The 2024 PGA Professional Development Award has been awarded to Gabriella Story, PGA! Gabriella currently serves as the PGA Golf Management Program Director and Tenure-Track Faculty Member in the Lundy Fetterman School of Business at Campbell University. 

Gabriella has been involved in ...PGA Golf Management Programs for seven years. At Campbell University, she is dedicated to shaping well-rounded students who prioritize education while embracing inclusion and service, aligned with the university’s faith-based foundation. She is also passionate about connecting students with industry experts, offering valuable insights to PGM students and other interested School of Business students.

Gabriella is also deeply committed to supporting the section. She currently serves as the Education Chair for the Triangle Chapter, where she strives to provide unique learning opportunities for members. Recently, she was invited to join the Carolinas Section Associate Education Committee to assist Associates on their path to PGA membership. Additionally, Gabriella founded the first PGA HOPE Buies Creek location and organizes four Player Ability Tests annually for local Associates and PGM students.

Congratulations, Gabriella! Thank you for everything you do for the Carolinas section!

The Carolinas PGA is proud to honor Tom Dale, PGA, of Linville Golf Club, who was recognized during the opening ceremony of the PGA Show for his remarkable leadership and dedication in raising funds to support Hurricane Helene relief efforts. His hard work and compassion have made a lasting impact ...on those in need, exemplifying the true spirit of giving back. 👏⛳ #PGAShow #CarolinasPGA

The 2024 PGA Player Development Award has been awarded to Ryan Dailey, PGA! Ryan is the co-founder and General Manager of Operation 36 Golf. 

In 2009, partner Matt Reagan and Ryan launched Operation 36 Golf, a junior and adult development program. Today, the program operates at over ...800 locations across 15+ countries, and in 2024 alone, it welcomed 40,000 new participants (56% Juniors; 44% Adults). This year, the program generated just over $17 million in additional coaching revenue for coaches in the industry.  Reflecting on its impact, Ryan shares, “The biggest reward is visiting these facilities and seeing the smiles on grandparents, parents, and kids. It never gets old when they run up eager to share their stories—stories of perseverance, overcoming obstacles, and finally beating 36. There are so many stories and never enough time to hear them all.”

Beyond Operation 36, Ryan remains deeply involved in the Carolinas Section through various initiatives. He and his staff have supported programs such as PGA HOPE, PGA Junior League, UA Tour, Wounded Warriors, the Autism Society, and Parks and Rec for Inner City in Fayetteville. Additionally, he serves as the High School Golf Coach at Cape Fear Christian Academy and has been a member of the Carolinas Section Teaching and Coaching Committee for three years.  Ryan is a 20-year PGA Member, earning his membership in 2005.  

Congratulations, Ryan! Thank you for everything you do for the Carolinas section!

The 2024 PGA Youth Player Development Award has been awarded to Andrew Kiger, PGA! Andrew currently serves as the Director of Instruction at The Club at 12 Oaks. 

Andrew Kiger is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of golfers and developing future PGA Professionals. Throughout his ...career, he has been committed to helping junior golfers improve their skills and grow through the game of golf. He has fostered an exceptional culture for junior golf and families, creating an environment where young players thrive. His player development programs are widely recognized for producing elite junior golfers, many of whom have excelled in tournament play and continued their success at the collegiate level. Andrew is equally passionate about introducing beginners to the game, making golf fun and welcoming for all. His enthusiasm and dedication inspire juniors to develop a lifelong love for the sport.

Beyond his work with youth, Andrew is a mentor and leader among PGA Professionals, encouraging his peers to build their brands and businesses. He actively promotes the game through networking at local chapter events, competing in section tournaments, hosting and presenting at teaching events, and attending numerous teaching summits. He also takes great pride in employing and mentoring PGM students, viewing it as both a privilege and a responsibility.

Congratulations, Andrew! Thank you for everything you do for the Carolinas section!

The 2024 PGA Teacher & Coach of the Year Award has been awarded to Sean Kennedy, PGA! Sean currently serves as the Lead Golf Instructor at The Cliffs at Mountain Park. 

Throughout his career, Sean has fostered a love for the game and the improvement process for members, guests, and ...other golf professional staff. Sean’s dedication to teaching golf and to whoever he is instructing shows in every session he conducts, and his sessions reflect his values and belief system. Sean has achieved many accomplishments over the years, instructing players who have gone on to play exceptional golf while also inspiring the pursuit of continuous education. For example, he hosts monthly “white board” sessions for The Cliffs Professional staff, providing a platform to present problems and collaboratively develop solutions. This is just one of the many ways Sean’s dedication and passion for the game are evident in his work.

Sean has contributed significantly to his club, hosting events like a Black Girls Golf Clinic and activities at The Cliffs for First Tee participants, among many other initiatives. His influence extends beyond his facility as well. Sean has been a member of the Carolinas Section Teaching and Coaching Committee since 2019, contributed to seven different magazines on five occasions, created a 24-volume video series, appeared on numerous podcasts, attended and conducted various teaching and coaching seminars, and served as the Carolinas Mountain Chapter Education Chair.

Congratulations, Sean! Thank you for everything you do for the Carolinas section!