The Southern Ohio PGA is excited to recognize the 2025 Award winners, highlighted by The Southern Ohio PGA Golf Professional of the Year, Andy Montgomery, PGA, as well as Gene Powell, PGA, as the Teacher & Coach of the Year Award presented by GOLFTEC.
Montgomery, Director of Golf, Kinsale Golf & Fitness Club – A fixture at SOPGA Tournaments and a leader of members across the section, Montgomery is another excellent choice to headline the 2025 Awards. This award is given annually to the PGA member for overall performance as a golf professional, as well as leadership, service and promotion of the game of golf. Montgomery has been the Director of Golf at Kinsale since 2006 after serving as an Assistant Professional at Tartan Fields and Riviera Golf Club. A graduate of The Ohio State University, Andy is from Worthington, Ohio and has been a steading presence in the Southern Ohio PGA Section for nearly 20 years.
Gene Powell, Director of Instruction at Four Bridges Country Club – A PGA Master Professional, a former Section chapter President and a multiple SOPGA Award winner, Powell is the definition of a golf instructor with the ability to mentor golfers at any age and ability level. In addition to being a US Kids Top 50 Masters Teacher, he’s also been a Golf Digest Best Teacher in Ohio since 2017. Powell has also been a faculty member teaching PGM programs at PGA Universities in various capacities since 1999. He’s presented to over 4,000 PGA Associates in his two decades of service at the PGA Education Center in both Port St. Lucie and PGA Frisco.
Hall of Fame Class of 2025 and Special Award Winners
Hall of Famers – Ken Corliss, PGA, Larry King, PGA, and Larry Cassady, PGA.
Legacy Award – Joe Zinchini, PGA
Lifetime Achievement Award – Jim Saling
Click here to read more about the Hall of Fame Class and Special Award Winners.
Below is a list of all of the Award winners:
Golf Professional of the Year
Andy Montgomery, PGA – Director of Golf at Kinsale Golf & Fitness Club and Scioto Reserve Country Club
Teacher & Coach of the Year presented by GOLFTEC
Gene Powell, PGA – Director of Instruction at Four Bridges Country Club
Bill Strausbaugh Award – Rob Karnes, PGA – Director of Golf at NCR Country Club
The words on the small wooden plaque in Rob Karnes’ office—“You gotta wanta”—capture the philosophy that has guided his entire career. Passed down from his grandfather, who taught him the game, that message shaped Karnes into the mentor, leader, and culture-builder he is today.
Golf Executive of the Year Award – Jeff Grant, PGA – General Manager at NCR Country Club
At NCR Country Club, Jeff Grant has led with a rare combination of operational expertise and people-first leadership. His efforts have made NCR one of the premier golf facilities not just in Ohio, but the entire country. His service to the Section is equally impactful. A longtime Board member and Finance Committee Chair, Grant begins his term as Section President in 2025, bringing the same steady guidance that has defined his career.
Patriot Award – Jeff Olson, PGA – Head Golf Professional at Wedgewood Golf & Country Club (previously with The Golf Club of Dublin)
Jeff has become one of Central Ohio’s most trusted and beloved leaders in Veteran golf programming. Since launching the Columbus PGA HOPE Chapter in 2018, he has guided hundreds of Veterans through six-week clinics, mentoring them with patience, empathy, and genuine connection.
Private Merchandiser of the Year – Justin Armour, PGA – Head Golf Professional at New Albany Country Club
At New Albany Country Club, Justin has reimagined what private-club merchandising can be. Overseeing a spacious and carefully curated golf shop, Armour blends business acumen with hospitality, creating a retail environment that feels both premium and personal.
Public Merchandiser of the Year – Derrick DeHart, PGA – Head Golf Professional at Dayton Country Club (previously at Stonelick Hills Golf Course)
Derrick transformed the golf shop at Stonelick Hills by pairing an elevated retail experience with impressive financial performance. With a 251% increase in merchandise sales in 2024, his approach was both strategic and customer-focused.
Player Development Award – Ben Chandler, PGA – Mark McDonald Golf Academy (Previously the Director of Instruction for the Cincinnati Recreation Commission)
During his time at the Cincinnati Recreation Commission, Ben ignited one of the most impressive instructional turnarounds in the Section. Tasked with rebuilding the entire player development system, Chandler launched the CRC Golf Academy and introduced more than 50 new programs in a single season.
Youth Player Development Award – Chris Yoder, PGA – Director of Youth Player Development at Scioto Country Club
One of the great junior golf leaders and innovators in the nation, Chris is at the forefront of several initiatives and efforts with youth golf in Ohio. From leading one of the great junior programs in the country at Scioto Country Club, to being a resource and coach for the next generation of elite talent with Team Ohio, Chris’s influence continues to grow.
Professional Development Award – Jeff McEldowney, PGA – Director of Instruction at GOLFTEC Dublin
A tireless advocate for professional growth, Jeff’s intentional process of cultivating a positive and energetic culture at GOLFTEC Dublin has yielded significant results in a short time frame. Known for being a valuable resource at any time, Jeff is a go-to mentor for up-and-coming PGA Associates and young professionals looking to progress in the golf industry.
Assistant Professional of the Year – Hannah McCrabb, PGA – Assistant Golf Professional at NCR Country Club
At NCR Country Club, Hannah has become essential to both operations and culture, and that influence continues to grow. As the Lead Assistant Professional, she approaches every role with reliability and enthusiasm, and is quickly becoming an exceptionally valued member of the Section as well as the PGA of America.
Associate of the Year – Adam Taulbee – Assistant Golf Professional at Elks Run Golf Course
Adam embodies the enthusiasm and drive that define the best emerging PGA Associates. At Elks Run Golf Club, he has become a steady, reliable presence who has elevated operations and built a more unified, motivated staff culture.
Sales Representative of the Year – Jenny Gleason – Director of Women’s Golf at Scioto Country Club (previously with XXIO)
With a competitive background that includes time on the LPGA Tour and three Symetra Tour wins, Jenny brought rare insight to her role in golf sales. Her approach, rooted in relationships and integrity, also had the backing of her tremendous playing career. Now the Director of Women’s Golf at Scioto Country Club, you see that same approach while also showcasing her exceptional professional versatility.
Deacon Palmer Award – Tod Hecht, PGA – PGA Life Member
Tod story is one of resilience, service and unwavering devotion to the game. In 2008, a stroke left him partially paralyzed and created challenges with communication. His recovery was long and uncertain, but through persistence, therapy and golf, Hecht returned—not just to the game, but to teaching and connecting with people in profound ways.
