PGA Annual Awards
PGA Golf Professional of the Year
The PGA Golf Professional of the Year Award is determined annually by the PGA of America to honor the working PGA Professional whose total contributions to the game best exemplify the complete PGA Professional. Originally suggested by Richard S. Tufts, of Pinehurst, North Carolina, former president of the United States Golf Association, the award embraces a wide range of services executed by the PGA Professional and is the highest annual honor bestowed upon a PGA Professional.
2023 - Jeff Kiddie (Aronimink Golf Club, Newtown Square, Pa.)
2021 - Tom Wildenhaus (Olde Florida Golf Club, Naples, Fla.)
2020 - Ronny Glanton (Sherrill Park Golf Course, Richardson, Texas)
2019 - Eric Eshleman (Country Club of Birmingham, Ala.)
2018 - Dan Pasternak (Essex Fells Country Club, Essex Fells, N.J.)
2017 - Darrell Kestner (Deepdale Golf Club, Manhasset, N.Y.)
2016 - Cary Cozby (Southern Hills Country Club, Tulsa, Okla.)
2015 - Tom Henderson (Round Hill Club, Greenwich, Conn.)
2014 - Ray S. Cutright (Idle Hour Club, Macon, Ga.)
2013 - Michael Doctor (Skaneateles Country Club, Skaneateles, N.Y.)
2012 - Mike Schultz (Hazeltine National Golf Club, Chaska, Minn.)
2011 - Chip Essig (Hickory Stick Golf Club, Greenwood, Ind.)
2010 - Jim Mrva (Monroe Golf Club, Pittsford, N.Y.)
2009 - Jack Barber (Meridian Hills Country Club, Indianapolis, Ind.)
2008 - Jim Antkiewicz (The Club at Nevillewood, Presto, Pa.)
2007 - Brent Krause (Wynlakes G. & C.C., Montgomery, Ala.)
2006 - Jim Manthis (Les Bolstad/U. of Minnesota G. C., St. Paul, Minn.)
2005 - Bill Eschenbrenner (Lone Star Golf Club, El Paso, Texas)
2004 - Craig Harmon (Oak Hill Country Club, Rochester, N.Y.)
2003 - Jim Brotherton Jr. (Old Overton Golf Club, Vestavia Hills, Ala.)
2002 - Jock Olson (Interlachen C.C., Edina, Minn.)
2001 - Tony Morosco (Weston C.C., Weston, Mass.)
2000 - Charles “Vic” Kline (Indian Tree G.C., Arvada, Colo.)
1999 - Ed Hoard (Athens Country Club, Athens, Ga.)
1998 - Ken Morton Sr. (Haggin Oaks Golf Complex, Sacramento, Calif.)
1997 - Tom Sargent (Mesa Verde C.C., Costa Mesa, Calif.)
1996 - Randall Smith (Royal Oaks C.C., Dallas, Texas)
1995 - David C. Price (Bent Tree C.C., Dallas, Texas)
1994 - Dick Murphy (Peachtree G.C., Atlanta, Ga.)
1993 - Don Kotnik (Toledo C.C., Toledo, Ohio)
1992 - Martin T. Kavanaugh II (Hamilton Cty. Park Dst., Cincinnati, Ohio)
1991 - Joe Jemsek (Cog Hill G. & C.C., Lemont, Ill.)
1990 - Jim Albus (Piping Rock Club, Locust Valley, N.Y.)
1989 - Tom Addis III (Singing Hills C.C., El Cajon, Calif.)
1988 - Hank Majewski (Wakefield Valley G.C., Westminister, Md.)
1987 - Bob Ford (Oakmont C.C., Oakmont, Pa.)
1986 - David Ogilvie (Flossmoor C.C., Flossmoor, Ill.)
1985 - Jerry Cozby (Hillcrest C.C., Bartlesville, Okla.)
1984 - Jerry Mowlds (Columbia-Edgewater C.C., Portland, Ore.)
1983 - Ken Lindsay (Colonial C.C., Jackson, Miss.)
1982 - Bob Popp (Omaha C.C., Omaha, Neb.)
1981 - John Gerring (Atlanta C.C., Marietta, Ga.)
1980 - Stan Thirsk (Kansas City C.C., Shawnee Mission, Kan.)
1979 - Gary Ellis (Pittsburgh Field Club, Pittsburgh, Pa.)
1978 - Walter Lowell (Canton Public G.C., Canton, Conn.)
1977 - Don Soper (Royal Oak G.C., Royal Oak, Mich.)
1976 - Ron Letellier (Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.)
1975 - Walker Inman Jr. (Scioto C.C., Columbus, Ohio)
1974 - Paul Harney (Paul Harney’s G.C., Hatchville, Mass.)
1973 - Warren Smith (Cherry Hills C.C., Englewood, Colo.)
1972 - Howard Morrette (Twin Lakes C.C., Kent, Ohio)
1971 - Ross Collins (Dallas Athletic Club, Dallas, Texas)
1970 - Grady Shumate (Tanglewood G.C., Clemmons, N.C.)
1969 - A. Hubert Smith (Arnold Center C.C., Tullahoma, Tenn.)
- Wally Mund (Midland Hills C.C., St. Paul, Minn.)
1968 - Hardy Loudermilk (Oak Hills C.C., San Antonio, Texas)
1967 - Ernie Vossler (Quail Creek C.C., Oklahoma City, Okla.)
1966 - Bill Strausbaugh Jr. (Turf Valley C.C., Ellicott City, Md.)
1965 - Hubby Habjan (Onwentsia Club, Lake Forest, Ill.)
1964 - Lyle Wehrman (Merced G. & C.C., Merced, Calif.)
1963 - Bruce Herd (Flossmoor C.C., Flossmoor, Ill.)
1962 - Tom Lo Presti (Haggin Oaks G.C., Sacramento, Calif.)
1961 - Don Padgett (Green Hills C.C., Selma, Ind.)
1960 - Warren Orlick (Tam O’Shanter C.C., Orchard Lake, Mich.)
1959 - Eddie Duino (San Jose C.C., San Jose, Calif.)
1958 - Harry Pezzullo (Mission Hills G.C., Northbrook, Ill.)
1957 - Dugan Aycock (Lexington C.C., Lexington, N.C.)
1956 - Harry Shepard (Mark Twain Community G.C., Elmira, N.Y.)
1955 - Bill Gordon (Tam O’Shanter C.C., Chicago, Ill.)
PGA Teacher & Coach of the Year
The PGA Teacher of the Year Award was inaugurated in 1986 to honor outstanding teachers of golf among the ranks of the PGA of America membership. This award is based on the PGA Professional’s overall performance in teaching; unusual, innovative and special teaching programs that the Professional has initiated or played a key role in implementing; articles published in books and magazines; as well as outstanding golfers the Professional has instructed.
2023 - Kevin Weeks (Cog Hill Golf & Country Club, Lemont, Ill.)
2021 - Jamie Mulligan (Virginia Country Club, Long Beach, Calif.)
2020 - Mark Blackburn (Greystone Golf & Country Club, Birmingham, Ala.)
2019 - Kevin Kirk (The Woodlands Country Club, The Woodlands, Texas)
2018 - James Sieckmann (Shadow Ridge Country Club, Omaha, Neb.)
2017 - David Leadbetter (David Leadbetter Golf Academy, Champions Gate, Fla.)
2016 - Mike Adams (Hamilton Farm Golf Club, Gladstone, N.J.)
2015 - Cameron McCormick (Brook Hollow Golf Club, Dallas, Texas)
2014 - Kathy Gildersleeve-Jensen (Indian Canyon Golf Course, Spokane, Wash.)
2013 - Lou Guzzi (Lou Guzzi Golf Academy at Talmore Country Club, Ambler, Pa.)
2012 - Michael Breed (Sunningdale Country Club, Scarsdale, N.Y.)
2011 - Mike Malaska (Superstition Mountain Golf & Country Club, Superstition, Ariz.)
