The Wisconsin Section of the Professional Golfers’ Association of America (WPGA) announces line-up of 11 special award winners recognized for exemplary service, dedication and accomplishments in golf. PGA Golf Professionals from throughout the state including Golf Professional of the Year Jeff Ellingson, PGA of Edelweiss Chalet Country Club in New Glarus will be recognized during the annual WPGA Spring Meeting to be held virtually in March.
“Due to the insurmountable difficulties 2020 presented our industry I believe that all golf professionals are deserving of this award. To receive this honor this year I am truly humbled,” said Ellingson. “I am grateful to the mentors and leaders that have guided me in my career and I can only hope to pay it forward as well as they did.”
The following is the complete list of 2021 WPGA Special Award Winners:
Get to know the pro by clicking on the individual links below. Biographies will be posted one-by-one as winners are highlighted on social media on a daily basis.
- Golf Professional of the Year – Jeff Ellingson, PGA of Edelweiss Chalet Country Club (New Glarus)
- Assistant Golf Professional of the Year – Victor Jacinto, PGA of Tuckaway Country Club (Franklin)
- Teacher of the Year – Travis Becker, PGA of Beloit Club and Ironworks Golf Academy (Beloit)
- PGA Professional Development Award – Brendan Locke, PGA of GOLFTEC (Wauwatosa)
- Youth Player Development Award – Chuck Wood, PGA of Oconomowoc Golf Club (Oconomowoc)
- Player Development Award – Craig Czerniejewski, PGA of Washington County Golf Course (Hartford)
- Bill Strausbaugh Award – Jim Gaugert Jr., PGA of Harris Golf Cars (Sturtevant)
- Patriot Award – Bryan Brotchie, PGA of Rivermoor Golf Club (Waterford)
- Merchandiser of the Year (Private) – Jason Rasmussen, PGA of Ozaukee Country Club (Mequon)
- Merchandiser of the Year (Public) – Shaun Finley, PGA of The Oaks Golf Course (Cottage Grove)
- Merchandiser of the Year (Resort) – Steve Kurtz, PGA of Sand Valley (Nekoosa)
Recognizing golf professionals annually for their great accomplishments on and off of the course, the Wisconsin Section PGA awards are proudly supported by the Wisconsin Golf Sales Association and PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.
About the Wisconsin Section PGA Annual Awards Process
The Wisconsin Section PGA honors golf professionals annually. 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 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 votes on their top choice for each award. Once all the votes have been compiled, the winners are notified and then the information is released to the general public in early February. The winners are recognized for their accomplishment at the annual Spring Meeting awards ceremony.
About the Wisconsin Section PGA
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 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.