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, presented by GOLFTEC.
Houston and Decker are two of the 13 industry leaders recognized this year for their outstanding contributions to the game and Section. Several are winning awards for the very first time!
Golf Professional of the Year
Jake Houston, PGA – Springfield Country Club
A community leader and a rising star among PGA Professionals, Jake Houston, PGA, is a true 5-tool player who embodies the personal and professional dexterity required for modern PGA of America Golf Professionals. Jake has been the Head Golf Professional at Springfield Country Club since 2019 after serving as an Assistant Professional at Beechmont Country Club in the greater Cleveland area. A graduate of Ashland University, Jake and his wife Bridget live in Springfield and they are the proud parents of two little girls.
Teacher & Coach of the Year presented by GOLFTEC
Jon Decker, PGA – The Medallion Club
In what’s undoubtedly a career defined by impact on the range and also well beyond it, eleven years passing between Teacher & Coach of the Year awards for Jon Decker, PGA, seems like a great way to demonstrate his consistency and longevity as a teacher and instructor. Now the Director of Instruction at The Medallion Club in Westerville, Jon previously won this award in 2015 while serving the same role at New Albany Country Club. In a career spanning three decades, Jon’s ability to reach players of all ability levels is why he’s had success with junior golfers all the way to players on the PGA Tour. He is prolific with his instructional content on social media and is a twice-published author. Through his writing, including his most recent book, Fairways to Heaven, Jon offers a deeper look at the role the game has played in his life, connecting instruction with the values that guide his approach on and off the course.
Private Merchandiser of the Year
Peter Dornisch, PGA – Muirfield Village Golf Club
Public Merchandiser of the Year
Steven Klick, PGA – Beavercreek Golf Course
Patriot Award
Jennifer Ridle, PGA – Little Miami Golf Center
Golf Executive of the Year
Jeff Grant, PGA – NCR Country Club
Player Development Award
Mark Williams, PGA – City of Columbus
Bill Strausbaugh Award
Tom Bach, PGA – Heatherwoode Golf Club
Professional Development Award
Gene Powell, PGA – Four Bridges Country Club
Youth Player Development Award
Chris Yoder, PGA – Scioto Country Club
Assistant of the Year Award
Garrett Wisniewski, PGA – Columbus Country Club
Associate of the Year Award
Scott Nevius – Little Miami Golf Center
Sales Rep of the Year
Blake Kearney – PING