The following descriptions of PGA Special Awards (tabs above) given out each year to the most deserving individuals in the Metropolitan Section.
To nominate a fellow professional please click here for the paper version of the section nomination form.
Alternatively, you can fill out the form below to electronically submit your nomination for Special Met PGA Section Awards.
The Bill Strausbaugh Award is designed to recognize PGA Professionals 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.
Bill Strausbaugh Award Guidelines:
Demonstration of record of service to the Section and the Association.
Proven leadership ability.
Involvement in civic activities and local charitable causes within the community.
Recognized as someone of outstanding character.
Recipient(s) |
Year |
Mike Gilmore |
2017 |
Grant Turner |
2016 |
George Lewis |
2015 |
John Kennedy |
2014 |
Eden Foster |
2013 |
Jim Bender |
2012 |
Rick Vershure |
2011 |
Nelson Long |
2010 |
Heath Wassem |
2009 |
Darrell Kestner |
2008 |
Joe Felder |
2007 |
Dave Carazo |
2006 |
John Kennedy |
2005 |
Tom Nieporte |
2004 |
Gene Borek |
2003 |
Bobby Heins |
2002 |
Jack Druga |
2001 |
Mike Summa |
2000 |
Rick Meskell |
1999 |
Bobby Heins |
1998 |
Bobby Heins |
1997 |
Rick Meskell |
1996 |
Tom DeBellis |
1995 |
Tom DeBellis |
1994 |
Fred Gipp |
1993 |
Nunzio Ciampi |
1992 |
Glenn Haugsjaa |
1991 |
Jim O'Mara |
1990 |
John Schob |
1989 |
Mike Borsuk |
1988 |
Tom DeBellis |
1987 |
Doug Steffen |
1986 |
Gil McNally |
1985 |
Roy Pace |
1984 |
Roy Pace |
1983 |
William A. Mitchell |
1982 |
William A. Mitchell |
1981 |
Ron Nicol |
1980 |
The "Deacon Palmer Award" bestows special recognition on a PGA Golf Professional who personally displays outstanding integrity, character and leadership, in the effort to overcome a major obstacle in their life. This individual is an unsung hero/heroine at their facility and in their community, who serve to inspire, empower and assist others, both inside and outside of the game.
The following persons are ineligible:
Deacon Palmer Award minimum criteria:
The Deacon Palmer Award will be presented annually at the 99th PGA America Annual Meeting. Consideration for The Deacon Palmer Award will be at the National level only.
The Ely Callaway Award was dedicated to the man who inspired a revolution in the club industry and grew the Callaway Golf Company from a 4-man operation into a giant of the industry. Ely Callaway's dedication to research and technology was matched only by his belief that an educated golf professional and consumer was at the backbone of his business. Mr. Callaway actually appeared at the Met PGA's Spring Forum as a featured speaker in April of 2001, just 3 months before his death from pancreatic cancer.
The Ely Callaway Award recognizes a Met PGA Professional for his or her dedication to education, service and involvement. The award is presented annually at the Section's Spring Meeting to the PGA Professional who amasses the greatest number of MSR credits in the previous year.
Recipient(s) |
Year |
TBD |
2017 |
Andy Crane |
2016 |
Heath Wassem |
2015 |
Michael Breed |
2014 |
Michael Breed |
2013 |
Michael Breed |
2012 |
Michael Breed |
2011 |
Michael Breed |
2010 |
Tom Henderson |
2009 |
Tom Henderson |
2008 |
Robert Gable |
2007 |
John Hines |
2006 |
David Young |
2005 |
The Herb Graffis Award is designed to recognize a PGA of America Section for extraordinary and exemplary contributions and achievements in the area of Player Development. This award considers initiatives conducted by the Section, involvement of members in Section and National growth of the game programs, and overall impact on growth of the game.
Herb Graffis Award Guidelines:
The PGA Horton Smith Award recognizes the PGA Professional who is the model educator of PGA Golf Professionals. This award is designed to give special recognition to an individual PGA Professional for outstanding and continuing contributions to professional education.
