Awards

THIS IS THE HIGHEST HONOR PAID TO A PGA PROFESSIONAL. OVERALL PERFORMANCE AS A PGA PROFESSIONAL, LEVEL OF SERVICE TO THE MAPGA AND TO THE ASSOCIATION, LEADERSHIP ABILITY, PROMOTION OF THE GAME OF GOLF, IMAGE AS A PGA PROFESSIONAL AND ABILITY TO INSPIRE FELLOW PGA PROFESSIONALS ARE SOME OF THE CRITERIA CONSIDERED FOR THIS AWARD.

Adam Relan, PGA | Bide-A-Wee Golf Course | Portsmouth, VA

Adam Relan has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 PGA Professional of the Year Award for his extensive service to the Section, his support of fellow PGA Professionals, and his commitment to growing the game of golf.

Adam was born in Jacksonville, Florida to Craig and Marty Relan. He has one brother Scott and a late sister Dina Relan Johnson. His father served as an Officer in the United States Navy for 22 years before a successful career in business while his mother was a superwoman raising Adam and his siblings while creating a successful interior design business. He was introduced to the game of golf by his father’s parents at a very young age along with a childhood friend on the Gulf Coast in Pascagoula, Mississippi.

Relan attended Mississippi State University before transferring to and ultimately graduating from Campbell University in Buies Creek, North Carolina with a degree of Bachelor of Business Administration and Professional Golf Management.

Upon graduation, Adam began his golf career as a Golf School Instructor and Assistant Golf Professional at Woodlake Resort in Country Club in Vass, NC. He served there until moving to Smithfields Country Club in Easley, SC. At Smithfields he served as the Director of Instructor and Lead Assistant from 2002-2008, then Head PGA Golf Professional from 2008-2010 and then Director of Golf & General Manager from 2010-2013. In 2014, he and family relocated to the Portsmouth, VA area where he currently serves as the Director of Golf and General Manager of Bide-A-Wee GC and The Links at City Park.  He oversees full operations at both facilities as well as managing the lease agreement with Suffolk Golf Course. 

Adam is the Coach of his PGA Jr League team and is the PGA HOPE Lead for the PGA HOPE Tidewater Chapter.  Adam typically hosts two PGA Jr League programs a year and two PGA HOPE series in the Spring and two more series in the Fall.  For these efforts along with all of his innovative Player Development programs at his facilities he was named as the recipient of the 2023 MAPGA Player Development Award. 

Adam is active in governance within the Southern Chapter, at the Section level and even Nationally through the PGA of America. He currently serves as the Southern Chapter’s Vice President, having already served as the chapter Secretary for two years. At the Section level, he has previously served on the Junior Golf Committee, and he continues to serve as Chair for both the Section’s Player Development Committee and the Section’s PGA HOPE Committee.  Nationally, Adam also serves on the PGA of America’s PGA HOPE Committee. He was also just announced as the recipient of the PGA of America Patriot Award for 2025, honoring his service to our veterans and PGA HOPE. He will be honored in November 2025.

Adam brings his love and passion for growing the game to his community as a board member of the First Tee of Hampton Roads. Adam has been honored and recognized by the Portsmouth Outreach Foundation in 2024 for his commitment and leadership in sport in his community.  He also received the NGCOA’s Mid-Atlantic Public Golf Leader Award in 2021 as the leader of his facility.   

He and his wife Abbey have been happily married for 21 years and they have a son Ames (18) and a daughter Ana Grace (15).   

AWARDED FOR EXCELLENCE IN GOLF INSTRUCTION ALONG WITH OVERALL PERFORMANCE AS A PGA PROFESSIONAL. IMPACT ON TEACHING AND GOLF INSTRUCTION, INVOLVEMENT IN JUNIOR GOLF ACTIVITIES, INNOVATIVE CONTRIBUTIONS TO GOLF INSTRUCTION AND ARTICLES PUBLISHED ARE SOME OF THE CRITERIA CONSIDERED FOR THIS AWARD.

Sean English, PGA | The Elkridge Club | Baltimore, Maryland

Sean English was born August 12, 1970, in Paducah, KY to parents Don English and Shirley Bentley. He began playing golf at the age of twelve when he was introduced to the sport by his stepfather, Leroy Bentley. 

Sean’s first golf-related job was in 1989 as a Shop Assistant at the Country Club of Paducah. He became a golf professional in 1993 and worked at Beechmont CC in Ohio as an Assistant before moving to Urbana CC, where he was promoted to Head Professional. Sean moved to Wisconsin when he was named Head Professional at Bristlecone Pines GC, before moving back to Ohio where he worked at Kenwood CC for eight years. During his time at Kenwood CC, he was named the 2007 Southern Ohio PGA Teacher of the Year. Sean moved to the Middle Atlantic Section in 2012 when he became the Teaching Professional at Caves Valley Golf Club. After 6 years there, he was named to his current position as Director of Instruction at the Elkridge Club. 

Several mentors influenced Sean including Daniel “Kayo” Mullen, PGA who shared an interest in him as a young boy and gave him the guidance on how to the play game but also how to present himself. Charlie Stone, PGA hired him as an Assistant at Beechmont CC in 1993 and as Sean describes it “molded a very green and naïve young man into a golf professional.” Additional mentors in golf include Bernie Najar, PGA; Gil Gusweiler, PGA; and Dennis Satyshur, PGA. 

Since arriving at Elkridge, he has elevated the programming, enhanced the Learning Center amenities, hired and overseen additional staff and provides the membership with opportunities to learn and play year-round.  Starting with conducting group lessons in each season. Sean has added New Golfers programming, New Member Lesson Gifts, and established a PGA Junior League team program which has grown to two 13U teams and a 17U team.  During the summer season, Sean expanded the Junior Golf Camp program to each week of summer vacation, then added a second week each month of Pee Wee Camp. He conducts over 1500 hours of instruction during the year to players of all skill levels including successful juniors, college, and tour players.

Sean feels education is the biggest asset a PGA Professional can have.  He attends over one hundred hours of education each year, investing in his own education so that he can help others. Sean is the Chair of the Education Committee where he has been instrumental in the planning and execution of both in-person and virtual education for the last five years. He not only hosts fellow PGA professionals himself but has also assisted with the organization of countless other education opportunities such as Associate Development Days which he and fellow PGA professional Mark Russo launched. 

He earned his PGA Specialized Professional in Teaching & Coaching in 2021 and earned his PGA Certified Professional in 2024. English’s honors include the 2021 MAPGA Professional Development Award, 2007 SOPGA Teacher & Coach of Year, 2023-24 US Kids Foundation Top 50 Kids’ Coach Award, 2024-25 US Kids Foundation Top 50 Master Kids’ Coach Award, 2024-25 Golf Range Association Top 100 Growth of the Game Teaching Professional, and Golf Digest Best Teachers in State 2022-2025. 

Sean has been married to his wife Anita for 23 years and they share their son Grant. Grant (21) plays baseball at Montgomery College. 

PRESENTED TO A PGA PROFESSIONAL FOR OUTSTANDING INVOLVEMENT IN CHARITABLE AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES; UNTIRING AND DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MENTORING 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 BILL STRAUSBAUGH POSSESSED DURING HIS LIFETIME – SERVICE TO HIS ASSOCIATION AND HIS COMMUNITY AND MENTORING TO HIS FELLOW PGA PROFESSIONALS.

Adam C. Smith, PGA | The Country Club of Virginia | Richmond, VA

Adam Smith grew up in Richmond, Virginia. He is the youngest of six children and was the only kid in the family who played golf. Adam had his first job in the golf business, in 1983, as a teenager at The Country Club of Virginia. His father, Bill Smith, was the PGA Director of Golf there from 1972-1993. Adam learned golf at age six, taking lessons from his father. As his game developed as a teenager, he continued with lessons from local PGA legends Leo Steinbrecher, Freddy Christian and Bill Strausbaugh. Adam credits the majority of his early mentorship in the golf business to PGA Professional (and MAPGA Hall of Famer) Paul Michaelian, who served as an assistant professional at CCV while Adam was a teenager.

