Awards

J.P. Lunn, PGA | Fountain Head Country Club

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.

John “J.P.” Lunn has been a member of the Middle Atlantic PGA since 1990 and has volunteered to serve his Chapter and Section in some capacity since 1997, most recently ending his term as the 48th President of the Middle Atlantic PGA. For his unwavering dedication and service in the Middle Atlantic PGA, J.P Lunn has been named the 2020 Professional of the Year, the highest honor paid to an active PGA Professional.

J.P. was born on June 11, 1968 in Buffalo, New York to parents John and Lynda and has a younger brother, Garrett. He began playing golf at age eight when his father introduced him to the game at Orchard Park Country Club in Orchard Park, NY. He enjoyed this special time spent with his Dad and has loved the game ever since.

In addition to his father’s introduction to the game, J.P. learned even more about the game from a few local PGA Professionals. His first lesson was with Jerry Coleman, who was the PGA Assistant Professional at Orchard Park CC. He still remembers some of Jerry’s teaching from a lesson over 40 years ago. Around 1984, a PGA Professional named Lonnie Nielsen allowed J.P. to spend all day, every day throughout the summer, “just hanging around” at Crag Burn Golf Club in East Aurora, New York. He learned about club repair and golf operations and even caddied for Lonnie when he played in Section or National events.

As an amateur, J.P. was the Boys’ Champion of the Buffalo District Golf Association, competed in the International Junior Masters, and was the Junior Club Champion at Orchard Park Country Club. J.P.’s first golf-related job was as a caddie at Orchard Park Country Club when he was 12 years old; earning $8 per bag for a single loop. He completed his BA in English (Media Communications) in 1989 from High Point University in High Point, North Carolina and accepted his first professional job in 1990 under the tutelage of PGA member, Tommy Martty at WestWinds Country Club in New Market, Maryland. Tommy instilled a sense of organization and diligence that J.P. still adheres to today.

J.P. was elected to PGA membership in January 1994, the same year he began working as the Head PGA Professional at Brandermill Country Club in Midlothian, Virginia. In 1995, he became an assistant PGA Professional at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland and in 1998, he went on to be the PGA Director of Golf at Rocky Gap Lodge & Golf Resort in Flintstone, Maryland. He spent only one year at Rocky Gap before accepting the Head PGA Professional position at Holly Hills Country Club where he was promoted to PGA General Manager in 2007. In 2014, J.P. became the President of Sabre Golf, and shortly thereafter purchased a range and became the Head PGA Professional/ Owner of the facility. In 2018 he accepted his current role as Head PGA Professional at Fountain Head Country Club.

With a commitment to serving the Section, J.P. has served as a Board member of the Middle Atlantic PGA for 16 of the last 18 years. He has been involved in many committees within the Section. As a newly elected member, he started working on the Membership Committee reviewing applicants as they presented materials for membership. Since then, he held all of the offices at the Chapter level, as well as maintaining a seat on the Section Board of Directors and served as the Education Chair. In 2011, J.P. was elected as a Director at Large for the Section Board of Directors, then as the Secretary, Vice President and President in subsequent alternating years.

J.P. continues to provide ample opportunities for local PGA Professionals and has hosted over 14 sanctioned Pro-Ams/Invites, as well as another 5 sanctioned Pro- Am’s with allied associations. He has also been the host professional for the Section Pro- Assistant, Section Pro- President, Assistant Professional Championship, Chapter Pro- Junior and a Chapter Spring Meeting. His facility annually supports the programs that benefit both the PGA and Section, such as the Partners Program, Chrysler Championship, the McGladrey Cup event and the PGA Junior League. J.P. has hosted a Town Hall meeting for the Northern Chapter annually for the past 18 years and has attended numerous meetings in all three chapters in addition to his participation at allied association events.

Over the past few years, J.P. has had the privilege to mentor, train and develop a number of new PGA
professionals. He treasures the relationships he had made over the years and continues to talk to his lifelong friends on a regular basis, regardless of the circumstances. He has had three PGA members that have finished their schooling while working under his tutelage and obtained Head Professional positions. As well, he encouraged a fellow employee to register into the PGA program; who has now become a Director of Instruction.

At his current facility, he’s mentoring a young assistant as well as transforming an employee from another
department into the PGA program. His new seasonal assistant has been an employee at Fountain Head Country Club for over 10 years as a Food & Beverage Manger. Through many conversations, J.P. realized the passion this person had for golf and showed him the path to becoming involved with the profession. The new Associate is now in the program and preparing for his Playing Ability Test. This is just an example of his dedication and his passion for golf and the PGA.

Within his community, J.P. represented the PGA badge by reaching out to local groups like the Frederick Lion’s Club, Frederick Rotary, and Frederick Chamber of Commerce. For his past efforts in creating and orchestrating an annual MAPGA sanctioned Pro-Am for the Rotary Club, J.P. was honored with a Paul Harris Fellow (one of the highest honors through Rotary International). He also helped organize, develop, and host a golf event for the Frederick Chamber of Commerce. Since they did not have a PGA Professional on the Board, the members on the committee asked J.P. to be their local “expert in the game of golf.” And if that isn’t enough, he found time to volunteer for Mt. St. Mary’s and the Mission of Mercy of Frederick.

