of the Year in 2013, the TaylorMade Northeast Sales Rep of the Year in 2021 and TaylorMade Sales Culture Rep of the Year in 2020.

Lunn is a decorated and dedicated member of the MAPGA, which includes serving as the Past President of the Section and an Executive Committee member for the last 8 years. His continued commitment to the PGA and his efforts within the community and his facilities earned Lunn the prestigious MAPGA Professional of the Year Award in 2020.Lunn is a decorated and dedicated member of the MAPGA, which includes serving as the Past President of the Section and an Executive Committee member for the last 8 years. His continued commitment to