Adam played on his Varsity High School golf team in 1984, as an eighth grader, and after five years of competitive varsity golf, he went on to play college golf at Radford University. Adam became a golf professional in 1994, after graduating college with a degree in English. Writing golf instruction articles and publishing them is a passion of Adam’s. He began his professional career in golf instruction, teaching golf at Bogeys Sports Park from 1994 – 1995. Then went on to work for Matt Ball, PGA at Richmond Country Club from 1995 – 1997. He was then hired by Richard White, PGA at The Dominion Club from 1997 – 1998. Soon after that, he was hired by Mike Hott, PGA at Salisbury Country Club, where he would spend two decades of his golf career, from 1998 to 2018, building a reputation as a reputable instructor in Virginia. Adam was elected to PGA Membership in 2004. In 2018, Adam moved on to Kinloch Golf Club for one year, before being hired by Warren West, PGA at The Country of Virginia in 2019. Since his high school days, every golf job for Adam has been in Richmond, Virginia. And returning to The Country Club of Virginia has not only been full circle for Adam, but also a dream come true.

Adam was named the Middle Atlantic PGA Teacher of The Year in 2008. In 2016, he was awarded the Middle Atlantic PGA Professional Development Award. Adam has been on the GOLF Magazine Teachers to Watch list since 2019. Golf Digest placed him on the “Best in State” list in 2010. He has been named Top 50 Growth of the Game Teaching Professional Elite by Golf Range Association of America and has served as a member of the MAPGA Education Committee. Adam proudly serves on the PGA Magazine Golf Instruction Advisory Board and also on the GRAA Committee for Growing the Game. Over the years, he has spoken at many National Conferences, including the PGA Show and the PGA Demo Day in Orlando. He also spoke at the PGA National Clubfitters Conference in Chicago and several PGA Magazine Boot Camps up and down the east coast. Adam has hosted and presented during MAPGA Section Coaching and Teaching summits over the years. He has hosted the PGA Magazine National Clubfitting Conference in Richmond, two times in his career.

Adam met his wife, Kristen, at Radford University. She was studying elementary education and would later become a fifth grade teacher. She knew what a catch she had when she asked him to her Delta Zeta sorority formal  at Radford.  They dated all through college and got married in Richmond in  1997. Adam and Kristen have three children. Their son, Logan (25), is a material science engineer from Virginia Tech’s School of Engineering. Logan works in Reading, Pennsylvania in research and development for special metals at Carpenter Technologies. Logan, over the holidays this year, became engaged to his college sweetheart. Their second son, Carter (23), is a graduate of The University of South Carolina. Carter works in Richmond as a construction cost accountant for The Allen Myers Corporation. And they have a daughter, Ellie (21), who is currently a junior at The University of Arizona, in Tucson. Ellie will be studying abroad in Rome, Italy during her second semester of her junior year. The Smith family is entertained daily by their hilarious and fun loving nine year old Yellow Lab, named Maverick.

Adam’s personal golf philosophy with every lesson is to “keep it simple and make it enjoyable.” When it comes to teaching golf, he believes in learning what the student needs. Adam helps students by using simple techniques, by doing one thing at a time and by making sure the student comprehends the message. Along with his knowledge of the golf swing, he has a passion for assisting with golf fitness training and encouraging wellness and a healthy golf lifestyle. His love for the game of golf, the golf business and his love for his role at The Country Club of Virginia is evident every day. Adam’s early years of being mentored in golf, his subsequent mentorship of others, service to the Middle Atlantic PGA Section as well as the National PGA, and his willingness to volunteer his time to his peers make Adam the ideal candidate for the 2024 Middle Atlantic PGA Bill Strausbaugh Award.

THIS AWARD BESTOWS SPECIAL RECOGNITION ON A PGA PROFESSIONAL FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO DEVELOPING AND IMPROVING EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR FELLOW PGA PROFESSIONALS. CONTRIBUTIONS TO PGA AND MAPGA EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND INCLINATION FOR CONTINUING CONTRIBUTIONS AND ASSISTANCE ARE SOME OF THE CRITERIA CONSIDERED FOR THIS AWARD.

Patrick J. Bedingfield, PGA | Bethesda Country Club | Bethesda, MD

Patrick J. Bedingfield was born December 19, 1977, in Silver Spring, Maryland. Patrick comes from a family of avid golfers including his father Dr. James Bedingfield, brother David, and twin sister Andrea, who was a highly ranked junior golfer. His father introduced him to the game of golf at three years old in the backyard, a roughly designed par 3 golf course with one green which was cut to half an inch high grass. He then began playing at Argyle Country Club in 1983. Patrick’s father had a tremendous influence on his decision to play golf. Dr. Bedingfield loves golf, became a student of golf while trying to improve his own game, and his work ethic and passion for the sport inspired Patrick’s desire to pursue golf. 

His first job in the industry was in 1990 at Argyle Country Club under PGA Professional Robert Bilbo. He worked in the cart barn, range, and bag room. Patrick became a golf professional on his eighteenth birthday in 1995 and was elected to PGA membership in 2002. He served in Assistant Professional roles at Argyle CC, Montgomery CC, and Bethesda CC before becoming the Director of Instruction at Bethesda CC, the role he serves in today. Since 2015, Patrick has also volunteered as an assistant Coach for the University of Maryland Women’s Golf Team. 

Professionally, he claims two excellent mentors, Robert Bilbo, PGA and MAPGA Hall of Famer Jim Folks, PGA. He considers them both to be like second fathers and most of all tries to emulate their professionalism. 

Patrick has been involved in MAPGA Section educational programming since earning his PGA membership in 2002. Early in his career, he was actively involved in mentoring aspiring golf professionals, helping them with their workbooks as Associates worked towards their PGA membership. Since then, he has presented at several MAPGA Teaching & Coaching Summits, Caves Valley Seminars, and hosted other MAPGA educational sessions at Bethesda CC. In 2022-2023 he hosted a 7-session, 6-week Golf Instructional Seminar focused on teaching techniques, club fitting skills, student needs analysis, and more. He prides himself on being an early adopter to incorporating technology into his golf instruction. Patrick was one of the first to leverage Trackman in his golf instruction and has since incorporated other technologies including Science and Motion Putt Lab, Swing Catalyst 3 Motion Plate and Gears for Golf 3D capture system. He has readily shared this knowledge and experience with his fellow PGA professionals. 

This is Patrick’s third MAPGA award. In 2005, he was named MAPGA Assistant Professional of the Year and in 2021 he was named the MAPGA Teacher and Coach of the Year. He has also been listed as one of Golf Digest’s Top Teachers in the state since 2013.

THIS AWARD 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 PLAY GOLF AMERICA INITIATIVES. THIS AWARD CONSIDERS THE PGA PROFESSIONAL’S GROWTH OF THE GAME LEADERSHIP COMMITMENT AT THE SECTION AND NATIONAL LEVELS, PLUS THE IMPACT MADE AT HIS/HER OWN FACILITY.

Cathy Kim, PGA, LPGA | Baltimore Country Club | Timonium, MD

Cathy Kim, PGA, LPGA, has been named the recipient of the 2024 PGA Player Development Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to growing the game of golf. Inspired by her early observations of the sport’s diversity gap, Cathy has dedicated her career to breaking down barriers and increasing participation among underrepresented groups. Through her unwavering commitment, innovative programs, and passion for inclusivity, she continues to make a lasting impact on the future of the game.

Born in San Francisco, California, to Edward and Aster Kim, Cathy grew up watching her parents work tirelessly to build a life in the United States after immigrating from South Korea in 1984. When she was seven, her parents purchased and ran their first dry-cleaning business, where she learned valuable customer service skills by working alongside her mother and observing how her parents connected with their customers.

Cathy was introduced to golf at the age of 10 after her father became the first in the family to take up the sport. He enrolled her in a Saturday junior golf clinic at Mountain Shadows Golf Course (now Foxtail Golf Course), where PGA Professionals provided instruction. She quickly developed a passion for the game, which carried through to her collegiate career at Western Washington University, where she earned three medals while completing her degree.

