EAST LANSING – John Lindert, PGA Professional at Country Club of Lansing in Lansing, has captured the Michigan PGA 2009 Golf Professional of the Year Award. The PGA Golf Professional of the Year is awarded in recognition of exemplary overall performance as a PGA Professional at his/her facility, level of service to his/her Section and Association, leadership ability and promotion of golf.
Frank McAuliffe, PGA Professional at Ann Arbor Country Club in Ann Arbor, has captured the Michigan PGA 2009 Bill Strausbaugh Award. Established in 1979, the Bill Strausbaugh Award is 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 through service to the community.
Bob Bales, PGA Professional at Sauganash Golf Club in Three Rivers, has captured the Michigan PGA 2009 Horton Smith Award. This is awarded annually to a PGA member for his/her outstanding contributions to professional education.
Mark Hogan, PGA Professional at The Otsego Club in Gaylord, has captured the Michigan PGA 2009 Junior Golf Leader Award. This award is presented annually to the PGA member who demonstrates their leadership within the junior golf community, and reflects the ideals of those who work with youth.
Bill Baldwin, PGA Master Professional at King Par Golf in Flushing, has captured the Michigan PGA 2009 Teacher of the Year Award. This award bestows special recognition on a PGA Professional who is dedicated to teaching and has performed outstanding service as a golf instructor.
Karen Vandenberg, PGA Professional at Battle Creek Country Club in Battle Creek, has captured the Michigan PGA 2009 Assistant Professional of the Year Award. This is the highest honor paid to an assistant golf professional whose strengths as a player/teacher/merchandiser/business person and overall golf professional stand out among their peers. Vandenberg had previously won this award in 1998.
The Merchandiser of the Year Award recognizes excellence in business and merchandising at private, public and resort golf facilities. Jim Wilson, PGA Professional at Lochmoor Club in Grosse Pointe Woods, has captured the Michigan PGA 2009 Merchandiser of the Year for Private facilities Award; Doug Lichty, PGA Professional at Traverse City Golf Center in Traverse City, has captured the Michigan PGA 2009 Merchandiser of the Year for Public facilities Award; and Gene Bone II, PGA Professional at Treetops Resort in Gaylord, has captured the Michigan PGA 2009 Merchandiser of the Year for Resort facilities Award.
Jordan Young, PGA Professional at Fox Hills Golf & Banquet Center in Plymouth, has captured the Michigan PGA 2009 President’s Plaque Award. Beginning in 2006, The PGA of America Board of Directors established a special award recognizing PGA Professionals at the Section and National level for extraordinary and exemplary contributions in Player Development, which support Play Golf America initiatives.
The PGA of America was founded in 1916, and is a not-for-profit organization that promotes the game of golf while continuing to enhance the standards of the profession. The Association is comprised of more than 28,000 men and women PGA Professionals who are dedicated to growing participation in the game of golf. The Michigan PGA has over 800 members and apprentices whose mission is to promote the enjoyment and involvement in the game of go lf.
