Doug Kreis, Head Golf Professional at Battle Creek Country Club, captured the 2019 Michigan Section PGA Golf Professional of the Year award. This prestigious honor is awarded to the professional that has demonstrated outstanding qualities of leadership and strong moral character. Kreis was chosen by his peers for the award based on his overall performance as a Golf Professional, service to the Section and the Association, leadership ability, image and ability to inspire others and his promotion and growth of the game.
Teacher of the Year: David VanLoozen, a PGA Teaching Professional at Oakland Hills Country Club.
Assistant Golf Professional of the Year: Emily Rohdy, Head Golf Professional at Bucks Run Golf Club.
Bill Strausbaugh Award: Bernie Friedrich, Senior Vice President, Golf Operations and Resort Sales at Boyne Resorts (for outstanding integrity, character, and leadership through a commitment to mentoring and making significant impacts on the careers of PGA Professionals).
Horton Smith Award: Kevin McKinley, Director of Golf at Treetops Resort (for outstanding contributions to professional education).
Doug Brody, Head Golf Professional at Warwick Hills Golf & Country Club, has been named the Merchandiser of the Year for Private Golf Facilities; John Paul Westbrook, Head Golf Professional at Indian River Golf Club, won Merchandiser of the Year for Public Golf Facilities, and Elliott Oscar, Head Golf Professional at Forest Dunes Golf Club, has been named the Merchandiser of the Year for Resort Golf Facilities.
Patriot Award: Dean Kolstad, Director of Golf at Gull Lake View Golf Course – for personifying patriotism through the game of golf and demonstrating unwavering commitment and dedication to the men and women who have valiantly served.
Player Development Award: Michael Fay, Director of Instruction at BOYNE Golf Academy
Youth Player Development Award: Scott Wilson, a PGA Teaching Professional at Bay Meadows Family Golf Course. Wilson won this same award at the PGA National level. He has built an impressive Golf in Schools program at more than a dozen elementary schools in the Traverse City area and has nearly 100 kids participating in PGA Jr. League.
