Special Awards

Golf Professional of the Year

Jason Sutton, PGA | Colleton River Club

The Carolinas PGA has recognized Jason Sutton, PGA, Director of Instruction at Colleton River Club, with its highest honor: 2024 Golf Professional of the Year. A PGA Member for nearly 30 years and a Carolinas Section member since 1997, Sutton, known as “The Guru,” has built an exceptional career in golf instruction.

After starting as a head golf professional, Sutton shifted to teaching at the Dana Rader Golf School, eventually leading instruction programs at Carmel Country Club and Colleton River Club. His leadership as Chairman of the Teaching and Coaching Committee has expanded educational opportunities, including organizing events like the Fall Teaching Summit and the Super Show Winter Teaching Summit. Sutton also shares his expertise through his podcast, The Golf Guru.

Sutton’s accolades include multiple PGA awards, recognition on Golf Digest’s Best in State list, and being named to Golf Magazine’s Top 100 Teachers. This prestigious award honors his contributions to the game, mentorship, and dedication to advancing golf in the Carolinas.

The Golf Professional of the Year Award, the highest distinction for a PGA Professional, celebrates outstanding performance in their role, exceptional service to the Section, leadership, professionalism, ability to inspire peers, and dedication to promoting the game of golf.

Palmer Maples Teacher of the Year
Sean Kennedy, PGA | The Cliffs at Mountain Park

This award bestows special recognition on a PGA Professional who has performed outstanding service as a golf instructor.  The award winner has made a tremendous impact on teaching and golf instruction in the Section, had involvement in junior golf activities at his/her facility and the community, provided innovative contributions to golf instruction, and any articles written for publication.

Bill Strausbaugh Award
Eric Schultz, PGA | Colleton River Club

This award is presented to a PGA member, who by his/her day-to-day efforts has made significant contributions through mentoring of PGA Professionals and impacting their careers. The award also considers the integrity and character of the PGA member, service to the Section, and involvement in community and charitable activities.

PGA Professional Development Award
Gabriella Story, PGA | Campbell University PGA Golf Management

The PGA Professional Development Award is designed to recognize individual PGA Professionals for their outstanding and continuing contributions to developing and improving educational opportunities for the PGA Professional. They are to have made contributions to the Section’s educational program including meetings and seminars held with the Carolinas Section, developed articles and materials which benefit and relate to education, and built the image of both the PGA Professional and the Association.

Player Development Award
Ryan Dailey, PGA | Operation 36 Golf

This award is designed to recognize individual PGA Professionals for their extraordinary and exemplary contributions and achievements in the area of Player Development.  This award considers the Professional’s growth of the game leadership commitment at the Section and National levels, plus the impact made at his/her own facility.

Youth Player Development Award
Andrew Kiger, PGA | The Club at 12 Oaks

This award is designed to recognize a PGA Professional who is a leader in junior golf, reflects the qualities and ideals of those who work with our nation’s youth, and provides opportunities and experiences for juniors to learn and play golf.  In addition, they showcase integrity as an individual and acceptance by junior golfers as a person of outstanding character are the criteria for this award.

Merchandiser of the Year (Private)
Joel Stark, PGA | Country Club of Charleston

This award recognizes PGA Professionals who have demonstrated superior skills as merchandisers in the promotion of golf.  The criteria considered for this award are: PGA member in good standing, credit rating with the industry, overall credit rating, community involvement, staff training, inventory mix, displays, merchandising techniques, details and innovation, shop operations, merchandising philosophy, and merchandising performance (profit margin, turn rate, cost of goods, sales).

Merchandiser of the Year (Resort)
No 2024 Recipient

This award recognizes PGA Professionals who have demonstrated superior skills as merchandisers in the promotion of golf.  The criteria considered for this award are: PGA member in good standing, credit rating with the industry, overall credit rating, community involvement, staff training, inventory mix, displays, merchandising techniques, details and innovation, shop operations, merchandising philosophy, and merchandising performance (profit margin, turn rate, cost of goods, sales).

Merchandiser of the Year (Public)
Casey Cook, PGA | East Coast Golf Management

This award recognizes PGA Professionals who have demonstrated superior skills as merchandisers in the promotion of golf.  The criteria considered for this award are: PGA member in good standing, credit rating with the industry, overall credit rating, community involvement, staff training, inventory mix, displays, merchandising techniques, details and innovation, shop operations, merchandising philosophy, and merchandising performance (profit margin, turn rate, cost of goods, sales).

