The SOPGA Golf Professional of the Year is awarded to a PGA member for overall performance as a golf professional, leadership, service and promotion of the game of golf. Overall performance at the member’s facility, level of service to the SOPGA Section and to the Association, and image as a golf professional are some of the criteria considered for this award.
This award bestows special recognition on a SOPGA Professional for excellence in golf instruction, along with overall performance. Promotion of golf, use of teaching aids, involvement in junior golf activities, teaching techniques, and articles published are some of the criteria considered for this award.
This award is designed to recognize a SOPGA Professional who is a leader in youth golf, reflects the image and qualities that juniors can emulate, and provides opportunities for juniors to learn and play golf. A member’s contributions to Sectional and National youth programs and involvement in the promotion and development of youth golf at the facility and community levels are some of the criteria considered for this award.
The Patriot Award is presented to a 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.
This award is presented to a SOPGA member who has shown outstanding integrity, commitment to mentoring PGA Professionals and has made a significant impact on the careers of PGA Professionals. The award also considers the member’s service to the Association, and involvement in community and charitable activities.
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.
This award recognizes a SOPGA member who has made extraordinary contributions and achievements in conducting and/or supporting growth of the game initiatives.
Recognizes SOPGA members who have demonstrated superior skills as merchandisers in the promotion of golf. Awarded in two categories (Private and Public/Municipal/Military/Semi-Private). Credit rating, community involvement, staffing, inventory, displays and merchandising techniques are some of the criteria considered for this award.
Recognizes SOPGA members who have demonstrated superior skills as merchandisers in the promotion of golf. Awarded in two categories (Private and Public/Municipal/Military/Semi-Private). Credit rating, community involvement, staffing, inventory, displays and merchandising techniques are some of the criteria considered for this award.
The SOPGA recognizes the PGA Member and Associate Assistant of the Year for their growth in their development as a golf professional as well as commitment to a career in the PGA. Criteria for these awards are based on: 1) overall performance as an Assistant golf professional; 2) services to the Section, Chapter or Association; 3) leadership ability and; 4) promotion of golf.
The SOPGA recognizes the PGA Member and Associate Assistant of the Year for their growth in their development as a golf professional as well as commitment to a career in the PGA. Criteria for these awards are based on: 1) overall performance as an Assistant golf professional; 2) services to the Section, Chapter or Association; 3) leadership ability and; 4) promotion of golf.
2003 – Geoff Hensley
2004 – Longaberger GC, Dan Ackerman, Eric Barto, Josh Coad & Phil Stockdale
2005 – Joe Zinchini
2006 – Nick Wolfe
2007 – Doug Stultz
2008 – John Marchi
2009 – Geoff Hensley
2010 – Geoff Hensley
2011 – Bill Stines
2012 – Doug Stultz
2013 – Alex Brickley
2014 – Melissa Yeazell
2015 – Joe Zinchini
2016 – Larry Dornisch
2017 – Derek Kinzer
2018 – Dennis Wells
2019 – Eric Eby