The Southern Ohio PGA is proud to announce its 2026 Rolex Players of the Year, recognizing three PGA of America Golf Professionals and one PGA Associate whose on-course performances defined an exceptional season of competition across the Section and on the national stage.
Ben Kern, PGA – Rolex Player of the Year
Kern delivered one of the year’s biggest performances on golf’s grandest stage, earning Low PGA of America Golf Professional honors at the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club. He made the cut and finished the week as the top-performing PGA Professional in the field, earning the distinction for the second time in his career. Kern also finished runner-up at the 2026 PGA Professional Championship at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort. He was also solo second at the Southern Ohio PGA Section Championship TPC River’s Bend.
NEWTOWN SQUARE, PA – MAY 16: Ben Kern hits his tee shot on the second hole during the third round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on Saturday, May 16, 2026 in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Darren Carroll/PGA of America)
Bob Sowards, PGA – Rolex Senior Player of the Year
Sowards continued to add to one of the most decorated playing careers in Section history. He won his 12th Southern Ohio PGA Professional Championship and sixth Tour Championship, sweeping the Section’s two biggest events in the same season. Sowards also represented Southern Ohio at the Senior PGA Championship, where he made the cut and finished tied for 59th at The Concession Club.
PORT ST. LUCIE, FL – APRIL 30: Bob Sowards hits his tee shot on the 18th hole during the final round of the PGA Professional Championship at PGA Golf Club on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Rachel Harris/PGA of America)
Allie White, PGA/LPGA – Rolex Women’s Player of the Year
White made 2026 a season of history. She won the Southern Ohio PGA Women’s Professional Championship, the Women’s Tour Championship and became the first woman to win a main-division event in Section history with her victory at the Springfield Classic.
CHASKA, MN – JUNE 25: Allie White lines up her putt on the 12th hole during the first round of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at Hazeltine National Golf Club on Thursday, June 25, 2026 in Chaska, Minnesota. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/PGA of America)
She also represented Southern Ohio at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at Hazeltine National Golf Club for the third time. She also finished third in the Main Division at the Section Championship, secured a place in the 2027 PGA Professional Championship and became the first woman to represent the SOPGA at the Ohio Cup.
Austin Schoonmaker — Rolex Associate Player of the Year
Schoonmaker put together a standout season, highlighted by victories at the inaugural Ohio Team Championship alongside Josh Gilkison and the Queen City Classic. He also captured the Associate Division at the Tour Championship at Maketewah Country Club, capping off the year with yet another title.
BATAVIA, OH – JULY 6: Austin Schoonmaker walks on the green at The Golf Club at Stonelick Hills during the 2026 Queen City Classic. (Photo by Brett Hiltbrand/Southern Ohio PGA)