FAIRBORN, OH – The Southern Ohio PGA is thrilled to recognize Steve Jurick, PGA Executive Director at Miami Valley Golf Association, with the 2022 Professional Development Award.
Steve Jurick, PGA Executive Director at Miami Valley Golf, is the 2022 Southern Ohio PGA Professional Development Award recipient for his tremendous contributions to education within the industry. Promoting the game of golf has been Jurick’s core professional mission for over 30 years. The Southern Ohio native spent his apprenticeship years as an Assistant Professional in Florida and New Jersey before moving back to the Section and taking on Head Professional roles in Cincinnati.
In 1997, Jurick became the first full-time staff member of Miami Valley Golf. Under his leadership, the organization has grown to over 45 member clubs and provides administration support for other golf non-profits. He was instrumental in the development of the Miami Valley Golf Foundation, which generates funds supporting various growth of the game initiatives such as Youth on Course and Golf My Future, My Game.
While developing as a professional, Jurick also remained true to the core of the industry by keeping up with his game on the course. His playing resume includes events on what is now the Korn Ferry Tour and multiple PGA Professional Championships. In 2015, he was the sectional medalist and played in the US Senior Open.
The 33-year PGA Member is dedicated to serving our game of a lifetime. He has served and serves on various boards and committees supporting our sport’s initiatives. He was elected as the 30th President of the Southern Ohio PGA with a term from 2001-2003 and was inducted into the Southern Ohio PGA Hall of Fame in 2017. Jurick has previously received this award for Professional Development (formerly the Horton Smith award) in 2002.
Can you define, in your own words, what “Professional Development” means to you?
SJ: It means to always do your best with the opportunities your chosen profession presents itself and to be a lifetime learner.
You previously were recognized with this same award in 2002. What would you say has changed the most in our industry’s professional development in the past 20 years?
SJ: In the past twenty years, in my opinion, roles in golf have become more specialized. That’s not to say the “PGA Professionals have many roles. But just one badge.” still is not true, it’s just that each role has a higher level of sophistication associated with it which has allowed many of my fellow professional’s opportunities that may not have existed 20 years ago.
In your opinion, why is professional development critical to PGA Professionals?
SJ: I believe that if you don’t commit to a life of continual improvement, you are doing yourself and the game that provides most of us our livelihood a disservice.
What advice would you share with new PGA Members for them to succeed in professional development?
SJ: Be inquisitive and be all in. Don’t be so afraid of failure that you don’t try new things. Failures are also an opportunity to learn.
What does it mean to you to receive the 2022 Professional Development Award in recognition of your commitment to mentorship within our Section?
SJ: In my role as Executive Director of Miami Valley Golf, my first and most important responsibility is to be an advocate for our game of a lifetime, so it’s critical that we work to empower others within our games eco structure who have similar roles and responsibilities such as my fellow PGA Professionals. Therefore, this honor signifies that Miami Valley Golf and the leadership I am fortunate to be able to provide is recognized for our passionate commitment to our role in the Golf Community.
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. Click here to learn more about the Southern Ohio PGA Special Awards and to view previous recipients.