ZACHARY ABELS HONORED AS 2023 RMSPGA GOLF PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
The Rocky Mountain Section PGA has named PGA Member Zachary Abels from Twin Falls, Idaho, its 2023 Golf Professional of the Year. This award not only reaffirms Abels’ passions as a golf professional in 2023, but is also representative of the last decade of his accomplishments in the Rocky Mountain Section. Abels was elected to membership in the PGA of America in 2014, has served as the Head Golf Professional at Canyon Springs Golf Course in Twin Falls, Idaho, since 2017, and has worked at Canyon Springs in some compacity since 2011.
The PGA Golf Professional of the Year Award is the highest honor paid to a PGA professional. The honoree is chosen based on his or her outstanding leadership abilities, exceptional performance as a PGA Professional, and distinguished service to that person’s Chapter, Section, Association, and the game of golf.
Zach is a larger than life character who never settles in on only one thing. His juggling act somehow allows him to have his hands in instruction (his most passionate pursuit), junior golf programs, administration of private and corporate events, facility improvements, merchandising, and he is the president of the Magic Valley Junior Golf Foundation working toward generous college scholarships for deserving children. Abels is also the current president of the Snake River Chapter in our Section. Just for fun, he also finds time to do a bit of professional caddying.
Abels awareness levels are off the charts. If there’s anything in the golf world going on in Idaho at any time, he is your man for information, insight, and opinion. He is also in tune with the PGA of America at a national level as he is in the middle of serving his second two-year term on the National Player Development Youth Committee. Zach has also reached out to veterans in the Twin Falls area being a lead sponsor for PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere). In addition to being a Class “A” PGA Professional, Abels has continued his advanced education and is currently certified in teaching and coaching and will begin his Master Professional project in 2024.
The RMSPGA congratulates Zachary Abels on his accomplishments, and he will be formally recognized as the 2023 Rocky Mountain Section PGA Golf Professional of the Year in May as part of the 2024 Annual Meeting and Awards Presentation.