2010 - Todd Anderson (Sea Island Golf Club, St. Simons Island, Ga.)
2009 - Mike Bender (Mike Bender Golf Academy, Lake Mary, Fla.)
2008 - Martin Hall (Ibis Golf & Country Club, West Palm Beach, Fla.)
2007 - Jim Hardy (Jacobsen/Hardy Golf Design, Houston, Texas)
2006 - Bill Forrest (Troon Country Club, Scottsdale, Ariz.)
2005 - Peter Krause (Windsong Farm Golf Club, Independence, Minn.)
2004 - Hank Johnson (Greystone Golf & Country Club, Birmingham, Ala.)
2003 - Laird Small (Pebble Beach Golf Academy, Pebble Beach, Calif.)
2002 - Randy Smith (Royal Oaks CC, Dallas, Texas)
2001 - Craig Shankland (Hidden Lakes CC, New Smyrna Beach, Fla.)
2000 - Jim Suttie (Cog Hill Golf Club, Lemont, Ill.)
1999 - Mike McGetrick (Mike McGetrick Golf Academy, Englewood, Colo.)
1998 - Dave Glenz (Crystal Springs GC, Hardyston, N.J.)
1997 - Rick Martino (Oakmont Country Club, Oakmont, Pa.)
1996 - Chuck Cook (Barton Creek C.C./Lakeside, Spicewood, Texas)
1995 - Jack Lumpkin (Sea Island/Golf Digest Learning Center, St. Simons Island, Ga.)
1994 - Jim McLean (Doral Golf Resort, Miami, Fla.)
1993 - Hank Haney (Hank Haney Golf Ranch, McKinney, Texas)
1992 - Bill Strausbaugh (Columbia C.C., Chevy Chase, Md.)
1991 - Mike Hebron (Smithtown Landing C.C., Smithtown, N.Y.)
1990 - Charles Sorrell (Lake Spivey G.C., Jonesboro, Ga.)
1989 - Harvey Penick (Austin C.C., Austin, Texas)
1988 - Jim Flick (The G.C. at Desert Mountain, Scottsdale, Ariz.)
1987 - Gary Wiren (PGA National G.C., Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.)
1986 - Manuel de la Torre (Milwaukee C.C., Milwaukee, Wis.)
Youth Player Development Award
Begun in 1988 as the PGA Junior Golf Leader Award, today’s PGA Youth Player Development Award was renamed in 2014 for the PGA Professional who has made extraordinary and exemplary contributions to youth player development. Work by this PGA Professional includes involvement in the promotion and development of junior golf at the facility level and support for national junior golf programs.
2023- Susie Redman (The Woodlands Country Club, The Woodlands, Texas)
2021- Andrew Miller (LedgeRock Golf Club, Mohnton, Pa.)
2020- Chris Thomson (Wilderness Ridge Golf Club, Lincoln, Neb.)
2019 - Scott Wilson (Bay Meadows Family Golf Course, Traverse City, Mich.)
2018 - Cameron Milton (Polson Bay G.C., Polson, Mont.)
2017 - Brendon Elliott (Little Linksters LLC, Deltona, Fla.)
2016 - Dennis Johnson (Pine Meadow Golf Club, Mundelein, Ill.)
2015 - Bill Castner (Plainfield West 9 Golf Club, Edison, N.J.)
2014 - Tom Morton (Morton Golf, Sacramento, Calif.)
2013 - Nicole Weller (The Landings Club, Savannah, Ga.)
2012 - Don Law (Club Med Academies, Port St. Lucie, Fla.)
2011 - Rick Grayson (Rivercut Golf Course, Springfield, Mo.)
2010 - Ann Finke (Country Club of Colorado, Colorado Springs, Colo.)
2009 - Vikki Vanderpool (Approaching the Green, Murfreesboro, Tenn.)
2008 - Jimmy Headrick (The First Tee of New Orleans, New Orleans, La.)
2007 - Danny Harvanek (The Golf Club at Bear Dance, Larkspur, Colo.)
2006 - Francis Selva (Race Brook Country Club, Orange, Conn.)
2005 - Will Reilly (Twining Valley Golf & Fitness Club, Dresher, Pa.)
2004 - John Godwin (Godwin Creek Golf Course, Columbus, Ga.)
2003 - Steve Hogan (Miller Park Golf Course, Omaha, Neb.)
2002 - Ken Morton Sr. (Haggin Oaks Golf Complex, Sacramento, Calif.)
2001 - Charlie Lanzetta (Rockland G.C. & Green Harbor G.C., Marshfield, Mass.)
2000 - Bob Dolan (Columbia C.C., Chevy Chase, Md.)
1999 - Harry Hammond (Whitford C.C., Exton, Pa.)
1998 - Lissa Horton (Tennessee PGA Section, Franklin, Tenn.)
1997 - Alan Abrams (Indian Tree Golf Club, Arvada, Colo.)
1996 - Sherwin Cox (Ross Rogers G.C., Amarillo, Texas)
1995 - Wayne Warms (Due Process Stable G.C., Colts Neck, N.J)
1994 - Sandy La Bauve (Stonecreek G.C., Phoenix, Ariz.)
1993 - Richard Tollette Jr. (Bunker Hills G.C., Coon Rapids, Minn.)
1992 - Paul Miner (Tamarack C.C., Greenwich, Conn.)
1991 - Mike Crotty (The Shamrock G.C., Powell, Ohio)
1990 - Duke Butler (TPC at the Woodlands, The Woodlands, Texas)
1989 - Tom Sargent (Yorba Linda C.C., Yorba Linda, Calif.)
1988 - Rick Murphy (Cardinal G. & C.C., Greensboro, N.C.)
Bill Strausbaugh Award
Established in 1979, the Bill Strausbaugh Award is presented to a PGA Professional who by their day-to-day efforts have distinguished themselves by mentoring their fellow PGA Professionals in improving their employment situations and through service to the community. The award reflects the characteristics and qualities of Strausbaugh, a Middle Atlantic PGA Master Professional who died in 1999.
2023 - Jack Druga (Life Member - Metropolitan PGA Section, Southampton, N.Y.)
2021 - Tim Beckwith (Sarasota National Golf Club, Venice, Fla.)
2020 - Larry Dornisch (Muirfield Village Golf Club, Dublin, Ohio)
2019 - David Reasoner (Ridgewood Country Club, Paramus, N.J.)
2018 - Cameron Doan (Preston Trail Golf Club, Dallas, Texas)
2017 - John Kennedy (Westchester Country Club, Rye, N.Y.)
2016 - Joe Tesori (TPC Sawgrass, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.)
2015 - Bill Hughes (TPC Sawgrass, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.)
2014 - Roger Wallace (Polson Bay Golf Course, Polson, Mont.)
2013 - Dan Pasternak (Panther Valley Golf & Country Club, Allamuchy, N.J.)
2012 - Harry Hammond Jr. (Penn Oaks Golf Club, West Chester, Pa.)
2011 - Bob Dolan Jr. (Columbia Country Club, Chevy Chase, Md.)
2010 - Nelson Long Jr. (Century Country Club, Purchase, N.Y.)
2009 - Dennis Satyshur (Caves Valley Golf Club, Owings Mills, Md.)
2008 - Clayton Cole (Cherry Hills Village, Colo.)
2007 - Michael Doctor (Skaneateles Country Club, Skaneateles, N.Y.)
2006 - Michael Harmon (Secession Golf Club, Beaufort, S.C.)
2005 - Tom Nieporte (Winged Foot Golf Club, Mamaroneck, N.Y.)
2004 - Paul Reinking (Kankakee Country Club, Kankakee, Ill.)
2003 - Steve Napoli (Wannamoisett Golf Club, Rumford, R.I.)
2002 - Jerry Hogge (Methodist College, Fayetteville, N.C.)
2001 - Gary Reynolds (Hartford Golf Club, Hartford, Conn.)
