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 2025 SCPGA Presidents Dinner on December 13, 2026, at Wood Ranch Golf Club.
SCPGA Golf Professional of the Year
Blake Jirges, PGA
Coto De Caza Golf & Racquet 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
Geoffrey Dean, PGA
PGA West – Private Golf Courses
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
Nikki Prichard, PGA
Arrowood Golf Course
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 Bill Strausbaugh Award
Jack Allen, PGA
The Farms Golf Club
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
David Kulla-Mader, PGA
Westchester Golf Course
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
Cavin McCall, PGA
The Santaluz 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
Heather King, PGA
Emerald Isle Golf Course
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
Glenn Hansen, PGA
Twin Lakes Golf Course
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: Clint Whitehill, PGA
La Jolla Country Club
Public Category: Justin Hight, PGA
Santa Barbara Golf Club
Resort Category: Chris Caballero, PGA
PGA West – Stadium
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 Golf Course of the Year Award
Industry Hills 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
Antigua
Awarded to the partner that has significantly and consistently supported the Southern California PGA throughout the year.
SCPGA Patriot Award
Tony Chavez, PGA
Los Serranos Country Club
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 Patrick Rielly President’s Award
John McNair, PGA
J.C. Resorts
This annual award is selected by the current SCPGA President to recognize someone for their outstanding contributions to the Southern California PGA.
SCPGA Honorary Life Members
Todd Yoshitake, PGA
Todd Keefer, PGA
Ross Fisher, PGA
Honorary Life Member recognition is recognition of an individual who has shown incredible support for the Southern California PGA and its Members during their career.
ABOUT THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA
The Southern California Section was established in 1924, and today it consists of over 2,000 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 Instagram, X, 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