J.P.’s philosophy for golf is the same as it is for his business and personal life: he has and will always try to personalize his relationships with everyone that he meets. Whether it is a student, member, guest, or work colleague, he simply treats them as he would like to be treated and tries to communicate with them to the best of his ability, not to them, in an honest and up front, relaxed and sincere manner. Twice in his career while serving as the Head PGA Professional, he has been promoted to Club General Manager. As a PGA General Manger, his performance was recognized by Golf Inc. Magazine as Golf’s Most Admirable Operator. This national award is given to those who distinguish themselves by demonstrating consistent excellence in directing a successful, profitable golf course operation that upholds the highest standards of quality and customer
service. The recipients were selected by a panel of industry leaders, compiled by Golf, Inc. magazine.

J.P. is married to his best friend and biggest support, Kim. He has two daughters: Nikki (21) and Sydney (25) [with new fiancé, Vinny]; two step-sons Chase (34) and Garrett (30) [with new fiancée, Stephanie]; and four grandsons Wesley (6), Adam (5), Beckett (4) and Theo (3).

Jay Dufty, PGA | Washington Golf & Country Club

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.

Mentoring fellow PGA Professionals has been a passion for Jay for the past 20 years. Mentored early in the profession by Larry Murphy, a Minnesota PGA Section Hall of Fame member, Jay learned firsthand that the success can be measured in how one mentors and coaches those around him.

Jay Dufty was born January 23, 1973 in Morris, MN to parents Doug and Karen Dufty and has one sister, Paula. He was first introduced to the game at the age of 7 by his father who was the Head Wrestling Coach and professor of Sports Medicine at the University of Minnesota-Morris. Coach Dufty would teach golf in the summer months to students and Jay would often tag along hitting golf balls alongside the students. His first golf related job was at Oxbow CC in Fargo, North Dakota as a caddy before working at Moorhead CC under Mr. Murphy through high school. Jay went to college at New Mexico State University where he earned his degree and PGA Membership in 1998 through the PGA Golf Management Program.

Jay began his professional career at Blueberry Pines Golf Club in 1996 where he stayed until 2000. From 1997-2014 Jay spent time at multiple TPC Courses; Scottsdale, Myrtle Beach, and Potomac at Avenel Farm. In 2015, Jay headed to Washington Golf & CC as Director of Golf and has been there since. Throughout his career Jay has earned many awards, 2011 First Tee of Montgomery County “Bob Metz” Service Award, 2014 MAPGA President’s Award, 2014 TPC Network Golf Professional of the Year and the 2018 MAPGA Private Club Merchandiser of the Year.

As a member of the Section Membership Committee, Jay has met many aspiring assistant golf professionals through the new associate orientation. Often, he has followed up with associates to ensure they have mentors or need any assistance. One such instance involved Nyles Smith, a young associate trying to carve out a career at Langston Golf Course. Nyles requested a lunch meeting with Jay. He could tell Nyles was very interested in learning new ideas and systems that could apply or work at Langston. Jay offered Nyles a part- time job at TPC Potomac so he could learn more and provide ongoing mentoring opportunities. It was one of the most fulfilling and unique relationships in Jay’s professional career that sadly ended with Nyle’s losing a battle to cancer. Luckily, through Nyles, Jay created relationships and now speaks often to Howard University business students about the importance of Golf & Business.

In his tenure, Jay has been motivated to assist all golf professionals in forwarding their careers. Eleven assistant professionals in his tenure have moved on to take on their own facilities and their own mentoring opportunities. Jay truly believes that mentoring is one of the greatest gifts a PGA professional can provide. Jays’ goal has always been to give back to the game more than he has received. Jay is the current Central Chapter President and has served on the Employment, Membership, and Sponsorship committees within the MAPGA Section.

Jay has been married to Michelle Dufty for 15 years. They are blessed with two kids; Mason (12) and Mia (10).

Mark Russo, PGA | Night Hawk Golf Center

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.

Mark has attempted to inspire his fellow golf professionals through education and mentoring. In his presentations and education events, Mark tries to give the PGA Professionals and Associates in attendance some simple and easy ways to make a difference in the games of their members and guests, and to increase their value at their facilities. Mark understands how important this education can be to his fellow PGA Professionals for career enhancement and job retention.

Mark Russo was born July 15, 1976 in Upper Marlboro, MD to parents Ron and Bobby Russo and has one sister, Elena. Mark began playing golf very late in life, having picked up the game on his own at the age of 17. Mark’s dad, a retired Navy commander, introduced him to sports early on in life, but there were no golfers in the family at the time. His dad loved the game of baseball, having grown up in Rhode Island idolizing Red Sox great Ted Williams. So, Mark played the game and was a catcher up until the age of 17. At the age of 10, he also began playing ice hockey and that became his passion.

Mark travelled all over the East Coast with his mom at the wheel of the family car, as he played competitive travel hockey for Bowie Hockey Club, as well as 4 years of varsity hockey at DeMatha Catholic High School. He began working at Night Hawk Golf Center in high school as a summer job, mostly to hit baseballs in the batting cages. But he soon picked up a club and began to love to hit balls, as the motion was very similar to his baseball and hockey backgrounds. It didn’t take long before he was hooked, had a set of clubs, and was playing regularly with his co-workers. He then went to Towson University, where he played hockey for the Tigers, and also played a year of Junior B for the Baltimore Junior Bandits at the age of 20.

Mark graduated from Towson with a B.S. in Mass Communications. During his time at Towson, he was fortunate to learn about sports broadcasting first-hand, having interned at Channel 2 in Baltimore in the Sports Department. He even solo produced a sports broadcast for long-time sports anchor Scott Garceau. This experience was critical in helping to learn about communicating and working with others as a team and has helped him in the golf business tremendously.