Assistant Professional of the Year
Cynthia Graham, PGA | The Dunes Golf & Beach Club

The Assistant Golf Professional of the Year is awarded to an individual who showcases overall excellence as an Assistant Professional. They exude a quality level of service, promotion of the game, image, and overall performance at his/her facility.

Patriot Award
Angel Diaz, PGA | Project Golf

The CPGA 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.

Community Impact Award
Kevin Reardon, PGA | Providence Country Club

The Carolinas PGA Community Impact Award bestows special recognition on a PGA Professional who excels in community involvement through their time, actions, talents and dedication. The honoree should serve as a role model for compassion and service while striving to make the world a better place by helping others in his/her community. This individual should have a proven impact in community outreach programs, fundraising and/or service on community organization boards.

1955 – Palmer Maples, PGA

1956 – Grant Bennett, PGA

1957 – Dugan Aycock, PGA

1958 – Jim McNair, PGA

1959 – George Corcoran, PGA

1960 – Clarence Owen, PGA

1961 – Melvin Hemphill, PGA

1962 – Grover Bullin, PGA

1963 – Joe Davis, PGA

1964 – Joe Chevis, PGA

1965 – Aubrey Apple, PGA

1966 – Al Goodrich, PGA

1967 – Joe Frasca, PGA

1968 – Fairley Clark, PGA

1969 – Purvis Ferree, PGA

1970 – Grady Shumate, PGA

1971 – Bobby Howard, PGA

1972 – Ed Bullock, PGA

1973 – Al Smith, PGA

1974 – Tommy Card, PGA

1978 – Charles Farlow, PGA

1979 – Charles Prentice, PGA

1980 – Bruce Sudderth, PGA

1981 – Norman Flynn, PGA

1982 – Avery Beck, PGA

1983 – Sherrill Austin, PGA

1984 – Bob Becknell, PGA

1985 – Gary Shaal, PGA

1986 – Jim Westbrook, PGA

1987 – Tim Moss, PGA

1988 – Luke Veasy, PGA

1989 – Will Mann, PGA

1990 – Bill Lynton, PGA

1991 – Chip King, PGA

1992 – Terry Florence, PGA

1993 – Bill Clemmer, PGA

1994 – Vic Lipscomb, PGA

1995 – Stuart taylor, PGA

1996  – Tommy Pendley, PGA

1997 – Cary Corbitt, PGA

1998 – Cliff Mann, PGA

1999 – Zach Veasey, PGA

2000 – Reid Hill, PGA

2001 – Ed Ibarguen, PGA

2002- John Buczek, PGA

2003 – Karl Kimball, PGA

2004 – Kelly Childs, PGA

2005 – Mike Casto, PGA

2006 – Robert Harper, PGA

2007 – Mike Harmon, PGA

2008 – Rick Murphy, PGA

2009 – Ben Hynson, PGA

2010 – Clem King, PGA

2011 – Bill Sampson, PGA

2012 – Gary Hobgood, PGA

2013 – Chad Newton, PGA

2014 – Jeff Nichols, PGA

2015 – Heidi Wrightt-Tennyson, PGA

2016 – John Faidley, PGA

2017 – Jeff Dotson, PGA

2018 – Thomas Dale, PGA

2019 – Tom Mason, PGA

2020 – Rocky Brooks, PGA

2021 – John Marino, PGA

2022 – Bob Byrnes, PGA

2023 – Paige Cribb, PGA

2024 – Jason Sutton, PGA

1980 – Terry Wilcox, PGA

1981 – Grant Bennett, PGA

1982 – Frank Palumbo, PGA

1983 – Ronald Reitz, PGA

1984 – Rod Warner, PGA

1985 – Gerdon Fulp, PGA

1986 – L.B. Floyd, PGA

1987 – Ron Cerrudo, PGA