2000 - Glenn Brown (Westwood C.C., Vienna, Va.)
1999 - William Heald (Riverside G.C., North Riverside, Ill.)
1998 - Tom Tetrault (Fall River C.C., Fall River, Mass.)
1997 - Doug Ritter (Meadia Heights C.C., Lancaster, Pa.)
1996 - William Mitchell (Innis Arden G.C., Old Grenwich, Conn.)
1995 - Ed Ibarguen (Duke University G.C., Durham, N.C.)
1994 - Kurt Sokolowski (Pinebrook C.C., Weston, Mass)
1993 - John Poole (Chester Valley G.C., Malvern, Pa.)
1992 - William Munguia (Plantation G.C., Olive Branch, Miss.)
1991 - Michael Burke (Pass Christian Isles G.C., Pass Christian, Miss.)
1990 - Ron Hoetmer (Overlake G. & C.C., Medina, Wash.)
1989 - Martin T. Kavanaugh II (Hamilton County Park District, Cincinnati, Ohio)
1988 - Earl Maurer (Onondaga G. & C.C., Fayetteville, N.Y.)
1987 - Richard Walker (Morris Park C.C., South Bend, Ind.)
1986 - Richard Churilla (Wheeling C.C., Wheeling, W.Va.)
1985 - Roger Van Dyke (Flint G.C., Flint, Mich.)
1984 - Bill Eschenbrenner (El Paso C.C., El Paso, Texas)
1983 - Patrick Rielly (Annandale G.C., Pasadena, Calif.)
1982 - Robert F. Smith (Wolferts Roost C.C., Albany, N.Y.)
1981 - William Heald (Riverside G.C., North Riverside, Ill.)
1980 - Mal McMullen (Kokomo C.C., Kokomo, Ind.)
1979 - Dale Mead (Del Rio C.C., Modesto, Calif.)
PGA Professional Development Award
The PGA Professional Development Award was donated by the PGA of America Advisory Committee in support of the Association’s continuing work to promote and improve the PGA’s educational programs throughout its 41 Sections. The award honors a PGA Member for outstanding contributions to professional education.
2023 - Nick Papadakes (Onwentsia Club, Lake Forest, Ill.)
2021 - Dr. Rich Ballinger (Sam Houston State University PGA Golf Management University Program, Huntsville, Texas)
2020 - Jim McLean (Jim McLean Golf School, Coral Gables, Fla.)
2019 - Todd Sones (Todd Sones Impact Golf, Vernon Hills, Ill.)
2018 - Joseph Hallett (Vanderbilt Legends Golf Club, Franklin, Tenn.)
2017 - Jeff Adkerson (Mississippi State University, Starkville, Miss.)
2016 - Bryan Jones (Black Oak Golf Club, Long Valley, N.J.)
2015 - Russ Libby (Hidden Hills C.C., Jacksonville, Fla.)
2014 - Pat Gavin (Las Cruces, New Mexico)
2013 - John Hughes (Golf Digest Schools, Orlando, Fla.)
2012 - Carl Alexander (The Golf Club of Purchase, Purchase, N.Y.)
2011 - John J. Rogers (Majestic Ridge Golf Club, Chambersburg, Pa.)
2010 - John Kennedy Jr. (Westchester Country Club, Rye, N.Y.)
2009 - Derek Hardy (Talega Golf Club, San Clemente, Calif.)
2008 - Mark Wilson (Watermark Country Club, Grand Rapids, Mich.)
2007 - Tom Carpus (Kennett Square Golf & Country Club, Kennett Square, Pa.)
2006 - Thomas Tatnall (Tatnall Associates LLC, Ridgeland, Miss.)
2005 - Warren Bottke (Abacoa Golf Club, Jupiter, Fla.)
2004 - Ralph Bernhisel (Phoenix C.C., Phoenix, Ariz.)
2003 - Ray Cutright (Idle Hour Golf Club, Macon, Ga.)
2002 - Brent Krause (Wynlakes Golf & C.C., Montgomery, Ala.)
2001 - Paul Bergen (The Legends Club of Tennessee, Franklin, Tenn.)
2000 - David Normand Jr. (Indian Hills G.C., Murfreesboro, Tenn.)
1999 - Coleman Plecker (Manor C.C., Rockville, Md.)
1998 - Ed Ibarguen (Duke University G.C., Durham, N.C.)
1997 - Warren “Stoney” Brown (Crane Creek C.C., Boise, Idaho)
1996 - Ed Hoard (Athens Country Club, Athens, Ga.)
1995 - Ken Morton Sr. (Haggin Oaks G.C., Sacramento, Calif.)
1994 - Bill Eschenbrenner (El Paso C.C., El Paso, Texas)
1993 - Rick Burton (Burlington, N.C.)
1992 - Conrad Rehling (Univ. of Alabama GC, Tuscaloosa, Ala.)
1991 - Joe Terry (Gulf Shores G.C., Gulf Shores, Ala.)
1990 - Mike Hebron (Smithtown Landing C.C., St. James, N.Y.)
1989 - Verne D. Perry (Cedars G.C., Brush Prairie, Wash.)
1988 - Guy Wimberly (Arroyo Del Oso G.C., Albuquerque, N.M.)
1987 - Ken Lindsay (Colonial C.C., Jackson, Miss.)
1986 - Mark Darnell (West Lake C.C., Augusta, Ga.)
1985 - Larry Startzel (C.C. of Lansing, Lansing, Mich.)
1984 - Don Essig III (The Hoosier Links, New Palestine, Ind.)
1983 - Bill Strausbaugh (Columbia C.C., Chevy Chase, Md.)
1982 - Kent Cayce (Evansville C.C., Evansville, Ind.)
**1981 - Tom Addis III (**Singing Hills C.C., El Cajon, Calif.)
1980 - Dale Mead (Del Rio G & C.C., Modesto, Calif.)
1979 - Howard E. Smith (Riverside G.C., Diamond Bar, Calif.)
1978 - Andy Nusbaum (Siwanoy C.C., Bronxville, N.Y.)
1977 - Paul Runyan (Green Gables C.C., Denver)
1976 - Jim Bailey (Adams Park Golf Course, Brighton, Colo.)
1975 - John P. Henrich (Elma Meadows G.C., Elma, N.Y.)
1974 - Bill Hardy (Chevy Chase Club, Chevy Chase, Md.)
1973 - George Aulbach (Pecan Valley C.C., San Antonio, Texas)
1972 - John Budd (New Port Richey, Fla.)
1971 - Irvin Schloss (Dunedin, Fla.)
1970 - Joe Walser (Oklahoma City C.C., Oklahoma City, Okla.)
1969 - Paul Hahn (C.C. of Miami, Miami, Fla.)
1968 - R. William Clarke (Hillendale C.C., Phoenix, Md.)
1967 - Donald E. Fischesser (Evansville C.C., Evansville, Ind.)
1966 - Gene C. Mason (Columbia-Edgewater C.C., Portland, Ore.)
1965 - Emil Beck (Black River C.C., Port Huron, Mich.)
PGA Player Development Award
From 1982 to 2001, the President’s Plaque was awarded to the PGA of America member with the highest individual contribution to National Golf Day charities. Beginning in 2006, a special award that recognizes PGA Professionals at the Section and national level for extraordinary and exemplary contributions in Player Development, which support Play Golf America initiatives, was established. In 2011, it was renamed the PGA Player Development Award.
2023 - Josh Tremblay (Springfield Golf & Country Club, Springfield, Va.)
2021 - Thomas Yost (First Tee Four Corners, Kirtland, N.M.)
2020 - Rich Jones (Pine Ridge Golf Club, Coram, N.Y./Golf Galaxy - Bayshore, N.Y.)
2019 - Liz Cooper (Springfield Golf & Country Club, Springfield, Va.)
2018 - Marvol Barnard (Haven Golf Club, Green Valley, Ariz.)
2017 - Tom Morton (Haggin Oaks Golf Complex, Sacramento, Calif.)
