Nomination Form

Please thoroughly review the following  guidelines for each award before nominating your peers

 Eligibility

Professionals eligible for SOPGA Special Awards must be active PGA Members in good standing (Class “F” or Inactive Members not eligible); except SOPGA Apprentice Assistant of the Year must be PGA Apprentice in good standing.

SOPGA Professional of the Year

The SOPGA Golf Professional of the Year is awarded to a PGA member for overall performance as a golf professional, leadership, service and promotion of the game of golf. Overall performance at the member’s facility, level of service to the SOPGA Section and to the Association, and image as a golf professional are some of the criteria considered for this award.

SOPGA Teacher of the Year

This award bestows special recognition on a SOPGA Professional for excellence in golf instruction, along with overall performance. Promotion of golf, use of teaching aids, involvement in junior golf activities, teaching techniques, and articles published are some of the criteria considered for this award.

SOPGA Horton Smith Award (Education)

This award is designed to recognize a SOPGA member for their outstanding service and contributions in developing and improving educational opportunities for fellow PGA Professionals. Voluntary contributions to National PGA and Section education programs are also considered for this award.

SOPGA Bill Strausbaugh Award  

This award is presented to a SOPGA member who has shown outstanding integrity, commitment to mentoring PGA Professionals and has made a significant impact on the careers of PGA Professionals. The award also considers the member’s service to the Association, and involvement in community and charitable activities.

SOPGA Junior Golf Leader

This award is designed to recognize a SOPGA Professional who is a leader in junior golf, reflects the image and qualities that juniors can emulate, and provides opportunities for juniors to learn and play golf. A member’s contributions to Sectional and National junior programs and involvement in the promotion and development of junior golf at the facility and community levels are some of the criteria considered for this award.

SOPGA Merchandiser of the Year

Recognizes SOPGA members who have demonstrated superior skills as merchandisers in the promotion of golf. Awarded in three categories (Private, Resort and Public/Municipal/Military/Semi-Private). Credit rating, community involvement, staffing, inventory, displays and merchandising techniques are some of the criteria considered for this award.

SOPGA Assistant Professional of the Year

The SOPGA recognizes the PGA Member and Apprentice Assistant of the Year for their growth in their development as a golf professional as well as commitment to a career in the PGA.  Criteria for these awards are based on: 1) overall performance as an Assistant golf professional; 2) services to the Section, Chapter or Association; 3) leadership ability and; 4) promotion of golf.

 SOPGA President’s Plaque

This award recognizes a SOPGA member who has made extraordinary contributions and achievements in conducting and/or supporting growth of the game initiatives.

If you have any questions about the nomination process please contact the section office.