Written By: Greg Johnson
EAST LANSING – Ken Hartmann, senior director of competitions and USGA services for the Golf Association of Michigan (GAM) has been named the 2026 recipient of the Michigan Section PGA’s Distinguished Service Award.
The PGA announced the 13 members who won the Section’s annual awards on Monday, March 10. The 2026 Special Award Winners will be honored at the President’s Dinner in the fall. The dinner celebrates PGA members who have excelled in their profession as well as those who have volunteered and given of themselves to serve the Michigan Section.
As the Distinguished Service Award winner, Hartmann is being honored as an outstanding individual who displays leadership and humanitarian qualities, including integrity, sportsmanship, and enthusiasm for the game of golf, the Michigan PGA said in a press release.
“Over more than two decades, (Ken) Hartmann has played a key role in elevating the GAM into one of the most respected Allied Golf Associations in the country,” the release said.
“Under his leadership, the GAM’s championship program has grown from a compact schedule into a comprehensive, statewide slate serving men, women, juniors, seniors, and net competitors. Tournament operations have also evolved from a volunteer-run model into a fully professionalized department supported by four full-time staff members and seasonal Boatwright interns.
“Today, the GAM ranks among national leaders in event days and USGA qualifiers, backed by strong participant satisfaction and a deep, well-trained rules volunteer corps. Throughout his career, Hartmann has earned the trust of PGA professionals, GAM volunteers, and players across Michigan—many of whom have worked with him through hosting, competing in, or supporting a GAM championship.”
Hartmann, 54 and starting his 25th golf season with the GAM, said he was surprised to learn he had won the award.
“I didn’t know I was nominated or being considered,” he said. “I’m definitely honored and still a little shocked in learning my peers think that highly of me.”
GAM Executive Director Chris Whitten was not surprised that Hartmann was selected for the service award.
“I think for almost anyone who has competed in a GAM championship, Ken is probably the first person they think of when they think of the GAM,” he said. “He’s a tremendous representative of what we do, a great leader in his department with exceptionally high standards and when we get feedback from Michigan golfers, our operation of tournaments sets a high bar nationally.”
Whitten said Hartmann is outstanding at building work relationships.
“It’s invaluable for us to have someone connected to our member clubs that host tournaments, the superintendents and PGA professionals across the state, as well as the all the players, rules officials and our volunteers,” he said. “He has built outstanding relationships with so many people working in golf.”
