Professionals and appren- tices who stand out from the rest and are honored for their significant contribu- tions to the industry. I am proud to present the re- cipients of our 2012 Special Awards Program. The highest honor that
our section can bestow on a working club professional is the Golf Professional of the Year Award. PGA Profes- sional Dave Lewis (Denair) received top honors for his leadership, community ser- vice and for serving as a role model to fellow professionals over the past 25 years. PGA Director of
Instruction Don Leone (Coyote Creek GC) was named Teacher of the Year for his contributions to golf instruction for his students and fellow golf profes- sionals. PGA Director of Instruction Tom Morton (Haggin Oaks GC) has earned the Junior Golf Leader award for devel- oping and implementing innovative programs for young golfers, as well as the
Player Development Award for innovative program- ming targeted at juniors, the disabled and players of all levels. PGA Head Profes- sional Shim La Goy (Orinda CC) has offered creative programming and philan- thropic support to the men and women of the armed forces for many years; as a result he received the Patriot Award. Check with your local PGA professional or visit Playgolfamerica.com to learn more about free, fun and innovative programs for all ages and skill levels offered at your facility or in your area. Our next two recipients
are leaders who inspire oth- ers to give back to the as- sociation, their communities and to better themselves. PGA Head Professional Ed Hester (Cameron Park CC) received the Horton Smith Trophy for outstanding and continuing contributions to professional education, as well as the Bill Straus- baugh Award for leadership, mentoring and charitable involvement throughout the region. PGA Head Profes-
sional Ray Otis (Corde- Valle Resort) garnered the Assistant Golf Professional of the Year Award for his leadership and serving as a role model to fellow golf professionals and appren- tices in the Assistant/Ap- prentice Division. The Merchandiser of the
Year Award is bestowed on golf professionals and their staff members who go above and beyond to promote the game of golf by offering quality merchandise and exciting displays. Congratu- lations to PGA Head Golf Professional Rich Bin (Brad Lozares Golf Shop at Palo Alto Municipal GC), PGA Head Professional Andy Kimball (La Rinconada GC) and PGA Director of Golf Charlie Kent (GC at Incline Village). Next time you are in their areas, try to stop by their shops and see what they have to offer. PGA Head Professional Rex Denham (Beau Pre GC) has earned the Club Fitter of the Year Award. If you need a new club or set, visit Rex or a PGA club fit- ter at a facility near you and see how a properly fitted club can improve your play- ing ability and enjoyment of the game. If you are looking to
Patriot Award Recipient Shim La Goy, PGA (left) with the team from Orinda Country Club.
improve your competitive game, I urge you to contact Player of the Year PGA Assistant Professional Mitch Lowe (Stanford University GC), Senior Player of the Year PGA Professional Shawn Kelly (The Ridge
Public Merchandiser Rich Bin, PGA
PGA Teacher of the Year Don Leone with junior student.
GC), Super Senior Player of the Year PGA Life Member Larry Babica (Redding) or Assistant Player of the Year PGA Apprentice Zack King (Shadow Lakes GC) for a lesson or tip in preparation for the upcoming tourna- ment season. As you can see, there are
many roles and positions filled by PGA professionals and those employed in the golf industry. Next time you need a lesson, are looking for a new outerwear piece or need someone to run your pro-am, be sure to contact your local PGA professional as they are truly the experts in the game and business of golf.
by Chris Thomas Northern California PGA Executive Director/COO