2023 PNW PGA Awards

Each year, the Pacific NW Section (PGA of America) recognizes the golf professionals throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana who are helping grow the game of golf by working with players of all abilities.

Roger Wallace, of Polson Bay Golf Course, is honored as the 2023 Golf Professional of the Year. This is Roger's fourth time receiving this prestigious award.

Carrie De Gree, from Royal Oaks Country Club received two awards: Assistant Golf Professional of the Year and Professional Development Award for Education.

Eugene Country Club's Christopher Smith was named 2023 Teacher of the Year.

Chas Holmes, from Bear Creek Country Club, received the Bill Strausbaugh Award for Mentoring. Chas was recognized for his work to help mentees become better professionals.

The 2023 Player Development Award went to Ryan Young. The Chambers Bay professional was honored with the same award in 2020 and 2016.

2023's Youth Player Development Award was given to Sara Griffin, who was also awarded for her work with PGA Jr. League.

Player of the Year Awards

Player of the Year: Liam Kendregen

Liam Kendregen's outstanding season was punctuated when the Sand Point CC professional finished tied for 3rd at the PNW PGA Professional Championships.

Senior Player of the Year: Jeff Coston

Semiahmoo's Jeff Coston won the Senior Washington Open, and logged two more top three finishes in some of the section's biggest events of 2023.

PGA Assistant Player of the Year: Shane Prante

Shane Prante, of The Home Course, won the Pelzer Golf Oregon Open Invitational and finished second in the National Car Rental PNW PGA Assistant Championship.

Other notable awards

So much goes into running a successful golf facility. Often, the public is unaware of things like merchandising and officiating, but they're both important!

Perry Williams Awards (For Rules)

Mike Miller, of Kent, WA was recognized for his unwavering dedication to the rules of golf.

Merchandisers of the Year

Running a golf shop means different things to different types of facilities. That's why the section awards those high performing professionals from three different categories.

Public Category

Sean Arey, of Trysting Tree, is one of the few pros who own his golf shop. He's excelled at highlighting college sports, thanks to his close proximity to Oregon State.

Resort Category

Kalispel Golf & Country Club's Nick McCaslin snagged his third consecutive merchandiser award by always making his customers feel special in his shop.

Private Category

Trevor Fox, from the Golf Club at Black Rock, rose to the top for private club merchandisers. Creativity and commitment to service have contributed to his club's success.

Special Section Awards

Patriot Award - Bill Morach

Bill Morach, of Eugene Country Club, earned the 2023 Patriot Award, emphasizing his dedicationto serving members and veterans of the US Armed Forces.

Deacon Palmer Award - Ryan Cutter

Ryan Cutter, born with leg deformities, was recognized for his resilience in the face of personal challenges. Ryan inspires through his PGA Hope program.