Awards

The PGA Golf Professional of the Year Award is one of the highest honors the Association can bestow on a working club professional whose total contributions to the game best exemplify the complete PGA Professional. This award embraces a wide range of services executed by the club professional.

Steve Fessler – 2022
Peter Kurvers – 2021
Greg McCullough – 2020
Doug Hoffmann – 2019
Paul Kelley – 2018
Tom Abts – 2017
Steve Whillock – 2016
John Dahl – 2015
Rob Hary – 2014
Doug Nelson – 2013
David DuSchane – 2012
Tom Purcell – 2011
Jeffrey Drimel – 2010
Dick Walters – 2009
Dan Waldoch – 2008
Mike Malone – 2007
Kathy Swanson – 2006
Jack Baldwin – 2005
Steve Haagenson – 2004
Dick Nelson – 2003
Bruce Anderson – 2002
Phil Reith – 2001
Mike Tracy – 2000
Marty Lass – 1999
Dennis Gavin – 1998
Dennis Gavin – 1997
Michael Zinni – 1996
Wendell Pittenger – 1995
Dick Tollette – 1994
Bill Kidd – 1993
Craig Waryan – 1992
Joe O’Connor – 1991
Ray Vennewitz – 1990
Larry Murphy – 1989
Mike Schultz – 1988
Everett Stuart – 1987
Craig Waryan – 1986
Rod Lidenberg – 1985
Jim Manthis – 1984
Don Waryan – 1983
Bob Olds – 1982
Dick Tollette – 1981
Frank Taylor – 1980
Joel Goldstrand – 1979
Loren Krugel – 1978
Frank Fiorito – 1977
Pat Shortridge – 1976
Ken Gorg – 1975

The Teacher & Coach 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.

Marshall Hoiness, Oak Ridge Country Club – 2023

Ryan Paulson – 2022
Alan Strang – 2021
Joe Greupner – 2020
Aaron Jacobson – 2019
Angie Ause – 2018
Luke Benoit – 2017
Kris Kroetsch – 2016
Brent Snyder – 2015
Sam Emerson – 2014
Eric Chiles – 2013
Stacey Christensen – 2012
Roger Fahrenkrug – 2011
Scott Dirck – 2010
Dee Forsberg – 2009
Todd Kolb – 2008
Greg Schulze – 2007
Jim Manthis – 2006
Dan DeMuth – 2005
Craig Waryan – 2004
Steve Willock – 2003
Chris Foley – 2002
Gaylen Allen – 2001
John Dahl – 2000
Jeff Otto – 1999
Peter Krause – 1998
John Dahl – 1997
Peter Krause – 1996
John Dahl – 1995
Peter Krause – 1994
Peter Krause – 1993
Peter Krause – 1992
Mike Barge – 1991
Peter Krause – 1990
Mike Barge – 1989
Rod Lidenberg – 1988
Rod Lidenberg – 1987

The Youth Player Development Award is awarded to an individual who demonstrates involvement in the promotion and development of junior golf at the club level. They have a proven interest, concern, and ability to provide opportunities and experience for juniors to learn and play golf. They are also recognized as someone of outstanding character.

Josh Lang, Tipsinah Mounds Golf Course – 2023

Justin Kraft – 2022
Charlie Levis – 2021
Andrea Kellar – 2020
Chris Foley – 2019
Brad Pluth – 2018
Coralee Jorgensen – 2017
Dean Zahn – 2016
Aaron Jacobson – 2015
Ty Armstrong – 2014
Bryan Skavnak – 2013
Kris Smith – 2012
Michael Hinton – 2011
Ken Manthis – 2010
Brian Simpson – 2009
Brian Pabst – 2008
Marshall Hoiness – 2007
Greg Schulze – 2006
Adam Guili – 2005
Steve Fessler – 2004
Ken Manthis – 2003
Mike Tracy – 2002
Jeff Drimel – 2001
Larry Nelson – 2000
Rob Hary – 1999
Dan Waldoch – 1998
Michael Turnbull – 1997
Michael Turnbull – 1996
Dan Waldoch – 1995
Michael Turnball – 1994
Rob Hary – 1993
Dick Tollette – 1992
Dick Tollette – 1991
Dick Tollette – 1990
Mike Barge – 1989
George Reynolds – 1988
George Reynolds – 1987

The PGA Professional Development 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.