2016 - Mary Hafeman (Deercreek Country Club, Jacksonville, Fla.)
2015 - Tim Krebs (Butterfield Trail Golf Club, El Paso, Texas)
2014 - Ralph Landrum (World of Golf, Crestview Hills, Ky.)
2013 - Jordan Young (Fox Hills Learning Center, Plymouth, Mich.)
2012 - Mark Holiday (Bridger Creek Golf Course, Bozeman, Mont.)
2011 - Brian Bain (Robert T. Lynch Municipal Golf Course, Brookline, Mass.)
2010 - Andy Barbin (Chesapeake Bay Golf Club, Rising Sun, Md.)
2009 - Kyle Heyen (Hiwan Golf Course, Evergreen, Colo.)
2008 - Bob Collins (Oak Tree Country Club, West Middlesex, Pa.)
2007 - Will Reilly ( Twining Valley Golf & Fitness Club, Dresher, Pa.)
2006 - Bob Baldassari (Cannon Ridge Golf Club, Fredericksburg, Va.)
2002-05 - No Award presented
1993-2001 - Randall Smith (Royal Oaks C.C., Dallas, Texas)
1992 - Orrin Vincent (Angel Park G.C., Las Vegas)
1991 - Randall Smith (Royal Oaks CC, Dallas)
1990 - Jeff Walser (PGA West, La Quinta, Calif.)
1984-89 - Randall Smith (Royal Oaks C.C., Dallas, Texas)
1983 - Steve Braley (Oak Tree C.C., Edmond, Okla.)
1982 - Steve Braley (Oak Tree C.C., Edmond, Okla.)
PGA Patriot Award
Originated in 2008, the Patriot Award is presented at the PGA Annual Meeting and follows the inspiration of Patriot Golf Day founder Major Dan Rooney, a PGA Professional from Broken Arrow, Okla., the award’s first honoree. The Patriot Award is presented by the PGA of America to a PGA Professional who personifies patriotism through the game of golf and demonstrates unwavering commitment and dedication to the men and women who have valiantly served and protected the United States of America.
2023 - John Carpineta (Bensalem Township Country Club, Bensalem, Pa.)
2021 - Joe Grohman (Owner & Operator - Joe Grohman Foundation, Hobe Sound, Fla.)
2020 - Christopher Runyan (GOLFTEC, Spokane, Wash.)
2019 - Judy Alvarez (Monarch Country Club, Palm City, Fla.)
2018 - Ken Juhn (Terrace Hill Golf Center, Temple Terrace, Fla.)
2017 - Kevin McKinley (Treetops Resort, Gaylord, Mich.)
2016 - Steve Grelner (Links to Freedom, Springfield, Va.)
2015 - David Windsor (Adaptive Golf Academy, Sarasota, Fla.)
2014 - SGM James C. Dickerson (Iowa City, Iowa)
2013 - Bob Beach (Braintree Municipal Golf Course, Braintree, Mass.)
2012 - John Kennedy Jr. (Westchester Country Club, Rye, N.Y.)
2011 - John Hines (Baiting Hollow Club, Baiting Hollow, N.Y.)
2010 - Jim Estes (Golf Park, Olney, Md.)
2009 - Andy Weissinger (Fort Eustis, Va.)
2008 - Maj. Dan Rooney (Broken Arrow, Okla.)
Deacon Palmer Award
The PGA of America established the Deacon Palmer Award, named after Arnold Palmer’s late father who overcame personal obstacles to succeed as a PGA Professional, in 2014. The Award bestows special recognition upon a PGA Professional who personally displays outstanding integrity, character and leadership in the effort to overcome a major obstacle in his/her life.
2023 - Jamie Nieto (The Preserve at Oak Meadows, Addison, Ill.)
2021 - Bryan DeMarco (Pine Barrens Golf Club, Jackson, New Jersey)
2020 - J.P. Lunn (Fountain Head Country Club, Hagerstown, Md.)
2019 - Randy Jones (Club Car, Richmond, Texas)
2018 - Monty Elam, PGA (Whiteford Valley Golf Club, Ottawa Lake, Mich.)
2017 - Sam Depe III, PGA (Hickory Heights Golf Club, Bridgeville, Pa.)
2016 - William “Bill” Flynn*, PGA (Windham C.C., Windham, N. H.)
2015 - Brad Clayton, PGA (Puzzle Duck Golf, Oxford, N.C.)
2014 - Deacon Palmer*, PGA (accepted by Arnold Palmer)
Herb Graffis Award
From 1974 to 2001, the Herb Graffis Award was presented annually to the PGA of America Section with the highest financial contribution to National Golf Day/National Golf Month charities. In 2006, the PGA Board of Directors established a special award recognizing a PGA Section for extraordinary and exemplary contributions in Player Development. A golf historian and founder of several golf magazines, Herb Graffis, with his brother, Joe, also founded the National Golf Foundation and the Golf Writers Association of America. The recipient of the 1988 PGA Distinguished Service Award, Herb Graffis died at the age of 95 on Feb. 12, 1989.
2023 - Southern Texas PGA Section
2021 - Carolinas PGA Section
2020 - Nebraska PGA Section
2019 - South Florida PGA Section
2018 - Colorado PGA Section
2017 - Gateway PGA Section
2016 - Northern Texas PGA Section
2015 - New Jersey PGA Section
2014 - Southern California PGA Section
2013 - Tennessee PGA Section
2012 - New Jersey Section
2011 - Colorado Section
2010 - Metropolitan Section
2009 - Midwest Section
2008 - Philadelphia Section
2007 - Carolinas Section
2006 - Northern California Section
2002-2005 - No Award presented
2001 - Northern Texas Section
2000 - Northern Texas Section
1999 - Northern California Section
1998 - Northern California Section
1997 - Southern California Section
1996 - Southern California Section
1995 - Northern Texas Section
1994 - Southern California Section
1993 - Northern Texas Section
1992 - Southwest Section
1991 - Southern California Section
1990 - Southern California Section
1989 - Southern California Section
1988 - Southern California Section
1987 - Southern California Section
1986 - Southern California Section
1985 - Southern California Section
1984 - Northern Texas Section
1983 - South Central Section
1982 - Georgia Section
1981 - Northern Ohio Section
1980 - Southern California Section
1979 - Illinois Section
1978 - Carolinas Section
1977 - Michigan Section
1976 - Michigan Section
1975 - Michigan Section
1974 - Michigan Section
PGA Merchandisers of the Year
In 1978, the PGA of America and Sports Illustrated established the PGA Merchandisers of the Year Award to recognize those PGA Professionals who have excelled as businesspersons/merchandisers in the promotion of golf. Today, the PGA of America honors PGA Professionals in three categories: private, public and resort facilities. Candidates are nominated by their respective PGA Section offices. Award consideration is based on the following guidelines:
- A PGA member in good standing
- Overall credit rating
- Credit rating within the industry
- Community involvement
The candidate shall have demonstrated skill in planning and promotion of sales by presenting products to his/her market on a timely basis, and through the use of specialized merchandising techniques that include display and advertising.
Private
2023 - Katie Wiedmar (Winged Foot Golf Club, Mamaroneck, N.Y.)
2021 - Ian Brown (Butterfield Country Club, Oak Brook, Illinois)
2020 - Jason Ballard (Oak Hill Country Club, Rochester, N.Y.)
2019 - Scott Kirkwood (Ocean Reef Club, Key Largo, Fla.)
2018 - Nick Muller (Country Club of Lincoln , Lincoln, Neb.)
2017 - Mike Strlekar (Montclair Golf Club, West Orange, N.J.)
2016 - Mark Thush (Desert Mountain Club, Scottsdale, Ariz.)
2015 - Jason Epstein (The Club at Las Campanas, Santa Fe, N.M.)
2014 - Scott Nye (Merion Golf Club Springs Resort, Bedford, Pa.)
2013 - Scott Paris (Plainfield Country Club, Westfield, N.J.)
