2017 Playing Awards Announced

Congratulations to the following individuals on their outstanding performance throughout the 2017 season.  Final results for each of these awards are available here.

Bob Boyd CPGA Player of the Year Presented by & Johnny Palmer Trophy CHARLES FROST, PGA Director of Golf Old Town Club Winston Salem, NC
Tommy Card CPGA Senior Professional Player of the Year GUS ULRICH , PGA Director of Instruction Pinewild CC of Pinehurst Pinehurst, NC
CPGA Assistants' Association Player of the Year BARRY PIERCE, PGA Assistant Professional Cedarwood CC Charlotte, NC
Senior Associate POY STEVEN KIDD (a) Liberty, NC Super Senior Associate POY RON CARPENTER (a) Creedmor, NC Legends Senior Associate POY JOHN WALTERS (a) Charlotte, NC

Carolinas PGA Announces 2017 Section Award Winners

The Carolinas PGA is thrilled to announce the winners of this year’s Section Awards and Honors, distributed annually by the Carolinas PGA Section, as selected by the Special Awards Committee, to the top 10 deserving Carolinas PGA Professionals. The mission of the Carolinas PGA Special Awards Committee is to ascertain the most eligible winners in each of the annually awarded categories, which is accomplished by an enthusiastic commitment from each committee member afforded the responsibility of identifying and recognizing his or her peers as exceptional. 

With over 230 nominations this year, only 10 are selected by the Committee to receive these honors. The following Carolinas PGA Professionals are this year's honorees and display excellence in their profession, assume an ongoing commitment and devotion to progressing the game of golf and to preserving the integrity of the industry:
 

Please join us in congratulating these Carolinas PGA Professionals on their much-deserved honors! 

Abrams & Skirpstas Win E-Z-GO / AHEAD CPGA Pro-Pro Championship

L-R:  E-Z-GO rep Joe Angelino, AHEAD rep Mike Binder,
Champions Holden Abrams & Peter Skirpstas, & AHEAD rep Darin Little

Holden Abrams, PGA, and Peter Skirpstas of Jacksonville Country Club in Jacksonville, NC earned victory in the 2017 E-Z-GO / AHEAD Carolinas PGA Pro-Pro Championship Presented by Global Golf Sales, Tifosi Optics, & Stitch Golf held in historic Pinehurst, NC.

Abrams, the club's PGA Head Professional, and Skirpstas, an Apprentice PGA Assistant Professional, posted impressive rounds of 67-60-60 = 187 (-28) to win by two strokes over the team of Gus Ulrich, PGA, from Pinewild CC of Pinehurst and Kelly Mitchum, PGA, from Pinehurst Resort & CC, who carded rounds of 65-59-65 = 189 (-26).

PGA Jr. League National Championship Recap

The 6th PGA Jr. League Championship presented by National Car Rental showcased some amazing golf, as Georgia (Duluth) took an early 3 ½ to ½ lead through the first three holes and then held on tight, as New Jersey (Hillsborough) rallied back into serious contention.
 

Career Corner - November

I am writing this month’s article from the clubhouse of the Dunes Club in Myrtle Beach, where I have been meeting with PGA Members to discuss their career goals and assist them in developing a plan to achieve them. On my next “Career Road Show”, I’ll be in Asheville, NC (December 12), Columbia, SC (December 13), Charlotte, NC (December 14), and Greensboro, NC (December 15). Locations for each are being determined, but if you would like to meet with me while I am in your area, please send me an email at mmueller@pgahq.com.  I’ll be in other areas in the Carolinas in January and will also be available at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando and the CPGA Big Week in February. 
 

This month’s newsletter is the final article in a three part series intended to help you measure your value to your employer, quantify your value , and finally, to use this information to increase your income. If you missed either of the last two months newsletters, you can access them HERE and HERE.

Five Professionals Representing Carolinas at the 41st National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship

The 41st National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship took place on the Wannamaker Course at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida.  Five professionals represented the Carolinas, including CPGA Assistant Professional Champion Peter Skirpstas of Jacksonville CC, Aaron Black of Edgewater Golf Club, Ray Franz, PGA of Daniel Island Club, Tommy Gibson, PGA of Old Town Club, and Thomas Redding of Quail Hollow Club.  Congrats to Tommy Gibson, who was our highest finisher at T17.

>>> Final results

OMEGA CPGA Match Play

Ryan Tyndall, PGA, is the 2017 OMEGA CPGA Match Play Champion.  He dominated the competition, winnig 4 & 3 three times and 3 & 2 in the championship match.  Sixteen of the top playing PGA Professionals in North and South Carolina qualified for this championship through their play at CPGA major championships in 2017.  At each event, they gained points that went toward the Bob Boyd CPGA Player of the Year List Presented by OMEGA.

PGA National Day of HOPE

It is official that on Saturday, November 11th - Veterans Day - will serve as our inaugural PGA National Day of HOPE. PGA National Day of HOPE has two goals: Celebrate our nation’s heroes who protect our freedom; and raise awareness and support for the PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) program, so that it can continue to grow. Please take a moment to watch our Hero video, featuring PGA REACH Trustee, Jack Nicklaus, which highlights the positive impact that PGA HOPE Programming has on our Nation's Veterans. For more information, visit carolinas.pga.com/pga-hope.