Inspired by her early observations of golf’s diversity gap, Cathy has dedicated her career to breaking down barriers and increasing participation among underrepresented groups. Through her unwavering commitment, innovative programs, and passion for inclusivity, she continues to make a lasting impact on the future of the game.

In 2012, Cathy turned professional, beginning her career as an Assistant Golf Professional at Sahalee Country Cluband later at TPC Summerlin, where she was eventually promoted to Director of Player Development. In 2019, she relocated to the Middle Atlantic Section, accepting a role as a Teaching Professional at 1757 Golf Club’s Game Improvement Center, where she worked until 2022. That same year, she stepped into her current position as Director of Instruction at Baltimore Country Club, where she oversees and develops a comprehensive array of programs tailored to diverse player needs.

Throughout her career, Cathy has been committed to creating and implementing innovative programs to grow the game and foster inclusivity. At 1757 Golf Club, she led initiatives such as a Women’s Program, Co-Ed Workshops, Winter Golf Program, Junior Golf Academy (ages 7-17), Junior Summer Camps, Girls-Only Golf Program, Tiny Tees Junior Program (ages 6 and under, with parental involvement), and captained three PGA Junior League teams, including an all-girls team.

At Baltimore Country Club, she continues to develop impactful programming, including Women’s Programs, Junior Golf Programs, PGA Junior League, Co-Ed Clinics, a Golf Fitness Program, Social Media Collaboration, Competitive Golf, and numerous Community Events and Outreach efforts.

Beyond her hands-on coaching, Cathy’s influence extends into the digital space, where she has built a strong social media presence, reaching an average of 200,000 accounts per month. Through her Instagram account (@cathykimgolf), where she shares swing tips with over 60,000 followers, she helps grow engagement and drive continued interest in instruction at Baltimore Country Club. Additionally, she collaborates with numerous golf brands and industry leaders, using digital platforms to further expand access and interest in the game.

Cathy is also active in leadership and mentorship within the golf industry. She was selected to participate in the national PGA LEAD Cohort VIII and currently serves as the MAPGA Northern Chapter Regional Director and is a MAPGA Section Player Development Committee member. 

Her excellence in coaching and player development has earned her multiple accolades, including being named Golf Digest Best in State (MD) 2024-25, Golf Digest Best in State (VA) 2022-23, and Golf Digest Best Young Teachers (2021-26).

Cathy and her husband, Frank Cox, have been married for five years and are proud parents to their one-year-old daughter, Yoona Kim-Cox.

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 MAPGA AND PGA JUNIOR PROGRAMS AND INVOLVEMENT IN THE PROMOTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF JUNIOR GOLF AT THE FACILITY AND COMMUNITY LEVEL ARE SOME OF THE CRITERIA CONSIDERED FOR THIS AWARD.

Bill Fedder, PGA | The Club at Glenmore | Keswick, VA

Bill was born in Lynchburg, VA to parents Berenice and the late Brian Fedder. He was raised in Lynchburg along with his sister Edie Fedder. He was introduced to golf at the age of two by his parents as his father was a PGA of America member and his mother was an LPGA member.

His first golf-related job was in the bag room at Oakwood Country Club for his dad. Bill was an accomplished junior golfer winning the 1998 VSGA Junior Amateur and being named as the 1998 VSGA Junior Golfer of the Year. After earning his BA in Business Administration from Furman University, he became a golf professional in 2006. 

Before moving to his current role in 2019, Fedder worked at Piedmont Driving Club (2006-2011), Druid Hills Golf Club (2011-2014), Jim McLean Golf School at Doral (2014-2015), and Spring Creek Golf Club (2015-2019). He now directs the Rotella-Fedder Academy of Excellence at The Club at Glenmore, as well as overseeing the Club’s entry level programming.

In 2020, with Dr. Bob Rotella, Bill founded the Rotella-Fedder Excellence Academy, a year-round all-encompassing program for junior golfers looking to take their game to new heights. Each semester includes weekly group lessons with Coach Bill, weekly strength and conditioning sessions with Coach Bryan, and the Saturday Tournament Series where they compete in a variety of tournament formats.  Semesters also include group sessions with Dr. Bob Rotella and private golf lessons with Coach Bill.

Bill also oversees Glenmore’s entry level programming that includes PGA Junior League, Birdie Basics, Girlz Only Clinics, After-School Clinics, and their Fire 12 program. As director of the Rotella-Fedder Academy, Bill helped establish the Rotella-Fedder Golf Classic.  Over the past three years The RFGC has raised over 100k for junior golfers at Glenmore and Central Virginia.  Money raised underwrites the cost of all of their entry level programming and also provides scholarships to the RF Academy.  In 2024, the Rotella-Fedder Excellence Academy started the process of transitioning to a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization with the goal of furthering its reach and impact on the young people of its community.

Bill remains a competitive player himself qualifying for the 2025, 2024, 2022, and 2020 PGA Professional Championships, earning Low Professional honors at the 2024 Silvercrest Cup, and winning the 2024 Middle Atlantic PGA Professional Championship amongst other playing honors. 

Bill and his wife of 11 years Karie share two children Hayes (6) and Faye (3).

RECOGNIZES PGA PROFESSIONALS WHO HAVE DEMONSTRATED SUPERIOR SKILLS AS MERCHANDISERS IN THE PROMOTION OF GOLF. 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.

Chris Costantino, PGA | Cattail Creek Country Club | Glenwood, MD

Chris was born on September 14, 1991, in Olney, MD, to Anthony and Lucia. He is the youngest of three siblings (Niki and Anthony Jr.). Chris was introduced to the game of golf at age six through his father, learning to hit golf balls around the yard in the least number of shots possible. Chris’s Grandfather, Orlando, was the first family member to take up golf and joined Arnie’s Army through the television. Chris remembers often gathering around the TV on Sunday afternoon with his dad and grandfather watching David Duval, Phil Mickelson, and a young Tiger Woods. 

Chris’s first golf-related job was at 13 working at Laytonsville Golf Course for Dean Greer, PGA. In high school and college, Chris worked at Argyle Country Club for Mike Barillo, PGA. Chris attributes his love for people, junior golf, and the game overall from these two PGA professionals. Both of whom took pride in promoting junior golf, caring deeply about interclub and junior camaraderie. 

Upon graduating from Sherwood High School, Chris spent two years playing collegiately at La Salle University before transferring to Towson and graduating in 2014. After graduating with a Political Science Degree, Chris decided to stick with his passion, and accepted a job at Bethesda Country Club working for Ted Pogorelc, PGA as an assistant professional. Chris spent six years at Bethesda and gained invaluable experience in all aspects of the golf operation from both Ted and Jim Folks, PGA. In 2020, Chris joined the professional staff at Burning Tree Club working for Ricky Touma, PGA and Charlie Briggs, PGA. Chris credits Ricky and Charlie for emphasizing that everything matters, and treating every day like the Super Bowl. 

In February of 2022, Chris accepted the Head Professional Job at Cattail Creek Country Club in Glenwood, MD. 

Chris attributes his success to having a great team around him, and a conscious effort to continually improve in every area of the operation and profession. Chris also credits Jim Smith Jr., PGA, who has been an outside mentor of his since his college days at La Salle. 

Chris met his wife, Samantha through their wonderful friends at Argyle Country Club and got married in October 2021. They have two girls, Charlotte who is 2 and Catherine who was recently born in December.

RECOGNIZES PGA PROFESSIONALS WHO HAVE DEMONSTRATED SUPERIOR SKILLS AS MERCHANDISERS IN THE PROMOTION OF GOLF. 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.

William E. Sass, PGA | Ocean City Golf Club | Berlin, MD

William “Buddy” Sass was born in Washington, D.C. to William, Jr. and Jayne Sass.  He has a brother, Patrick and a sister, Suzanne. His father introduced him to the game of golf at the age of 10, by playing golf with him on Saturdays and by gifting him lessons from PGA Professionals Bill Deck and Bob Haley.  He graduated from High Point University in 1984 with a BS in Accounting. Buddy was  a 2-time NAIA Academic All-American and All-Conference golfer while at High Point.  In 1991 Buddy received his MBA from Salisbury University. 