Horton Smith Award Guidelines:
Recipient(s) | Year |
Michael Breed | 2017 |
Mike Diffley | 2016 |
Chris Kenney | 2015 |
Michael Shank | 2014 |
Michael Shank | 2013 |
Darrell Kestner | 2012 |
Ryan George | 2011 |
Carl Alexander | 2010 |
John Kennedy | 2009 |
John Hines | 2008 |
Michael Breed | 2007 |
Michael Breed | 2006 |
Nelson Long | 2005 |
Ed Kelly | 2004 |
Brian Crowell | 2003 |
David Young | 2002 |
Brad Worthington | 2001 |
Don Beatty | 2000 |
Brad Worthington | 1999 |
Don Beatty | 1998 |
Tom Henderson | 1997 |
George Lewis | 1996 |
Brendan Walsh | 1995 |
Mike Summa | 1994 |
Greg Hurd | 1993 |
Gene Borek | 1992 |
Jim O’Mara | 1991 |
Mike Hebron | 1990 |
Mike Hebron | 1989 |
John Kennedy | 1988 |
Jim McLean | 1987 |
Walter Campbell | 1986 |
John Kennedy | 1985 |
Larry Craig | 1984 |
Tommy Murphy | 1983 |
Carl Lohren | 1982 |
Mike Hebron | 1981 |
Nunzio Ciampi | 1980 |
Ron Nicol | 1979 |
Andy Nusbaum | 1978 |
Bob Watson | 1977 |
Joe Moresco | 1976 |
Charles Beverage | 1975 |
Frank Cardi | 1974 |
Charles Beverage | 1973 |
Tony Marco | 1972 |
The Merchandiser of the Year Award is designed to recognize those PGA Professionals who have excelled as business persons / merchandisers in the promotion of golf. The PGA honors PGA Professionals in three categories: Private, Public and Resort facilities.
Merchandiser of the Year (Public Facility) |
Merchandiser of the Year (Private Club) |
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Recipient(s) | Year | Recipient(s) | Year |
Max Galloway | 2017 | Adam McDaid | 2017 |
Kevin Smith | 2016 | Sam Wiley | 2016 |
Michael Laudien | 2015 | Dean Johnson | 2015 |
Darren Stanek | 2014 | Chris Kenney | 2014 |
Dave Fusco | 2013 | Tim Shifflett | 2013 |
Mal Galletta III | 2012 | Peter Cowan | 2012 |
Angela Aulenti | 2011 | Jack Powers | 2011 |
Tom Avezzano | 2010 | Jack Druga | 2010 |
Bob Posillico/Doug Solow | 2009 | Steve Haggerty | 2009 |
Joe Rehor | 2008 | Michael Crawford | 2008 |
Jimmi Conway | 2007 | Jim Morris | 2007 |
Keith Miller | 2006 | Jim Wahl | 2006 |
Andy Carracino | 2005 | Billy Burke | 2005 |
Fred Gipp | 2004 | Jim Smoot | 2004 |
Steven Lee | 2003 | Heath Wassem | 2003 |
Joe Rehor | 2002 | Ed Nicholson | 2002 |
Doug Jansen | 2001 | Paul Leslie | 2001 |
Dick Smith | 2000 | Mike Diffley | 2000 |
Howard Robertson | 1999 | Charlie Hicks | 1999 |
Angela Aulenti | 1998 | Eric Feltman | 1998 |
George Cosgrove | 1997 | Charlie Bolling | 1997 |
Sal Silvestrone | 1996 | Tom Herzog | 1996 |
Leo McMahon | 1995 | Don McDougall | 1995 |
Joe Felder | 1994 | Jim Bender | 1994 |
Tom Lupinacci | 1993 | Jack McGown | 1993 |
Mike Wands | 1992 | Walter Campbell | 1992 |
Ron Jensen | 1991 | John Kennedy | 1991 |
Leo Tabick | 1990 | Mike Summa | 1990 |
Fred Gipp | 1989 | Bob Weber | 1989 |
John Paonessa | 1988 | Doug Steffen | 1988 |
Chuck Workman | 1987 | Jim Bender | 1987 |
Nick Petrillo | 1986 | Bob Weber | 1986 |
Tom Lupinacci | 1985 | Ronnie Pritchett | 1985 |
Mike Hebron | 1984 | Tommy Murphy | 1984 |
Chuck Workman | 1983 | John Kennedy | 1983 |
Chuck Workman | 1982 | Rick Rarick | 1982 |
Vince Grillo | 1981 | John Schob | 1981 |
Tom Lupinacci | 1980 | Pete Davison | 1980 |
Mike Borsuk/Ed DiMattia | 1979 | Bob Watson | 1979 |
Mike Hebron | 1978 | Tommy Murphy | 1978 |
Merchandiser of the Year (Resort) | |
Recipient(s) | Year |
No Winner | 2014 |
No Winner | 2013 |
No Winner | 2012 |
John Forster | 2011 |
No Winner | 2010 |
No Winner | 2009 |
No Winner | 2008 |
No Winner | 2007 |
Chris Caulfield | 2006 |
No Winner | 2005 |
Todd Barker | 2004 |
No Winner | 2003 |
No Winner | 2002 |
Geoff Walsh | 2001 |
No Winner | 2000 |
Patrick Dill | 1999 |
Kevin Smith | 1998 |
No Winner | 1997 |
No Winner | 1996 |
Terence Hughes | 1995 |
Bill Burke | 1994 |
Mike Sander | 1993 |
Bill Nault | 1992 |
Bill Nault | 1991 |
Mike Castelluzzi | 1990 |
No Winner | 1989 |
Matt Kleiner | 1988 |
Jack Breno | 1987 |
Jack Breno | 1986 |
Al Johnston | 1985 |
Steve Downey | 1984 |
Bob DeStefano | 1983 |
Bob Fretwell | 1982 |
Sal Ruggiero | 1981 |
Hubie Smith | 1980 |
Al Johnston | 1979 |
Steve Downey | 1978 |
The Patriot Award is presented 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 States of America.