2012 - George Kahrhoff (The Country Club at Castle Pines, Castle Pines, Colo.)
2011 - Jeffrey Kiddie (Aronimink Golf Club, Newton Square, Pa.)
2010 - Mark Mongell (Cherokee Town & C.C., Atlanta, Ga.)
2009 - Brian Morrison (Olympia Fields C.C., Olympia, Fields, Ill.)
2008 - John Lyberger Jr. (Congressional Country Club, Bethesda, Md.)
2007 - Doug Steffen (Baltusrol G.C., Springfield, N.J.)
2006 - Richard Stewart (Kalamazoo C.C., Kalamazoo, Mich.)
2005 - John Buczek (Grandfather G. & C.C., Linville, N.C.)
2004 - Michael Harmon (Secession G.C., Beaufort, S.C.)
2003 - David Impastato (St. Charles C.C., St. Charles, Ill.)
2002 - Cary Cozby (Wichita C.C., Wichita, Kan.)
2001 - Dick Hyland (Desert Mountain, Scottsdale, Ariz.)
2000 - Gregory Lecker (Canoe Brook C.C., Summit, N.J.)
1999 - Tim Moher (Del Mar C.C., Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.)
1998 - Jim Tureskis (Wolferts Roost C.C., Albany, N.Y.)
1997 - Bob Ford (Oakmont C.C., Oakmont, Pa.)
1996 - not awarded
1995 - Marty Lass (Edina C.C., Edina, Minn.)
1994 - Regi Starzyk (St. Charles C.C., Ill.)
1993 - Charles Raudenbush (Pine Valley G.C., Pine Valley. N.J.)
1992 - Tim O’Neal (Frenchman’s Creek C.C., Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.)
1991 - Earl Puckett (Twin Orchard C.C., Long Grove, Ill.)
1990 - Keith Schneider (G.C. of Castle Pines, Castle Rock, Colo.)
1989 - Bob Ross (Baltusrol G.C., Springfield, N.J.)
1988 - James Thompson (Oneida G. & C.C., Green Bay, Wis.)
1987 - Russ Garner (Windyke C.C., Germantown, Tenn.)
1986 - Bob Barrett (Shoal Creek C.C., Shoal Creek, Ala.)
1985 - Bob Ford (Oakmont C.C., Oakmont, Pa.)
1984 - not awarded
1983 - Willie Gibbons (Belle Meade C.C., Nashville, Tenn.)
1982 - Steve Braley (Oak Tree C.C, Edmond, Okla.)
1981 - Mike Vucinich (Greensburg (Pa.))
1980 - Bob Hickman (Medinah (Ill.))
1979 - Mark Darnell (West Lake C.C., Augusta, Ga.)
1978 - Eldridge Miles (Bent Tree C.C., Dallas)
Public
2023 - Ian Ziska (American Dunes Golf Club, Grand Haven, Mich.)
2021 - Brian Tolnar (Mill Creek MetroParks Golf Course, Youngstown, Ohio)
2020 - Jacob Lippold (Chambers Bay Golf Course, Tacoma, Wash.)
2019 - Duncan Simms (Oak Creek G.C., Irvine, Calif.)
2018 - Mark Rashell (The Golf Club at Newcastle, Newcastle, Wash.)
2017 - Mark Pfingston (Bear Dance Golf Club, Denver, Colo.)
2016 - Matt Brown (Highlands Golf Club, Gearhart, Ore.)
2015 - Jim Hajek (Fossil Trace Golf Club, Golden, Colo.)
2014 - George Ancuta (Knoll Country Club, Ardmore, Pa.)
2013 - Rick Kline (Sittler Golf Center, Kutztown, Pa.)
2012 - Dale Smigelsky (Collindale Golf Course, Fort Collins, Colo.)
2011 - Susan Roll (Carlsbad Golf Center, Carlsbad, Calif.)
2010 - Dennis Johnsen (Pine Meadow G.C., Mundelein, Ill.)
2009 - Nevin Phillips (Mahogany Run Golf Course, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands)
2008 - Mike Woods (Haggin Oaks Golf Complex, Sacramento, Calif.)
2007 - Adam Carney ( Big Creek G. & C.C., Mountain Home, Ark.)
2006 - Brad Braden (Poppy Ridge G.C., Livermore, Calif.)
2005 - Fabian McIntyre (Falcon’s Fire G. Club, Kissimmee, Fla.)
2004 - Greg Villeneuve (Montage Hotels & Resorts, Laguna Beach, Calif.)
2003 - John Kerins (Tam O’Shanter G.C., Hermitage, Pa.)
2002 - Joseph “Ted” Gallina (Legends Club of Franklin, Franklin, Tenn.)
2001 - Leigh Bader (Pine Oaks G.C., South Easton, Mass.)
2000 - Marc Cruse (Crooked Creek G.C., Lincoln, Neb.)
1999 - Zack Veasey (Hillandale G.C., Durham, N.C.)
1998 - Ken Morton Sr. (Haggin Oaks G.C., Sacramento, Calif.)
1997 - Joe Shershenovich (Grayhawk G.C., Scottsdale, Ariz.)
1996 - not awarded
1995 - Leigh Bader (Pine Oaks G.C., South Easton, Mass.)
1994 - Ronald Beck (Crumpin Fox G.C., Bernardston, Mass.)
1993 - Tim Corrigan (Holiday G.C., Olive Branch, Miss.)
1992 - Zack Veasey (Hillandale C.C., Durham, N.C.)
1991 - Willis Denmark (Jamestown Park GC, Jamestown, N.C.)
1990 - Ken Morton Sr. (Haggin Oaks G.C., Sacramento, Calif.)
1989 - Marc Cruse (Mahoney G.C., Lincoln, Neb.)
1988 - Luke Veasey (Hillandale G.C., Durham, N.C.)
1987 - Luke Veasey (Hillandale G.C., Durham, N.C.)
1986 - Sherwin Cox (Ross Rogers G.C., Amarillo, Texas)
1985 - Bill Munguia (Holiday G.C., Olive Branch, Miss.)
1984 - not awarded
1983 - Gary Dee (Bear Creek G. Ctr., Dallas/Ft. Worth)
1982 - Bob Sprunk (Valleywood G.C., Swanton, Ohio)
1981 - Stan Shaver (Pawnee Prairie G.C., Wichita, Kan.)
1980 - Al Starr (Yahara Hills G.C., Madison, Wis.)
1979 - Guy Wimberly and Bob Meiering (Arroyo Del Oso G.C., Albuquerque, N.M.)
1978 - U.C. Ferguson (Lincoln Park G.C., Oklahoma City)
Resort
2023 - Grace Hurley (Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.)
2021 - Caroline Basarab (Reynolds Lake Oconee, Greensboro, Ga.)
**2020 - **Josué Reyes (Destination Kohler - Whistling Straits/Black Wolf Run, Kohler, Wis.)
2019 - Sara Muldoon (Hershey Country Club, Hershey, Pa.)
2018 - Erik Wilson (The Grand Golf Club, San Diego, Calif.)
2017 - Zack Chapin (Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club, Arcadia Bluffs, Mich.)
2016 - Kelly O’Donnell (Wolfdancer Golf Club, Lost Pines, Texas)
2015 - Miles Blundell (Turning Stone Resort, Verona, N.Y.)
2014 - Ron Leporati (West Omni Bedford, Parsippany, N.J.)
2013 - Josué Reyes (Blackwolf Run & Whistling Straits, Kohler, Wis.)
2012 - Amy Pendergast (Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, Bandon Dunes, Ore.)
2011 - Hill Herrick (The Greenbrier Resort, White Sulphur Springs, W. Va.)
2010 - Tom Davidson (Circling Raven G.C., Coeur d’Alene, Idaho)
2009 - Caroline Basarab-Dennison (The Sea Pines Resort, Hilton Head, S.C.)
2008 - Mike Buccerone (The Resort Club at Grande Dunes, Myrtle Beach, S.C.)
