Dean Kolstad, PGA, Director of Golf at Gull Lake View Golf Club and Vice President of the Michigan PGA, has captured the 2021 Michigan Section PGA Golf Professional of the Year award.
Kolstad was chosen by his peers for the award based on his overall performance as a Golf Professional; he oversees six golf courses at the resort, four golf shops, Villa guests and an additional 100 golf operations employees. Kolstad is also a PGA HOPE instructor at the VA Medical Center in Battle Creek.
Bernie Friedrich, PGA, Senior Vice President of Golf at BOYNE Resorts has captured the first Golf Executive of the Year award. The honor bestows special recognition on a PGA Golf Professional who has performed outstanding services for a multiple facility/course management/ownership operation, allied association, or golf industry executive management position. 
Jason Guss, PGA, Director of Instruction at Jason Guss Golf Academy at Hawk Hollow Golf Course and Warwick Hills Golf & Country Club has been named the 2021 Michigan Section PGA Teacher & Coach of the Year. Guss will be honored for his overall impact on teaching and coaching along with his innovative and special teaching programs he implemented.
Remaining Awards:
Assistant Golf Professional of the Year: Brandon Dean, PGA, Assistant Golf Professional at Crystal Mountain Resort.
Bill Strausbaugh Award (distinguished themselves by mentoring their fellow PGA Professionals): Chris Sobieck, PGA, Owner of Mines Golf Club and High Road Management.
Professional Development Award: Glenn Pulice, PGA, General Manager at Royal Oak Golf Center and Director of Golf for the Midnight Golf Program.
Merchandiser of the Year for Public Golf Facilities: Ian Ziska, PGA, Head Golf Professional at American Dunes Golf Club.
Merchandiser of the Year for Private Golf Facilities: Paul Lehnert, PGA, Teaching Professional at Kubica Golf, for his work at Pine Lake Country Club where he was the Head Professional for 13 years.
Merchandiser of the Year for Resort Golf Facilities: Elliott Oscar, PGA, for his accomplishments while employed for almost five years as the Head Golf Professional at Forest Dunes Golf Club.
Patriot Award: Walter Sierakowski, PGA, Head Golf Professional at Red Run Golf Club and Co-Founder of the Team Selfridge Family Relief Fund.
Player Development Award: Andre Pillow, PGA, Director of Instruction at Blythefield Country Club.
Youth Player Development Award: Kelly Kuhlman, PGA, Director of Instruction at Twin Lakes Golf & Swim Club.
Distinguished Service Award: Justin Phillips, PGA, Director of Tournament Operations at the Michigan PGA for 11 years.
Media Award: Anna Epkey, Communications Coordinator at the Michigan PGA.
