Pacific Northwest PGA Section names 2018 award winners

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Updated: January 2, 2019

The Pacific Northwest PGA has named its award winners for 2018. Here is the list:

• Golf Professional of the Year: Greg Manley, PGA, General Manager – Director of Golf at Meridian Valley CC received the Section’s highest honor in being named the 2018 Golf Professional of the Year. Greg is a true leader of his facility at every level, where he has worked for 22 years. He has developed a successful golf shop with award-winning employees.

• Assistant Golf Professional of the Year: Tanner Kelley, PGA of Walla Walla CC in Walla Walla, WA, was named the 2018 Assistant Golf Professional of the Year. He stepped up during managerial changes at his facility, upgrading the club-fitting program and playing a key role in the development of the club’s new indoor teaching studio.

• Player Development Award: Bryce Poulin, PGA Director of Player Development at Camas Meadows GC in Camas, OR, was honored with the Player Development Award. He has created multiple player development programs at Camas Meadows. His “Pathway to Programs Guide” provides students of all abilities with a guideline to choose from his plethora of programs.

• Youth Player Development Award: Ryan Young, PGA, Director of Instruction at Chambers Bay GC in University Place, WA, received the Youth Player Development Award. Ryan has made a large impact both at his facility and in his community. His junior academy hosted over 500 students in 2018. Ryan initiated a PGA Junior League program at Chambers Bay, which grew into their own league with 43 participants in 2018.

• Bill Strausbaugh Award: Jeff Simonds, PGA, Director of Resort Operations at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Bandon, OR, was recognized for being an outstanding mentor with the Bill Strausbaugh Award. Each season he mentors 12-24 interns, many of whom go on to become Head Professionals.

• Horton Smith Award: Bill Morach, PGA, Head Professional of Eugene CC was honored with the Horton Smith Award, an award that goes to a PGA model educator. Bill is the model for “lifelong learning.”

• Teacher of the Year: Jason Aichele, PGA, Teaching Professional at Meadow Springs Country Club in Richland, WA, was named Teacher of the Year. In addition to continuing his yearlong coaching program at his indoor practice facility and his college development program for kids, he now leads the largest PGA Junior League Golf program in the Section.

• Patriot Award: Chris Runyan, PGA, Teaching Professional at GolfTEC – Spokane in Spokane, WA, received the Patriot Award. Chris has personally reached over 800 veterans through his multiple programs. These include “Northwest Golfers for Warriors”, “Vets on the Green” and the Dan Kleckner Golf Classic. Through a telethon, sponsor support, and entries this event raised $151,000 in 2018.

• Merchandiser of the Year – Public: Joshua Cantrell, PGA, Head Professional at Moose Run in Fort Richardson, AK was named Merchandiser of the Year for Public facilities.

• Merchandiser of the Year – Resort: Jeff Simonds, PGA, Director of Resort Operations at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Bandon, OR was honored with the Merchandiser of the Year award for Resort facilities.

• Merchandiser of the Year – Private: Greg C. Morris, PGA, Head Professional at Iron Horse GC in Whitefish, MT, received the Merchandiser of the Year award for Private facilities.

• Deacon Palmer Award: Bob Duncan, PGA, Teaching Professional at Emerald Valley GC has been recognized with the Deacon Palmer Award for outstanding performance in the face of a personal challenge.

• Perry Williams Award: Jim Hofmeister, PGA from Liberty Lake, Washington was named the recipient of the Perry Williams Award for his service to the Section’s Rules of Golf Committee.