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!

The 2024 Bill Strausbaugh Award has been awarded to Eric Schultz, PGA! Eric serves as the Director of Golf at Colleton River Club in Bluffton, South Carolina.

Inspired by his parents, who were both high school English teachers, Eric grew up with a passion for teaching and helping others. ...While he realized his calling wouldn’t be in a traditional classroom, his journey in golf revealed a different path to share his gift for mentorship.

Throughout his career, Eric has demonstrated a deep commitment to guiding and supporting others. As a leader, he embodies integrity, compassion, selflessness, and an infectious enthusiasm. His efforts have been instrumental in advancing the PGA GROW program, leaving a lasting impact on the golf community.

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

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

Starting as a head golf professional, Sutton transitioned to teaching at the Dana Rader Golf School before leading instruction programs at Carmel Country Club and Colleton River Club. As Chairman of the Teaching and Coaching Committee, his leadership 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 popular podcast, The Golf Guru.

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

The Golf Professional of the Year Award, the highest honor for a PGA Professional, recognizes outstanding performance, exceptional service to the Section, inspirational leadership, professionalism, and dedication to promoting the game of golf.

Congratulations, Jason! Thank you for everything you do for the Carolinas Section!

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season from the Carolinas PGA! 🎄