2007 - Dirk Willis (Whistling Straits, Kohler, Wisc.)
2006 - Brian Gerard (The Ocean Course, Kiawah Island, S.C.)
2005 - Ron Dunham (Teton Pines Resort & C.C., Jackson, Wyo.)
2004 - Paul Earnest (Four Seasons Resort & Club Dallas at Las Colinas, Irving, Texas)
2003 - Russ Miller (The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, Colo.)
2002 - Charles “Chip” King (Pine Needles Lodge & G.C., Southern Pines, N.C.)
2001 - John Freitas (Hualalai G.C., Kapulehu, Kona, Hawaii)
2000 - Rick Castillo - Wailea Golf Club, Kihei, Maui, Hawaii)
1999 - John Jackson (The Phoenician, Scottsdale, Ariz.)
1998 - Stephen Cryan (Pinehurst (N.C.) Resort & C.C.)
1997 - Brad Doyle (Grand Cypress G.C., Orlando, Fla.)
1996 - not awarded
1995 - Joseph (Jay) Colliatie (Pelican Hill G.C., Newport Coast, Calif.)
1994 - Mike Abbott (Las Colinas Sports Club, Irving, Texas)
1993 - Anthony Austin (Marriott’s Orlando World Center, Orlando, Fla.)
1992 - Craig Williamson (Ko Olina G.C., Ewa Beach, Oahu, Hawaii)
1991 - Kevin Hammock (Marriott Seaview GR, Absecon, N.J.)
1990 - James Bellington (Las Colinas Sports Club, Irving, Texas)
1989 - Tim Skogen (Marriott Desert Springs, Palm Desert, Calif.)
1988 - Gary Planos (The Golf Club, Kapalua, Hawaii)
1987 - Gary Wilcox (La Paloma C.C., Tucson, Ariz.)
1986 - Greg Abadie (La Quinta G.C., La Quinta, Calif.)
1985 - Craig Williamson (Kapalua G.C., Kapalua, Hawaii)
1984 - not awarded
1983 - Ken Judd (Americana/Lake Geneva, (Wis.))
1982 - Jay Overton (Innisbrook, Tarpon Springs, Fla.)
1981 - Dave Johnson and Jerry Holley (Desert Inn C.C., Las Vegas, Nev.)
1980 - Bob Putt (Horseshoe C.C., Marble Falls, Texas)
1979 - Harold “Rags” Ragland (Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Kamuela, Hawaii)
1978 - Roger Maxwell (Camelback C.C., Scottsdale, Ariz.)
PGA Distinguished Service Award
Inaugurated in 1988, the PGA Distinguished Service Award honors outstanding individuals who display leadership and humanitarian qualities, including integrity, sportsmanship and enthusiasm for the game of golf.
2021 - John A. Solheim
2019 - Barbara Nicklaus
2018 - No Recipient
2017 - Mark and Debi Rolfing (Maui, Hawaii)
2016 - No Recipient
2015 - Deane Beman (Ponte Vedre Beach, Fla.)
2014 - Bill Clinton (Chappaqua, N.Y.)
2013 - Lee Trevino (Dallas, Texas)
2012 - Dave Stockton (Redlands, Calif.)
2011 - Larry Nelson (Marietta, Ga.)
2010 - Billy Casper (Springville, Utah)
2009 - William Powell (East Canton, Ohio)
2008 - Dennis Walters (Jupiter, Fla.)
2007 - Jack Burke Jr. (Houston, Texas)
2006 - Fred Ridley (Tampa, Fla.)
2005 - Wally Uihlein (North Dartmouth, Mass.)
2004 - Pete Dye (Carmel, Ind.)
2003 - Vince Gill (Nashville, Tenn.)
2002 - Tim Finchem (Ponte Vedre Beach, Fla.)
2001 - Mark McCormack (Windermere, Fla.)
2000 - Jack Nicklaus (North Palm Beach, Fla.)
1999 - Bill Dickey (Phoenix, Ariz.)
1998 - Paul Runyan (Pasadena, Calif.)
1997 - George H. W. Bush (Houston, Texas)
1996 - Frank Chirkinian (Augusta, Ga.)
1995 - Patty Berg (Fort Myers, Fla.)
1994 - Arnold Palmer (Bay Hill, Fla.)
1993 - Byron Nelson (Roanoke, Texas)
1992 - Gene Sarazen (Marco Island, Fla.)
1991 - Gerald Ford (Rancho Mirage, Calif.)
1990 - No Recipient
1989 - Bob Hope (Palm Springs, Calif.)
1988 - Herb Graffis (Fort Myers Beach, Fla.)
PGA Professional Player of the Year
Begun in 1984, the PGA Professional Player of the Year is determined over a period from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, of the current year. The award is based on points earned in the following events: PGA Championship, PGA Professional Championship, U.S. Open, PGA Stroke Play Championship, PGA Match Play Championship, regular PGA Tour events, Web.com Tour events, PGA Tournament Series, Section PGA Professional Championship and final Section Player of the Year standings. The PGA Professional Player of the Year standings are published throughout the year, with updates in March, July, October and concluding Dec. 31. The PGA Professional Player of the Year Award is presented at the PGA Professional Championship.
2021 - Cameron Smith
2019 - Ryan Vermeer (Happy Hollow Club, Omaha, Neb.)
2018 - Ryan Vermeer (Happy Hollow Club, Omaha, Neb.)
2017 - Rich Berberian Jr. (Vesper Country Club, Tyngsboro, Mass.)
2016 - Rich Berberian Jr. (Windham Country Club, Derry, N.H.)
2015 - Matt Dobyns (Fresh Meadow CC, Lake Success, N.Y.)
2014 - Bob Sowards (New Albany (Ohio) Country Club)
2013 - Rod Perry (Crane Lakes Golf & Country Club, Port Orange, Fla.)
2012 - Rod Perry (Crane Lakes Golf & Country Club, Port Orange, Fla.)
2011 - David Hutsell (The Elkridge Club, Baltimore, Md.)
2010 - Mike Small (University of Illinois, Champaign, Ill.)
2009 - Rick Schuller (Swaders Sports Park, Prince George, Va.)
2008 - Sonny Skinner (River Pointe Golf Club, Albany, Ga.)
2007 - Mike Small (University of Illinois, Champaign, Ill.)
2006 - Mike Small (University of Illinois, Champaign, Ill.)
2005 - Bob Sowards (Wedgewood G & CC, Powell, Ohio)
2004 - Bob Sowards (Wedgewood G & CC, Powell, Ohio)
2003 - Bob Sowards (Wedgewood G & CC, Powell, Ohio)
2002 - Don Berry (Edinburgh GC, Brooklyn Park, Minn.)
2001 - Tim Thelen (Baywood CC, Pasadena, Texas)
2000 - Rick Hartmann (Atlantic GC, Bridgehampton, N.Y.)
1999 - Jeff Freeman (Tamarisk CC, Rancho Mirage, Calif.)
1998 - Bruce Zabriski (Westchester CC, Rye, N.Y.)
1997 - Bruce Zabriski (Westchester CC, Rye, N.Y.)
1996 - Bruce Zabriski (Westchester CC, Rye, N.Y.)
1995 - Jim Estes (Evanston GC, Skokie,Ill.)
1994 - Bruce Zabriski (Winged Foot CC, Mamaroneck, N.Y.)
1993 - Mike San Filippo (Shaker Hills GC, Harvard, Mass.)
1992 - Tom Wargo (Greenview GC, Centralia, Ill.)
1991 - Bruce Zabriski (Oyster Bay GC, Southampton, N.Y.)
1990 - Brett Upper (Feather Sound CC, Clearwater, Fla.)
1989 - Lonnie Nielsen (Crag Burn Club, East Aurora, N.Y.)
1988 - Bob Ford (Oakmont CC, Oakmont, Pa.)
1987 - Lonnie Nielsen (Crag Burn Club, East Aurora, N.Y.)