Jay Meyerhoff, Lafayette Club – 2023

Chris Nathlich – 2022
Chandler Withington – 2021
Nathan Ollhoff – 2020
Nick Pelle – 2019
C.J. Meyer – 2018
Jeff Drimel – 2017
Jay Meyerhoff – 2016
Larry Murphy – 2015
Michael Zinni – 2014
Steve Fessler – 2013
Greg Schulze – 2012
Brad Pluth – 2011
NO RECIPIENT – 2010
Rod Lidenberg – 2009
Doug Nelson – 2008
Doug Hoffman – 2007
Keith Kalney – 2006
Joel Burger – 2005
Joe O’Connor – 2004
Sam Emerson – 2003
Peter Krause – 2002
George Reynolds – 2001
Rosemary Iverson – 2000
Jock Olson – 1999
Dennis Gavin – 1998
Bruce Anderson – 1997
Bruce Anderson – 1996
Bruce Anderson – 1995
Bruce Anderson – 1994
Joe O’Connor – 1993
Dennis Gavin – 1992
Dennis Gavin – 1991
Joe O’Connor – 1990
David Richardson – 1989
Chris Korbol – 1988

The PGA Bill Strausbaugh Award bestows special recognition on a PGA Golf Professional, who personally displays outstanding integrity, character, and leadership through a commitment to mentoring and making significant impacts on the careers of PGA Professionals. In the spirit of the award, “mentoring” shall be defined as follows:

“Mentoring is supporting professionals to manage their own development so they can maximize their PGA career potential. The PGA mentor empowers, enables, advises, challenges, and encourages professionals to enhance their professional skills, strengthen their level of service, improve their work performance, and become the PGA Member that they aspire to be.”

Nathan Ollhoff – 2022
Steve Fessler – 2021
Dan Simpson – 2020
Lisa Schwinden – 2019
David Tentis – 2018
Greg Stang – 2017
Nathan Ollhoff – 2016
Dick Walters – 2015
Alan Cull – 2014
George Reynolds – 2013
Mike Tracy – 2012
Peer Finstad – 2011
NO RECIPIENT – 2010
Nora McGuire – 2009
Eric Dietz – 2008
Michael Zinni – 2007
Wendell Pittenger – 2006
Brian Riner – 2005
Craig Waryan – 2004
Jeff Drimel – 2003
Nora McGuire – 2002
Bob Reith Jr. – 2001
Michael Zinni – 2000
Joe Malone – 1999
Bill Kidd – 1998
Bill Kidd – 1997
Greg Mireault – 1996
Marty Lass – 1995
Marty Lass – 1994
Marty Lass – 1993
Jim Manthis – 1992
Craig Waryan – 1991
Chuck Hanson – 1990
Craig Waryan – 1989
Craig Waryan – 1988

The PGA Assistant Golf Professional of the Year Award is one of the highest honors the Association can bestow on an Assistant golf professional. This award embraces a wide range of services executed by the Assistant Golf professional.

Blake Lentner, Wayzata Country Club – 2023

Jeff Crouch – 2022
Thad Bloberger – 2021
Nick Sage – 2020
Andy Smith – 2019
Kris Rosaasen – 2018
Michael Marshall – 2017
Pat Cairns – 2016
Tim Brovold – 2015
Chris Larson – 2014
Brian Haack – 2013
Dan Suedbeck – 2012
C.J. Meyer – 2011
Rory Luck – 2010
Eddie Wynne – 2009
Jay Meyerhoff – 2008
M. Kristen Nelson – 2007
Paul Schubring – 2006
Kellie Catron – 2005
Joel Burger – 2004
Charlie Levis – 2003
Patrick Markely – 2002

The Facility Promoter of the Year Award is designed to recognize PGA Professionals for outstanding contributions to their facility. Criteria considered for this award include golf programs offered, tournament operations, merchandising, rules, promotion, and history at facility.

Jon Hatcher, Oneka Ridge Golf Course – 2023

Kent Blaschko – 2022
Greg Snow – 2021
Mark Hetland – 2020
Steve Whillock – 2019
Grant Hanson – 2018
Lisa Schwinden – 2017
Tom O’Connell – 2016
Steve Bengtson – 2015
Scott McDonald – 2014
Troy Malo – 2013
Jay Meyerhoff – 2012
Tom Abts – 2011
John Elasky – 2010
John Young – 2009
Mark Foley – 2008
Dan Dols – 2007
Larry Gunia – 2006
Nick Anderson – 2005
Rick Dodge – 2004
Greg Stang – 2003
Jeff Tollette – 2002
Nora McGuire – 2001
Jake Manahan – 2000
Tom Purcell – 1999
Dan Simpson – 1998
Mark Carlson – 1997
Mark Carlson – 1996
Steve Dornfeld – 1995
Craig Waryan – 1994
Steve Dornfeld – 1993
Mike Malone – 1992
Craig Waryan – 1991
Mike Malone – 1990
Craig Waryan – 1989
Nora McGuire – 1988
Tom Purcell – 1987
Joe Greupner – 1986

The Facility Promoter of the Year Award is designed to recognize PGA Professionals for outstanding contributions to their facility. Criteria considered for this award include golf programs offered, tournament operations, merchandising, rules, promotion, and history at the facility.