The biggest influence in Mark playing golf and developing his love for the game was when he began to work in the bag room at The Courses at Fort Meade in 1996. The military facility, now closed, had 36 holes and was a great environment for a young person to work in, as the management at the facility was very supportive of staff members playing golf. Mark would often play 54 holes in a day with co-workers and members of the facility, including many rounds with his future father-in-law, Tom Carpenter. This access to the courses really created a love for the game in Mark that stayed with him going forward, while also creating an appreciation for the military and the mission of providing a fun outlet for them away from work.

Mark took his first assistant professional job in 1997 at Marlborough Country Club. He started at Turf Valley Resort as an Assistant Professional from February 2000 to July 2000 then moving back to Marlborough Country Club as an Assistant Professional from July 2000 to May 2001. In May of 2001, Mark was promoted to Head Professional at Marlborough and stayed in that position until September 2002. In October 2002, Mark moved to The Country Club at Woodmore and served as the Assistant Professional until March 2006 when he was promoted to Head Professional. While at Woodmore, Mark began the PGA program and was elected to membership in May 2005. In March 2012, Mark left his job at Woodmore and founded MR Golf Instruction at Night Hawk Golf Center. Since then, Mark has been recognized by his peers for his skills and passion for the game, being named to the Golf Digest “Best in State” rankings for Maryland in 2017 and 2019. In the Middle Atlantic Section, Mark received the 2018 MAPGA Teacher of the Year Award, and now can add the 2020 MAPGA Horton Smith Award to his list of achievements.

Over the course of his career, Mark has had several mentors in different areas that have helped him progress and grow. He credits Steve WenPetren, PGA as a big influence in his golf career, as Steve hired Mark for his first assistant professional job at Marlborough Country Club, and then recommended Mark for 2 other jobs to other professionals, both of whom hired Mark. Steve’s friendship and support over the years has been a big part of Mark’s success and career path.

In addition, on the instruction side, Mark counts Rick Krebs, PGA, as a mentor. Rick and Mark met in 2000 when Mark worked briefly at Turf Valley Resort. After he left Turf Valley, Mark continued to stay in touch with Rick and took lessons from him and credits his instruction and support with helping him pass his PAT. Rick also allowed Mark to sit in on lessons and learn how to handle students and structure a lesson. Mark still uses Rick as a guide for how to deal with students, and Rick has been tremendously supportive of Mark in his career and in the business of instruction. Rick is truly the epitome of what a mentor should be for a young professional in the PGA.

Mark also counts Andrew Rice as a big influence in his teaching, having spent time with Andrew in South Carolina and Georgia. Andrew took Mark in and allowed him to spend multiple days on the lesson tee with him, as well as letting him stay with his family at their home. Mark has learned how to handle people and deal with swing issues in a simpler manner from Andrew, while still being able to integrate technology like TrackMan into the lesson. Whenever Mark has a special issue that he needs advice on, Andrew is there to offer feedback and help Mark continue to learn and grow as an instructor. His treatment of others, as well as his wealth of knowledge, is why Mark lists Andrew as a mentor and friend.

Finally, some other great instructors and educators in the game of golf have become friends and mentors, including Martin Chuck, Pat Coyner, Sean English, Chris George and Ryan Chaney. These fellow professionals have influenced Mark and driven him to improve as a coach, as well as inspired him to help want to help others through education.

Mark is lucky to have been married to his high school sweetheart, Lori, for 18 years. They met as teenagers in 1994 and have been together ever since; through college, lots of weekends working in the golf business, and several trips to Scotland. In marrying Lori, Mark was also able to gain an incredible second family with his in-laws, Tom & Mary Ann Carpenter, his brother-in-law, Nate, and his wife Patty and two kids, Corey and Garrett. Along with his brother-in-law Andrew, married to his sister, Elena, Mark has an incredible family based right at home in Maryland and feels very fortunate.

In October 2011, Mark & Lori were blessed with a son, Blaine. Now 8 years old, he is a very smart, loving boy who is crazy about cars and computers, loves to be around his family. In March 2016, the family was blessed once again with another son, Quinn. His loving personality and great smile keep everyone around him happy and he loves nothing more than to snuggle with his family and chase his big brother.

Mark believes that his success has come from two things: communication and caring. If you care about what you do as a professional and show the person in front of you that you care about them as well, you will have success. Then you need to communicate clearly and honestly with each and every person. If you can communicate clearly while showing a student that you care about them as a person first and a student second, you will be successful in helping them love the game and forge a strong relationship with them that will last a long time.

John Scott Rattan, PGA | Congressional Country Club

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.

John Scott’s background of playing, coaching, and teaching enable him to communicate effectively with golfers of all abilities. Combining both his enthusiasm and knowledge, he is able to help his students pursue their personal goals and grow the game.

John Scott Rattan was born November 26, 1981 in Silver Spring, Maryland to parents Richard and Peggy Rattan and has one brother, Josh. His journey in golf began at an early age when he would go to Montgomery Country Club in Latonsville, Maryland with his brother and father, an avid golfer, to play and practice.

John Scott played both baseball and golf heavily through his sophomore year at Watkins Mill High School. As a freshman in high school he made the Varsity baseball team but decided to focus solely on golf after his sophomore year. Through his hard work John Scott became an accomplished amateur. He was the Maryland High School Champion in 1999 and in 2000 he was named as the Washington Post All Met Golfer of the Year. While in college at the University of Tennessee, he earned 2004 All SEC 2nd Team and All SEC Academic Team honors in golf and was the 2005 WMGA Mens Amateur Champion.

