Jim Fitzgerald, PGA- Chevy Chase Club

This is the highest honor paid to a PGA Professional.  Overall performance as a PGA Professional, level of service to the MAPGA and to the Association, leadership ability, promotion of the game of golf, image as a PGA Professional and ability to inspire fellow PGA Professionals are some of the criteria considered for this award.

MAPGA President's Award

Glenn McCloskey, PGA- Loudoun Golf & CC

This Section award is presented to an individual whose tireless effort, unwavering dedication and exceptional contributions to the game of golf result in significant benefit to the Middle Atlantic Section, its members and apprentices and the entire golf community. The Section President personally selects the outstanding recipient of this award.

Teacher of the Year

Fran Rhoads, PGA- TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm

Awarded for excellence in golf instruction along with overall performance as a PGA Professional.  Impact on teaching and golf instruction, involvement in junior golf activities, innovative contributions to golf instruction and articles published are some of the criteria considered for this award.

Horton Smith Award

Bernie Najar, PGA- Woodholme Country Club

This award bestows special recognition on a PGA Professional for outstanding service and contributions to developing and improving educational opportunities for fellow PGA Professionals.  Contributions to PGA and MAPGA education programs and inclination for continuing contributions and assistance are some of the criteria considered for this award.

Bill Strausbaugh Award

Jeffrey Zachman, PGA- Piney Branch Golf & Country Club

Presented to a PGA Professional for outstanding involvement in charitable and community activities; untiring and distinguished service mentoring PGA Professionals, especially in the area of employment and club relations, integrity and character reflecting positivity upon the profession.  These criteria reflect the characteristics and qualities that Bill Strausbaugh possessed during his lifetime - service to his Association and his community and mentoring to his fellow PGA Professionals.

Junior Golf Leader

Andy Weissinger, PGA- Pines Golf Course

Recognizes a PGA Professional who is a leader in junior golf, reflects the ideals and qualities that juniors can emulate and provides opportunities for juniors to learn and play golf.  Contributions to MAPGA and PGA junior programs and involvement in the promotion and development of junior golf at the facility and community level are some of the criteria considered for this award.

Merchandisers of the Year

Recognizes PGA Professionals who have demonstrated superior skills as merchandisers in the promotion of golf.  Awarded for excellence in golf shop operations in three categories:  Private, Resort and Public/Municipal/Military/Semi-Private.  Candidates are judged on merchandising performance, details and innovation, displays, merchandising techniques, inventory mix, shop operations, merchandising philosophy, and staff training.

Resort Category

Jeremy Hyjek, PGA- Kingsmill Resort

Private Category

Bob Dolan, PGA- Columbia Country Club

Public Category

Matt Hill, PGA- Whiskey Creek Golf Club

Assistant PGA Professional of the Year

Mike Aldrich, PGA- River Bend Golf & Country Club

This award bestows special recognition on an Assistant PGA Professional for distinguished service to his/her peers and the MAPGA and in his/her commitment to improving opportunities for assistants in the MAPGA.

President's Plaque

Ray Richardson, PGA- Dick's Sporting Goods

This award bestows special recognition on a PGA Professional for exemplary contributions and achievements in the are of Player Development and for extraordinary efforts in conducting and/or supporting Play Golf America initiatives.  This award considers the PGA Professional's growth of the game leadership commitment at the Section and National levels, plus the impact made at his/her own facility. 

David Wortman Citizen of the Year

Tim Landres- Olney Golf Park

An outstanding amateur will be selected whose contributions to the MAPGA include the promotion of golf, promotion of the MAPGA and PGA Professionals, recognition by the MAPGA and business community as a leader in his/her field and his/her support of the MAPGA golf programs.

Earle Hellen Sports Media Award

Kevin Kane- Virginia Golf Report

This award honors an outstanding individual in the field of journalism for exemplary contributions to the Section with regard to the promotion of golf, promotion of the MAPGA and PGA Professionals, scope and distribution, quality and content of media coverage and recognition as an outstanding journalist by his/her peers.

Salesperson of the Year

Mary Leahy- Callaway Golf

This award honors a golf salesperson in the region for outstanding service, support and dedication to the members and apprentices of the MAPGA.