Buddy’s first golf-related job was being a part-time shop employee for Hunt Crosby at Ocean Pines Country Club.  After discussing his future with PGA Professional Bill Sporre, whom he admired and respected, Buddy decided to turn professional in 1984. He was elected to membership in the PGA of America in 1987.  Buddy was the Assistant Golf Professional at High Point County Club, High Point, N.C. (1984-1985); Lochmere Golf Club, Cary, N.C. (1985-1988); Ocean Pines Country Club. (1988-1989); The Beach Club Golf Links, Berlin, MD (1989-1990) and as a Head PGA Professional at Ocean Pines Country Club, Berlin, MD (1991-1996); Deer Run Golf Club, Berlin, MD (1997-1998); and Ocean City Golf Club, Berlin, MD (1999-Present). 

The purpose of Sass Golf Shop is to provide outstanding service and purchase opportunities for the various clientele of the course. This core value is complicated by the various types of  customers that enjoy Ocean City’s facilities. The Premium members play approximately 15,000 rounds of golf and  require all the daily items related to golf such as clubs, balls and accessories. The Secondary members have an entirely different set of needs and expectations, as they play an additional 30,000 rounds.  Ocean City also serves a robust local golf population as well as package/travel golfers. As a result, the golf shop offers many types of merchandise suitable for more transient golfers. He notes that “it’s interesting, challenging and fun to try and stock the appropriate items for our varied and changing customer base.”

Buddy’s personal golf philosophy revolves around service and connection to others. He was taught by his mentors to anticipate customer needs by getting to know them and their families. He tries to develop long lasting relationships of service to his membership and other customers. He also believes his success has increased in proportion to his growing relationship with Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior.

This is the second time Sass has won the Merchandiser of the Year Public Award, the first time being in 2003 and he was the recipient of the Presidents Award in 2012. 

Buddy has been married to his wife Sylvia, an avid golfer, for three years. He has two daughters Cecily (27) and Chloe (24), a son Will (26), stepdaughter Grace (26), and stepson Owen (24).

RECOGNIZES PGA PROFESSIONALS WHO HAVE DEMONSTRATED SUPERIOR SKILLS AS MERCHANDISERS IN THE PROMOTION OF GOLF. 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.

Zach Pfingst, PGA | Bay Creek Resort & Club | Cape Charles, VA

Zach Pfingst has been named the recipient of the 2024 Merchandiser of the Year in the Resort Category, his second time receiving this honor.  This award recognizes PGA Professionals who have demonstrated superior skills as merchandisers in the promotion of golf. 

Zach was born in Virginia Beach, VA in 1980 to his parents, Hal and Linda. His father introduced him to the game at Cypress Cove Country Club in Franklin, Virginia. He took him to the club at the age of 11 after watching The Masters on television the day before. His decision to focus on golf came when he finished third in his very first Junior golf event. After that he was hooked and really started to practice and play a lot more.

He earned his Sports Management Degree and Business Management Degree from North Greenville College in Greenville, South Carolina. There he was a four-year starter, who won six individual college tournaments and was named College All-America his senior year.

After college, Zach joined the staff at Bay Creek Resort and Club in 2001. From 2001-2008 he served as an Assistant Golf Professional. He was elected to membership in the PGA of America in 2007, and in 2008 he was promoted to Head Golf Professional. He served in that role until 2020 when he received a promotion to his current role as the Director of Golf.

His personal philosophy is to work hard and be enthusiastic about whatever you do. He shared that the goal of the club is to provide guests with a high-level experience from the moment they walk into the golf shop, that they not only want to have great top of the line quality products but also extend a friendly and professional feel. He notes that the product buying mix is important, but the staff is the most important part of the success there. They purchase mostly bright vibrant colors and patterns to merchandise the shop with. With being a vacation destination in addition to their location very near Chesapeake Bay, the bright vibrant colors sell so much better. Resort guests are happiest on vacation and really gravitate to those bright vibrant colors and patterns. 

He has a son Zachary Pfingst Jr who is 14 years old and plays guitar. He and his wife Sarai Diaz have been married since 2020.

THIS AWARD 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 ASSISTANTS IN THE MAPGA.

Matthew C. Brennan, PGA | The Country Club of Virginia | Richmond, VA

Matthew was born and raised in Raleigh, NC to parents James and Deborah Brennan. At the age of 7, he was introduced to golf by his father at a local driving range which is now the First Tee – Triangle. When he was around 11 or 12, his parents became members of a local club, and he started playing much more frequently with the rise in popularity of Tiger Woods. 

Brennan graduated from the PGA Golf Management Program at North Carolina State University and while there completed internships at Sea Island GC, Old Chatham GC, Pebble Beach Resorts, Southern Hills CC, and Quail Hollow Club. He received his first Seasonal Assistant Golf Professional role at Applebrook GC, then his first full time Assistant Golf Professional role at TPC Wakefield Plantation, where he worked from 2016-2019. During his time at TPC Wakefield Plantation, he was elected into membership with the PGA of America in 2017. He then moved to Park Ridge CC where he was the Lead Assistant Golf Professional before taking his current role at The Country Club of Virginia as the Senior Assistant Golf Professional in 2021. 

At the Country Club of Virginia he has worked to grow the retail operations, the Op36 program at the James River location, and has completely revamped the intern program. He is open to mentoring and assisting fellow colleagues and PGA professionals. Brennan noted that he was fortunate to work for some amazing people in the golf business and attributes his success to learning from them. 

Prior to coming to the Middle Atlantic Section, Matt served as the Secretary of the CPGA Assistant’s Association and served on the IPGA Assistants & Pro-Am Committees. He was named as the Section’s A-8 Director and served in that role from 2022-2023. During his time as Director, he was able to accomplish three firsts for the APA. The first was being able to obtain two title sponsorships for the APA and the second was making sure APA tournament events had a mandatory education seminar before each event. This has allowed A-8’s to stay current on their Professional Development Requirement credits. The third was a decision that required APA membership to be eligible to play in tournaments. This resulted in the largest membership in history for the association. After his term, he has since remained active on the APA Committee. He was named as the inaugural Southern Chapter Assistant Professional of the year in 2023. 

Matthew and his wife Caitlin were married in 2016 and they share two daughters Kennedy (5) and Quinn (1).

AN OUTSTANDING AMATEUR OR AMATEURS WILL BE SELECTED WHOSE CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE MAPGA INCLUDE THE PROMOTION OF GOLF, PROMOTION OF THE MAPGA AND PGA PROFESSIONALS, RECOGNITION BY THE MAPGA AND BUSINESS COMMUNITY AS A LEADER IN HIS/HER FIELD AND HIS/HER SUPPORT OF THE MAPGA GOLF PROGRAMS.

Stacy Miller-Arndt, LPGA | Congressional Country Club | Bethesda, MD

Stacy Miller-Arndt was born in Sherman, Texas to parents Chuck and Diane Miller. She has one brother Clay Miller who is married to Rebekah. At the age of 7, she was introduced to the game of golf by her dad who taught her how to play. They were members at Denton Country Club in Denton, Texas and Falconhead Country Club in Burneyville, OK. Their family would play golf together every weekend at either club as they were all golfers with low handicaps.  

She decided golf was for her at age 11 after playing in her first national junior golf tournament, the Women’s Western Junior at Lakeway Country Club in Austin Texas. After qualifying for the first flight, she won her first match against a 17-year-old senior on the 18th hole. After the tournament, she found a passion and a drive to become better at golf.

