PGA Professionals Receive Highest Honor
E
ach year there are certain NCPGA golf profes-
sionals and apprentices who are honored for their significant contributions to the industry. I am proud to present the recipients of our 2011 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 Direc- tor of Golf Monte Koch (Chardonnay GC) received top honors for his leader- ship, community service and for serving as a role model to fellow professionals. PGA Director of
Instruction Keith Lyford (The Golf Academy at Old Greenwood) was honored as Teacher of the Year for his contributions to golf instruction for his students and fellow golf profession- als. Dan Schwabe, PGA Teaching Professional (Pre- sidio GC) earned the Junior Golf Leader award for developing and implement- ing innovative programs for young golfers. PGA Head
Professional Ron Kuwata (Sevillano Links at Rolling Hills Casino) received the President’s Plaque Award for innovative programming targeted at women, juniors, veterans and stroke victims. PGA Head Professional Pat Gould (Peach Tree GCC) has offered creative pro- gramming and philanthrop- ic support to the men and women of the armed forces for many years; as a result he received the inaugural 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 three recipients
are leaders, inspiring others to give back to the associa- tion, their communities and to better themselves. PGA Teaching Professional Dede Moriarty (Presidio GC) received the Horton Smith Trophy for outstanding and continuing contributions to professional education. PGA Director of Golf
Mark Wotherspoon (Buck- ingham GCC) received the Bill Strausbaugh Award for leadership, mentoring and charitable involvement throughout the region. PGA Assistant Professional Brant Wilson (Carmel Valley Ranch) 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 golf by offering quality merchandise and exciting displays. Congratulations to Justin Williams, former Poppy Hills PGA Head Professional, PGA Assistant Professional Eric Goettsch (Tehama GC) and PGA Head Professional Pete Smith (Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort). Next time you are in their areas, try to stop by their shops and see what they have to offer. PGA General Manager Joseph Wisocki (Ridge Creek Dinuba GC) has earned the club fitter of the Year Award. If you need a new club or set, visit Joe or a PGA club fitter at a facility near you and see how a properly fitted club can improve your playing ability and enjoyment of the game. If you are looking to
improve your competitive 64 /
NCGA.ORG / WINTER 2012
game, I urge you to contact Player of the Year PGA Head Professional Mitch Lowe (Half Moon Bay GL), Senior Player of the Year PGA Head Profes- sional Shawn Kelly (The Ridge GC), Super Senior Player of the Year PGA Life Member Jim Collart (Lincoln, CA) or Assistant Player of the Year PGA Assistant Professional Joe Dolby (Palo Alto Hills GCC) for a lesson or tip in preparation for the upcom- ing tournament season. There are many roles
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
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