John Kulow Named 2021 Southern California PGA Golf Professional of the Year

SCPGA Golf Professional of the Year

John Kulow, PGA, South Hills Country Club – Palm Desert, CA.

Awarded for overall performance as a golf professional, leadership, service and promotion of the game of golf.  Overall performance at his/her facility, level of service to the PGA Section and to the Association and image as a golf professional are some criteria considered for this award.

SCPGA Teacher of the Year

Rick Sessinghaus, PGA, Scholl Canyon Golf Course – Glendale, CA.

Awarded for excellence in golf instruction 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.

Clubfitter Award

Monica Stratton, PGA, Carlsbad Golf Center – Carlsbad, CA.

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 is one who promotes club fitting at his/her facility, helps both PGA Members and Assistants further their knowledge on the effects that proper and improper clubs have on a ball.

Assistant Golf Professional Award

Cody Franke, PGA, Desert Willow Golf Resort – Palm Desert, CA.

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

Bill Strausbaugh Award

Kimberly Falcone, PGA, La Jolla Country Club – La Jolla, CA.

Presented to those PGA members who by their day-to-day efforts have made significant contributions through mentoring of PGA Professionals in improving their employment situations.  The award also considers the integrity and character of the PGA member, their service to the Association, involvement in community and charitable organizations.

SCPGA Player Development Award

Jackie Riegle, PGA, Monarch Beach Golf Links – Dana Point, 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 made at the facility. 

Tom Addis PGA Professional Development Award

Tom Son, PGA, Arrowood Golf Course – Oceanside, CA.

 Bestows special recognition for outstanding service and contributions to developing and improving educational opportunities for the PGA Golf Professional.

Youth Player Development Award

Heidi Richardson, PGA, Encinitas Ranch Golf Course – Encinitas, CA.

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

SCPGA Merchandiser of the Year

Resort Category: Ross Marcano, PGA – Barona Creek Golf Club – Lakeside, CA. 

Private Category: Thomas Chu, PGA, San Diego Country Club – Chula Vista, CA. 

Public Award Category: Brian Hughes, PGA, PGA WEST Greg Norman Course – La Quinta, CA.

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

Patriot Award

Joe Grohman, PGA, Old Ranch Country Club – Seal Beach, CA.

The “SCPGA Patriot Award” bestows special recognition on a PGA Golf 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 States of America.

Hall of Fame Award

John Hardy, PGA
Bill Hartley, PGA
Paul Levy, PGA

Honorary Life Member

Craig Kessler (SCGA)

ABOUT THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA

The Southern California Section was established in 1924, and today is comprised of over 1,700 golf Professionals working at over 500 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