2023 NCPGA Annual Review

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA { PARTNER LIST }

PRESIDENT REPORT

ERIC LIPPERT, PGA President, Northern California PGA

Hello fellow Members, Associates, and Invited Guests. The game of golf continues to thrive, certainly here in California and nationally. Our local programs such as PGA HOPE, PGA Junior League and Drive Chip and Putt continue to expand throughout our Section, thanks to the incredible hard work and diligence of all of you, our NCPGA Members, Associates, and Partners. As another year has passed, I would like to take the opportunity to reflect on some of the highlights of 2023.

In January, the NCPGA Board of Directors met to develop and build goals for the year along with welcoming our new Directors. This is always an exciting meeting for the Board of Directors as we are inviting new NCPGA Section members to the team who bring a host of fresh ideas to make our organization better for you, our Members and Associates.

April brought about the roll out of Deferred Compensation Plan, which has now become a reality. Since the program launched on April 1, the program establishes individual retirement accounts for Members in Good Standing, funded annually by the PGA of America. Contributions are based upon credits earned due to participation in established programs. Not only does the Deferred Compensation Plan serve our existing Membership, but it also serves as a recruiting tool for the next generations. Be sure to register for this valuable program.

PGA Frisco is now officially open! The recent Kitchen-Aid Senior PGA Championship was competed on the Fields East Course as the inaugural event. Many members of our national staff are in place, Associates are working their way to PGA Membership, the Northern Texas Section has its new home up and running, and through the design of activities, and public spaces highlighted by two championship golf courses, we once again firmly establish ourselves as the experts in the game and business of golf. Most recently, the 107th PGA of America Annual Meeting was held in Frisco, the first of many to be hosted at PGA Headquarters The meetings always serve as an opportunity for the Officer team to connect with other Sections leadership and share ideas along with best practices. Reminder to all, the PGA Annual Meeting is open for all to attend, you don’t need to be a member of the Board. I would encourage anyone to attend one of these meetings at least once and all are encouraged to visit PGA Frisco. With PGA Frisco now online, Associates are headed to the new facilities for their Level 2 seminars. The good news is that enrollment in the PGA program has been steadily increasing. There are over 5,000 Associates enrolled in PGA PGM 3.1. At the National level, topics for discussion have included the following:

• Should PGM students be required to attend Level 1 seminars in person?

• Is there a pathway to membership using work experience vs the completion of PGA PGM education?

• Should we use the specialization program to allow LPGA and international PGA’s as a substitute for PGA PGM education program?

As a Section, we are still focusing on creating mentoring opportunities for our new Associates. The Board believes that this is one of our biggest opportunities to improve the Section.

• In July, Assistant Executive Director Michael Merritt, PGA, was hired. Since arriving, Michael has been working diligently on mentoring programs for our Associates as well as learning the full operations of Section activities.

• Development of a strategic plan to ensure the board stays focused on the future.

• Reducing the size of our Board of Directors upon completion of a National survey, it was brought to light that our Board was by far the largest of the 41 Sections. We also felt that we were bifurcating our local chapter leadership by requiring them to participate in all Section meetings in addition to their chapter duties. By allowing them to focus on their chapter and restructuring our board’s duties, we are certain that membership is still well represented, and communication will be improved.

The Section staff and the Board of Directors have been extremely busy this year. While the work is ongoing, we continue to look for ways to serve our members.

As move into the new year, a few items will be at the forefront:

• New logo and Section name change. With the development of a new logo, it has provided us with the opportunity to change the Section name. Northwestern Nevada has been an integral part of the Section so the potential to integrate their name will be a topic for discussion in the board room.

• A new National Secretary election will be held at next year’s Annual meeting. The executive team will be interviewing candidates throughout the year as part of the delegate committee that will elect our associations future president.

• Continued focus on our committee activity and development.

It continues to be my privilege to work alongside so many great PGA Professionals that are willing to donate their time for the betterment and service of their fellow PGA Professionals.

Thank you all for what you do to grow the game and deliver on your promise to make the game we represent so wonderful!