John Scott’s first job in the golf industry was at Columbia Country Club while in high school working as a range attendant under Bob Dolan in 1997. Bob went on to become his golf coach and mentor through high school and college. By 2006, John Scott began playing golf professionally. In 2013, after two seasons of coaching at the collegiate level, he began teaching full time at Bethesda Country Club. He moved to Congressional Country Club in 2017 where he now teaches. During his professional career John Scott has been recognized for his abilities as an accomplished teacher. He has been a PGA HOPE instructor and has participated in the Folds of Honor Program. He has been a member of the Golf Digest Best Teachers in State since 2015 and is currently ranked 3rd in Maryland by them.

As a young teacher in the Middle Atlantic Section, John Scott was eager to learn as much as he could from those in the section, and from those willing to help him from outside the area. In 2008, John Scott wrote letters to 50 golf instructors asking for their advice on how to start out in the industry and if he could come and learn from them. Through this process, he was able to observe a variety of instructors, from Wayne Defrancesco, Steve Bosdosh, and Bob Dolan to Cameron McCormick and James Sieckmann and thus, was able to learn from the best instructors in the game. This was never lost on him, and something he will always remember as he becomes a more experienced teacher. Many different professionals and college golf coaches have come to observe and watch him teach. His door is always open to help and advise other professionals.

John Scott feels fortunate to teach players of all abilities, including those currently playing on the PGA, Korn Ferry and Symetra Tours, and many Division 1 colleges.

John Scott learned from his father, who was a school teacher for 41 years, to create a positive impact on students by creating strong relationships and connecting with them on a daily basis. He learned early on that coaching and teaching is about relationships and that “good is what you get, not what you are” from his father. He takes that philosophy into every lesson and instills that mindset into his teaching every day. He owes a heartfelt debt of thanks to all who have helped, taught, coached and mentored him in his journey.

John Scott and his fiancé Alicia Curtis will marry in June.

Jim Estes, PGA | Jim Estes Golf

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.

Jim Estes is a pioneer and mentor in the adaptive golf arena, and PGA professionals are using his adaptive curriculum in group settings and private coaching programs nationwide. To date, Jim has introduced more than 5,000 post- 9/11 veterans and their family members to the game of golf—a game many of these individuals would have never had access to. Since its founding, the SMGA has provided, free of charge, more than 2500 custom-fitted club sets to wounded veterans, and through a lifetime membership program, offers veterans five maintenance golf lessons per year with PGA professionals.

Jim Estes was born August 12, 1964 in Washington D.C to parents Dr. James and Rosemary Estes and has one sister, Cheryl. He was first introduced to the game at the age of 7 by his father with a set of Sam Snead Young Champs. Seeing the bond that his dad and grandfather shared through the game kept him in the game, and he began to compete with a friend in the neighborhood, seeing who could hit closest to different trees in the neighbor’s yards. His first golf related job in 1978 was at Burning Tree Club as a caddie where he had the honor of working with Past PGA of America President Max Elbin. Jim went to college at University of Maryland where he studied Economics. He then turned pro in 1988 and was elected to PGA Membership in 1993.

Jim Estes began his professional career at Bonnie View CC in 1991 as an Assistant Pro for Jeff Sprague, during his time there he was the 1991 Assistants Champ. Jim then moved to Evanston Golf Club and served as the Assistant Pro under Illinois PGA Hall of Fame Member Hal Member from 1992-1995. During his time there he earned honors as the 1994 Assistants Champ, 1995 Illinois PGA Player of the Year, and the 1995 PGA National Player of the Year. From 1996-2000 Jim played on the Nike Tour and PGA Tour, winning the Inland Empire on the Nike Tour and becoming a PGA Tour member in 1998. After his time playing on tour Jim become the Director of Instruction at Olney, Golf Park from 2001-2012. During that time, Jim was recognized as Golf Magazines 2008 Innovator of the Year, in that same year he received the President’s Award and was recognized as the MAPGA Player of the Year. In 2013, Jim became the Owner/ Operator of Jim Estes Golf and has continued that through present. From 2008 to present Jim has been awarded theGRAA Growth of the Game Award and was on the Golf Digest list of Best Teachers in Maryland in 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2019. He is ranked 6th in the state of Maryland for 2019-2020 by Golf Digest.

Jim’s teaching philosophy encompasses a holistic approach that focuses on improvement of performance by addressing such factors such as a physical assessment, a skills assessment, mental approach, and course management. Jim believes that a player should swing according to their body type rather than fighting natural tendencies. He identifies the source of an individual’s physical power and consistency based on each body type and identifies physical limitations. He can then provide instruction on how to improve elements of strength and flexibility that allow the mechanics of the golf swing to be applied more easily. Jim’s goal is to motivate each student to get results on the course. He has a burning passion to get better each day at his craft. Empowering his students with an empathetic mindset. His faith has helped him to learn how to be vulnerable with his students and family. Establishing a trust ensures students will be with him for life.

Billy Hoffman, PGA | Westwood Country Club

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.

Billy is regularly called upon by other PGA Professionals, locally and nationally, to consult about improving junior golf programs, teaching junior golfers and the role of coach. He has a strong presence on social media that promotes the game, positivity and inspires others. He is upfront and honest with parents and will customize lessons and training to fit the junior golfers level of interest.

