Each year, the Professional Golfers' Association of America presents eight National awards to recognize outstanding performance and superior achievements by members of the PGA. Based on a PGA golf professional's entire career, emphasis is placed on the last five years of achievements. Those awards include: Golf Professional of the Year, Horton Smith Award, Teacher of the Year, Bill Strausbaugh Award, Junior Golf Leader, and Merchandisers of the Year awards.

Nomination forms for PGA of America National Awards are available from the national and section offices. Completed nomination forms must be returned to the section office by April 1. Only one member in each category will be selected by the section Special Awards Committee to be forwarded to the PGA of America for consideration.

Section Awards

In addition to the aforementioned awards, the section selects winners in the same categories based on section accomplishments over the past five years. Additionally, the section selects winners for the Assistant Professional of the Year Award, The President’s Award, and The Walter Lowell Public Golf Course Distinguished Service Award.

Nomination forms are sent directly to section-affiliated PGA Members and are also available online at the section website and at the annual Spring Membership Meeting. Nominations must be received at the section office by May 22. All nominees are forwarded an application that must be completed and returned to the Special Awards Committee by July 12. The committee reviews all nominees and makes their selections in August. Award winners are announced in September.

Special Awards Banquet

The 16th Annual Special Awards Banquet is scheduled for Sunday, November 21, 2010, at MGM Grand at Foxwoods.

Annually, the section honors its award winners plus the Player of the Year, Senior Player of the Year, and JGA Players of the Year, as well as the winner of the President’s Award, the Patriot Award, and the Jack Kelly Sportsmanship Awards. The Annual Fall Meeting will take place the following day.

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