Recipient(s) | Year |
Andy Crane | 2017 |
Paul Glut | 2016 |
Ray Ford | 2015 |
Greg Bisconti | 2014 |
Ray Ford | 2013 |
John Kennedy | 2012 |
Larry Refvik | 2011 |
John Hines | 2010 |
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. Player Development Award Guidelines: Contributions to Section and National Play Golf America initiatives. Quantity, quality and diversity of player development programs. Use of Play Golf America tools and resources. Quality of best practices, including uniqueness of ideas, increase in rounds / revenues, retention and customer satisfaction. Inspiration of fellow PGA Professionals in the area of player development.
Recipient(s) | Year |
Monique Thoresz | 2017 |
Ben Hoffhine | 2016 |
Dave Stevenson | 2015 |
Max Galloway | 2014 |
Tom Henderson | 2013 |
Greg Bisconti & Ambry Bishop | 2012 |
Nick Maselli | 2011 |
Michael Laudien | 2010 |
Paul Giordano & Todd Bordonaro | 2009 |
Vinnie Pauroso | 2008 |
Rodney Loesch | 2007 |
Mike Wade | 2006 |
Recipient(s) | Year |
Dave Gosiewski | 2017 |
Brad Worthington | 2016 |
Nelson Long | 2015 |
Darrell Kestner | 2014 |
Joe Felder | 2013 |
Michael Summa | 2012 |
Tom Henderson | 2011 |
Dave Carazo | 2010 |
Tom DeBellis | 2009 |
Rick Meskell | 2008 |
Ed Nicholson | 2007 |
Greg Hurd | 2006 |
Pete Donnelly | 2005 |
Don McDougall | 2004 |
John McPhee | 2003 |
Rod Loesch | 2002 |
Rick Vershure | 2001 |
Bobby Heins | 2000 |
Stan Mosel | 1999 |
Jim Bender | 1998 |
John Kennedy | 1997 |
Tom Nieporte | 1996 |
Jim O'Mara | 1995 |
Nunzio Ciampi | 1994 |
Joe Ennis | 1993 |
Bob DeStefano | 1992 |
John Schob | 1991 |
Jim Albus | 1990 |
Gil McNally | 1989 |
Michael Homa | 1988 |
Roy Pace | 1987 |
Lloyd Monroe | 1986 |
Gil Cavanaugh | 1985 |
Gil McNally | 1984 |
William A. Mitchell | 1983 |
Mike Hebron | 1982 |
Harold Kolb | 1981 |
Robert Joyce | 1980 |
William A. Mitchell | 1979 |
George Lewis | 1978 |
Jerry Coats | 1977 |
Ron Letellier | 1976 |
Craig Shankland | 1975 |
Craig Shankland | 1974 |
Elmer Voight | 1973 |
Gene Borek | 1972 |
Joe Moresco | 1971 |
Bob Watson | 1970 |
Tony Marco | 1969 |
Frank Cardi | 1968 |
Francis Zeray | 1967 |
Pat Cici | 1966 |
Jack Sabol | 1964 |
Mike Turnesa | 1963 |
Jack Mallon | 1962 |
Jack Mallon | 1961 |
Jack Sabol | 1960 |
Al Ciuci | 1958 |
John Inglis | 1957 |
Harry Cooper | 1956 |
In 1973, the legendary Slammer came to Westchester Country Club for the Met PGA's Annual Spring Forum. During the program, he was also honored by the Section as one of the five greatest players of all time. Snead's appearance drew a record crowd that still stands to this day of over 400 professionals and guests. In addition to honoring Snead for his history of playing accomplishments, the Met PGA announced that in his honor the Sam Snead Award would be presented annually for distinguished service.
The Sam Snead Award Criteria
The Snead Award criteria was left intentionally vague although the intent was obvious. The award would be presented to an individual in recognition of his or her contributions to the game of golf, the PGA and the Met Section. While all of the other Special Awards are presented only to PGA Members, the Snead Award could honor professionals or amateurs and its list of recipients reads like a who's who of golf in the Metropolitan area.
