2024 SCPGA Section Awards

The Southern California PGA Section Awards celebrate PGA Professionals 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 Section Award Winners! These individuals will be celebrated for their accomplishments at the 2024 SCPGA Presidents Dinner on December 8 at Hilton Costa Mesa.

SCPGA Golf Professional of the Year

Kimberly Falcone, PGA
La Jolla Country Club

Awarded for overall performance as a Golf Professional and for leadership, service, and promotion of the game of golf. Also considered are 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 Eddie Merrins Teacher & Coach of the Year

David Phillips, PGA
Titleist Performance Institute

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. Recently renamed to the Eddie Merrins Teacher & Coach of the Year in honor of the late Eddie Merrins, a true legend of the game and longtime PGA Professional at Bel-Air Country Club. “The Little Pro” was 91 when he passed away in 2023.

SCPGA Tom Addis III Professional Development Award

Robin Shelton, PGA
Newport Beach Country Club

Bestows special recognition for a PGA Professional for outstanding service and contributions to developing and improving educational opportunities for the PGA Golf Professionals in Southern California. In 2020, this award was renamed to honor SCPGA and PGA of America Past President, Tom Addis III, PGA.

SCPGA President’s Award

Sal Cimbolo
Friends of Golf

This annual award is selected by the current SCPGA President to recognize someone for their outstanding contributions to the Southern California PGA.

SCPGA Bill Strausbaugh Award

Nikki Prichard, PGA
Arrowood Golf Course

Presented to a PGA Professional 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 Professional, their service to the Association, and their involvement in community and charitable organizations.

SCPGA Player Development Award

Brian Agoncillo, PGA
Sherwood Country Club

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 Assistant Golf Professional Award

Colin Tucker, PGA
The Vintage Club

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 Youth Player Development Award

David Menke, PGA
Coachella Coaching

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 Clubfitter Award

Paul Guerra, PGA
Bakersfield Country Club

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, helping both PGA members and associates further their knowledge on the effects of properly fitted equipment.

SCPGA Merchandisers of the Year

Private Category: Michael Oberlander, PGA
Ironwood Country Club

Public Category: Derek Mazzoni, PGA
Classic Club

This award recognizes those PGA Professionals who have demonstrated superior skills as merchandisers in the promotion of golf and retail at their facility and in the Section.

SCPGA Patriot Award

Tom Son, PGA
Arrowood Golf Course

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 Golf Course of the Year Award

Temecula Creek Golf Club

Awarded to the facility that has significantly and consistently supported the Section on all levels (hosting tournaments and events, Chapter and Division support, community outreach and support, etc.), and encourages growth in the game of golf throughout the year.

SCPGA Partner of the Year Award

Garmany Golf

Awarded to the partner that has significantly and consistently supported the Southern California PGA throughout the year.

SCPGA Honorary Life Members

Bob Lovejoy, PGA

Jerry Wisz, PGA

Tom Wilson, PGA

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, 951-331-4714 bseiver@pgahq.com;

Danny Cross, Southern California PGA, 951-331-4727, dcross@pgahq.com