MONTGOMERY, Ala. (February 10, 2020) – The 2020 Alabama-NW Florida PGA Annual Meeting sponsored by PGA National Resort & Spa was hosted at Wynlakes Golf & Country Club in Montgomery on Monday. Over 130 PGA Members and Associates convened at Wynlakes’ ballroom to review our year in 2019 and learn more about what’s to come in 2020. The business session took place in the morning including reports from outgoing President, Steve Bobe (A.C. Read Golf Course), Vice President John Carney (Riverchase Country Club), Secretary Kevin Klein (Dothan Country Club) and Executive Director Bart Rottier.
Additionally, reports were given from District 3 Director, Johnny Bridgeman, a report on the Foundation was given by Honorary President, Eric Eshleman. Finally, there were eight committee reports given including a special report on PGA Jr. League by Regional League Manager, Kristi Egnot. The Section was excited to have PGA of America Secretary, John Lindert, in Montgomery to lead a Town Hall Meeting and answering questions from the Section Membership.
The Alabama-NW Florida PGA also had two elections to conduct – one for Section Secretary and the other for the District 3 Director. Matt Sheppard, PGA Director of Golf at Willow Point Golf & Country Club ran unopposed for Section Secretary. Eric Eshleman, PGA Director of Golf at the Country Club of Birmingham, also ran unopposed in the District 3 Director election. The Section is excited to have two outstanding PGA Professionals representing our Membership at both the Section and National levels.
The Section was especially thrilled to honor our 2019 Special Awards recipients. Headlining the 2019 class, Paul Whitman, PGA Director of Golf at Pine Tree Country Club, was honored as Golf Professional of the Year. See below for a video highlighting Paul’s award:
https://vimeo.com/390755247
Full list of all Special Award recipients:
Merchandisers of the Year:
Private – Troy Raybon, PGA | Inverness Country Club
Public – Josh Meador, PGA | A.C. Read Golf Course
Resort – Mike Giammaresi, PGA | Regatta Bay Golf & Country Club)
Player of the Year: Todd McCorkle, PGA | Old Overton Club
Senior Player of the Year: Mike Genovese, PGA Life Member
Assistant Player of the Year: Todd McCorkle, PGA | Old Overton Club
Assistant Golf Professional of the Year: James Bruns, PGA | Country Club of Birmingham
Horton Smith Award: Mike Beverly, PGA | Sun Belt Golf Corporation
Bill Strausbaugh Award: John Gray, PGA | Ol’ Colony Golf Course
Player Development Award: Paul Killgallon, PGA | Highland Park Golf Course
Youth Player Development Award: Michael Brisbane, PGA | Azalea City Golf Course
Teacher of the Year: Steven DeBoer, PGA | Steven DeBoer Golf Academy
Golf Professional of the Year: Paul Whitman, PGA | Pine Tree Country Club
The Alabama-NW Florida PGA was excited to induct five new members into the Section’s Hall of Fame. It was a moving ceremony as inductees reflected on their time and accomplishments in the Section. Going above and beyond to service the Section and the game of golf throughout their careers, these individuals have left impacting legacies in Alabama & the Florida Panhandle.
View the full list of inductees below:
Dave Atnip, PGA | Life Member, The Links at Redstone
Robert B. Barrett, PGA | CEO, Honours Golf
Jim Brotherton, Jr., PGA | Life Member Master, Old Overton Club
Tommy Burns, PGA | Head Golf Professional, Selma Country Club
Travis Hudson, PGA | Musgrove Country Club
Tad Hudson, son of Travis Hudson, accepted the induction on behalf of his late father – Tad ended his acceptance speech fittingly with a quote from his father:
“Believe in yourself. Consider things from every angle. Don’t give up, don’t give in. Enjoy life today, for yesterday is gone and tomorrow may never come. Family and friends are hidden treasures – seek them and enjoy the riches. Hang on to your dreams. Keep on trying. No matter how hard it seems, it will get easier.”
Finally, the Alabama-NW Florida PGA would like to thank our two special guest speakers who came to give the afternoon education sessions. Andy Priest, Executive Director of the Alabama Golf Association, updated the Membership on the new World Handicap System and talked about what it means for their clubs and Members. Dave Jennings, Head Golf Coach for Central Alabama Community College, gave an informative session on the ins and outs of college golf recruiting in our Section.
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ABOUT THE ALABAMA-NW FLORIDA PGA
The Alabama – NW Florida PGA is one of 41 Sections that make up the PGA of America. Our Section is headquartered in the Birmingham suburb of Pelham, Alabama at Ballantrae Golf Club. Established in 1969, the Section consists of over 400 Members and Associates in the state of Alabama and the Florida Panhandle. The Section exists to support its Members who are the driving force to growing the sport and business of golf.