Stacy attended Oklahoma State University where she participated on the Women’s Golf team from 1990 – 1995. Her first golf related job was working for the Northern Texas PGA Junior Tour with Barry Rodenhaver as a summer intern helping to set up and run the Junior Golf tournaments. After this internship experience, she knew that she wanted to teach juniors and work in the golf industry. She became a professional in 1995, eventually earning her LPGA Membership. Her career includes roles at the Country Club of Woodmore as an Assistant Golf Professional (1995 – 1997); TPC at Avenel as an Assistant Golf Professional (1997 – 1999); and her current role at Congressional Country Club since 1999 as the Junior Golf Director and Teaching Professional. 

Their goal for juniors at Congressional CC is to teach athletes first and golfers second, teaching and training future members. They teach their juniors with athletic movements in different sports and fun games that help juniors learn to play golf. They offer tournaments, playdays, camps, classes, interclub matches and Girls Golf Club from ages 3 to 17. This allows all juniors to learn golf at his or her pace. 

Stacy is actively involved with the PGA of America and the Middle Atlantic through being the lead for Congressional CC’s PGA HOPE Program. Their goal is to work with veterans to develop their skills while incorporating games and on course instruction. She highlights that golf helps our veterans take their minds away from other distractions while healing, empowering and building a community for the veterans. 

She was named LPGA National Junior Leader in 2016 and LPGA Northeast Section Junior Golf Leader in 2015 and 2016. 

She and her husband Gus Arndt met at the Country Club of Woodmore and have been married for 25 years. They have two children Gustave Arndt (19), an Eagle Scout who attends her alma mater, Oklahoma State University and Hunter Arndt (16), an Eagle Scout who attends Urbana High School. 

THIS AWARD 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, SCOPE AND DISTRIBUTION, QUALITY AND CONTENT OF MEDIA COVERAGE AND RECOGNITION AS AN OUTSTANDING JOURNALIST BY HIS/HER PEERS.

Rob Failes, PGA | Birdwood GC / Univ. of Virginia | Charlottesville, VA

Eric S. Layton, PGA | The Country Club of Virginia | Richmond, VA

The Golf Intervention Podcast

Rob Failes was born in Fisherville, Virginia to Stephanie and Pat Failes. They introduced him to the game of golf when he was 7 years old at Lakeview Golf Course in Harrisonburg, VA. He eventually had his first golf-related job at this same course in outside services when he was in high school. During that time, he competed on the high school golf team as well. 

His first coach, John Rogers, inspired him to pursue playing and coaching golf. He counts Sean Kennedy, Mark Grace, Garrett Chaussard, Eric Layton, Jason Sutton, Seth Merz, and Hunter Brown as of the greatest influences on how he coaches players.

Rob graduated from the PGA Golf Management Program at Clemson University and was elected into PGA of America membership in 2017. He served as the Lead Instructor at Carmel Country Club from 2017-2021. In 2021, he took his current role at Birdwood GC as the Player Development Leader. He has been named Golf Digest Best in State (‘23-‘24, ‘24-‘25) and Golf Digest Best Young Teachers (2024, 2025). 

Failes has been married to his wife Anna for four years and they share one child Jackson (2).

Eric S. Layton, PGA

Eric Layton was born in Johnston, Pennsylvania to Jim and JoEtta Layton. He has two brothers, Jim and Patrick. His youngest brother was the first in the family to express interest in playing golf and their father would take them a couple times a year to that point. Eric began playing in High School and choose to attend Methodist College and graduated with a degree in Business Administration with Concentration in Professional Golf Management in 2003. 

Eric was an Assistant Golf Professional at Rolling Rock Club from 2004-2005 before moving to the Middle Atlantic Section where he worked as an Assistant Golf Professional at Farmington Country Club from 2005-2007. It was during that time that he was elected to PGA of America membership in 2006. In 2007, he moved to The Country Club of Virginia and served as the Head PGA Professional for the first seven seasons before becoming the PGA Director of Instruction for the past ten seasons.  

Along his career path he shares he has been lucky to have many great PGA Professionals that he worked under and learned from including Carl Irvin, Chip Swanson, Rob McNamara, Richard Cromwell and Warren West.

Eric was named the 2019 MAPGA Youth Player Development Award and has been named one of Golf Digest Best Teacher’s in Virginia since 2016.

Layton and his wife of 21 years, Rebecca, have four children: Emmalee (Sophomore at Liberty University), Andrew (Freshman at University of Virginia), Libby (7th grade), and Anna (5th grade).

THIS AWARD HONORS A GOLF SALESPERSON IN THE REGION FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE, SUPPORT AND DEDICATION TO THE MEMBERS AND APPRENTICES OF THE MAPGA.

Eric Davis, PGA | Acushnet Company/Titleist

Eric Davis was born in Columbia, South Carolina, and he was introduced to the game by his grandfather.  He grew up in a large family and golf was always at the center of everything they did growing up. 

While Eric played other sports, particularly football through college at the University of South Carolina, the lessons learned both on the course and within family golf businesses really helped him decide a path. He knew he wanted to be in golf and had a passion to join the company he is with early on. 

His first golf related job was at Columbia CC in South Carolina, first in Outside Services, next as an Assistant Professional, and then Lead Assistant. In 2016, the same year Eric was elected into PGA membership, he joined the Titleist team in East Coast Customer Service at their worldwide headquarters in Fairhaven, MA.  Davis then served as the Titleist Staff Program & Business Partnerships liaison – Asst. to EVP of Acushnet, and then moved on to Roanoke, VA & WV as the Titleist Sales Professional covering portions of seven states.  In 2020, he moved into his current role as a Titleist Sales Professional in the Mid-Atlantic & Philadelphia Sections.

He credits Chris Sparrow, PGA (previous GM/Director of Golf at Columbia CC in SC), Julian Taylor (Titleist Sales Professional in SC), and Peter Broome (retired EVP Acushnet) as some of his mentors within the industry. His personal philosophy is that he believes there are a lot of ways to be successful in the golf industry, however, at the center of it all, is the necessity of building great relationships and taking care of people.  Leading with a service first attitude with their needs in mind first enables you to be a better business partner.  People want to know how much you care, before they care about how much you know.

Eric met his wife Ally at the University of South Carolina, and they have been married since 2019. They share a dog, Koda and look forward to the adventures ahead.

THIS SECTION AWARD IS PRESENTED TO AN INDIVIDUAL WHOSE TIRELESS EFFORT, UNWAVERING DEDICATION, AND EXCEPTIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE GAME OF GOLF RESULT IN SIGNIFICANT BENEFIT TO THE MIDDLE ATLANTIC SECTION, ITS MEMBERS AND ASSOCIATES, AND THE ENTIRE GOLF COMMUNITY. THE SECTION PRESIDENT PERSONALLY SELECTS THE OUTSTANDING RECIPIENT OF THIS AWARD.

Joy Bonhurst, PGA, LPGA | Blue Mash Golf Course | Laytonsville, MD

The MAPGA President, Lynne Hunter, personally selects this President’s Award winner to recognize an individual who has been working “under the radar,” to improve our game, our industry, and our Association. Ms. Hunter has identified Joy Bonhurst, PGA, LPGA for her endless support of the Section, her fellow PGA professionals, and the advancement of the game of golf. 

Joy was born in Huntington, NY and has one brother, John Bonhurst. She was introduced to the game of golf by her mother, an avid golfer, when she was around 11 years old. Her mom introduced her to the game of golf by taking her to a schoolyard where they would hit and shag their own golf balls. After shagging their own golf balls too many times, she figured out a way to make their practice sessions a lot more fun and efficient. She trained their dog Pepper, (a beautiful golden retriever) to retrieve the golf balls for them. Joy shared that as she reflects on her introduction to golf and those days with her mother and Pepper, she realizes that those days were so special in her life and why she fell in love with the game of golf.

In high school, her first golf-related job was working at Birdie Golf indoor facility on Long Island in exchange for golf lessons. In 1989, Joy graduated from Methodist College with a BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Professional Golf Management.  She worked at Highland CC and Bent Tree CC before joining the staff at Chevy Chase Club where she worked from 1991-2008. From 2009-2012 she worked at Club Golf Performance/Sport & Health. In 2012, she began her current role at Blue Mash Golf Course at the Joyland Golf Studio.  

