2020 Award Winners
Professional of the Year
Brannen Veal, PGA
Sea Island Golf Club
St. Simons, GA
The Golf Professional of the Year Award is determined annually by the Georgia PGA to honor the working club professional whose total contributions to the game best exemplify the complete PGA golf professional. While the honor is based on the candidate's entire record, special emphasis is placed on performance in areas such as service to the section and the Association, leadership ability, and the promotion of golf.
Teacher of the Year
Jason Kuiper, PGA
Bobby Jones Golf Course
Atlanta, GA
This award was inaugurated in 1986 to honor outstanding teachers of golf among the ranks of the PGA of America membership. The award is based on the professional's overall performance in teaching; innovative and special teaching programs the professional has played a key role in implementing; and articles written in books and magazines.
Bill Strausbaugh Award
Scott Schroeder, PGA
Atlanta Country Club
Marietta, GA
This award bestows special recognition on a PGA Professional who has shown outstanding integrity, commitment to mentoring his fellow PGA Professionals in improving their employment situations, and involvement in community and charitable activities.
PGA Professional Development Award
Steve Archer, PGA
Capital City Club
Atlanta, GA
The PGA Professional Development Award bestows special recognition on a PGA Professional for outstanding service and contributions to developing and improving educational opportunities for fellow PGA Professionals.
Youth Player Development Award
Jacob Tilton, PGA
Ansley Golf Club
Atlanta, GA
Started in 1988, the Junior Golf Leader Award recognizes the PGA Professional who is a leader in junior golf and who reflects the ideals of those who work with youth. Work by this PGA professional includes the promotion and development of junior golf at the club level, and support for national junior golf programs.
Player Development Award
Diane Whitman, PGA
Braelinn Golf Club
Peachtree City, GA
This award is presented to the PGA Professional that has made extraordinary contributions and achievements in conducting and/or supporting Play Golf America initiatives. The award also considers the member's service to the Association, and involvement in community and charitable activities.
Assistant Professional of the Year
Jake Keen, PGA
Maple Ridge Golf Club
Columbus, GA
The Assistant Professional of the Year Award is based on the criteria outlined for Professional of the Year: overall performance at his/ her club; service to the section and the Association, and leadership ability.
Merchandisers of the Year
In 1978, The PGA of America and Sports Illustrated established the Merchandiser of the Year Award to recognize those PGA professionals who have excelled as businessmen/ merchandisers in the promotion of golf. The Georgia PGA honors professionals in three categories: Public, Private, and Resort.
Private Category
Phil Taylor, PGA
Ansley Golf Club
Atlanta, GA
Public Category
Justin Sigmon, PGA
Stone Creek Golf Club
Valdosta, GA
Resort Category
Caroline Basarab, PGA
Reynolds Lake Oconee
Greensboro, GA
Patriot Award
Jim Arendt, PGA
Bull Creek Golf Course
Midland, GA
The Patriot Award bestows special recognition on a PGA Golf 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.
Salesman of the Year
Dan Janton
Bridgestone Golf
In recognition of your dedicated, generous and tireless support of the Georgia PGA. This award honors the golf salesperson in the Georgia Section for her/his outstanding service and dedication to the members and apprentices of the Georgia PGA.
Shirley and Billy Weir Foundation Scholarship Recipients
2020
Peyton Staten, Valdosta, GA
University of Florida
2019
Olivia Najawicz, St. Simons Island, GA
Oglethorpe University
2018
Eric Hart Jr., Macon, GA
New York University
2017
Lexi Hansen, Winder, GA
University of Mississippi
2016
Hannah Peterson, Watkinsville, GA
University of Georgia
2015
Trey Leonard, Lake Park, GA
University of Georgia
Kelley Losinger, Marietta, GA
University of Georgia
2014
Madison Anderson, Brunswick, GA
Georgia Institute of Technology
Parker Esoda, Marietta, GA
University of South Carolina
2013
Ashley Biscan
University of Georgia
David Kemp
University of Georgia
Kristin Fillingim
University of Georgia
2012
Ashley Asbell, Roswell, GA
Kennesaw State University
Megan Heilman
University of Georgia
2011
Evan Gill, Columbus, GA
University of Georgia
Angie Losinger, Marietta, GA
University of Georgia
2010
Jonathan Klotz, Columbus, GA
Kennesaw State University
Mary Catherine Wilder, LaGrange, GA
Furman University
2009
Erica Robinson, Lilburn, GA
Georgia Institute of Technology
2008
Mack Burgess, Roswell, GA
University of Tennessee
Brett McNeilly, Kennesaw, GA
University of Alabama
Brittani Nichols Lovelace, Kennesaw, GA
Brigham Young University
2007
Angela Hix, Macon, GA
University of Georgia
Brendan Gillins, Savannah, GA
Augusta State University
Ann Marie Wagoner, Duluth, GA
University of Alabama
2006
Ashley Foster, Cumming, GA
University of Georgia
Sarah Losinger, Marietta, GA
Virginia Tech University
Shirley and Billy Weir
The Georgia PGA will recognize the 2019 Award winners at the Section’s 13th annual Special Awards and Weir Scholarship Banquet in March 2020. The event is Presented by the Shirley and Billy Weir Foundation and Club Car.
