2019 Section Award Winners
GOLF PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Jaime Sharp, PGA
The Valley Club - Hailey, 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 OF THE YEAR
Brian Zeigler, PGA
The Club at 3 Creek - Jackson, Wyoming
Based on the candidate’s overall dedication and talent for teaching the game of golf.
ASSISTANT PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Paul Bennett, 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
Luke Sestero, PGA
Crane Creek Country Club - Boise, 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
Mike Hamblin, PGA
Blue Lakes Country Club - Twin Falls, Idaho
Based on contributions to club relations and employment.
HORTON SMITH AWARD
Jaime Sharp, PGA
The Valley Club - Hailey, Idaho
Based on contributions to golf professional continuing education.
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AWARD
Zach Abels, PGA
Canyon Springs Golf Course - Twin Falls, 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
Jeffrey Petersen, 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
Greg Wagner, PGA
Moonlight Basin - 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
No Recipient
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
Kelbi Lee, PGA
Black Bull - Bozeman, Montana
Based on most total points accumulated in various designated chapter, section, regional, and national events.
WOMEN'S PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Katie Somers, PGA
BanBury Golf Course - Eagle, Idaho
Based on most total points accumulated in various designated chapter, section, regional, and national events.
SENIOR PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Ron Rawls, PGA
Crane Creek Country Club - Boise, Idaho
Based on most total points accumulated in various designated chapter, section, regional, and national events.