Yours in service,

ERIC LIPPERT, PGA President, Northern

California PGA

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT

LEN DUMAS, PGA CCM

Executive Director, Northern California PGA

023 continued the ever-changing landscape that has become the golf industry, affecting all involved at the national and local levels. The Northern California PGA, as an organization, continued the integration of ourselves and our Allied Associations in varied aspects of projects and activations. For example, the June 6 announcement of the pending partnership between the PGA Tour and the Saudi Public Investment Fund created a storm that we were forced to navigate in explaining our true identity and purpose, and the legislative threats to golf in the State of California rallied the California Alliance of Golf to deter pending changes to golf courses as vast expanses of land which may well serve other purposes. Our commitment to the game has many forms and challenges that are outside the playbook yet rest assured that we are on alert. As we reflect on the past year, in terms of our goals, tasks and resource allocation, it jumped out how we have recruited and developed specialized skillsets to best serve our Members, Associates and Partners. Our staff is now 10 in number, allowing us to expand programming and services through an assessment and reset of the tasks at hand. We welcome Michael Merritt, PGA, to his role as Assistant Executive Director, adding talent and perspective to our growing responsibilities and relationships. Our team challenges each other on a daily basis through the comments made and questions asked pre and post event, such as “how did we do?” and “what are we able to do to add additional value to not only our Section membership, but also to our Section Partners?”. The business of golf continues to evolve, and our team keeps us on the front line at all times. Our expanded network consists of our regional colleagues providing support in logistics, Career Services and Player Development.

The Northern California PGA and Northern California PGA Foundation continue to grow and model, nationally, the mission statements of Serve the Members and Grow the Game as well as Impacting Lives Through Golf. Our rankings are quite high on the National level for PGA Junior League participation, players served through Drive, Chip and Putt, and certainly the expansion (more of an explosion) of our PGA Hope sessions and therefore, the number of Veterans served. Our professional events grow in participation number each season as, through many, our hosts are facilities coveted nationally and throughout the world. Our Partner relations continue to grow, as they are vital to our success, and thus we are always sure to thank them and request that you do the same at every opportunity.

Our Northern California PGA Board of Directors and Committee Members continue to provide support, guidance, and assure us we are on the front lines. Their commitment is to all given the investment of time and hours above and beyond their full-time engagements. Thank you to those who take the time to govern.

To each and every Member and Associate in the Northern California PGA, thank you for all allowing us to be part of your activities, your input, communication and passion for the greatest game.

To our 2023 Northern California PGA Award recipients, congratulations for the incredible achievements and representing the Association and Section to the highest standard. To our Northern California PGA Board of Directors, led by the Executive Team of Eric Lippert, PGA, Nick Bailey, PGA, TJ Duncan, PGA and Dede Moriarty, PGA, thank you for keeping us focused and moving effectively through the knowns and unknowns. Finally, to an incredibly dedicated team of individuals who work tirelessly to solve, create, and grow. Jenna Andersen, Caitlyn Doyle, Bob Epperly, Jacob Fagan, Will Floyd, Junko Harkins, Shawn McEntee, Michael Merritt, Suzy Schneider, Will Stockholm and Shelby Zell.

It is an honor to serve with all. Continued health and success,

LEN DUMAS, PGA CCM

Executive Director, Northern California PGA

FOUNDATION REPORT

TIM BURR, PGA President, Northern California PGA Foundation

irst, I want to say “Thank You” to each of the PGA Members, Associates, and LPGA Professionals that serve as PGA HOPE Instructors - without you this program would not be possible. I am constantly awestruck by what PGA HOPE has blossomed into. Since the fall of 2015, almost 1,800 veterans have graduated from the program and over 2,200 Veterans have attended at least one clinic. The momentum for PGA HOPE is growing as more people learn the stories of how it has saved and transformed the lives of our Veterans.

I am proud to report that on November 9th PGA HOPE Northern California was awarded “Enterprise of the Year” by the San Mateo County Veterans Commission. The award included distinguished resolutions from County, State, and Congressional dignitaries.

Congratulations to all the 2023 Award Winners, but especially to Joe Vavra for being awarded “Patriot of the Year”. Joe is a great PGA Professional, PGA HOPE Instructor, and a true American patriot for his service in the U.S. Army. Thank you, Joe!

