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Section Award Winners

2024 Section Award Winners

GOLF PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

Eddie Kavran, PGA

Hilands Golf Club - Billings, Montana
This award is based on the candidate’s entire record as a golf professional as it relates to service, length of membership, performance at club job and promotion of golf.

TEACHER & COACH OF THE YEAR

Jim Empey, PGA

The Valley Club - Hailey, Idaho
Based on the candidate’s overall dedication and talent for teaching the game of golf.

ASSISTANT PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

Pete Burton, PGA

Lakeview Golf Course - Meridian, Idaho
The assistant professional who carries out his or her responsibilities in the most helpful manner to his or her head professional.

YOUTH PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AWARD

Tyson Bowen, PGA

Tee Box Golf - Idaho Falls, Idaho
PGA member who provides excellent experience for junior golfers and who best exemplifies the ideals of those who work with youth.

BILL STRAUSBAUGH AWARD

Dustin Ames, PGA

Jug Mountain Ranch - McCall, Idaho
Based on contributions to club relations and employment.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AWARD

Mike Hamblin, PGA

Blue Lakes Country Club - Twin Falls, Idaho
Based on contributions to golf professional continuing education.

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AWARD

Pete Burton, PGA

Lakeview Golf Course - Meridian, Idaho
Award recognizes the individual PGA member for their extraordinary and exemplary contributions and achievements in the area of player development.

RESORT MERCHANDISER OF THE YEAR

No Recipient in 2024


Award recognizes the Resort Merchandiser of the Year based on the candidate’s abilities to purchase, present, and sell golf-related products in the most effective and attractive way possible while providing a high level of service to the customer at a resort golf facility.

PRIVATE MERCHANDISER OF THE YEAR

Adam Martens, PGA

The Club at SpurWing - Meridian, Idaho
Award recognizes the Private Merchandiser of the Year based on the candidate’s abilities to purchase, present, and sell golf-related products in the most effective and attractive way possible while providing a high level of service to the customer at a private golf facility.

PUBLIC MERCHANDISER OF THE YEAR

Chad Watson, PGA

Boise Ranch Golf Course - Boise, Idaho
Award recognizes the Public Merchandiser of the Year based on the candidate’s abilities to purchase, present, and sell golf-related products in the most effective and attractive way possible while providing a high level of service to the customer at a public golf facility.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Ben Polland, PGA

Shooting Star - Teton Village, Wyoming
Based on most total points accumulated in various designated chapter, section, regional, and national events.

WOMEN'S PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Katie Somers, PGA

River Birch Golf Course - Star, Idaho
Based on most total points accumulated in various designated chapter, section, regional, and national events.

SENIOR PLAYER OF THE YEAR

John Van Vleet, PGA

Preston Golf & Country Club - Preston, Idaho
Based on most total points accumulated in various designated chapter, section, regional, and national events.