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Section Award Winners

2023 Section Award Winners

GOLF PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

Zach Abels, PGA

Canyon Springs Golf Course - Twin Falls, Idaho
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

Eric Johnson, PGA

Yellowstone Club - Big Sky, Montana
Based on the candidate’s overall dedication and talent for teaching the game of golf.

ASSISTANT PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

Bradley DeMartino, PGA Associate

Bridger Creek Golf Course - Bozeman, Montana
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

Katie Somers, PGA

River Birch Golf Course - Star, 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

Doug Hagen, PGA

Riverside Country Club - Bozeman, Montana
Based on contributions to club relations and employment.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AWARD

Dustin Ames, PGA

Jug Mountain Ranch - McCall, Idaho
Based on contributions to golf professional continuing education.

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AWARD

Luke Sestero, PGA

Crane Creek Country Club - Boise, 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

Tate Mills, PGA

Sun Valley Golf Resort - Sun Valley, Idaho
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

Drew Glover, PGA

Yellowstone Club - Big Sky, Montana
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

Jon McAleer, PGA

Bridger Creek Golf Course - Bozeman, Montana
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

Spencer Smith, 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 Graham, PGA

Sand Creek Golf Course - Idaho Falls, Idaho
Based on most total points accumulated in various designated chapter, section, regional, and national events.