It is important to recognize the golf facilities that hosted PGA HOPE programs this year. Our Members and their management teams have made our Section one of the best HOPE programs in the nation.

In 2023, the financial sustainability of PGA HOPE came from the following events and donors:

• PGA Reach - operation funding that covers 89% of program costs

• The Langley A Tribute to Legends, sponsored by Caesars Entertainment at Pebble Beach, with Honorees Sir Nick Faldo and Steve Young, hosted by Peter Jacobsen; (Net approx. $230,000)

• 9/11 “Never Forget” Birdies4Hope at Green Hills Country Club raised $58,000 for PGA HOPE and Tuesday’s Children; (Net $27,400 each)

• A deep bow to the team of Mark Naylor and Dominic Mullen and Round Hill CC Members who knocked it out of the park and raised $32,000 on their own at this inaugural event!

• Veteran’s Day National Day of HOPE 30-Day Campaign - $20,000 Goal / $19,483 raised.

I’d like to recognize these PGA Members who went above and beyond to raise funds for PGA HOPE during the Veteran’s Day National Day of HOPE Campaign:

• Mike Spiller, PGA HOPE Program Lead at Bayonet Black Horse raised $7,303

• Dennis Urabe PGA HOPE Program Lead at Cypress Lakes raised $4,005

• Kelly Smith, PGA HOPE Instructor raised $1,700 at Discovery Bay Country Club

• Private Club Fundraisers

• Meadow Club, Head Professional Jim O’Neal and Meadow Club Members– PGA HOPE was the beneficiary of the Club’s Labor Day & Veteran’s Day fundraising campaign where members donated over $39,000.

• Richmond Country Club, Head Professional Tom Zaradka - PGA HOPE was the beneficiary of the Women’s Club charity tournament that raised $10,664 for an all-women PGA HOPE program.

• Grants from: Wayne & Gladys Valley Foundation, Morton Golf Foundation, Hugh Stuart Foundation, Oakland Firefighters Local 55, Monterey Peninsula Foundation, Lucius Bateman Foundation, and Bob & Connie Lurie Foundation.

Your NCPGA Foundation Board supports the mission through their enthusiasm and professional networks that make great leaps forward in our fundraising and program awareness in the community. I would like to recognize our non-PGA Directors Andy Dolich, Bob Hoffman, Lydia Morasky, Rich Cerussi, Mark Killeen, and Frank LaRosa for their continued time and effort in making 2023 a banner year. I would like to thank our Foundation staff Suzy Schneider, Bob Epperly, William Stockholm, Jacob Fagan, and our newest addition to the team Will Floyd, and of course our PGA Board members, Len Dumas, Dede Moriarty, and Morgan Davies, for all their passion and hard work to make our NCPGA Foundation a success.

I’d be happy to talk to anyone about the Foundation programs, serving on the Foundation Board, or becoming a PGA HOPE Instructor. I am so thankful to be able to give back to our men and women of the military and to be on this journey with you all. Impacting Lives Through Golf

Respectively Submitted, TIM BURR, PGA

NCPGA SPECIAL AWARDS

2023

NCPGA GOLF PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

ASHLEY MARSAY, PGA

San Francisco Golf Club

The Northern California PGA is proud to announce Ashley Marsay, PGA of San Francisco Golf Club as the 2023 Golf Professional of the Year. Serving as the Head Golf Professional at the iconic San Francisco Golf Club comes with great responsibility as the steward of the club's culture and traditions.

As an old-line club, change is not necessarily a word that is often heard or used, nor is it something that is needed at a place like 'SFGC', as it is affectionally known. Ashley has managed to impart new ways of doing things, without appearing to have materially changed. His infectious passion for his job is felt by members, guests, and staff alike. His enthusiasm for his profession is obvious and his love for the job and the care he takes for all that comes his way is indeed enviable.

Ashley manages to embrace and embody the club's culture and enhance the experience through his deep interest and knowledge of the history of the club. He is the perfect club steward and Ambassador whether running a tournament, greeting a group of first-time guests, engaging with a group of members, working with a student on the range, or helping find that perfect sweater for that special gift, Ashley is Ubiquitous constantly striving for that little bit better!