1988 – Bruce Suddreth, PGA

1989 – Vic Lipscomb, PGA

1990 – E. Harvie Ward, PGA

1991 – Ed Ibarguen, PGA

Bruce Suddreth, PGA

1992 – Phil Wallace, PGA

1993 – Ted Brasile, PGA

Robert Linville, PGA

1994 – John Buczek, PGA

1995 – Eric Alpenfels, PGA

1996 – Mike Schroder, PGA

1997 – Tim Moss, PGA

1998 – Skip Malek, PGA

1999 – Bob Dougherty, PGA

2000 – Drew Pierson, PGA

2001 – Rick Morty, PGA

2002 – John Gerring, PGA

2003 – Ed Ibarguen, PGA

2004 – Steve Dresser, PGA 

2005 – Ted Frick, PGA

Chuck Wike, PGA

2006 – Krista Dunton, PGA

2007 – Brad redding, PGA

2008 – Brad Clayton, PGA 

2009 – Rick Murphy, PGA

2010 – Rick Barry, PGA

201 – David Orr, PGA

2012 – Eric Alpenfels, PGA

2013 – Jason Sutton, PGA

2014 – Tim Cooke, PGA

2015 – Marc LaPointe, PGA

2016 – Bill Sampson, PGA

2017 – Doug Weaver, PGA

2018 – Jason Baile, PGA

2019 – Robert Fritz, PGA

2020 – Allen Terrell, PGA

2021 – Jimmy Hamilton, PGA

2022 – Krista Dunton, PGA

2023 – Kevin Britt, PGA

2024 – Sean Kennedy, PGA

1983 – Bruce Sudderth, PGA

1984 – Bruce Sudderth, PGA

1985 – Buck Adams, PGA

1986 – Bill Lytton, PGA

1987 – Bill Lytton, PGA

1988 – Will Mann, PGA

1989 – Buck Adams, PGA

1990 – Bill Clemmer, PGA

1991 – Bruce Suddreth, PGA

1992 – Bill Clemmer, PGA

1993 – Ed Ibarguen, PGA

1994 – Chip King, PGA

1995 – Hart Brown, PGA

1996 – Skip Corn, PGA

Ron Stevenson, PGA

1997 – Jim Westbrook, PGA

1998 – Cary Corbitt, PGA

1999 – Chip King, PGA

2000 – Cliff Mann, PGA

2001 – Jerry Hogge, PGA

2002 – Eric Wilson, PGA

2003 – Ben Hynson, PGA

2004 – Karl Kimball Jr., PGA

2005 – Mike Harmon, PGA

2006 – Dean Allgeyer, PGA

2007 – Bill Sampson, PGA

2008 – Frank Coughlin, PGA

2009 – Tim Tilma, PGA

2010 – Mac Hood, PGA

2011 – Jeff Nichols, PGA

2012 – John Marino, PGA

2013 – Tom Ducey, PGA

2014 – Reid Hill, PGA

2026 – Jeff Dotson, PGA

2017 –  Andrew Shuck, PGA

2018 – Clem King, PGA

2019 – Robb Wade, PGA

2020 – Brian Gerard, PGA

2021 – Mary Thomas, PGA

2022 – Brock White, PGA

2023 – Jason Sutton, PGA

2024 – Eric Shultz, PGA

1976 – Dugan Aycock, PGA

1977 – Derek Hardy, PGA

1978 – Gary Shaal, PGA

1979 – Tommy Card, PGA

1980 – Gary Shaal, PGA

1981 – Phil Wallace, PGA

1982 – Hal Jernigan, PGA

1983 – Hal Jernigan, PGA

1984 – Don Dunkelberger, PGA

1985 – Deva Reece, PGA

1986 – Chris Hunkler, PGA

1987 – Tillman Moss, PGA

1988 – Ship Malek, PGA

1989 – Chip King, PGA

1990 – Ed Ibarguen, PGA

1991 – Rick Burton, PGA

1992 – Drew Pierson, PGA

1993 – Rick Burton, PGA

1994 – John Winterhalter, PGA

1995 – Zach Veasey, PGA

1996 – Chip King, PGA

1997 – Don Farr, PGA 

1998 – Ed Ibarguen, PGA

1999 – Jerry Hogge, PGA

2000 –  Mike Casto, PGA

2001 – Ben Hynson, PGA

2002 – Mike Casto, PGA

2003 – Michael Harmon, PGA

2004 – Ed Ibarguen, PGA

2005 – Eric Wilson, PGA

2006 – Rich Parker, PGA

2007 – Rob Pilewski, PGA

2008 – Phil Pendergrass, PGA

