West Allis, WI (February 07, 2020) – The Wisconsin Professional Golfers Association (WPGA) announces line-up of special award winners leading into the 2020 golf season. Eleven golf professionals from throughout Wisconsin will be recognized for exemplary service, dedication and accomplishments in golf.

The 2020 WPGA Special Award Winners are:

The WPGA will recognize the award winners at the annual WPGA Spring Meeting Reception on March 2 at the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center in Green Bay. The Wisconsin PGA Section honors several golf professionals annually for their great accomplishments on and off of the course. The reception is supported by the Wisconsin Golf Sales Association and PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

About the Wisconsin PGA Section
The Wisconsin Section is one of the 41 sections that comprise the regional entities of the PGA of America. Over 500 members and associates belong to the Wisconsin Section, stretching from areas in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to almost the entire state of Wisconsin. Annually, the Wisconsin Section conducts over 40 professional events, operates its Junior Golf Foundation and participates in several growth-of-the-game activities (PGA Junior League, Drive, Chip and Putt and instructional clinics/days). Wisconsin PGA Office is located at 11350 W. Theo Trecker Way in West Allis, Wis.

About the Wisconsin PGA Section Annual Awards Process
The Wisconsin PGA Section honors several golf professionals annually for their great accomplishments on and off of the course. Professionals are nominated by fellow professionals for an award(s). After a professional is nominated it is his or her choice as to whether to submit materials for consideration. Materials are generally due by early December. The materials are then reviewed by a different sub-committee for each award. The WPGA Past President then takes their feedback and finalists are determined. Once the finalists have been selected, their materials are forwarded on to the finalist committee made up of the District Directors, Independent Directors and WPGA Executive Director. The finalist committee then votes on their top choice for each award. Once all the votes have been compiled, the winners are notified in February and then the information is released to the general public. The winners are recognized for their accomplishment at the annual Spring Meeting awards ceremony.

Overview of Wisconsin PGA Section Special Awards

Golf Professional of the Year – Recognizes a WPGA Golf Professional who has performed outstanding services as an overall PGA Professional.  As one of the highest honors the WPGA can bestow, candidates must possess outstanding qualities of leadership, strong moral character, and a substantial record of service to the Association and the game of golf.
Teacher of the Year – Recognizing a WPGA Golf Professional who has performed outstanding services as a golf teacher and coach.
Youth Player Development Award – Recognizing excellence in junior golf and youth development.
Assistant Professional of the Year – Recognizing outstanding services as an overall PGA Professional/Associate.  As one of the highest honors the WPGA can bestow, candidates must possess outstanding qualities of leadership, strong moral character, and a substantial record of service to the Association and the game of golf.
Bill Strausbaugh Award – Presented to a PGA Professional who by their day-to-day efforts have distinguished themselves by mentoring their fellow PGA Professionals in improving their employment situations and continuing contributions to professional education.
Horton Smith Award – The award is designed to give special recognition to an individual PGA Professional for outstanding and continuing contributions to professional education.
PGA Player Development – Recognizes a WPGA Golf Professional, who has displayed extraordinary contribution and achievement in the area of player development.  The award considers the PGA Professional’s growth of the game leadership, commitment at the Section and National levels in the player development arena, and the meaningful impact made at the facility.
Patriot Award – This award goes to a PGA Professional who embodies patriotism and shows dedication to the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
Merchandisers of the Year (Private, Public & Resort) – Recognizes a WPGA Golf Professional who has performed outstanding services in the area of golf merchandising.

About the PGA of America
The PGA of America is the world’s largest working sports organization, comprised of nearly 29,000 male and female golf professionals who are the recognized experts in growing, teaching and managing the game of golf. The organization serves millions of people throughout its 41 PGA Sections nationwide. Since its founding in 1916, The PGA of America has enhanced its leadership position by growing the game of golf through its premier spectator events, world-class education and training programs, significant philanthropic outreach initiatives and award-winning golf promotions.

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