Annually, the section recognized the unique professional achievements of its membership through the Special Awards Program. The Golf Professional of the Year dates back to 1955 and is the longest running award. In addtion, Teacher of the Year, Junior Golf Leader, Merchandisers of the Year, the Horton Smith Trophy, and the Bill Strausbaugh Awards are awarded both nationally and within the section. Other awards include the Walter Lowell Public Golf Course Distinguished Service Award and The President's Award.
Each year, the Professional Golfers' Association of America presents eight National awards to recognize outstanding performance and superior achievements by members of the PGA. Based on a PGA golf professional's entire career, emphasis is placed on the last five years of achievements. Those awards include: Golf Professional of the Year, Horton Smith Award, Teacher of the Year, Bill Strausbaugh Award, Junior Golf Leader, and Merchandisers of the Year awards.
Nomination forms for PGA of America National Awards are available from the national and section offices. Completed nomination forms must be returned to the section office by April 1. Only one member in each category will be selected by the section Special Awards Committee to be forwarded to the PGA of America for consideration.
In addition to the national awards, the section selects winners in the same categories based on section accomplishments over the past five years. Additionally, the section selects winners for the Assistant Professional of the Year Award, The President’s Award, and The Walter Lowell Public Golf Course Distinguished Service Award.
Nomination forms are sent directly to section-affiliated PGA Members and are also available through an Online Nomination Survey. Nominations must be received at the section office by May 20. All nominees are forwarded an application that must be completed and returned to the Special Awards Committee by July 11. The committee reviews all nominees and makes their selections in August. Award winners are announced in September.