1986 - Lonnie Nielsen (Crag Burn Club, East Aurora, N.Y.)
1985 - Ed Dougherty (Edgemont CC, Edgemont, Pa.)
1984 - Bill Schumaker (Crooked Lake GC, Columbia City, Ind.)
PGA Senior Professional Player of the Year
Begun in 1995, the Senior PGA Professional Player of the Year is determined over a period from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, of the current year. The award is based on points earned in all tournaments comprising the “regular” PGA Professional Player of the Year award, in addition to the following senior events: the Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid, U.S. Senior Open, Senior PGA Professional Championship, PGA Senior Stroke Play Championship, champions Tour events, Senior Division of the PGA Tournament Series and Senior Section Championships. The Senior PGA Professional Player of the Year standings are published throughout the year, with updates in early March, July 1, Oct. 15 and concluding Dec. 31. The Senior PGA Professional Player of the Year Award is presented during the PGA Professional Championship.
2019 - Bob Sowards (Dublin, Ohio)
2018 - Bob Sowards (Dublin, Ohio)
2017 - Mike Small (Champaign, Ill.)
2016 - Brad Lardon (Las Campanas, Santa Fe, N.M.)
2015 - Brian Cairns (Fox Hills Learning Center, Plymouth, Mich.)
2014 - Sonny Skinner (River Pointe Golf Club, Albany, Ga.)
2013 - Sonny Skinner (River Pointe Golf Club, Albany, Ga.)
2012 - Sonny Skinner (River Pointe Golf Club, Albany, Ga.)
2011 - Sonny Skinner (River Pointe Golf Club, Albany, Ga.)
2010 - Sonny Skinner (River Pointe Golf Club, Albany, Ga.)
2009 - Chris Starkjohann (Oceanside, Calif.)
2008 - Kirk Hanefeld (Acton, Mass.)
2007 - Chris Starkjohann (Cardiff by the Sea, Calif.)
2006 - Chris Starkjohann (Cardiff by the Sea, Calif.)
2005 - Darrell Kestner (Glen Cove, N.Y.)
2004 - Darrell Kestner (Glen Cove, N.Y.)
2003 - Bob Ralston (Little Rock, Ark.)
2002 - Jay Overton (Palm Harbor, Fla.)
2001 - Jay Overton (Palm Harbor, Fla.)
2000 - Ed Sabo (Bear Lakes CC, West Palm Beach, Fla.)
1999 - Jim Ahern (Phoenix, Ariz.)
1998 - Roy Vucinich (Moon Township, Pa.)
1997 - Roy Vucinich (Moon Township, Pa.)
1996 - Steve Veriato (Austin, Texas)
1995 - Mike Joyce (Amelia Island, Fla.)
Legends of the PGA
The Legends of the PGA program was established in 1995 to recognize past PGA Presidents for their contributions to the Association and the golf industry. The honorees are recognized with a special display featuring memorabilia from the president’s term in office. The display and audio-visual presentation is featured at the PGA Annual Meeting.
2021 - Brian Whitcomb (2007-2008)
2017 - M.G. Orender, Jacksonville, Fla. (2003-04)
2016 - not awarded
2015 - not awarded
2014 - Jack Connelly, Huntingdon Valley, Pa. (2001-02)
2013 - not awarded
2012 - Will Mann, North Myrtle Beach, S.C. (1999-2000)
2011 - not awarded
2010 - Ken Lindsay, Jackson, Miss. (1997-98)
2009 - not awarded
2008 - Tom Addis III, Beaumont, Calif. (1995-96)
2007 - not awarded
2006 - Gary Schaal, Murrells Inlet, S.C. (1993-94)
2005 - Dick Smith, Williamstown, N.J. (1991-92)
2004 - Patrick Rielly, La Canada, Calif. (1989-90)
2003 - J.R. Carpenter, Hattiesburg, Miss. (1987-88)
2002 - Mickey Powell, Carmel, Ind. (1985-86)
2001 - Mark Kizziar, Scottsdale, Ariz. (1983-84)
2000 - Joe Black, Carefree, Ariz. (1981-82)
1999 - Don Padgett, Pinehurst, N.C. (1977-78)
1998 - Henry Poe, High Point, N.C. (1975-76)
1997 - William Clarke, Phoenix, Md. (1973-74)
1996 - Warren Orlick, Birmingham, Mich. (1971-72)
1995 - Max Elbin, Bethesda, Md. (1966-68)
(Parenthesis indicate years as PGA President)
PGA Player of the Year
First awarded in 1948, The PGA Player of the Year Award is given to the top PGA Tour player based on his tournament wins, official money standing and scoring average. The point system for selecting the PGA Player of the Year was amended in 1982 and is as follows: 30 points for winning the PGA Championship, U.S. Open, Open Championship or Masters; 20 points for winning The Players Championship; and 10 points for winning all other designated PGA Tour events. In addition, there is a 50-point bonus for winning two majors, 75-point bonus for winning three, 100-point bonus for winning four.
2020 - Justin Thomas
2019 - Brooks Koepka
2018 - Brooks Koepka
2017 - Justin Thomas
2016 - Dustin Johnson
2015 - Jordan Spieth
2014 - Rory McIlroy
2013 - Tiger Woods
2012 - Rory McIlroy
2011 - Luke Donald
2010 - Jim Furyk
2009 - Tiger Woods
2008 - Padraig Harrington
2007 - Tiger Woods
2006 - Tiger Woods
2005 - Tiger Woods
2004 - Vijay Singh
2003 - Tiger Woods
2002 - Tiger Woods
2001 - Tiger Woods
2000 - Tiger Woods
1999 - Tiger Woods
1998 - Mark O’Meara
1997 - Tiger Woods
1996 - Tom Lehman
1995 - Greg Norman
1994 - Nick Price
1993 - Nick Price
1992 - Fred Couples
1991 - Corey Pavin
1990 - Nick Faldo
1989 - Tom Kite
1988 - Curtis Strange
1987 - Paul Azinger
1986 - Bob Tway
1985 - Lanny Wadkins
1984 - Tom Watson
1983 - Hal Sutton
1982 - Tom Watson
1981 - Bill Rodgers
1980 - Tom Watson
1979 - Tom Watson
1978 - Tom Watson
1977 - Tom Watson
1976 - Jack Nicklaus
1975 - Jack Nicklaus
1974 - Johnny Miller
1973 - Jack Nicklaus
1972 - Jack Nicklaus
1971 - Lee Trevino
1970 - Billy Casper
1969 - Orville Moody
1968 - No Award
1967 - Jack Nicklaus
1966 - Billy Casper
1965 - Dave Marr
1964 - Ken Venturi
1963 - Julius Boros
1962 - Arnold Palmer
1961 - Jerry Barber
1960 - Arnold Palmer
1959 - Art Wall
1958 - Dow Finsterwald
1957 - Dick Mayer
1956 - Jack Burke Jr.
1955 - Doug Ford
1954 - Ed Furgol
1953 - Ben Hogan
1952 - Julius Boros
1951 - Ben Hogan
1950 - Ben Hogan
1949 - Sam Snead
1948 - Ben Hogan
Vardon Trophy
The Vardon Trophy, named by the PGA of America in honor of legendary British golfer Harry Vardon, was preceded by the Harry Radix Trophy, which was initiated in 1934. The Radix Trophy was presented to Ky Laffoon (1934), Paul Runyan (1935) and Ralph Guldahl (1936). Radix was an Illinois businessman who was a member of the PGA Advisory Committee. The PGA changed the name of the award to the Vardon Trophy in 1937 to commemorate Harry Vardon, who died the same year. The Vardon Trophy is a bronze-colored plaque measuring 39” by 27” and features sculpted hands replicating Vardon’s famed overlapping grip on a golf club. From 1947 to 1987, the Vardon Trophy was awarded to the professional golfer with the lowest scoring average. In 1988, the criteria was adjusted to award the Vardon Trophy to the touring professional with the lowest adjusted scoring average. It is based on a minimum of 60 rounds, with no incomplete rounds (i.e. stipulated rounds as defined by the Rules of Golf, as approved by the USGA and the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, Scotland), in events co-sponsored or designated by the PGA Tour. The adjusted score is computed from the average score of the field at each tournament. As a result, a player’s adjusted score may be higher or lower than his actual score. For example, a player shoots 70 each day at a tournament while the field average was 73. His 280 total would then be adjusted to 268 since he actually played 12 shots better than the field did during the tournament. Any player with an incomplete round will be ineligible to win the Vardon Trophy.
