Bernie Friedrich, Senior Vice President of Golf Operations for BOYNE Resorts, has been named 2023 PGA Golf Executive of The Year by PGA of America. The honor recognizes outstanding services in an executive management position, as well as qualities of leadership, vision, courage, moral character, and a substantial record of service to the Association and the game.
Friedrich, who recently transitioned into the Director of Golf Course Renovations and Development role, has been a PGA member for nearly 40 years. He started his career as a golf professional at Boyne Mountain Resort in 1976 and has been instrumental in leading the Company’s growing golf division, overseeing its 13 resort courses and semi-private clubs in Michigan, Maine, and Montana. This included oversight of all staff, course agronomy, and marketing nationwide, plus two golf membership groups — Bay Harbor Golf Club and Country Club of Boyne.
“I’m honored and humbled to have my name on this award and be associated with the likes of previous winners,” says Friedrich. “I’m excited for our staff, PGA Professionals, and superintendents. Collectively, they are the winners of this award along with Boyne Resorts, for their dedication to golf and helping us continue to improve our product.”
Over the years, Friedrich has won numerous awards and has mentored several PGA professional and resort employees both within and outside of Boyne Resorts’ operations. He is also credited with numerous programs and practices that have influenced and positively impacted the golf industry.
Friedrich continues to serve in various capacities for the Michigan PGA including the Michigan PGA Employment Committee. His most rewarding achievement has been the charitable efforts he has implemented, which continue to be made by BOYNE Golf’s professionals. He is a founding member and board member of The First Tee of Northern Michigan and is a co-founder of Harbor Cup Fund, a Michigan-based charitable fund that has raised more than $700,000 since its inception in 1997.
