2020 Iowa PGA Awards Assistant Professional of the Year

2020 Iowa PGA Assistant Professional of the Year

Jacob Shultz, Associate

Jacob Shultz of Blue Top Ridge has been named the 2020 Iowa PGA Assistant Professional of the Year. This honor is based on the professional’s entire record with emphasis on his performance and achievements over the past year. This is the highest honor paid to an assistant golf professional and the award committee determined this winner based on strength as a player, teacher, merchandiser, and overall golf professional, the contributions to the success of the nominees facility, the nominees contributions to the game of golf, the character of the nominee and respect for other professionals, example of professionals who have enhanced their careers through the nominee, the nominee’s ability to play golf and the previous Section awards or community involvement activities.

“This award means a great deal to me. I feel honored to be among many hard working assistant professionals in this section considered for this award. Thank you to David Crawley and the selection committee for their careful consideration. Additionally, I want to thank Bryan Haas and Mike McNamara for their support and giving me valuable leadership opportunities,” Shultz stated about winning this Award.

Shultz’s path to becoming a more well-rounded golf professional started with his mentors Bryan Haas and Michael McNamara believing in Shultz and hiring him as an assistant professional as well as a supervisor within the casino and resort.

As Shultz entered the PGM program he was supported and given new roles in order to gain specialized experience. In his first year, he set up for GIVE foundation classes and volunteered as an instructor. Early on, Shultz took an interest in helping injured veterans with their swings regardless of their obstacles. While serving at Blue Top Ridge, Shultz has collaborated with the professional staff by developing a season long marketing plan and loyalty program in order to generate more business for their resort.

Later on, he realized how valuable that opportunity was to a budding professional. Shultz also acted as a tournament assistant and prepared cart signs, rules sheets, and flag events for golf outings. Following the events, he would help score the event depending on the size of the group.

In 2020, Shultz has accomplished many personal and professional goals. The first was to become more involved with our Iowa PGA Section. Apart from helping as a host to section tournaments and the Iowa Open, he has joined the Assistant’s Association headed by Mike Armes. Shultz has taken a particular interest in education of current and future assistants going through the PGM program and given feedback on how educational programming should evolve for future students. He has also taken initiative by representing Blue Top Ridge and playing in a handful of section events this season. This plan used GHIN handicap as a way to promote playing more golf and building a foundation for player development and tournament participation. Each month has a highlight for player development paired with a promotional offering. Shultz partnered with the resorts social media specialist to promote golf events such as DIVA Golf Days and The Big Cup Tournament at the end of the year. With this plan, he has seen much success in a year filled with such uncertainly due to the national pandemic. On that note, he has helped to put special policies and procedures in place at his facility to keep golf cars clean and in good repair. He has been active in interviewing, hiring, training and scheduling new employees. Each and every day he channels his passion for the game of golf to serve others around him and elevate his facility to its highest potential.