SOPGA Member News

Cincinnati, OH – The Southern Ohio PGA is proud to announce the 2026 Special Award winners, highlighted by the Southern Ohio PGA Golf Professional of the Year, Jake Houston, PGA, and Jon Decker, PGA, the Teacher & Coach of the Year,

Cincinnati, OH – Sam Arnold knows how to start strong. Back in 2025, Arnold hit the ground at a full sprint with a strong showing at PGA TOUR Champions Q-School that continued to the Ohio Cup and beyond. He’s up to his usual tricks in 2026,

COLUMBUS, OH — The Southern Ohio PGA is proud to congratulate the newest member of the PGA of America in our section, Jared Hoelzen, PGA! Jared was elected to membership in January of 2026 and is an Assistant Professional at Scioto Country Club in

Teacher and Coach of the Year, Presented by GOLFTEC…If you spend any time on the lesson tee with Gene Powell, you quickly notice two things: an eye for detail that could rival a scientist’s, and a warmth that makes even the most

Bill Strausbaugh Award…There’s a plaque that hangs on the wall of Rob Karnes’ office that’s older than the building it resides in. It’s small and humble, the kind of thing a 12-year-old might have put on their dresser or desk. It

Golf Executive of the Year…At NCR Country Club, excellence doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of vision, collaboration, and steady leadership, all qualities that define Jeff Grant, PGA, CCM, this year’s Southern Ohio PGA Golf

Centerville, Ohio – Jeff Grant, PGA, General Manager and COO of NCR Country Club, was elected President of the Southern Ohio PGA on Monday, October 20, 2025 at the Southern Ohio PGA Annual Fall Meeting. “As I step into the role of President,

Patriot Award Recipient…Jeff Olson, PGA, doesn’t seek recognition for what he does. He seeks connection. That humble spirit lies at the heart of why he was selected as the 2025 Patriot Award recipient by Southern Ohio PGA. His impact on

Private Merchandiser of the Year…The Southern Ohio PGA is proud to recognize Justin Armour, PGA, Head Golf Professional at New Albany Country Club, as the 2025 Private Merchandiser of the Year. Justin’s leadership in golf shop operations, his

Public Merchandiser of the Year…For more than 25 years, merchandising has been a point of pride for Derrick DeHart, PGA. That dedication, paired with his eye for detail and commitment to customer service, earned him the 2025 Southern Ohio PGA