Billy (William) Hofmann was born June 21, 1981 in Washington D.C to parents Mike and Pressie Hofmann and has two brothers, Brad and Eric. Billy’s parents had a golf club in his hand at a very young age. He spent most of his summers hanging out at the golf course playing and practicing sun up to sun down. Both of Billy’s parents and brothers grew up playing golf. His father learned to play on his own at East Potomac Golf Course, gambling with Lee Elder and others in the 60’s and 70’s. His mother learned the game from her parents, both avid golfers, at Chevy Chase Club. She also has 14 Ladies Club Championship titles over 4 different decades. The Hoffman family has a lot of great matches, golf trips and shared memories on the golf course.

Billy graduated from Bethesda Chevy Chase High School in 2000, playing on the golf and ice hockey teams all 4 years. He then attended Methodist College (currently Methodist University) was enrolled in the PGM Program and graduated with his PGA Membership in 2006.

Billy Hoffman started his golf career at Chevy Chase Club picking the range, working in the bag room and caddying. Billy started his professional career at Congressional Country Club in 2006 and in 2008 moved to Westwood Country Club, where he is currently employed. During his time as a PGA Professional, Billy has received many recognitions. He is a 3-time APA Player of the Year, has competed in 5 National Assistants Championships, and played in the 2009, and 2019 PGA National Championships. He was also recognized as one of Golf Digest’s Top Instructors in Virginia from 2017 – present, U.S. Kids Top 50 Teachers in 2018, and chaperoned a student to the National Drive, Chip & Putt Event in 2017.

Joy Bonhurst, PGA/LPGA is both a mentor and teacher to Billy. PGA Members Kevin Taylor, Jim Fitzgerald, Bob Dolan, Steve Bosdosh, Danny Shanz, Brad Myers, Stacy Miller-Arndt, Glenn Brown, Matt Gallagher, Marty O’Rear and Mike Fischer have all influenced and supported Billy and his career as a PGA Professional.

Billy has been married to Hillary Hoffman for 13 years. Hillary is a personal trainer and group instructor and has a health coaching business. They enjoy working out together, cooking and eating (a lot) and both share a strong shoe addiction. His daughter Isabella (Isa) Hoffman is 8 years old. Isa enjoys drawing, playing with slime, YouTube and has been boxing for over a year. Isa and Billy spend time hiking the Billy Goat trail and anything outdoors.

Billy believes that he has a responsibility to help build the character of each student and to make golf instruction FUN for them. He finds something in common or something he can use to connect with his students to make them feel comfortable in a learning environment. His philosophy is to build character, build the athlete and then build the golfer.

Roger K. Welch, PGA | Washington Golf & Country Club

Roger Welch delivers a high level of service with a great level of focus and concern. It was apparent upon his arrival at Washington Golf and Country Club he had the “IT” factor. This trait is not something that can be coached. Roger is engaged with the membership and does a great job relating with a large cross segment of members through lessons, playing, club fitting, merchandising and assisting with organizations of the club.

Roger was born September 30, 1982 in Prince Fredrick, MD to parents Dennis and Peggy Welch and has one brother, William. Roger was introduced to golf by his father hitting golf balls with old antique clubs on the farm he grew up on in Southern Maryland. When his dad retired from the Maryland State Police, he picked up part time jobs at local golf courses. Instead of doing summer camps or having baby sitters, Roger would go to work with his dad. This afforded him the opportunity to play a lot of golf during the summer months. Though his dad wasn’t the best golfer he was a very good athlete. The game of golf gave Roger an even playing field and they had a lot of good head to head matches, until he was 12 or so. His father may disagree with that statement! Over time, Roger enjoyed being at the golf course and had no issues being there all day. That led to the decision of becoming a PGA professional.

As an amateur Roger achieved many honors, including; Division II Junior College National Champion in 2002, Southern Maryland Amateur Champion in 2004 and 2005,
United State Public Links Participant in 2004 and 2005, Missouri Valley All-Tournament Team in 2005, Southern Illinois Men’s Golf Team Captain in 2005 and 2006, Missouri Valley All Conference in 2006, and was Inducted to College of Southern Maryland Hall of Fame in 2014.

Roger became a golf professional in 2006 but took a hiatus from golf between 2008 and 2012. In 2012, Roger and his now wife Amanda moved to Cape Girardeau, Missouri where Roger got hired as a First Assistant at Cape Girardeau Country Club. Later that year Roger was promoted to Head Professional and stayed in that position until 2015 when he was hired as the Senior Assistant Golf Professional at Washington Golf & Country Club. He was named Head Professional in early 2020. Roger likes to say that his successes in recent years have his wife’s thumbprint on them. They are joined by their daughter Josie who is 12.

Roger feels very fortunate to have great people in his life. He has a very supportive family, friends and coworkers. His personal philosophy is to try and learn something from everyone he meets. With that mindset he discovers things he doesn’t like and does like and uses them accordingly. Every year Roger sits down and reflects on his professional goals that were set. This has been a very good exercise for him to continue growing as a PGA Professional.

J. Michael Millen | VSGA

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.

J. Michael Millen was born in New York City on November 10, 1949 to Dr. Robert S. Millen and Barbara Bobcock Millen. Dr. and Mrs. Millen also had a daughter Martha Millen Brosnahan and son R. Woody Millen. Michael was introduced to the game of golf early, at the age of four, by his parents at the Piping Rock Club in New York. To say that Golf is close to the family is an understatement. His great grandfather Daniel Chauncey was the President of the Metropolitan (Met) Golf Association in New York and the United States Golf Association (USGA). His father served as a board member for the New York State Golf Association.

Michael earned his Bachelors at Lynchburg College and his Masters in Landscape Architecture from the University of Georgia. Michael has played in the British, French, and German Amateur Championships as well as varied state and regional championships throughout his career.

