2018 PNW PGA Special Award Winners

2018 Section Award Winners

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. He has 17 years of service to our association on the chapter, section and national level. Greg was vital in the implementation of our Sections Strategic Plan and the Washington Open’s support for the Folds of Honor.


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. He is also highly involved in the Central Washington Chapter PGA and in junior golf.


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.


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. He accurately tracks all programs to increase activity at non-peak times and increase revenue to his facility.


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”. He has all six PGA Certifications, and he requires his staff to gain PGA certification as well. In 2018 the Section and Oregon Chapter education committees, both led by Bill, provided education opportunities to over 250 members and associates.


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. In 2018 he shared his staff with neighboring facilities along the coast, providing instructors for each facility to have their own PGA Junior League Team.


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.


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.


Joshua Cantrell, PGA, Head Professional at Moose Run in Fort Richardson, AK was named Merchandiser of the Year for Public facilities. Joshua has embraced, energized and driven the retail operation at Moose Run. In a golf shop of only 400 square feet and a 5‐month golf season, he has increased retail revenue dramatically. His “We let the bears play through” line was a quick sellout this year.


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. Sales in 2018 reached record levels at Old Macdonald and Pacific Dunes. Jeff’s success goes beyond numbers as he continues to grow the brand, including creating merchandise of the Ghost Tree and improve an already successful operation.


Greg C. Morris, PGA, Head Professional at Iron Horse GC in Whitefish, MT, received the Merchandiser of the Year award for Private facilities. Greg is a leader in merchandising with many innovative and special merchandising programs in 2018. It’s not just about his excellent gross margin and COS, as he also creates a unique, personal shopping experience and has tremendous relationships with vendors.


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. Since diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease almost four years ago, Bob is continuing his busy and successful teaching career, including developing the Golfer Positional System and representing Directed Force Putters.


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. Hofmeister, who also serves on the National PGA Rules Committee, is a frequent Rules Official for Section Championships.


Russell Grove, PGA, Golf Coach at North Idaho College in Coeur D’Alene, ID, was recognized as the 2018 OMEGA Player of the Year. His fantastic play this year included winning the PNW PGA Professional Championship and placing second at the Northwest Open Invitational.


Jeff Coston, PGA of Semiahmoo Resort in Blaine, WA, won the 2018 OMEGA Senior Player of the Year award. His incredible record this year included winning the Senior Players’ Championship and the Senior Oregon Open Invitational.


Shane Prante, PGA of the Home Course in DuPont, WA, was recognized as the 2018 Assistant Player of the Year. He won the Northwest Open Invitational and placed second at the PNW National Car Rental PGA Assistant Championship.


 

To view past award winners, visit the PNW PGA History wiki.

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