Point System (* Point system began in 1937)
1942-46 - No Award – WWII
1941 - Ben Hogan (494)
1940 - Ben Hogan (423)
1939 - Byron Nelson (473)
1938 - Sam Snead (520)
1937 - Harry Cooper (500_
1936 - Ralph Guldahl (Radix Trophy)*
1935 - Paul Runyan (Radix Trophy)*
1934 - Ky Laffoon (Radix Trophy)*
Lowest Scoring Average
1962 - Arnold Palmer (70.27)
1961 - Arnold Palmer (69.85)
1960 - Billy Casper (69.95)
1959 - Art Wall (70.35)
1958 - Bob Rosburg (70.11)
1957 - Dow Finsterwald (70.30)
1956 - Cary Middlecoff (70.35)
1955 - Sam Snead (69.86)
1954 - Dutch Harrison (70.41)
1953 - Lloyd Mangrum (70.22)
1952 - Jack Burke (70.54)
1951 - Lloyd Mangrum (70.05)
1950 - Sam Snead (69.23)
1949 - Sam Snead (69.37)
1948 - Ben Hogan (69.30)
1947 - Jimmy Demaret (69.90)
Lowest Adjusted Scoring Average
2020 - Webb Simpson (68.978)
2019 - Rory McIlroy (69.057)
2018 - Dustin Johnson (68.698)
2017 - Jordan Spieth (68.846)
2016 - Dustin Johnson (69.172)
2015 - Jordan Spieth (68.911)
2014 - Rory Mcilroy (68.827)
2013 - Tiger Woods (68.98)
2012 - Rory McIlroy (68.87)
2011 - Luke Donald (68.86)
2010 - Matt Kuchar (69.61)
2009 - Tiger Woods (68.05)
2008 - Sergio Garcia (69.12)
2007 - Tiger Woods (67.79)
2006 - Jim Furyk (68.86)
2005 - Tiger Woods (68.66)
2004 - Vijay Singh (68.84)
2003 - Tiger Woods (68.41)
2002 - Tiger Woods (68.56)
2001 - Tiger Woods (68.81)
2000 - Tiger Woods (67.79)
1999 - Tiger Woods (68.43)
1998 - David Duval (69.13)
1997 - Nick Price (68.98)
1996 - Tom Lehman (69.32)
1995 - Steve Elkington (69.62)
1994 - Greg Norman (68.81)
1993 - Nick Price (69.11)
1992 - Fred Couples (69.38)
1991 - Fred Couples (69.59)
1990 - Greg Norman (69.10)
1989 - Greg Norman (69.49)
1988 - Chip Beck (69.46)
1987 - Dan Pohl (70.25)
1986 - Scott Hoch (70.08)
1985 - Don Pooley (70.36)
1984 - Calvin Peete (70.56)
1983 - Ray Floyd (70.61)
1982 - Tom Kite (70.21)
1981 - Tom Kite (69.80)
1980 - Lee Trevino (69.73)
1979 - Tom Watson (70.27)
1978 - Tom Watson (70.16)
1977 - Tom Watson (70.32)
1976 - Don January (70.32)
1975 - Bruce Crampton (70.56)
1974 - Lee Trevino (70.53)
1973 - Bruce Crampton (70.57)
1972 - Lee Trevino (70.57)
1971 - Lee Trevino (70.64)
1970 - Lee Trevino (70.64)
1969 - Dave Hill (70.34)
1968 - Billy Casper (69.82)
1967 - Arnold Palmer (70.18)
1966 - Billy Casper (70.27)
1965 - Billy Casper (70.85)
1964 - Arnold Palmer (70.01)
1963 - Billy Casper (70.58)
PGA Lifetime Achievement Award in Journalism
The PGA’s Lifetime Achievement Award in Journalism is presented during the Golf Writers Association of America annual spring dinner in conjunction with the Masters. The award honors members of the media for the steadfast promotion of golf, both locally and nationally, throughout their career.
The selection committee consists of representatives of the PGA of America, United States Golf Association, PGA Tour, Champions PGA Tour, LPGA, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, National Golf Course Owners Association, American Society of Golf Course Architects, National Golf Foundation, European PGA Tour and past recipients.
2020 - Bill Fields (Golf World Magazine)
2019 - Doug Ferguson, Jacksonville, Fla. (Associated Press)
2018 - Lorne Rubenstein, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (ScoreGolf/The Globe and Mail)
2017 - Larry Dorman, Bonsall, Calif. (New York Times)
2016 - George Peper, Vero Beach, Fla. (Links)
2015 - Ron Sirak, Wellfleet, Mass. (Golf Digest)
2014 - Tim Rosaforte, Jupiter, Fla. (Golf World/Golf Channel)
2013 - John Hopkins, Cardiff, Wales (London Times)
2012 - Jaime Diaz, Carthage, N.C. (Golf Digest)
2011 - Jerry Tarde, Fairfield, Conn. (Golf Digest)
2010 - Dave Kindred, Locust Grove, Va. (Golf Digest)
2009 - Art Spander, Oakland, Calif. (Oakland Tribune)
2008 - Marino Parascenzo, Ellwood City, Pa. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
2007 - Jack Berry, Ann Arbor, Mich. (Michigan Golfer)
2006 - Ron Green Sr., Charlotte, N.C. (Charlotte Observer)
2005 - Al Barkow, Albany, Calif. (Golf Illustrated)
2004 - Bob Verdi, Northbrook, Ill. (Golf Digest/Golf World)
2003 - Renton Laidlaw, Drumoig, Scotland (Golf Channel)
2002 - Nick Seitz, Rowayton, Conn. (Golf Digest)
2001 - Kaye Kessler, Littleton, Colo. (Links)
2000 - Jim McKay, Monkton, Md. (ABC Sports)
1999 - Ken Venturi, Marco Island, Fla. (CBS Sports)
1998 - Dave Anderson, Tenafly, N.J. (New York Times)
1997 - Jack Whitaker, Bridgehampton, N.Y. (ABC Sports)
1996 - Furman Bisher, Fayetteville, Ga. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
1995 - Dan Jenkins, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. (Golf Digest)
1994 - Frank Chirkinian, Jupiter, Fla. (CBS Sports)
- Bob Green, Weatherford, Texas (Associated Press)
1993 - Jim Murray, Los Angeles (Los Angeles Times)
1992 - Herbert Warren Wind, Weston, Mass. (Author)
1991 - Dick Taylor, Pinehurst, N.C. (Links)
PGA Golf Executive of the Year
The PGA Golf Executive of the Year Award bestows special recognition for performing outstanding services in an executive management position, while possessing qualities of leadership, vision, courage, moral character and a substantial record of service to the Association and the game.
2023 - Bernie Friedrich (Boyne Resorts, Petoskey, Mich.)
2021 - Joe Assell (GOLFTEC, Englewood, Colorado)
2020 - Dana Garmany (Troon, Scottsdale, Ariz.)
PGA Lifetime Achievement Award in Photojournalism
Recognizing the vital role that photography has in chronicling the rich history of golf, the PGA of America celebrates individuals who have promoted and honored the game by establishing the PGA Lifetime Achievement Award in Photojournalism.
2020 - Leonard Kamsler
Women's PGA Professional Player of the Year
2019 - Joanna Coe (Baltimore Country Club, Baltimore, Md.)