Michael has served on the Virginia State Golf Association’s Board of Directors since 1998, ending his term as President in January of 2020. In addition to his work with the VSGA he also has served on the Southern Golf Association’s Board of Directors since 2013, MAGA Board of Directors since 1999 including serving as President in 2008, and the USGA Regional Affairs Committee since 1994.

Michael and his wife of 22 years Mary Jane Divine have a son Daniel Chauncey Millen.

Michael Adkins, PGA | Green Spring Valley Hunt Club

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.

Michael Adkins has been selected as the recipient of the 2020 Private Merchandiser of the Year Award for his dedication and success at Green Spring Valley Hunt Club. Since taking over the operation in 2016, Michael has worked hard to establish merchandise goals, standards, and increase overall presentation, as well as improve sales and gain member loyalty. Michael is very proud of the team he works with, as he knows the pride and passion they possess is instrumental in the success of his golf shop.

Michael was born May 15, 1984 in Wheelersburg, OH to parents Paul and Bev Adkins and has one sister, Michele. Michael was fortunate to spend his childhood in a small town in Ohio where community relationships and family businesses were staples. His grandparents opened a restaurant in 1971 and his parents carry on the family tradition to this day. Golf came into Michael’s life at the age of 12, when his father introduced it to him at The Portsmouth Elks in Portsmouth, Ohio.

Michael attended Campbell University in their PGA Golf Management Program and was a part of their Jones Cup Team for 3 years. He became a golf professional in 2005 and was elected to PGA Membership in 2010. Dan Colvin, Fishers Island Club Director of Golf; Jim McLean, Jim McLean Golf School Owner; Kevin Murphy, McArthur Golf Club Head Professional; Peter McDonald, RedStick Golf Club Head Professional were all mentors to Michael throughout his career. In 2019, Michael joined the MAPGA Northern Chapter Board of Directors and developed a community partnership with The First Tee of Greater Baltimore to offer a Caddie Program at the Green Spring Valley Hunt Club.

Michael’s merchandising philosophy at Green Spring Valley Hunt Club is quite simple; he sources the best products and studies industry trends to stay one step ahead of the market. He has three marquee brands that are defined as the clubs “three pillars” and are complimented by introducing a new brand in the spring and fall to add variety while acting as a test to earn a role in the shop. By keeping looks fresh and new each season, it creates excitement and excitement creates sales. Lastly, Michael educates his team on the products and have them become very familiar with benefits of material, fit and performance so they can better educate the membership during their shopping experience. He has also searched the market for bespoke products that are most appropriate for lifestyle gifts. This has been a great success for the club to be the one-stop-shop for holidays, personal celebrations and even housewarming gifts.

Michael’s wife, Holly, of 4 years is a part of the merchandising team at the club and plays and integral part in the golf shop. Together they have a son Declan who turned 1 earlier this month.

Andy Weissinger, PGA | Eaglewood Golf Course

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.

Andy Weissinger has been selected as the recipient of the 2020 Public Merchandiser of the Year Award for his outstanding merchandise and professional golf shop management at the Eaglewood Golf Course.

Andy was born on November 23, 1976 in Norfolk, Virginia to parents George and Mary-Ellen Weissinger. He started playing golf regularly at age 13 because it gave him an opportunity to be outside, to be involved athletically, and spend some great time alone with his dad. Andy’s dad taught him many things about life, relationships, integrity and competition during their many rounds of golf together.

Andy got his start in the golf business working and learning from PGA Professionals in the Hampton Roads area such as Mike Waugh, Andy Giles, Mike Fentress, Dean Hurst, and Steve Clark. Andy received a golf scholarship to Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Religion with a concentration in Pastoral Studies. Turning pro in 1997 at Ivy Hill Golf Club in Forest, Virginia, Andy worked there as an assistant golf professional until 1999. He then worked at Chesapeake Golf Club in Chesapeake, Virginia as a PGA apprentice from 1999-2001 where he eventually became the Head Professional. Andy was elected to PGA membership in 2001 and in that same year, he began working at Lake Wright Golf Course in Norfolk as the Head PGA Professional.

Shortly after Lake Wright, Andy became the Head PGA Professional at Honey Bee Golf Club in Virginia Beach from 2001-2003. In 2003, Andy moved up onto Virginia’s Peninsula as the Head PGA Professional at the Pines Golf Course at Fort Eustis and was promoted to PGA General Manager in 2005. In 2013, Andy was approached and agreed to take on the additional responsibility as PGA General Manager at Eaglewood Golf Course a short ways down the road on Langley Air Force Base.

This is Andy’s fourth Section award. In 2016, he won the Bill Strausbaugh Award, in 2011, he won the Youth Player Development Award and in 2009, he won the Middle Atlantic PGA Player Development Award. In the same year, he was also the recipient of The PGA of America Patriot Award in only its second year of existence. In 2018, he also received the 2018 VSGA Grow the Game Award and the NGCOA Mid Atlantic Public Golf Course Operator of the Year Award.

When asked, Andy explained that his merchandising philosophy is to keep things fresh and to give the customer what they want. This means that they rotate the brands but also the place and manner in which they are displayed. He also encourages competitive pricing and price matching on almost anything that is of the current year. He finds that training staff to be knowledgeable, courteous and appreciative along with not being afraid to ask for a customer’s business is key.

Andy attributes his personal success to keeping things simple – and fun! He feels that golf is a game and games are played to have fun. If he can show someone how much fun golf is, then they will naturally become a lifelong golfer. Andy believes that you should always be willing to try something new and that it is okay to fail as long as you learn to be better and keep moving forward. He feels truly blessed that he has had the opportunity to help so many people fall in love with the game that has given him so much.