Recipient(s) | Year |
TBD | 2017 |
Charlie Robson | 2016 |
John Kennedy | 2015 |
Rodney Loesch | 2014 |
Mary Beth Childs | 2013 |
Jeff Hall | 2012 |
Robert L. Watson | 2011 |
Michael Hebron | 2010 |
Paul Dillon | 2009 |
Dave Catalano | 2008 |
Gil McNally | 2007 |
Phil Laskawy | 2006 |
Jim Albus | 2005 |
Tom Nieporte | 2004 |
Gene Borek | 2003 |
Ely Callaway | 2002 |
Dave Marr | 2001 |
Metropolitan Golf Ass'n. | 2000 |
Joe Moresco | 1999 |
George Sands | 1998 |
Michael Feidelson | 1997 |
William A. Mitchell | 1996 |
Arnold Kerner | 1995 |
Lowell Schulman | 1994 |
Edward T. Schneider | 1993 |
Bob Joyce | 1992 |
Paul Runyan | 1991 |
Gene Sarazen | 1990 |
Howard Treiber | 1989 |
Met. Golf Course Supts. | 1988 |
Dr. Richard Silver | 1987 |
Mike Turnesa | 1986 |
Bud Miller | 1985 |
James R. Hand | 1984 |
Frank Cardi | 1983 |
Claude Harmon | 1982 |
Harry Cooper | 1981 |
Dana Mozley | 1980 |
William M. Jennings | 1979 |
Joseph C. Dey, Jr. | 1978 |
Vincent Draddy | 1977 |
Guido Cribari | 1976 |
Al Brosch | 1975 |
Jack Mallon | 1974 |
The Teacher of the Year Award is designed to recognize a PGA Professional who is an outstanding teacher of golf among the ranks of PGA membership. This award is based on a professional’s overall performance in teaching; unusual, innovative and special teaching programs initiated or implemented; articles published; as well as outstanding golfers the professional has instructed.
Teacher of the Year Award Guidelines
Recipient(s) | Year |
Jeff Gschwind | 2017 |
Kirk Oguri | 2016 |
John Hobbins | 2015 |
Jeff Warne | 2014 |
Mike Diffley | 2013 |
Michael Jacobs | 2012 |
Joe Laurentino | 2011 |
Harvey Lannak | 2010 |
Michael Breed | 2009 |
Bobby Heins | 2008 |
Cheryl Anderson | 2007 |
Carl Alexander | 2006 |
Pat Eggeling | 2005 |
Tom Sutter | 2004 |
David Czaja | 2003 |
Jerry Impellittiere | 2002 |
C.J. Reeves | 2001 |
Michael Breed | 2000 |
Nelson Long | 1999 |
Tom Patri | 1998 |
Darrell Kestner | 1997 |
Gene Borek | 1996 |
Martin Nolletti | 1995 |
Bill Greenleaf | 1994 |
Bob Joyce | 1993 |
Joe Moresco | 1992 |
Gil McNally | 1991 |
Harry Cooper | 1990 |
Carl Lohren | 1989 |
Roy Pace | 1988 |
Mike Hebron | 1987 |
Jim McLean | 1986 |
The PGA Youth Player Development Award (formally the Junior Golf Leader Award) recognizes the PGA Professional who is a leader in junior golf and who reflects the ideals of those who work with youth.
Youth Player Development Award Guidelines:
Recipient(s) | Year |
Ben Hoffhine | 2017 |
Bill Makedon | 2016 |
Peter Procops | 2015 |
Nick Maselli | 2014 |
Stuart Waack | 2013 |
George Dixon | 2012 |
Joe Malloy | 2011 |
Rich Jones | 2010 |
Jim Smoot | 2009 |
Tom Kuhn | 2008 |
Stuart Waack | 2007 |
Kevin Morris | 2006 |
Vincent Pauroso | 2005 |
Mike Wade | 2004 |
Joe Felder | 2003 |
Charlie Bolling | 2002 |
David Stevenson | 2001 |
Bob Posillico & Pat Morris | 2000 |
Leo McMahon | 1999 |
Bob DeStefano | 1998 |
Bobby Jenkins | 1997 |
Peter Cowan | 1996 |
Joe Felder | 1995 |
Bryan Fitzpatrick | 1994 |
Tim Nevin | 1993 |
Dave Alvarez | 1992 |
NYC Borough Coordinators Bill Castner, Tony Chateauvert Peter Cowan, Bill Korte, John Vuono |
1991 |
Paul Miner | 1990 |
Dale Shankland | 1990 |
Paul Miner | 1989 |
Jim Hundertmark | 1988 |
Billy Castner | 1987 |
Leo Tabick | 1986 |
Paul Miner | 1985 |
Paul Miner | 1984 |
Barney Corrigan | 1983 |
Mike Hebron | 1982 |