Thank You and Farewell

It is bittersweet that I announced my departure from the Carolinas PGA as Media and Promotions Director. My time with the PGA has been wonderful and I've made many amazing connections that I know will last a lifetime. However, the time has come for me to embark on a new journey. 

It was truly a pleasure being able to help grow the Section in the capacity that I did since my arrival but, it's been even more of a pleasure being able to work alongside such a wonderful staff, membership, board of directors, and array of partners. 

Best of luck to you all! Keep golfing and taking advantage of all the amazing resources available to you through your Section - BIG WEEK IS COMING and, boy oh boy, are there some good surprises coming your way. 

It was an honor serving you!
 

- Liz
 

READ FULL MESSAGE

Carolinas PGA Well Represented at 101st PGA Annual Meeting in Austin

President John Marino, Vice President Paige Cribb and Secretary Bob Byrnes joined Executive Director Jeff Abbot at the 101^st PGA Annual Meeting in Austin, Texas last week.  Delegates were treated to a first class meeting as the Southern Texas PGA rolled out the red carpet for all attendees.  In addition to attending the PGA National Awards and PGA  Hall of Fame Dinners, the delegates were treated to a fireside chat with  former Texas Ryder Cup Captains Lee Trevino, Lanny Wadkins, Tom Kite, Ben Crenshaw and Hal Sutton – as well as current 2018 Ryder Cup Captain Jim Furyk.  During the formal session, Resolutions 1 & 2 passed, but Resolutions 3,4 and 5 were defeated.  Other Carolinas PGA members in attendance included National Education Committee Chair Ed Ibarguen, Former District 10 Director Rick Murphy, National Junior Golf Committee Member Del Ratcliffe, 2015 Deacon Palmer Award Winner Brad Clayton and CPGA Member Keith Bach.   

PGA REACH Carolinas Receives Gracious Gift from Carolinas PGA Assistants Association

We're thrilled to announce that the Carolinas PGA Assistants Association has donated $2,500.00 to the Carolinas PGA REACH Foundation! Each year, the CPGAAA comes together to decide as a collective entity which cause they would like to show their support for. This year, with the Carolinas PGA REACH Foundation back on the radar, the Assistants Association was excited and honored to support the Foundation with a generous donation of funds acquired from its 2016/17 registration fees. Furthermore, the CPGAAA has announced that they plan to donate to the Carolinas PGA REACH Foundation each year from here on out!

We want to thank the Carolinas PGA Assistants for their support! It's generous acts like this that allow us to share the game we all know and love with those who will continue to keep it alive and thriving for many years to come.  

If you're interested in learning more about how you or your organization can help our foundation, see here.

New Discounts Announced on PGA Championship Apparel!

Carolinas PGA Intern Heads to South Florida PGA Section

It's bittersweet that we announce the departure of Carolinas PGA Tournament Intern, Michelle Goda. Goda, an aspiring PGA Professional with a Bachelors of Business Administration from the PGA Golf Management Program at Eastern Kentucky University, first joined the Section 9 months ago and has assisted the tournament team with an array of events and initiatives throughout the year. Additionally, Michelle always lent a hand to other staff members in need throughout the office whenever she could and with a  big ol' smile on her face. 

It has been a true pleasure having her as part of the team the past several months and she will be missed by all as she embarks on her new adventure to the South Florida PGA Section as Foundation Coordinator. Thursday, October 26, 2017 will be her final day here at CPGA HQ. If you wish to keep in touch, you can connect with Michelle on LinkedIn!

While it will be hard to see her go, we are wishing her the absolute best of luck in her new endeavors down south. Go get 'em, Goda! 

Career Corner - October

I am writing this month’s article from the CPGA Championship outside Charlotte, and it is always great to see the CPGA community get together for a few days of fun and fellowship. With that in mind, I hope that you have marked your calendars for the Pro –Pro Championship in Pinehurst  at the end of November and CPGA Big Week in February.

In last month’s Career Corner article I wrote about the tools available to you to help quantify and communicate your success stories to your current employer, owner, or Board of Directors. This month, I want to talk about using that information to impress your next employer, and you will do that by updating your resume to more accurately tell your story.

Frost Crowned Carolinas PGA Professional Champion

(Mooresville, NC) – Charles Frost, PGA Head Professional at Old Town Club in Winson Salem, NC has won the 2017 Carolinas PGA Professional Championship. The tournament, hosted by Trump National Golf Club of Charlotte, concluded this afternoon after 54 holes of play began on Tuesday. Frost emerged as the victor after posting rounds of 69, 74 and 70 for a 3-under par total of 213 on the 7,183-yard par 72 Trump National.