Andy has been married to his best friend Jennifer for 21 years and they have since been blessed with two boys; Alex (19) and Caleb (16).

Brian Alley, PGA | The Highland Course at Primland

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.

Brian Alley has been selected as the Merchandiser of the Year for the Resort his outstanding merchandise and professional golf shop management at The Highland Course at Primland. Brian previously won the award in 2017.

Born to Dennis and Verneice Alley in Winston-Salem, N.C. on September 3, 1983, Brian grew up playing all sports, but mainly baseball. It wasn’t until the age of 12 that he began playing golf and was actively competing in tournaments by the age of 14. He credits family friend Cotton Chitwood, and relative Ronald Young for introducing him to golf and being advocates of the game.

When Brian was 14, he became a golf cart attendant Hemlock Golf Club Walnut Cove, N.C. and eventually was a part of two high school state championship golf teams at North Stokes High School.

Brian graduated from Methodist College PGM School with a B.S. in Business Administration and earned his PGA Membership in 2007. Primland Resort was the first place he began working as a PGA Professional, while also working as an assistant golf professional at The Everglades Club in Palm Beach, Fla. during the winters of 2007 and 2008 and at Yeamans Hall Club in the spring of 2009.

Brian lists Tommy Ziglar, PGA now at Great Oaks Country Club; Curt Bennett, PGA; Claude Brusse, PGA, Jeff Fraim, PGA and Dick Wilson, PGA as his mentors in golf since joining the PGA professionally.

At Primland their merchandising philosophy begins with establishing great relationships with vendors, guests, and staff members. With little storage at the golf shop, Brian says they depend on quick turnaround times from vendors. Given that their logo requires a lot of detail and attention, they rely on vendors who understand and appreciate attention to detail combined with high levels of communication to make things run smoothly. Since they are fortunate to be on the high end of the market they offer only high quality, durable merchandise. Brian also finds that personalized and genuine service provided to guests along with knowledgeable and happy staff influence how well they do. In summary Brian shares that their recipe is quality products with friendly, knowledgeable staff at an exciting destination.

Brian says his philosophy at Primland Resort is to truly care about the experiences the guests have when visiting. Attention to detail from booking their reservation until the customer leaves the property is what brings their guests back.

Brian married his wife Lindsay in December of 2018.

Greg Jones, PGA

THE MAPGA PRESIDENT, JOSH TREMBLAY, 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. MR. TREMBLAY WILL ANNOUNCE HIS SELECTION AT THE 2020 SPRING MEMBERSHIP MEETING.

Bob Fikac & Tim Girard| Capitol Golf Cars (Club Car)

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

BOB FIKAC

Bob Fikac was born September 11, 1963 in Alexandria, Virginia to his parents Bob and June. He has one brother, Jim. Bob was introduced to the game of golf at age thirteen by his great grandmother, Lula McPhail who was a member of Mount Olive Country Club in Mount Olive, North Carolina. He once played a mixed couples event with her, which they won! Not many people can say they played golf with their great grandmother let alone won a tournament with her, a memory he will never forget. Bob graduated cum laude with a Bachelors Degree from Elon College in 1985 and was elected to PGA membership 4 years later, in 1989.

Bob began his career in the golf industry as an Assistant PGA Professional at Bethesda Country Club (1985-1990) and Caves Valley Golf Club (1991-1992) before becoming the Director of Golf at Lowes Island Club (1993-2009). He went to work for GL Cornell selling golf cars in 2010, which was later purchased by Horizon Distributors in 2011. In September 2019 Bob, Tim and their third partner Dennis Burke purchased the Club Car Distributorship from Horizon and started Capitol Golf Cars. His personal philosophy is customers first! He explains that it is that simple. He was taught that your customer is not an interruption of your work, they are the reason for it! Therefore, you must do everything you can to make them feel they are the highest priority on your list. Things don’t always go perfectly, but as long as your customer knows that you have their best interest in mind and that you are working to resolve their issue, you will earn their trust and respect. Be honest, be considerate of your customer’s business, and be available!

Bob was named the 1991 MAPGA Assistant Professional of the Year and the 2003 MAPGA Private Merchandiser of the Year at Lowes Island. In addition, he received the 2015 & 2017 Horizon Distributors Regional Business Development Representative of the Year and the 2017 Horizon Distributors National Business Development Representative of the Year. Bob has been married to his wife Fran for thirty-three years and they share three children Bobby (30), Sandy (27), and Paige (26). He describes his wife and children as his rock, indicating that he would never have had the professional success he has had without their unwavering support and sacrifice.

TIM GIRARD

Tim Girard was born May 6, 1976 in Glens Falls, New York to his parents Michael and Bonnie. He has a brother Michael and sister Valerie. Tim earned his Bachelors degree at Colgate University where he played offensive tackle on the school’s football team. He served as team captain and received All-American honors his senior year.

He began to play golf at age 10 with his grandfather who was an avid golfer. His grandfather kept a box of old golf balls that he would allow Tim to hit in the backyard. Tim has a vivid memory of trying to hit the ball into the neighbor’s yard which was about 50 yards away. It was when Tim began successfully hitting them in the neighbor’s yard that his grandfather began to take him to the driving range and eventually a local golf course. A couple of summers ago Tim was able to take his son to the same course where he and his grandfather always played.