Ashley is a terrific leader, one who is self-ef Facing and always looking to put other's needs first. He makes it a point to illustrate that developing his staff is paramount and seeing them succeed is vital to him. He leads by example, is an extremely hard worker and demands a lot of himself and therefore others, however, he does not expect his staff to do anything he would not do himself. He makes a point to provide opportunities for his staff to grow, through the sharing of accountability and ownership of meaningful responsibilities and importantly sharing the successes with his staff and allowing credit to fall where it is due.

Ashley is approachable, genuine and has a legitimate love for his staff, challenging them to better themselves and collaborating with them to better himself, understanding that learning never stops and is a two-way street.

As the face of San Francisco Golf Club, Ashley leads the operation with integrity and demonstrates the respectful qualities that are required to be a respected PGA Golf Professional in his position.

One of Ashley’s strongest skillsets is communication, be it spoken, written or otherwise.

When on the grounds, the importance of creating emotional connections with attendees and creating lasting impressions through memorable experiences is foundational. Connecting with golfers at his facility is clearly an important part of the profession and Ashley gets top marks in this category.

He utilizes trade partners to create experiences such as women’s specific fitting days. He lends a great deal of encouragement and support for junior golf and family days at his club.

ASHLEY LEADS THE OPERATION WITH INTEGRITY AND DEMONSTRATES THE RESPECTFUL QUALITIES THAT ARE REQUIRED TO BE A RESPECTED

PGA GOLF PROFESSIONAL IN HIS POSITION.

Being at a private club makes it more difficult to reach the community at large, however Ashley is an active participant in many charity events throughout the year and is asked to attend a variety of events around the country in a variety of capacities.

While the commitment to the home front in servicing his membership is time consuming,

Ashley also feels an obligation to serve the section where he can, be it directly through his involvement in the Bay Area Chapter Committee or his active participation in events to support the efforts of the section. Ashley is active in connecting with PGA Professionals locally, nationally, and internationally in sharing of ideas, promotion of his people or advising other young professionals.

Congratulations Ashley Marsay, PGA as the NCPGA 2023 Golf Professional of the Year.

ASSISTANT GOLF PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

ANTHONY ROTH, PGA Martis Camp

The Northern California PGA is proud to name Anthony Roth, PGA, of Martis Camp Club as the 2023 Assistant Golf Professional of the Year. He is a constant advocate for growing the game. After joining the Martis team in 2017, he quickly became a friend and leader to the rest of the Professional staff. Always ready to assist with the highest sense of professionalism and positive attitude. He has served five years on the Board of the Sierra Nevada Chapter and four years as Tournament Chair. He supports Section events playing in the PGA Professional Championship, Pro-Series events, the 4-Pro Scramble and AA events. He also uses these events to network with peers outside the Tahoe area. He has been integral in growing the Ladies’ Program at Martis camp by hosting a 9-hole non-competitive flight within the club’s ladies memberguest. He volunteers for the annual Fred Alexander Clinic, a free event that provides a day of golf instruction for more than 100 Reno Juniors.

He has helped interns and fellow Professionals progress through their book work and work experience activities always delivered with the highest sense of professionalism.

Congratulations Anthony Roth, PGA as the NCPGA 2023 Assistant Golf Professional of the Year.

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AWARD

GENE BAKKUM, PGA

Metropolitan Golf Links

The Northern California PGA recognizes Gene Bakkum, PGA, of Metropolitan Golf Links as the 2023 Player Development Award winner. In 2008, Gene ‘s encouragement for Will Robins to become a PGA Member showcased his groundbreaking coaching methods through the revolutionizing of golf instruction and the scoring method. Over the past four years, Gene has served as an RGX Mentor, providing consulting to coaches around the world who are looking to build their business in player development. He leads live online webinars with a team of coaches to review their goals, best practices, business planning, and problem-solving. Dedicated to

serving his local community, Gene organized professional development seminars in 2017 and 2018 at his home course, Metropolitan Golf Links, as well as NorCal Golf Academy. Gene's passion for mentoring the next generation of Golf Professionals is evident. He also developed programs for underserved individuals, such as the Drivin' Divas, a group clinic that catered to African American women interested in learning golf. At the 2021 NCPGA Annual Meeting, he demonstrated his dedication to his colleagues by delivering a compelling presentation regarding PGA Coach, and in January 2023, Gene had the opportunity to present during the NCPGA Player Teacher Forum.