2009 – Dean Allgeyer, PGA

2010 – Stephen Younger, PGA

2011 – Chad newton, PGA

2012 – Tom Mason, PGA

2013 – Ed Sehl, PGA

2014 – Paige Cribb, PGA

2015 – Jason Stutton, PGA

2016 – Rick Murphy, PGA

2017 – James Hackenburg, PGA

2018 – Chris Byrd, PGA

2019 – Matt Bova, PGA

2020 – Josh Wagaman, PGA

2021 – Paige Cribb, PGA

2022 – Deron Lee, PGA

2023 – Brock White, PGA

2024 – Gabriella Story, PGA

2006 – Del Ratcliffe, PFA

2007 – Mike Casto, PGA

2008- Dean Allgever, PGA

2009 – John Farrell, PGA

2010 – Bill Sampson, PGA

2011 – Del Ratcliffe, PGA

2012- Chad Newton, PGA

2013 – Heidi Wright-Tennyson, PGA

2014 – Jay King, PGA

2015 – Brad Clayton, PGA

2016 – Chris Haarlow, PGA

2017 – Jeff Shores, PGA

2018 – Tom Mason, PGA

2019 – Frank Maynard III, PGA

2020 – Casey Cline, PGA

2021 – Kevin Britt, PGA

2022 – Cynthia Graham, PGA

2023 – Robbie Fritz, PGA

2024 – Ryan Dailey, PGA

1988 – Rick Murphy, PGA

1989 – Dave Vandeventer, PGA

1990 – Rick Murphy, PGA

1991 – Ted Staats, PGA

1992 – Ronnie Reitz, PGA

1993 – Eric Smith, PGA

1994 – Ronnie Reitz, PGA

1995 – Eric Smith, PGA

1996 – Tommy Pendley, PGA

1997 – Sam Brewer, PGA

1998 – George Bryan, PGA

1999 – Harold Dunovant, PGA

2000 – Joey Hines, PGA

2001 – Charlie Bohmert, PGA

2002 – Bob Brooks, PGA

2003 – Don Allen, PGA

2004 – Todd Smith, PGA

2005 – William Deck, PGA

2006 – Albert Arrigoni, PGA

2007 – Mike Byce, PGA

2008 – Mike Cato, PGA

2009 – Chris Miller, PGA

2010 – Perry Green, PGA

2011 – Chris Haarlow, PGA

2012 – Ben Grandy, PGA

2013 – Ryan Dailey, PGA

2014 – Matthew Reagan, PGA

2015 – Craig Sandstrum, PGA 

2016 – Kevin Britt, PGA

2017 – Tom Mason, PGA

2018 – Briana Sweeny, PGA

2019 – Bucky Dudley, PGA

2020 – Robert A. Fritz, PGA

2021 – Anne Marie Goslak, PGA

2022 – Frank Maynard, PGA

2023 – Jim Hardy, PGA

2024 – Andrew Kiger, PGA

1987 – Jim Westbrook, PGA

1988 – Scott Bailey, PGA

1989 – Gre Nance, PGA

1990 – Same Brewer, PGA

1991 – Jim Westbrook, PGA

1992 – John Budwine, PGA

Matt Grandy, PGA
1993 – Hart Brown, PGA

1994 – Cliff Mann, PGA

1995 – Scott Stillwell, PGA

1996 – Jeff Nichols, PGA

1997 – Ben Balentine, PGA

Greg French, PGA
1998 – Bob Patton, PGA

1999 – Bill Hall, PGA

2000 – Michael Harmon, PGA

2001 – Keith goodaker, PGA

2002 – Brian Thelan, PGA

2003 – Richard Parker, PGA

2004 – Michael Harmon, PGA

2005 – John Buczek, PGA

2006 – Chad Newton, PGA

2007 – Claude Brusse, PGA

2008 – Pete Matthews, PGA

2009 – Daniel Seawell, PGA

2010 – Thomas Dale, PGA

2011 – Richard Parker, PGA

2012 – Rocky Brooks, PGA

2013 – Jeff Nichols, PGA

2014 – Jeff Dotson, PGA

2015 – Paul Consolo, PGA

2016 – Andrew Bryce, PGA

2017 – Brian Joyce, PGA

2018 – Franklin D. Newell, PGA

2019 – Jon Rector, PGA

2020 – John Marino, PGA

2021 – William Glenn, PGA

2022 – James Hylton, PGA

2023 – Tyler Gosselin, PGA

2024 – Joel Stark, PGA

1987 – Terry FLorence, PGA