Tim received the 2015 & 2017 Horizon Distributors Regional Business Development Representative of the Year and the 2017 Horizon Distributors National Business Development Representative of the Year awards. He met his wife Erin four days into his Freshman year in college and they share four children; Gavin (16), Brenna (16), Julia (13), and Olivia (11).

Steve Czaban, Ron Thomas and John Ronis, PGA| “Capital Golf Gang”

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.

The Capital Golf Gang is a weekly golf radio show airing on ESPN radio in Washington, DC. These three personalities, joined by Executive Director Jon Guhl, talk local and national golf, promoting PGA professionals and events. They spend their air time talking golf, grumbling about slow play, and solving the world’s issues.

STEVE CZABAN

Steve Czaban is one of the most experienced daily sports talk radio hosts in the nation. In his 26 year professional career, Steve has worked for every major syndicated sports talk network (Sporting News, ESPN Radio, Fox Sports Radio, Yahoo Sports Radio, SB Nation Radio), filled in as a guest host for popular national personality Jim Rome, and has worked locally in markets including Santa Barbara, Chicago, Milwaukee, Charlotte and Washington D.C.

Steve (or “Czabe” as his friends and listeners have always called him) is a native of Fairfax County, Virginia. He was born on June 1, 1968 and grew up on what he jokingly calls the “mean streets of McLean”. His father is a retired federal worker, his mother a retired teacher. He has one older brother Jim, who is a DC based food and drug law attorney. And one younger sister, Ann Marie, who works in publications for the DC based “Newseum.”

Czabe was co-host with longtime DC radio veteran Andy Pollin on the “The Sports Reporters” from 2000-2013 where they would discuss and dissect everything from the Redskins, Wizards, Nationals, Caps, Maryland basketball and football, local college basketball, golf and more. In August of 2013, Czabe teamed up with former Redskins TE Chris Cooley for “The Drive: With Cooley and Czabe” – a show that is currently the afternoon drive show on ESPN980 from 4-7 p.m.

While radio is Czabe’s primary career, he does free lance work in local sports television. For two years during Redskins season, Steve teamed with Chick Hernandez and former NFL player Brian Mitchell on Comcast Sports Net in Washington D.C. to breakdown the game and interview guests on “Redskins Post Game Live.” He has been part of NBC4’s “Redskins Showtime” program with Clinton Portis. He has also been an infrequent contributor to Fox News Channel and the late Tony Snow’s Weekend Live program. He also appears as a “talking head” on various shows such as the Today Show (on the Augusta National membership controversy) and ESPN Classic’s “Who’s Number 1” program among others. Steve also writes a weekly column and edits his website, Czabe.com, daily.

In his free time, Czabe is an avid golfer who is convinced that his handicap will never dip below an eight unless he is fired or wins the lottery! He also says that if he were President for a day, he would declare every Monday a national golf holiday. Steve created, in 2000, and directed a Ryder Cup style amateur golf event in the DC area called “The Potomac Cup” that ran until 2010.

Steve is married with two daughters and lives in Round Hill, VA.

RON THOMAS

Ron was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on March 10, 1970 to his parents Jim and Joan Voyles. He was one of 6 children and grew up attending open wheel races throughout the Midwest. His grandfather Johnnie Parsons won the 1950 Indy 500 and his family has 50 career starts in the same race.

Ron was introduced to golf by friends at the Zionsville Golf Club at the age of 10. He grew up playing golf and finished 3rd in the 1988 Indiana High School State Golf Championship. This was in addition to playing football where he served as the captain of the 1987 Indiana State High School Football Championship team at Zionsville High School. He received a scholarship to the University of Maryland where he not only earned his Bachelors degree but played for golf Fred Funk and Don Slebodnik. Ron owns a medical equipment company, Medtraxx and is a member at The Cannon Club, where he serves as Chairman of the Golf Committee. He lists winning the 2004 MSGA State Publinks Championship and winning the 2019 Middle Atlantic Father Son Championship with his 11 year old son as two of his other golf accomplishments.

He is married to his wife Leanne for twelve years and they have a son Winston (11). Winston won the 2017 Middle Atlantic PGA Junior Tour Championship for the Mini-Mulligans.

JOHN RONIS, PGA

John was born on December 6, 1968 in Westport, Connecticut to his parents Bill and Mary Ronis. He began playing golf at the early age of two when he was introduced by Don Saylor at River Bend Country Club. During the summers he would help at Wayland Country Club where he later became the Head PGA Professional.

John attended the University of Connecticut where he earned his Bachelors Degree in English and was either the number one or two player during his collegiate golf career. He also served as a three year captain of both his high school and college teams. John was a Massachusetts Amateur qualifying medalist and quarter-finalist and was named the Massachusetts, Lowell Sun High School player of the year in 1987.

John was elected to PGA Membership in 1995 while he was the Head PGA Golf Professional at Wayland Country Club. Following that he was a First Assistant Professional a Congressional Country Club for a year before becoming the Director of Instruction at Woodmont Country Club where he remained for 19 years. He is currently the Executive Director of Instruction at River Creek Club, a position he accepted in 2018.

John currently coaches the Loudoun County High School Golf team. In addition to his accomplishments on the course he gives back to the community by serving as the President of Loudoun Aces Travel Baseball, an organization that serves over 200 children, and gives a scholarship in the name of his band (Just South of 7) to Loudoun County High School.

John and his wife Laura have been married for 23 years and they have two children; William (20) and Tommy (18).

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

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.

• 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

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.

• 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

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

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

• 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

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.

• 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

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.

• 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.

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.

• 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

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.

• 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.

• 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