Congratulations Gene Bakkum, PGA as the NCPGA 2023 Player Development Award Recipient.

TEACHER AND COACH OF THE YEAR

PHILIP DAWSON JR., PGA Catta Verdera Country Club

The Northern California PGA proudly honors Philip Dawson Jr., PGA, as the 2023 Teacher and Coach of the Year. Since beginning his teaching career in 2010, Philip has coached 4 NCGA Amateur winners and 8 NCGA Junior Champions, a feat unmatched by any other teacher in Northern California. After completing his playing career, he has helped over 100 young people become sought after college players, resulting in their attaining scholarships. In 2015, Philip was selected as a top 25 USA Elite Player Coach by Future Champions Golf for his work with elite professionals and collegiate players. He was the only instructor selected from Northern California and is now on the perpetual “master” elite player coach roster. In addition to his work at Catta Verdera Country Club and Old Greenwood Golf Resort, Philip says his most gratifying experience is coaching and mentoring fellow NCPGA Members, donating his time to help young Assistants prepare for their pats and work with the top NCPGA players to prepare for the National Club Professional Championship, PGA Tour events and Section Major Championships. Philip’s current and former students have won 3 PGA Tour events, 1 PGA Tour Canada event, 1 PGA Tour Latin America event, two runners up at the US Amateur Championship (qualifying them for the Masters and US Open), and in 2023 alone, Philip worked with 10 full time Tour Professionals on the Korn Ferry Tour, PGA Tour Latin America, and PGA Tour Canada. More than a coach, Philip also caddied for Corey Pereira at the Men’s US Open.

Congratulations Philip Dawson Jr., as the NCPGA 2023 Teacher and Coach of the Year.

PGA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AWARD

DONN ACHEN, PGA

Del Monte Golf Course

The Northern California PGA is pleased to present Donn Achen, PGA of Del Monte Golf Course with the PGA Professional Development Award. During his three years as training and communications manager for Pebble Beach Company, Donn has taught PGA Members, Associates, and people in all career paths in the company enhancing the image of a PGA Member to a diverse audience. He has also been called a section leader in the diversity, equity, and inclusion space. His publication, The Fairway, has kept PGA Members and Associate peers in the loop on DEI topics. He shares the numerous ways discrimination, bigotry, and implicit bias manifest themselves in our daily lives helping fellow Professionals to find ways to implement meaningful change in the golf workplace and beyond. He has written three best practices articles focused on providing world-class customer service skills, high engagement levels and encouragement for everyone to “run for mayor” in interactions with members and guests. He is a Director at Large for the Monterey Bay Area Chapter and serves on the Education Committee.

Congratulations Donn Achen, PGA as the NCPGA 2023 Development Award Recipient.

BILL STRAUSBAUGH AWARD

FRED RODRIGUEZ, PGA

Del Rio Country Club

The Northern California PGA is pleased to award the Bill Strausbaugh Award to Fred Rodriguez, PGA, of Del Rio Country Club. He has mentored 19 associates in his 21 years as Head Golf Professional who have all gone on to successful careers either in or outside of the golf industry. 14 have become PGA Members and hold positions of General Manager, Director of Golf, Head Golf Professional, and Director of Instruction. His contributions in mentoring include explaining the importance of finding something that you are passionate about, accrediting yourself in your field and seeking employment where you can excel in your chosen path. He reflects the values of the association, as a person of integrity, kindness, honesty, and respect, conducting himself ethically and professionally in all areas of life. Fred utilizes the PGA and NCPGA Employment Services for either hiring a Golf Professional or assisting a New Member looking for employment.

Congratulations Fred Rodriguez, PGA as the NCPGA 2023 Bill Strausbaugh Award Recipient.