During her career she credits Troy Beck (2021 MAPGA Hall of Fame inductee) and Holly Anderson, PGA, her college roommate, as incredible personal inspirations and mentors in her professional career. Other individuals she credits as being instrumental in helping her include Liz Cooper, PGA, LPGA, Lynne Hunter, current Middle Atlantic Section President, and Linda Nevatt, PGA, LPGA.

Joy’s career has included numerous playing honors including earning the MAPGA Women’s Section Player of the Year twice (2008, 2009). Her professional honors include the 2019 MAPGA Teacher and Coach of the Year, 4-time LPGA Professional Northeast Section Teacher of the Year, 4-time LPGA Professional Top 50 Best Teachers worldwide, 4-time Golf Digest “Best Teachers in the State” of Maryland, amongst others. 

She continues to serve her professional Associations, serving currently on the MAPGA Tournament Committee, the LPGA Professional National Tournament Committee, and the LPGA Professional Northeast Mentoring Program. That service plus her commitment to running a memorial tournament in honor of Troy Beck that raises funds for Girls Golf were two of many reasons President Hunter selected Joy for this honor.

The Professional of the Year Award is the highest honor paid to a PGA Professional. Overall performance as a PGA Professional, level of service to the MAPGA and to the Association, leadership ability, promotion of the game of golf, image as a PGA Professional and ability to inspire fellow PGA Professionals are some of the criteria considered for this award.

• 2023 – Jay Dufty
• 2022 – Andy Weissinger
• 2021 – Mike Healy
• 2020 – J.P. Lunn
• 2019 – David Dorn
• 2018 – Rob McNamara
• 2017 – Matthew Schulze
• 2016 – John Madden
• 2015 – John Lyberger
• 2014 – Joshua Tremblay
• 2013 – Richard Cromwell
• 2012 – John Malinowski
• 2011 – Jim Fitzgerald
• 2010 – Phil Owenby
• 2009 – Kenny Clark
• 2008 – Tommy Joyce
• 2007 – Dean Hurst
• 2006 – Kevin Taylor
• 2005 – Pete Van Pelt
• 2004 – Rick Miller
• 2003 – Paul Michaelian
• 2002 – Frank Laber
• 2001 – Bob Baldassari
• 2000 – Glenn Brown
• 1999 – Allen Wronowski
• 1998 – Butch Liebler
• 1997 – Robert Dolan Jr.
• 1996 – Coleman Plecker
• 1995 – Robert Fretwell
• 1994- Tom Barry
• 1993 – Wayne Holley
• 1992 – Mike Ahrnsbrak
• 1991 – Rod Thompson
• 1990 – Chuck Bassler
• 1989 – Rod Thompson
• 1988 – Hank Majewski
• 1987 – Jim Folks
• 1986 – Frank Herrelko
• 1985 – John Haines
• 1984 – Peter Hodson
• 1983 – Dave Walker
• 1982 – Fred King
• 1981 – George Jakovics
• 1980 – Alex McNeil
• 1979 – Herb Rose
• 1978 – Don Saylor
• 1977 – Clare Emery
• 1976 – John Snyder
• 1975 – Bill Deck
• 1974 – Carroll Boggs
• 1973 – Donald Beach
• 1972 – Leo Steinbrecher
• 1971 – Frank Cronin
• 1970 – Tony Marlowe
• 1969 – Andy Gibson
• 1968 – Henry Gerardi
• 1967 – Tony Marlowe
• 1966 – Bill Strasbaugh Jr.
• 1965 – Carl Rasnic
• 1964 – George Bird
• 1963 – Wiffy Cox
• 1962 – Max Elbin
• 1961 – Ward Burgess
• 1960 – Bill Clarke
• 1959 – Ralph Beach
• 1958 – Carroll MacMaster
• 1957 – George Diffenbaugh
• 1956 – Al Houghton
• 1955 – Jimmy Flattery

Awarded for excellence in golf instruction along with overall performance as a PGA professional. Impact on teaching and golf instruction, involvement in junior golf activities, innovative contributions to golf instruction, and articles published are some of the criteria considered for this award.

• 2023 – Bernie Najar
• 2022 – Bernie Najar
• 2021 – Pat Bedingfield
• 2020 – John Scott Rattan
• 2019 – Joy Bonhurst
• 2018 – Mark Russo
• 2017 – Trillium Rose
• 2016 – Michael Dickson
• 2015 – Pat Coyner
• 2014 – Bernie Najar
• 2013 – Don Frost
• 2012 – Erika Larkin
• 2011 – Fran Rhoads
• 2010 – Chris George
• 2009 – Steve Bosdosh
• 2008 – Adam Smith
• 2007 – Joe Plecker
• 2006 – Steve Slotterback
• 2005 – David Newsom
• 2004 – Bernie Najar
• 2003 – Dave Phillips
• 2002 – M.J. Smith
• 2001 – Rick Krebs
• 2000 – Jon Magarace
• 1999 – Del Snyder
• 1998 – Dr. Jerry Elwell
• 1997 – Rod Thompson
• 1996 – Jim Fitzgerald
• 1995 – William Madonna
• 1994 – Wayne DeFrancesco
• 1993 – Steve Bosdosh
• 1992 – Bill Strausbaugh Jr.
• 1991 – Robert Mclver
• 1990 – Mark Guttenburg
• 1989 – Kent Cayce
• 1988 – Bill Strausbaugh Jr.
• 1987 – Red Speigle
• 1986 – Al Jamison

This section award is presented to an individual whose tireless effort, unwavering dedication, and exceptional contributions to the game of golf result in significant benefit to the Middle Atlantic section, its members and apprentices, and the entire golf community. The section president personally selects the outstanding recipient of this award.

• 2023 – Joan Lovelace
• 2022 – Glen Pierce
• 2021 – Mike Waugh
• 2020 – Greg Jones
• 2019 – Mike Healy
• 2018 – Joe Franz
• 2017 – Warren West
• 2016 – Kevin Haney
• 2015 – Greg Scott
• 2014 – Jay Dufty
• 2013 – Butch Butler
• 2012 – Buddy Sass
• 2011 – Glenn McCloskey
• 2010 – Bobby Green
• 2009 – Fran Hogan
• 2008 – Jim Estes
• 2007 – Chris Hall
• 2006 – Kenny Clark
• 2005 – Wes Swope
• 2004 – Tommy Smith Jr.
• 2003 – Janet Phillips
• 2002 – John Malinowski
• 2001 – Frank Laber
• 2000 – Welson Higgs
• 1999 – Dick Johns
• 1998 – Al Fenstomocher
• 1997 – Quin Sullivan
• 1996 – Rick Miller
• 1996 – Robert Dolan Jr.
• 1995 – Chuck Bassler
• 1995 – Larry Ringer
• 1994 – Jim Folks
• 1993 – Frank Herrelko
• 1992 – Jim Jones
• 1991 – Varden Dyer
• 1990 – Tom Barry
• 1989 – John Haines
• 1988 – Herb Rose
• 1987 – Don Saylor

Presented to a PGA professional for outstanding involvement in charitable and community activities; untiring and distinguished service mentoring 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 Bill Strausbaugh possessed during his lifetime – service to his association and his community and mentoring to his fellow PGA professionals.

