(Fairborn, OH) Ryan Coll, PGA Head Professional at Columbus Country Club, has been named the 2022 Southern Ohio PGA Golf Professional of the Year. The award is given annually to a PGA member for overall performance as a golf professional, leadership, service and promotion of the game of golf. Coll prides himself on being a leader at his club for everyone involved; his golf staff, the members and everyone that comes on property at Columbus Country Club. With a background that includes stops at Oakmont Country Club and Muirfield Village Golf Club, Coll blends the best of what he’s learned from his mentors to lead his staff of four PGA Professionals. Since he started at the club five years ago, his team has made a significant impact on member events, merchandise operations and teaching and coaching programs, increasing participation and metrics many times over.
Chris Yoder, PGA Director of Youth Player Development at Scioto Country Club, is the 2022 Southern Ohio PGA Teacher of the Year presented by GOLFTEC. Yoder’s 2021 season was highlighted by two students claiming victory in both the Ohio Amateur and Ohio Junior Amateur Championship! Yoder has built a robust junior program at Scioto Country Club, to include a Drive, Chip & Putt prep, Beginner, Rising Star and Elite Team Programs. A collegiate golfer at Wake Forest University and a college golf coach at Wake Forest and The Ohio State University, Chris leans on this experience and his ability to build deep relationships with his students to produce results with a broad spectrum of students and learning abilities.
Jeff Grant, PGA General Manager at NCR Country Club, has built his career on mentorship and helping lead others in the industry which is why he has been selected as the 2022 Bill Strausbaugh Award recipient. He’s helped numerous PGA Professionals advance their careers while leading a team of seven PGA Members at his club today. One way that he’s led others is through education. Grant earned a PGA Certification in Executive Management and is also a Certified Club Manager through the Club Management Association of America (CMAA). He doesn’t just lead by example, he invests in others through their own education. Of the seven PGA Members on this staff, one has earned the distinction of PGA Master Professional while five have earned a Certification.
The Merchandiser of the Year Award recognizes PGA Professionals who excel in business and merchandising for the promotion of golf. Chad Gilligan, PGA Head Professional at Losantiville Country Club is the 2022 SOPGA Private Merchandiser of the Year. Gilligan strives to have a golf shop that delivers value to his members and is a place they want to shop. He accomplishes this by carrying items that members won’t see in big box stores and always tries to stay ahead of current fashion trends. Over the past four years, this concept was proven to work as he’s increased sales in the golf shop by nearly 50%.
Tom West, PGA General Manager at Heatherwoode Golf Club, is the 2022 SOPGA Public Merchandiser of the Year. West attributes his success to treating the golf shop as a direct reflection of the overall facility. He has used creativity, like installing a real Red London Telephone Booth around their Coke machine and building out a custom trophy case to give guests the feeling that they are at a high end facility. He also tries to create a laid back buying environment by focusing on decor, lighting and background music, all resulting in increased sales for the facility.
The Player Development Award goes to a PGA Professional who has displayed extraordinary and exemplary contribution and achievement in the area of player development. Chase Wilson, PGA Director of Instruction at Columbus Country Club, does all of that and more which is why he was selected as the 2022 Player Development Award recipient. Wilson started at Columbus Country Club in 2018 and has since played a pivotal role in the growth of many player development programs. He helped launch and grow the Ladies Sip & Chip, two PGA Junior League teams, a robust club fitting program as well as the Columbus Country Club Junior Academy.
Steve Jurick, PGA, Executive Director of the Miami Valley Golf Association is dedicated to educating and being a resource to fellow professionals and amateurs alike across the Miami Valley. Because of this, Jurick has been awarded the 2022 Professional Development Award. A Past President and former award recipient, Jurick strives to be a good representative of his fellow PGA Professionals within USGA and Allied Golf Association circles. He further works to help the amateur golf community understand the importance of PGA Professionals in the industry.
Growing the game of golf is at the heart of Matt Starr, PGA Head Professional at Meadow Links Golf Academy in Cincinnati, OH. It’s because of his efforts that he’s earned both the 2022 Youth Player Development Award and the 2022 Patriot Award. The Youth Player Development Award goes to a PGA Professional who has displayed extraordinary and exemplary contribution and achievement in the area of youth player development. Starr has been the leader at Meadow Links in fostering a wide range of junior programs to include PGA Jr League, the First Tee, Youth on Course and a Golf in Schools program. In 2021, Starr and Meadow Links had nearly 1,100 juniors participate in programs. He attributes the junior program success to his team and the facility but also to one simple idea; try to be a mentor by relating to kids on their level, keeping it professional but most importantly, fun.
The Patriot Award recognizes the 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. Starr and Meadow Links jumped on board with the PGA HOPE program when it was introduced in 2016. His programs annually attract 100 or more participants to take part in the eight week instruction program. His focus with veterans is not only introducing them to the game but creating a caring community for the participants. He’s elevated their offerings over the years to include a league program following the clinics, further enhancing the community feeling.
The Assistant Professional of the Year is awarded to a member for growth in their development as a golf professional as well as commitment to a career in the PGA. Jamie Brewer, PGA Assistant Professional at Hyde Park Golf & Country Club is the 2022 recipient of this award. Brewer prides herself on being organized and efficient in all facets of the operation at Hyde Park. In 2021, she introduced new ways to elevate their tournament program and expanded their PGA Jr League programs. Brewer works diligently to be a leader and to provide inspiration for the membership, her staff and other PGA Professionals across the Section.
The Associate of the Year is presented to a PGA Associate for growth in their development as a golf professional as well as commitment to a career in the PGA. Hannah McCrabb, PGA Associate Professional at NCR Country Club is the 2022 recipient. McCrabb has been around the game her entire life and only recently started in her role at NCR in early 2021. She jumped feet first into the opportunity. She prides herself on being able to be a jack of all trades helping with events, instruction, junior camps and anywhere she is needed. She leads by example with a strong work ethic and a positive, energetic personality. Hannah’s goal is to serve that role to other girls interested in the sport and business of golf.
The Sales Rep of the Year honors a sales representative (hard or soft goods) serving the Section who has made significant contributions to the game of golf at the Section level and within his/her company and whose overall performance as a sales representative including service to accounts, overall integrity, courtesy, and professionalism is second to none. Kathy Keller, Sales Rep for Straight Down, Belyn Key, GustBuster, Feetures, Vimhue and Cappai Designs always puts the needs of her customers first. She does her best to get to know both the PGA Member and the facility so she can provide them with products that will best fit their needs.
The 2022 award winners will be celebrated during the annual Southern Ohio PGA Awards Dinner set for Friday, November 11, 2022 at Columbus Country Club.
Click here to view the full list of 2022 awards and recipients.