PATRIOT AWARD

JOE VAVRA, PGA PGA HOPE Instructor

The Northern California PGA is proud to recognize Joe Vavra, PGA as the 2023 Patriot Award winner. As a Vietnam era United States Army Veteran, Joe Vavra’s engagement with PGA HOPE has been a heartfelt commitment to using his talents as a PGA Professional to bring joy to Veterans. He considers it a privilege to teach and a way for him to give back to the men and women that have seen combat or suffered any physical or emotional trauma from their military service. He has contributed to the success and development of PGA HOPE programs at Presidio Golf Course, Mariners Point Golf Center and Metropolitan Golf Links. His commitment to teaching Veterans to play the game is inspirational and he shares that passion with other PGA Professionals while encouraging them to consider being part of the PGA HOPE family. He is a wonderful spokesperson for the benefits of PGA HOPE and was recently included in a community spotlight by the San Mateo Veterans Affairs Commission in recognizing PGA HOPE Northern California as an “Enterprise of the Year.”

Congratulations Joe Vavra, PGA as the NCPGA 2023 Patriot Award Recipient.

YOUTH PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AWARD

TRAVIS MCCABE, PGA Carmel Valley Ranch

The Northern California PGA is honored to recognize Travis McCabe, PGA as the 2023 NCPGA Youth Player Development Award recipient. As a PGA Member in the Monterey Bay Area Chapter, Travis hosts junior golf camps at Carmel Valley Ranch and facilitates a Junior Club Championship Open to all members at the Ranch. He also serves as the Tournament Director for the Pebble Beach Junior Golf Association, competing at the area’s best courses providing accessible golf for the juniors. Travis works diligently with the professional staff at Carmel Valley Ranch on their regular junior golf programming, such as break/summer camp offerings, and implementation of the Junior Club Championship. Serving on the Board of Directors the Pebble Beach Junior Golf Association, and the Monterey Bay Area Chapter of the NCPGA, Travis shares his 16 years of experience in the Monterey Peninsula Junior Golf community, using the fostered relationships from his 10 years serving as golf coach and class instructor for the Carmel Unified Middle School. He says learning situations on the golf course are usually integrity lessons, so when the opportunity is presented, the juniors always know what to do and what's right. Travis tells his juniors “You’re only as good as your word" and some of his integrity characteristics like honesty, trust, and compassion are imparted on the juniors right away.

Congratulations Travis McCabe, PGA as the NCPGA 2023 Youth Player Development Award Recipient.

ABOUT THE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA (NCPGA)

Organized in 1920 to promote interest in the game of golf, the birth of this Association was heralded as an important step to the advancement of the game in this district. The Northern California PGA is one of the 41 designated Sections of the PGA of America, the world’s largest working sports organization. With more than 1,100 dedicated PGA Professionals and Associates at more than 400 golf facilities in Northern California and Northwestern Nevada, the Association continues to have a positive impact on the game of golf and communities both regionally and nationally.

MERCHANDISER OF THE YEAR - PRIVATE

MATT JORDAN, PGA MP

The Olympic Club

The Northern California PGA is honored to recognize Matt Jordan, PGA, of The Olympic Club as the 2023 Private Merchandiser of the Year. With 1,000 members called golf privilege holders, The Olympic Club’s merchandising philosophy is to partner with sought after name brands that reflect the culture and values of The Olympic Club and it’s “winged o logo.” The aim is to have each brand sell through every 45 days and replenish with new items keeping the shop looking stocked and fresh. Displays are changed every Monday when the club is closed. Working with Matt, Assistant Professionals are included in merchandising by assignments such as ordering gloves and balls, bags, and caps. Competitions that award assistants for service and sales along with several demo days for hard goods add to sales numbers. Short game clinics that include a free wedge build sales by including the price of the wedge in the fee. To increase corporate business, The Olympic Club partnered with three vendors who created microsites with minimum orders for members to order their own corporate logoed merchandise.

Congratulations Matt Jordan, PGA MP as the NCPGA 2023 Private Merchandiser of the Year.