• 2023 – Jason Epstein
• 2022 – Scott Graber
• 2021 – Jason Epstein
• 2020 – Jay Dufty
• 2019 – Lynne Hunter
• 2018 – Jeff Maynor
• 2017 – J.P. Lunn
• 2016 – Andy Weissinger
• 2015 – Mark Beran
• 2014 – Jim Fitzgerald
• 2013 – Mark Beran
• 2012 – Kevin Taylor
• 2011 – Jeffrey Zachman
• 2010 – Robert Dolan Jr.
• 2009 – John Malinowski
• 2008 – Quin Sullivan
• 2007 – Dennis Satyshur
• 2006 – Tommy Joyce Jr.
• 2005 – Jay Hardwick
• 2004 – Dennis Satyshur
• 2003 – Mark Helffrich
• 2002 – Allen Wronowski
• 2001 – Dean Hurst
• 2000 – Bob Baldassari
• 1999 – Robert Dolan Jr.
• 1998 – Glenn Brown
• 1997 – John Stavely
• 1996 – Glenn Brown
• 1995 – Frank Laber
• 1994 – Glenn Brown
• 1993 – Tom Hantke
• 1992 – Tom Barry
• 1991 – Frank Laber
• 1990 – Frank Laber
• 1989 – Peter Hodson
• 1988 – Frank Laber
• 1987 – Leo Steinbrecher
• 1986 – Peter Hodson
• 1986 – Carl Rasnic
• 1985 – Jim Folks
• 1984 – Jim Folks
• 1983 – Tom Dougherty
• 1982 – Jim Folks
• 1981 – Wayne Holley
• 1980 – Tony Marlowe
• 1979 – John Haines

This award bestows special recognition on a PGA professional for outstanding service and contributions to developing and improving educational opportunities for fellow PGA professionals. Contributions to PGA and MAGPA education programs and inclination for continuing contributions and assistance are some of the criteria considered for this award.

• 2023 – J.P. Lunn
• 2022 – John Scott Rattan
• 2021 – Sean English
• 2020 – Mark Russo
• 2019 – Jim Fitzgerald
• 2018 – Josh Tremblay
• 2017 – Pat Coyner
• 2016 – Adam Smith
• 2015 – Don Frost
• 2014 – J.P. Lunn
• 2013 – Jim Bennett
• 2012 – Bernie Najar
• 2011 – Bernie Najar
• 2010 – Joe Plecker
• 2009 – J.P. Lunn
• 2008 – Tom Barry
• 2007 – Jeffrey Zachman
• 2006 – John Malinowski
• 2005 – Jon Magarace
• 2004 – Robert Dolan Jr.
• 2003 – Dean Hurst
• 2002 – Steve Bosdosh
• 2001 – Kevin Taylor
• 2000 – Tom Barry
• 1999 – Coleman Plecker
• 1998 – Wayne DeFrancesco
• 1997 – Chuck Bassler
• 1996 – Mike Healy
• 1995 – Rick Miller
• 1994 – Paul Michaelian
• 1993 – Rick Miller
• 1992 – Rick Miller
• 1991 – Coleman Plecker
• 1990 – Mike Ahrnsbrak
• 1989 – Tom Barry
• 1988 – Frank Herrelko
• 1987 – Frank Laber
• 1986 – Coleman Plecker
• 1985 – Butch Liebler
• 1984 – Wayne Holley
• 1983 – Bill Strausbaugh Jr.
• 1982 – John Haines
• 1981 – Jim Folks
• 1980 – Dave Walker
• 1979 – Jim Seeley
• 1978 – Bill Strausbaugh Jr.
• 1975 – Frank Cronin
• 1974 – Bill Hardy
• 1971 – Bill Strausbaugh Jr.
• 1968 – Bill Strausbaugh Jr.
• 1967 – Frank Cronin
• 1966 – Irv Schloss
• 1966 – Frank Cronin
• 1966 – Bill Strausbaugh Jr.

This award 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 play golf America initiatives. This award considers the PGA professional’s growth of the game leadership commitment at the section and national levels, plus the impact made at his/her own facility.

• 2023 – Adam Relan
• 2022 – Shaun Strand
• 2021 – Josh Tremblay
• 2020 – Jim Estes
• 2019 – Jeff Maynor
• 2018 – Liz Cooper
• 2017 – John Oberly Jr.
• 2016 – Steve Loesher
• 2015 – Mike Kenny
• 2014 – Steve Greiner
• 2013 – Tim Krebs
• 2012 – Jon Magarace
• 2011 – Ray Richardson
• 2010 – Dean Greer
• 2009 – Andy Weissinger
• 2008 – Al Fenstomocher
• 2007 – Marty O’Rear
• 2006 – Bob Baldassari

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 MAPGA and PGA junior programs and involvement in the promotion and development of junior golf at the facility and community level are some of the criteria considered for this award.

• 2023 – Leighann Albaugh
• 2022 – Gabby Miller
• 2021 – Gavin Parker
• 2020 – Billy Hoffman
• 2019 – Eric Layton
• 2018 – Leighann Albaugh
• 2017 – Michael Pius
• 2016 – Dan Shea
• 2015 – Adam Fishman
• 2014 – Linda Gaudi
• 2013 – Meredith Loosse
• 2012 – Anthony Romano
• 2011 – Andy Weissinger
• 2010 – Josh Tremblay
• 2009 – Jamie Fagan
• 2008 – David Grier
• 2007 – Kathy Franz
• 2006 – Steven Prater
• 2005 – Kandi Comer
• 2004 – Mike Hott
• 2003 – Dean Greer
• 2002 – Tim Sanders
• 2001 – Tommy Joyce Jr.
• 2000 – Troy Beck
• 1999 – Mark Evenson
• 1998 – Robert Dolan Jr.
• 1997 – Pete Van Pelt
• 1996 – John McCloskey
• 1995 – Richard White
• 1994 – Rob Ferguson
• 1994 – John Ladd
• 1993 – Paul Gooden
• 1992 – Paul Gooden
• 1991 – John Lazzell
• 1990 – J. Leigh Taylor
• 1989 – John Hafera
• 1988 – Paul Gooden

Recognizes PGA professionals who have demonstrated superior skills as merchandisers in the promotion of golf. 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.

• 2023 – Matt Fuller
• 2022 – David Grossman
• 2021 – David Dorn
• 2020 – Michael Adkins
• 2019 – Ted Pogorelc
• 2018 – Jay Dufty
• 2017 – James Schouller
• 2016 – Rob Agresti
• 2015 – Bob Wampler
• 2014 – Marc Kimminau
• 2013 – David Dorn
• 2012 – James Schouller
• 2011 – Bob Dolan
• 2010 – Greg Stark
• 2009 – Larry Velten
• 2008 – Rob McNamara
• 2007 – John Lyberger
• 2006 – Craig Hamlet
• 2005 – John Madden II
• 2004 – Jim Fitzgerald
• 2003 – Robert Fikac
• 2002 – Kevin Taylor
• 2001 – Rob McNamara
• 2000 – Dennis Satyshur
• 1999 – John Lyberger
• 1998 – Allen Wronowski
• 1997 – Rocky Fryar
• 1996 – Steve Danielson
• 1995 – Roger Mack
• 1994 – David Althaus
• 1993 – Melvin Rowe
• 1992 – Glenn Brown
• 1991 – Tommy Wine
• 1990 – Butch Liebler
• 1989 – Bill Clarke
• 1988 – Jim Folks
• 1987 – Coleman Plecker
• 1986 – Quin Sullivan
• 1983 – Don Saylor
• 1982 – Hank Majewski
• 1981 – Melvin Rowe
• 1980 – John E. Snyder Jr.

Recognizes PGA professionals who have demonstrated superior skills as merchandisers in the promotion of golf. 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.

• 2023 – Willy Lutz
• 2022 – Matt Summers
• 2021 – Matt Summers
• 2020 – Andy Weissinger
• 2019 – No Award Given
• 2018 – Aaron Palen
• 2017 – Richard Rounsaville
• 2016 – Craig Volentine
• 2015 – Billy Fritz
• 2014 – David Finocchiaro
• 2013 – Jeff Rosenberg
• 2012 – Nathan Presnal
• 2011 – Matt Hill
• 2010 – Steve Clark
• 2009 – Gary Huebner
• 2008 – Woods Woolwine III
• 2007 – Lefty Barbine
• 2006 – Kieron Mooney
• 2005 – Michael West
• 2004 – Richard Runyon
• 2003 – Buddy Sass
• 2002 – Steve Loomis
• 2001 – Rick Rounsaville
• 2000 – Brooks Gerardi
• 1999 – Trent Wright
• 1998 – Michael Bennett
• 1997 – Allen Harris
• 1996 – Billy McBride
• 1995 – Jeffery Staton
• 1994 – Trent Wright
• 1993 – Andy Loving
• 1992 – Bill Horney
• 1991 – Mark Hermann
• 1990 – Jennings House
• 1989 – Bill Horney
• 1983 – Tim McCoy
• 1982 – Jennings House
• 1981 – Mark Herrmann
• 1980 – John Bass

Recognizes PGA professionals who have demonstrated superior skills as merchandisers in the promotion of golf. 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.

