DUSTIN AMES & RON RAWLS RECOGNIZED AS MERCHANDISERS OF THE YEAR
PGA Professionals Dustin Ames and Ron Rawls have been honored as 2022 Rocky Mountain Section PGA Merchandisers of the Year in their respective categories. The Merchandiser of the Year Awards are presented to individuals who excel in their 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 their golf facilities.
Ames, the PGA Head Professional at Jug Mountain Ranch in McCall, Idaho, has been named the 2022 Merchandiser of the Year for resort golf course facilities. This is the third time he has won this Merchandiser of the Year Award and marks the fifth time Ames has been recognized for a Section honor. Dustin has been a member of the PGA of America since 2011 and has served Jug Mountain Ranch ever since.
Ames’ merchandising philosophy is to provide products in a range of brands and prices to best meet the needs of Jug Mountain’s diverse visitor base. With a variety of customers, Dustin carries varied lines so the tourist looking for a souvenir, or a local wanting to call Jug Mountain home, can proudly display the club’s logo. Variety in the golf shop is the largest contributor to their successful annual increase in merchandise sales. Dustin makes every effort to collaborate with as many vendors as possible to keep his shop from becoming stale year to year. He also uses different types of merchandising techniques and stays on top of current trends to keep the club’s inventory moving in a positive direction.
Rawls, the PGA Head Professional at Crane Creek Country Club in Boise, Idaho, has been named the 2022 Rocky Mountain Section PGA Merchandiser of the Year for private golf course facilities. This is the fourth time he has been so honored by the RMSPGA for this award and a remarkable 12th overall recognition during his wonderful career.
Rawls has been a member of the PGA of America for 33 years and has been on staff at Crane Creek coming up on two decades. He lends his recent merchandising success to an inventory of a wide variety of high-end apparel meeting his member’s needs. In addition, Ron has always made a point to train his crew with regard to any merchandise so each staff member can answer to and assist with any guest’s needs. Ron’s five-point merchandising philosophy has served him well. Good selection, inventory control, a willingness to try new things, merchandise rotation, and staff training are his award-winning keys to success.
This outstanding merchandising duo will receive their awards at the RMSPGA Annual Meeting and Awards Presentation next May.