MEDIA PERSON OF THE YEAR

JERRY STEWART

Northern California Golf Association

The Northern California PGA is proud to recognize Jerry Stewart as the 2023 Media Person of the Year. As managing editor of the popular, glossy Northern California Golf Association Golf Magazine and NCPGA plus, Stewart contributes to the printed magazine, a digital monthly magazine, and blogs on the ncga.org website. While the NCGA is more amateur-focused, the shag bag portion written and managed by Stewart reports on many PGA aspects of golf in Northern California including player profiles, results, promotion of professional events, and more. Subjects this year have included profiles of Greg Fitzgerald, PGA of the institute, Pebble Beach’s Ross Kroeker, PGA, and former PGA Tour Caddie and current NBC Golf Reporter John Wood. Stewart covered the Pebble Beach AT&T Pro Am and the 2023 US Women’s Open along with annual coverage of the NCPGA Awards. NCGA Magazine is a two-time winner of the ING Media Award for Best Magazine and Stewart is a previous winner of the Media Person of the Year in 2013.

Congratulations Jerry Stewart, NCPGA 2023 Media Person of the Year.

CLUB FITTER OF THE YEAR

KEVIN BRESNAHAN, PGA

The Olympic Club

The Northern California PGA

congratulates Kevin Bresnahan, PGA of The Olympic Club as the 2023 Club Fitter of the Year. As the Club

Fitting Manager at Olympic Club, Kevin provides staff training on procedures for fitting clubs, as well as education on shafts, and golf ball design. He relies on Trackman Launch monitoring to help guide the process to find the right club head and shaft combinations but also believes that aesthetics is an important factor in fitting. With over 12,000 members and sponsored guests, Kevin conducted more than 650 fittings last year. He is recognized as a Certified Fitter for Callaway, Titleist, Taylor Made, Ping and Mizuno. He is a Member of Callaway’s National Fitters Board and also attends Titleist Performance Institute Premier Fitting Workshops. He has hosted open houses at The Olympic Club Performance Center, showcasing available services allowing staff to meet and greet members and potential new students. His 10-minute equipment check is a soft introduction to the club fitting process as he checks specs to assure members their clubs are fitted properly.

Congratulations Kevin Bresnahan, PGA as the NCPGA 2023 Club Fitter of the Year.

GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE YEAR

TROY FLANAGAN

The Olympic Club, GCSSA

The Northern California PGA is pleased to recognize Troy Flanagan of The Olympic Club as this year’s Golf Course Superintendent of the Year. Troy began his career in 1988 as a Greenkeeper at The Town & Country Club in St. Paul, Minnasota while attending the University of St. Thomas. After assisting the team at Pebble Beach Golf Links preparing for the US Open in 1992, Troy attended Penn State University to pursue his Turfgrass Certificate.

He attributes his nine years as an Assistant Golf Course Superintendent as instrumental years in his development as a strong leader and turfgrass expert. In 2021, Troy hosted 30 women in the turfgrass industry as part of a 60-person volunteer team. The women came from throughout the United States to represent golf course superintendents, to sports professionals, to researchers and architects.

He says it was the most rewarding week of his career.

Troy’s team is now in the final stages of a Gil Hanse renovation of the famed Olympic Club Lake Course and over

the next ten years will host the US Men's Amateur, renovate the Ocean Course, host the PGA Hope Cup Tournament, the PGA Championship, the US Women's Amateur, and the 2033 Ryder Cup.

Congratulations Troy Flanagan, as the NCPGA 2023 Golf Course Superintendent of the Year.

SALES REPRESENTATIVE OF THE YEAR

PAUL SCHUBRING

Acushnet Company - Titleist

The Northern California PGA congratulates Paul Schubring as the Sales Representative of the Year. As a 40-year golf industry veteran and 27-year Titleist Associate, Paul has worked with some of the best PGA Professionals in the business. He says a successful sales rep must show up follow up and return phone calls and emails. By determining the customer’s needs, he can help them achieve their goals while creating mutual, meaningful relationships. Helping others succeed and reach their personal and professional goals is where he finds ultimate success. Paul’s San Francisco territory includes 100 accounts, and he has grown sales more than 50% over previous year reports. He and team Titleist will conduct over 200 club fitting days and interact with more than 1,000 Bay Area players annually. They will provide education and sampling to over 55 green grass shops and Paul will conduct 8 Acushnet pro shop buying experiences for member guest invitationals. When his accounts win Paul wins as well.

