2018 Award Winners
Professional of the Year
Patrick Richardson, PGA - Sea Island Golf Club, Sea Island, 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
Brandon Stooksbury PGA - Idle Hour Golf Club, Macon, 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
Mark Mongell, PGA - Cherokee Town & Country Club, Atlanta, 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.
Horton Smith Award
Dean Alexander, PGA - Georgia Golf Center, Roswell, GA
The Horton Smith Trophy is an award designed to give special recognition to an individual golf professional for outstanding and continuing contributions to professional education.
Youth Player Development Award
Rob Ellis, PGA - The Cove at Osprey Cove, Jekyll Island, 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.
Growth Of the Game Award
Austin Kleynenberg, PGA - The Ford Planation, Richmond Hill, 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
Andrew Sterritt , PGA - Big Canoe Golf Club, Jasper, 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
Scott Schroeder, PGA - Atlanta Country Club, Marietta, GA
Public Category
Jeff Dunovant, PGA - First Tee of East Lake, Atlanta, GA
Resort Category
Wyatt Detmer, PGA - Callaway Gardens Resort, Pine Mountain, GA
Patriot Award
Doug Cameron, PGA - Jones Creek Golf Club , Evans, 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
Tom Brown - Tee Bee, Inc.
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
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
UNC Charlotte
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 College & State University
2008
Mack Burgess, Roswell, GA
University of Tennessee
Brett McNeilly, Kennesaw, GA
University of Alabama
Brittani Nichols, Kennesaw, GA
Brigham Young University
2007
Angela Hix, Macon, GA
Okaloosa-Walton Community College
Brendan Gillins, Savannah, GA
Augusta State University
Ann Marie Wagoner, Duluth, GA
University of Alabama
2006
Ashley Foster, Cummings, GA
University of Georgia
Sarah Losinger, Marietta, GA
Virginia Tech University
Shirley and Billy Weir
The Georgia PGA will recognize the 2018 Award winners at the Section’s 12th annual Special Awards and Weir Scholarship Banquet at Suntrust Park on March 2nd. The event is Presented by the Shirley and Billy Weir Foundation and Club Car.