Matt Paulius – 2022
Chris Weinhold – 2021
Ed Bialek – 2020
David Plotnik – 2019
Mickey Finn – 2018
Tom Skoglund – 2017
Kellie Hoiness – 2016
Ray Vennewitz – 2015
Ron Rebrovich – 2014
Tim Huffman – 2013
Phillip Anderson – 2012
Craig Thomsen – 2011
Dan Simpson – 2010
Henry Orme – 2009
John Richeson – 2008
Joe O’Connor – 2007
Mike King – 2006
Steve David – 2005
Doug Nelson – 2004
Kevin Cashman – 2003
Mike Schultz – 2002
David Podas – 2001
Don Powers – 2000
Brad Schmierer – 1999
Joe O’Connor – 1998
Marty Lass – 1997
Marty Lass – 1996
Jeff Brecht – 1995
Joe O’Connor – 1994
Marty Lass – 1993
Marty Lass – 1992
Mike Schultz – 1991
Michael Zinni – 1990
Bill Kidd – 1989
Bill Kidd – 1988
Bill Kidd – 1987
Larry Murphy – 1986

The Facility Promoter of the Year Award is designed to recognize PGA Professionals for outstanding contributions to their facility. Criteria considered for this award include golf programs offered, tournament operations, merchandising, rules, promotion, and history at facility.

Mike Luckraft, The Meadows at Mystic Lake – 2023

Jack Wawro – 2022
Tim Johnson – 2021
Adam Haugen – 2020
Ryan Peterson – 2019
David Sadlowsky – 2018
Jack Wawro – 2017
Mark C. Johnson – 2016
Nathan Erickson – 2015
Mark Neva – 2014
Eric Peterson – 2013
Tom Beaudry – 2012
John Kendall – 2011
Jeff Olson – 2010
Jack Wawro – 2009
Chris Foley – 2008
Peter Kurvers – 2007
Joe Wisocki – 2006
Greg LeLand – 2005
Chuck Klecatsky – 2004
John Kendall – 2003
Eric Peterson – 2002
Dan Lehmann – 2001
Jason Tollette – 2000
John Basten – 1999
Jason Tollette – 1998
Mark Neva – 1997
Mark Neva – 1996
Ken Lubke – 1995
Kevin Cashman – 1994
Steve Willock – 1993
Steve Willock – 1992
Paul Grovum – 1991
Paul Grovum – 1990
John Basten – 1989
John Basten – 1988
John Basten – 1987

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.

David Branstad, TPC Twin Cities – 2023

Jon Reigstad – 2022
Brent Snyder – 2021
Chris Foley – 2020
Lance West – 2019
Danny Sinksen – 2018
Nick Pelle – 2017
Brad Pluth -2016
Jason Sudenga – 2015
Greg Schulze – 2014
Marshall Hoiness – 2013
Michael Herzog – 2012
Paul Kelley – 2011
Michael Herzog – 2010
Jay Meyerhoff – 2009
George Reynolds – 2008
Lori Money – 2007
Jeff Drimel – 2006

The PGA 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.

Tim Anderson, Bunker Hills Golf Course – 2023

Benny Menton – 2022
Ross Leary – 2021
Lisa Schwinden – 2020
Bennett Menton – 2019
Paul Kelley – 2018
Alan Cull – 2017
Dale Jones – 2016

The Steve Weidner Award is one of the highest honors the Section can bestow on an individual whose total contributions to the game are extraordinary and beyond normal day-to-day activities.  This award embraces a wide range of services throughout the game of golf.  Past winners include PGA Professionals, Media Personnel, and tournament founders and operators.

Paul Kelley, Woodhill Country Club – 2023

Marty Lass – 2022
Hollis Cavner – 2021
Kirk Reiners – 2020
Don Johnson – 2019
Jim Deutsch – 2018
Bill Israelson – 2017
None – 2016
None – 2015
Dan Waldoch – 2014
None – 2013
None – 2012
None – 2011
None – 2010
Dean Zahn – 2009
Dick Tollette – 2008
Larry Nelson – 2007
Mike Schultz – 2006
Gregg Wong & Jon Roe – 2005
Frank Taylor – 2004
Bob Klas Sr. & Pat Cody – 2003
Larry Murphy – 2002