Congratulations Paul Schubring, as the NCPGA 2023 Sales Representative of the Year.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

TOM JOHNSON, PGA Meadow Club

The NCPGA is pleased to honor Tom Johnson, PGA, of the Meadow Club with the 2023 NCPGA Player of the Year Award for his exceptional tournament performance this year. He participated in all 7 of the NCPGA point events, winning the Section championship at Lake Merced Golf Club which earned him an exemption to the 2023 PGA Tour Fortinet Championship at Silverado Resort & Spa where he made the cut finishing 30th. He also qualified for the 2024 National Professional Championship in Frisco, Texas next April, the gateway to the PGA Championship.

Congratulations Tom Johnson, PGA as the NCPGA 2023 Player of the Year.

SENIOR DIVISION PLAYER OF THE YEAR

STEVE HUMMEL, PGA

Wolf Run Golf Club

The NCPGA congratulates Steve Hummel, PGA, of Wolf Run Golf Club, for capturing the 2023 NCPGA Senior Player of the Year Award. Steve played in 7 events in 2023, winning the 2023 Senior Section Championship at Del Rio Country Club. He also took home top honors in Pro Series #4 and Pro Series #7 events.

Congratulations to Steve Hummel, PGA as the NCPGA 2023 Senior Division Player of the Year.

SUPER SENIOR DIVISION PLAYER OF THE YEAR

SCOTT HOYT, PGA

The NCPGA is pleased to honor Scott Hoyt, PGA, with the 2023 NCPGA Super Senior Player of the Year Award. Scott participated in 10 Super Senior events this year winning the Pro Series #6 and Pro Ser ies #8. Scott tied for first in Pro Series #1, #2, and #3. Well done.

Congratulations Scott Hoyt, PGA as the NCPGA 2023 Super Senior Division Player of the Year.

ASSISTANT-ASSOCIATE DIVISION PLAYER OF THE YEAR

CHELSO BARRETT CordeValle Golf Club

The NCPGA congratulates Chelso Barrett, of CordeValle Golf Club as the 2023 NCPGA Associate Player of the Year. Chelso participated in 4 AA events in 2023. His highlights included winning the 2023 NCPGA AA Match Play Championship and a tie for 2nd place in the AA Srixon Championship.

Congratulations Chelso Barrett, as the NCPGA 2023 Assistant-Associate Division Player of the Year.

WOMEN’S DIVISION PLAYER OF THE YEAR

LOUISE HALL, PGA

Saratoga Country Club

The NCPGA is pleased to announce Louise Hall, PGA, of Saratoga Country Club for capturing the 2023 Women’s Division Player of the Year Award. Louise distinguished herself in both performance and participation highlighted by her length off the tee, creativity and putting saves. She played in all the events this year with a first-place victory at Incline Village and two runner-up spots at Silverado Resort & Spa and Stanford Golf Course.

Congratulations Louise Hall, PGA as the NCPGA 2023 Women’s Division Player of the Year.

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Vacaville, CA 95688

CONTACT INFORMATION NCPGA TEAM

LEN DUMAS, PGA

Executive Director/COO Ext. 104 ldumas@pgahq.com

MICHAEL MERRITT, PGA

Assistant Executive Director Ext. 113 mmerritt@pgahq.com

SHAWN MCENTEE, PGA

Tournament Director Ext. 109 smcentee@pgahq.com

SUZY SCHNEIDER

NCPGA Foundation Programs Manager Ext. 101 sschneider@pgahq.com

SHELBY ZELL

Communications & Marketing Specialist Ext. 100 shelbyz@pgahq.com

JENNA ANDERSEN

Member Services Coordinator Ext. 102 jandersen@pgahq.com

BOB EPPERLY, PGA

PGA HOPE Lead Instructor repperly@pgahq.com

WILL STOCKHOLM

PGA HOPE Program Coordinator Ext. 110 wstockholm@pgahq.com

JACOB FAGAN

Player Development Coordinator Ext. 108 jfagan@pgahq.com

WILL FLOYD

PGA WORKS Fellow Ext. 111 wfloyd@pgahq.com