• 2023 – Zach Pfingst
• 2022 – John Mlynarski III
• 2021 – Simon Peters
• 2020 – Brian Alley
• 2019 – No Award Given
• 2018 – Nicholas Spinnato, Jr.
• 2017 – Brian Alley
• 2016 – Geoff Redgrave
• 2015 – John Mlynarski III
• 2014 – Nick Spinnato
• 2013 – Joe Burbee
• 2012 – Joe Burbee
• 2011 – Jeremy Hyjek
• 2010 – John Mlynarski III
• 2009 – Sean Taylor
• 2008 – Joe Wallman
• 2007 – John Mlynarski III
• 2006 – Joe Burbee
• 2005 – Glen Byrnes
• 2004 – Eric McGraw
• 2003 – Kenny Clark
• 2002 – Scott Purpura
• 2001 – John Mlynarski III
• 2000 – Mike Mayer
• 1999 – John Ruddo
• 1998 – Wayne Nooe
• 1997 – Bob Baldassari
• 1996 – Scott Jones
• 1995 – Keith Eynon
• 1994 – Ed Lorenz
• 1993 – Andy Wilson
• 1992 – Dave Quelland
• 1991 – Mike Ahrnsbrak
• 1990 – Scott Harrill
• 1989 – Larry Slagle
• 1982 – Chuck Bassler
• 1981 – Ed Lorenz
• 1980 – Robert Haley

This award 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 assistants in the MAPGA.

• 2023 – Megan Leineweber
• 2022 – Shannon McKew
• 2021 – Jeff Mann
• 2020 – Roger Welch
• 2019 – Eli Mireles
• 2018 – Mike Wood
• 2017 – Scott Shapin
• 2016 – Brian Dix
• 2015 – Geoff Montross
• 2014 – Trish Gates
• 2013 – Tom Michaels
• 2012 – Michael Thomas
• 2011 – Mike Aldrich
• 2010 – Jim Bennett
• 2009 – Mike Fischer
• 2008 – Tommy Smith Jr.
• 2007 – Jim Bowling
• 2006 – Steve Greiner
• 2005 – Patrick Bedingfield
• 2004 – Dean Gloy
• 2003 – Rob Ferguson
• 2002 – Matthew Schulze
• 2001 – Holly Anderson
• 2000 – Chris Kenney
• 1999 – Bill Gombert
• 1998 – Kevin Taylor
• 1997 – Bill Gombert
• 1996 – John Madden
• 1995 – Frank Blind
• 1995 – Frank Ferguson
• 1994 – Tim Cockrell
• 1993 – Tim Cockrell
• 1992 – John Stanley
• 1991 – Bob Fikac
• 1990 – Ken Molenda
• 1989 – Steve Ranney
• 1988 – Billy Good
• 1987 – Steve Bosdosh
• 1986 – Ernie Robson
• 1985 – Ken Fellows
• 1984 – Allen Wronowski
• 1983 – Mike Ahrnsbrak
• 1982 – Art Scott
• 1981 – Jim Fitzgerald
• 1976 – Mark Alwin
• 1975 – Russ Rose
• 1974 – Hal Grosh
• 1973 – Bobby Green

An outstanding amateur whose contributions to the MAPGA include the promotion of golf, promotion of the MAPGA and PGA professionals, recognition by the MAPGA and business community as a leader in his/her field, and his/her support of the MAPGA golf programs.

• 2023 – Dr. Kennedy K. Vierling
• 2022 – Giff Breed
• 2021 – Pat Morrissette
• 2020 – J. Michael Millen
• 2019 – (Ret.) Col. Dick “The Skull” Johns
• 2018 – Michael Cumberpatch
• 2017 – Jack Vardaman
• 2016 – Tina Uihlein
• 2015 – Mike Lauler
• 2014 – Hitt Contracting
• 2013 – Merle Snyder
• 2012 – Randal Reed
• 2011 – Tim Landres
• 2010 – Ron Bubes
• 2009 – Michael Cumberpatch
• 2008 – Richard Smith
• 2007 – Dr. Lew Blakey
• 2006 – Dr. William Erbe
• 2005 – C.T. Hill
• 2004 – Dr. Harold Guy III
• 2003 – Charlie Holden
• 2002 – Kim Thomas
• 2001 – Clyde Luther
• 2000 – Ben Bundred
• 1999 – Fred Tattersall
• 1998 – Chris Nicholson
• 1998 – Bob Abbo
• 1997 – Frank Stevens
• 1996 – Margaret Heimbold
• 1995 – Marvin Fretwell
• 1995 – Randy Payne
• 1994 – Quinn Anderson
• 1993 – Ann Toler
• 1992 – Steve Nemeroff
• 1991 – Paul Berry
• 1990 – Sandy Berry
• 1989 – Paul Berry
• 1988 – Ted Rutley
• 1986 – David Wortman
• 1987 – Lyn Luck

This award 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, scope and distribution, quality and content of media coverage, and recognition as an outstanding journalist by his/her peers.

• 2023 – Mike Morrone
• 2022 – Scott Van Pelt
• 2021 – Alex Dickson (Beltway Golfer)
• 2020 – Capital Golf Gang: Steve Czaban, Ron Thomas. John Ronis
• 2019 – Chick Hernandez
• 2018 – Bruce Posner
• 2017 – Bill Millsaps
• 2016 – Mike Hydeck
• 2015 – Tim Koelble
• 2014 – Michael Williams
• 2013 – Ray Taranto
• 2012 – Jim Ducibella
• 2011 – Kevin Kane
• 2010 – Scott Garceau
• 2009 – Andrew Blair
• 2008 – Steve Czaban
• 2007 – Jerry Ratcliffe
• 2006 – David Lucas
• 2005 – David Broughton
• 2004 – Adam McCaa
• 2003 – Art Utley Jr.
• 2002 – Jonathan Westman
• 2001 – Josephine Mooney
• 2000 – Bobby Vermillion
• 1999 – Barker Davis
• 1998 – Harold Pearson
• 1997 – Jeff Thoreson
• 1996 – Ed Richards
• 1995 – John Stewart
• 1994 – Chip Tarkenton
• 1993 – Mike Hyland
• 1992 – George Taylor
• 1991 – John Stewart
• 1990 – Merrell Whittlesey

This award honors a golf salesperson in the region for outstanding service, support, and dedication to the members and apprentices of the MAPGA.

• 2023 – Scott Bavaro
• 2022 – George West
• 2021 – Craig Hamet, PGA
• 2020 – Capitol Golf Cars: Bob Fikac & Tim Girard
• 2019 – Bobby Acciardo
• 2018 – Matt Miskelly
• 2017 – Britt Sloan
• 2016 – Mason Wolf/Chuck Henry
• 2015 – Jim Percherke
• 2014 – Michael Pastirik, PGA
• 2013 – Scott Bavaro
• 2012 – John Lano
• 2011 – Mary Leahy
• 2010 – Joe Heid
• 2009 – Jackie Harris
• 2008 – Ed Herrle Jr.
• 2007 – Ed Turnage
• 2006 – Matt Miskelly
• 2005 – Jim Wallace
• 2004 – Bert Zajac III
• 2003 – John Screen
• 2002 – Valerie Merrill
• 2001 – Karen Hoffman
• 2000 – Kevin McClean
• 1999 – Daniel Borger
• 1998 – Tom Treese
• 1997 – Dennis Kay
• 1996 – Mark Oliverio
• 1995 – R.D. Dintaman
• 1995 – Marty Crawford
• 1994 – Gary Honeysett
• 1992 – Pete Robison
• 1991 – Larry Odum