2022 SCPGA Special Awards

The Southern California PGA Special Awards celebrate PGA members who have excelled in their profession as well as those who have volunteered and given of themselves to serve the Section and the golf community. Congratulations to all of the Southern California PGA Special Award Winners! These individuals will be celebrated for their accomplishments at the 2022 SCPGA President’s Dinner on December 11 at Newport Beach Country Club.

SCPGA Golf Professional of the Year

Jim Gormley, PGA

Palos Verdes Golf Club – Palos Verdes Estates, CA

Awarded for overall performance as a golf professional and for leadership, service, and promotion of the game of golf.  Also considered is the overall performance at their facility, the level of service to the Southern California Section and the Association, as well as their image as a golf professional.

SCPGA Teacher & Coach of the Year

Blake Jirges, PGA

Coto de Caza Golf and Racquet Club – Coto de Caza, CA. 

Awarded for excellence in golf instruction and coaching, along with overall performance as a golf professional. Promotion of golf, use of teaching aids, involvement in junior golf activities, teaching techniques, and articles published are some of the criteria considered for this award.

SCPGA Clubfitter Award

Erik Brown, PGA

Stadium Golf Center – San Diego, CA.

This award bestows recognition to a PGA golf professional who is an expert in the field of club fitting. Some of the considered criteria for this award are promoting club fitting at their facility and helping both PGA members and assistants further their knowledge on the effects of properly fitted equipment. 

SCPGA Assistant Golf Professional Award

Thomas Chu, PGA

San Diego Country Club – San Diego, CA.

Awarded for overall performance as a golf professional in leadership, service, and promotion of the game of golf. This professional reflects the qualities and image that promote the PGA Professional to their members and their facility.

SCPGA Bill Strausbaugh Award

Tom Son, PGA

Arrowood Golf Course – Oceanside, CA.

Presented to a PGA member who, by their day-to-day efforts, have made significant contributions through the mentoring of PGA Professional’s employment. The award also considers the integrity and character of the PGA member, their service to the Association, and their involvement in community and charitable organizations.

SCPGA Player Development Award

Petra Cole, PGA

Coronado Golf Course – Coronado, CA.

The Player Development Award is designed to recognize a PGA Professional for extraordinary and exemplary contributions and achievements in the area of player development. This award considers the PGA Professional’s growth of the game leadership commitment at the Section and National levels and the impact of their efforts at their facility. 

SCPGA Tom Addis PGA Professional Development Award

John Kulow, PGA

South Hills Country Club – West Covina, CA.

Bestows special recognition to a PGA member for outstanding service and contributions to developing and improving educational opportunities for the PGA golf professionals in Southern California.

SCPGA Youth Player Development Award

Seiko Matsumura, PGA

Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club – Mission Viejo, CA.

Bestows recognition to a PGA Golf Professional who is a leader in junior golf. This professional reflects the image and qualities that juniors can emulate and provides opportunities for juniors to learn and play golf.

SCPGA Patriot Award

Jim Dennerline, PGA

Heroes Golf Course – Los Angeles, CA.

Bestows recognition to a PGA Professional who personifies patriotism through the game of golf and demonstrates unwavering commitment and dedication to the men and women who have valiantly served and protected the United State of America.

SCPGA Merchandiser of the Year

Resort Category: Keith Murakami, PGA (Pictured Left)

Trump National Golf Club (Los Angeles) – Palos Verdes, CA. 

Private Category: Kevin Wong, PGA (Pictured Center)

Rolling Hills Country Club – Rolling Hills Estates, CA. 

Public Award Category: Jason Beatty, PGA (Pictured Right)

Encinitas Ranch Golf Course – Encinitas, CA. 

This award recognizes those PGA members who have demonstrated superior skills as merchandisers in the promotion of golf and retail at their facility and in the Section. The award is given for excellence in golf shop operations in three categories: Private, Public, and Resort.  

ABOUT THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA

The Southern California Section was established in 1924, and today it consists of over 1,600 golf Professionals working at over 450 facilities within the Section. The mission of the Southern California Section (SCPGA) mirrors the purpose of the PGA of America: To promote the enjoyment and involvement in the game of golf and to contribute to its growth by providing services to golf professionals and the golf industry. For more information on the Southern California PGA, visit scpga.com, follow @scpga on Twitter, Instagram, and find us on Facebook. 

Media Contact: Bryce Seiver, Southern California PGA, 951-845-4653 bseiver@pgahq.com; Danny Cross, Southern California PGA, dcross@pgahq.com