With Frost’s victory comes a $9,000 first-place check and two added perks. He earns a spot in the 50^th PGA Professional Championship to be held June 17-20, 2018 at Bayonet Black Horse in Seaside, CA. That championship field includes 312 of the best PGA Professional players across the country who will be attempting to finish in the top 20 and earn a bid to the 100^th PGA Championship in 2018 at Bellerive Country Club in St. Louis, Missouri. Additionally Frost, as CPGA Professional Champion, will get his choice of an exemption into the PGA Tour’s Wells Fargo or Wyndham Championship. Interestingly, it is very likely that whichever of those he does not choose, he will get into anyway as the 2017 Bob Boyd CPGA Player of the Year, as he currently leads the points standings. The Player of the Year receives the other PGA Tour exemption, so if Frost wins that award, he would play in both the Wells Fargo & Wyndham Championship.

Along with Frost, eight other Carolinas PGA Professionals qualified for the 50^th PGA Professional Championship, as the Carolinas Section received nine total qualifying spots into the field. The nine total professionals are:

·          Charles Frost, PGA

·          Matt Bova, PGA

·          Neal Lancaster, PGA

·          Matt Vick, PGA

·          Josh Webb, PGA

·          Scooter Buhrman, PGA

·          Chris Haarlow, PGA

·          Steve Isley, PGA

·          Andrew Bateman, PGA

PGA Professional Championship Kicks Off in Charlotte

The Carolinas PGA Professional Championship [Presented by Club Car, Mercedes-Benz, and Omega] kicks off today at Trump National Golf Club in Charlotte, NC with a field of over 100 competitors. The event, originally scheduled to take place in mid-September at Sea Pines Resort, was forced to be rescheduled following the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. Trump National GC - Charlotte was kind enough to open their doors on short notice and host the Section's most prestigious tournament.  

Stay tuned right here and on our social media channels for updates as they happen. Best of luck to all of our players who are competing this week!
 

More Information

 

FCA Golf 3rd Annual PGA Professional Marriage Weekend

The 3^rd Annual  “PGA Professional Marriage Weekend”, is scheduled for Friday, November 3-5, 2017.  This is a small gathering, with room for only six (6) couples.  Participants will be staying at the former Lake Hartwell home of University of Miami Head Football Coach, Mark Richt, where each couple will have their own Master Bedroom Suite.  Onsite there will be a “home hostess” who will provide homemade meals throughout the weekend as well as ALL day snacks and drinks.  This is a perfect opportunity for PGA Professionals to make an impactful investment in their marriage. This is “first come, first serve” so don’t delay in signing up if you would like to reserve your spot.  

What:  PGA Professional Marriage Weekend
When: November 3-5, 2017 (Friday check in 4:00pm-6:00pm, Sunday check out 11:30am)
Where: 2288 Lightwood Rd. Hartwell, Georgia
Cost: $150 per couple (Includes two nights, all meals and snacks

Please contact Bill Dando to sign up!
FCA Golf- Northeast Georgia
(706) 296-4873
bdando@fca.org

AREA V DOMINATES TO CAPTURE CPGA GLOBAL GOLF SALES AREA CHALLENGE TITLE

It was a great day at Greensboro Country Club – Irving Park as ten area teams competed for the 2017 Carolinas PGA Global Golf Sales Area Meeting and Golf Challenge Presented by Bionic Glove, Haas Jordan, Maui Jim, Source4 and Sterling Cut Glass.  The Area V team of Scooter Buhrman (Gates Four G&CC), Matt Vick (Pinehurst CC No. 7) and Area Director Brock White (Methodist Univ. PGM) carded an impressive score of 53 points in this modified stableford scoring event to capture the title.

Area champions and board members gathered for a fun day of golf and fellowship, with an outstanding tee gift package compliments of our event partners.   A special thank you to GCC PGA Professionals Bud Taylor, Brandon Nowak and Evan Moser for hosting this prestigious event.

We could not conduct our area meetings without the support of our partners and hosts.  Thank you to: 

Global Golf Sales: Jim Hollis
Bionic Glove:  Bill Shake and David Alan Day 
Haas Jordan: Dave Sherrow 
Maui Jim: Jay Johnson 
Source4: Mike Bosche 
Sterling Cut Glass: Dave Wormwood

PGA Host Professional:  Director of Golf – Bud Taylor, PGA

4 CPGA Professionals Qualify for 2018 Sr. PGA Professional Championship

We're excited to share that four Carolinas PGA members have qualified for the 79th KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, May 22-27, 2018 at Harbor Shores in Benton Harbor, Michigan due to their recent top-35 finish at the Senior PGA Professional Championship. These professionals include: Neal Lancaster, Rick Morton, Gus Ulrich, and Joe Daley. What an awesome accomplishment! Congratulations to all! 
 

PGA Recap

Club Car / National Car Rental CPGA Pro-Official Results

(Linville, NC) - The team of Jason Gentel and Mike Crawford of Winding Creek Golf Course in Thomasville, NC won the 2017 Club Car / National Car Rental Carolinas PGA Pro-Official Championship Presented by Stitch Golf.
 

(L-R) Club Car Representative Danny Lasure
with Champions Jason Gentel & Mike Crawford (a)