1988 – Terry Florence, PGA

1989 – Terry Florence, PGA

1990 – Tommy Cuthbert, PGA

1991 – Lew Ferguson, PGA

1992- Terry Florence, PGA

1993 – Don Padgett, PGA

1994 – Robert Harper, PGA

1995 – Terry Florence, PGA

1996 – Mike Kallam, PGA

1997 – Cary Corbitt, PGA

1998 – Stephen Cryan, PGA

1999 – John Farrel, PGA

2000 – Archie Lemon, PGA

2001 – Chip King, PGA

2002 – Tom Plankers, PGA

2003 – John Farrel, PGA

2004 – Peter Hymes, PGA

2005 – Brian Gerard, PGA

2006 – Chip Pellerin, PGA

2007 – Mike Buccerone, PGA

2008 – Caroline Basarab, PGA

2009 – Stephen Younger, PGA

2010 – Matt Biddington, PGA

2011 – Jeff Minton, PGA

2012 – Stephen Younger, PGA

2013 – Benjamin Boyter, PGA

2014 – Bart Romano, PGA

2015 – Josh Wagaman, PGA

2016 – Justin Van Heukelom, PGA

2018 – Greg Wrobel, PGA

2019 – Benji Boyter, PGA

2020 – J.T. Symons, PGA

2021 – Tyler Yancey, PGA

2022 – Sean Reardon, PGA

2023 – Benji Boyter, PGA

2024 – NONE

1987 – Luke Veasey, PGA

1988 – Luke Veasey, PGA

1989 – Zach Veasey, PGA

1990 – Zach Veasey, PGA

1991 – Will Denmark, PGA

1992 – Zach Veasey, PGA

1993 – Zach Veasey, PGA

1994 – Zach Veasey, PGA

1995 – Zach Veasey, PGA

1996 – Darin McDonald, PGA

1997 – Zach Veasey, PGA

1998 – Mark McLaughlin, PGA

1999 – Zach Veasey, PGA

2000 – Brady Brown, PGA

2001 – Gary Hobgood, PGA

2002 – Skip Corn, PGA

2002 – No recipient, PGA

2004 – Mac Hood, PGA

2005 – Todd Weldoone, PGA

2006 – Eddie Dennis, PGA

2007 – Johnny Caroroll, PGA

2008 – Chris Brown, PGA

2009 – Shannon Archer, PGA

2010 – Greg Wood, PGA

2011 – Gary Hobgood, PGA\

2012 – Jessica Stewart, PGA 

2013 – Michelle Kempe, PGA

2014 – Marc Guertin, PGA

2015 – Chris Brown, PGA

2016 – Charles Johns IV, PGA

2017 – Matt Daly, PGA

2018 – Todd Miller, PGA

2019 – Kevin Williamson, PGA

2020 – Martha Hudson, PGA

2021 – Casey Cook, PGA

2022 – Chip Watson, PGA

2023 – Alex Bowers, PGA

2024 – Casey Cook, PGA

1998 – Tag Wylie, PGA

1999 – Rob Pilewski, PGA

2000 – Brent Bowen, PGA

2001 – Don Allen, PGA

2002 – Cyndi Evans, PGA

2003 – Ryan Garrity, PGA

2004 – Marshall Stott, PGA

2005 – Chris Byrd, PGA

2006 – Cyndi Evans, PGA

2007 – Adrian Joliffe, PGA

2008 – Jameson Wallace, PGA

2009 – Michael Abraham, PGA

2010 – Paul Dickens, PGA

2011 – Josh Wagaman, PGA

2012 – Brian Stewart, PGA

2013 – Brian Joyce, PGA

2014 – Matt Bova, PGA

2015 – Gregory Crum, PGA

2016 – Nick Cannon, PGA

2017 – Elliot Jones, PGA

2018 – Joe Wohlscheid, PGA

2019 – Andrew Itterly, PGA

2020 – Briana Neiman, PGA

2021 – Josh Webb, PGA

2022 – Joel Stark, PGA

2023 – Travis DeJohn, PGA

2024 – Cynthia Graham, PGA

2019 – Perry Green, PGA

2020 – Brad Clayton, PGA

2021 – Karl Kimball, PGA

2022 – Bob Brooks, PGA

2023 – Brian Oliver, PGA

2024 – Angel Diaz, PGA

2020 – Brett Miller, PGA

2021 – Briana Neimann, PGA

2022 – Doug Hodges, PGA

2023 – Bob Brooks, PGA

2024 – Kevin Reardon, PGA