Editors:
For photos of the Awards Ceremony, click here.
For bios of all award recipients, click here.
LAS VEGAS (November 5, 2026) - The PGA of America honored 12 PGA of America Golf Professionals at the Association’s National Awards Ceremony, held at Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa in Las Vegas, Nevada in conjunction with the Association’s 110th Annual Meeting. The marquee gathering recognized members whose leadership, innovation and unwavering commitment to the game have left an enduring mark both on the course and within their communities.
Hosted by Sirius XM’s “PGA of America Radio” host David Marr III, the evening recognized several PGA of America Golf Professionals, including PGA of America Golf Professional of the Year Brian Crowell, PGA of America Teacher & Coach of the Year Bernie Najar and PGA of America Golf Executive of the Year Sean Palmer.
“The dedication displayed by this year’s National Award winners showcases the profound impact PGA of America Golf Professionals make every single day,” said PGA of America President Nathan Charnes. “From grassroots youth initiatives to managing world-class facilities, each recipient has advanced our game with vision and purpose. To stand out among more than 30,000 dedicated peers is a testament to their tireless work, and we are proud to honor their lasting contributions to our Association and their communities.”
The evening recognized the following awards recipients:
PGA of America Golf Professional of the Year - Brian A. Crowell, PGA
PGA Master Professional Brian Crowell is President of Bally’s Golf and General Manager of Bally’s Golf Links at Ferry Point in Bronx, New York. A Member of the PGA of America since 1994, Crowell exemplifies the qualities of a PGA Professional through his dedication to mentorship, education and growing the game. At Bally’s, he oversees a team of up to 150 employees, manages an $11 million budget and is a tireless advocate for the positive power of golf.
“This isn’t about me, but an honor for the entire team and a win for our whole family,” said Crowell. “We’re fortunate to work in this industry. Golf is a community with more opportunities today than ever before, and these PGA Professionals have done so much for local causes. We're truly lucky to be in a business where we can truly make an impact and a real difference.”
PGA of America Teacher & Coach of the Year - Bernie Najar, PGA
Bernie Najar is Director of Instruction at Caves Valley Golf Club in Owings Mills, Maryland. A PGA Master Professional in Teaching and Coaching since 2023, Najar is recognized as one of the nation’s top instructors. He is ranked among Golf Digest’s “50 Best Teachers” and has been Maryland’s No. 1 instructor since 2011. He is also a Golf Magazine “Top 100 Teacher” and a Golf Range Association of America Top 50 Elite Growth of the Game Teaching Professional.
“This is a moment you never imagine when you start out in this business,” said Najar. “It reflects the influence of so many people throughout my life. The incredible support from my family and friends that helped me reach this point is something I’ll never forget.”
PGA of America Golf Executive of the Year - Sean Palmer, PGA
Sean Palmer is Chief Operating Officer of The Union League of Philadelphia. As COO, Palmer manages all Union League operations, including golf, hospitality and business functions. In the past decade, Palmer has overseen more than $64 million in capital projects and played a lead role in the acquisition and development of additional golf properties. Under his leadership, The Union League’s membership has grown from 3,200 to 4,700, and annual revenue has increased from $34 million to $117 million.
“This has been incredibly humbling; it’s truly a group effort. Throughout my career with the PGA of America and my path as a PGA Professional, so many doors have been opened by so many people, with great lessons learned along the way,” said Palmer. “It’s wonderful to receive this recognition—not for myself, but for what our team has built together, which has been truly remarkable.”
PGA of America Professional Development Award - Robin Shelton, PGA
PGA Master Professional Robin Shelton is General Manager of Newport Beach Country Club (California). Robin created the Southern California PGA Section’s Catalyst and Launchpad webinar programs in 2012, pioneering virtual education for Members and Associates long before it became industry standard. Both programs remain active today, serving as blueprints for other PGA Sections and helping countless PGA Professionals advance their careers.
Bill Strausbaugh Award - Carl Alexander, PGA
This award honors a PGA of America Golf Professional who demonstrates exceptional character, integrity and leadership through teaching and mentoring other PGA of America Golf Professionals.
Carl Alexander is the 20-year Head Professional at The Golf Club of Purchase (New York) and has served in nearly every governance role, including Section President during the 2019 PGA Championship at Bethpage Black. Throughout his career, Alexander mentored dozens of PGA Professionals, many of whom have advanced to head professional and leadership roles at top facilities.
PGA of America Deacon Palmer Award - Mike D’Agostino, PGA
This award honors a PGA of America Golf Professional who displays outstanding integrity, character and leadership in the effort to overcome a major obstacle in their life.
Mike D’Agostino is a Member of the Western New York PGA Section and the Head Golf Professional at Penfield Country Club in Penfield, New York. D’Agostino’s career has been marked by resilience, having battled thyroid cancer in 2009 before facing a second cancer diagnosis in 2023. Despite undergoing extensive chemotherapy and radiation treatments for tonsil cancer, D’Agostino continued to lead at the highest levels locally and nationally, including hosting the 2023 PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup at Penfield.
PGA of America Patriot Award - Bo Preston, PGA
The award honors a PGA of America Golf Professional who personifies patriotism through the game of golf and demonstrates unwavering commitment and devotion to the men and women who have valiantly served and protected the United States of America.
Bo Preston, a member of the South Florida PGA Section and the PGA General Manager at The Links at Boynton Beach (Florida), has been a PGA Member for more than 26 years. Preston has been an advocate of PGA HOPE since the program’s inception, having successfully hosted more than 30 PGA HOPE instructional programs along with golf leagues, outings and special events, while positively impacting the lives of more than 700 Veterans and their families.
PGA of America Player Development Award - Ryan Young, PGA
Ryan Young, a member of the Pacific Northwest PGA Section and the Head Golf Professional at Chambers Bay in University Place, Washington, has been a PGA of America Golf Professional for 11 years. Young is certified in teaching and coaching and is a First Tee Level 3 Coach. During his 14-year career, which includes creating the Chambers Bay Academy in 2016, he has been dedicated to player development, mentoring other PGA Professionals and growing the game.
PGA of America Youth Player Development Award - Henry Stetina, PGA
Henry Stetina, a member of the Sun Country PGA Section and the PGA Assistant Director of the PGA Golf Management program at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico, has been a PGA of America Golf Professional for 16 years. Stetina serves on the Sun Country PGA Board of Directors, is Chair of the National PGA Jr. League Committee and leads youth-focused initiatives as Chair of the Section’s Growth of the Game Committee and Vice President of the Sun Country Golf Foundation.
PGA of America Merchandiser of the Year - Resort Category - Jared Henzlik, PGA
Jared Henzlik, Director of Retail at Big Cedar Golf Lodge in Hollister, Missouri, and a member of the Midwest PGA Section, oversees a full-scale merchandising operation across the resort’s 20+ points of retail including golf shops, retail outlets, comfort stations, marinas, outdoor amphitheater, and online store. He brings a broad perspective of the industry, having served as a PGA of America Golf Professional, sales representative, national brand manager, business owner, industry consultant and business unit manager at a premier private resort.
PGA of America Merchandiser of the Year - Public Category - Alex Abbruzza, PGA
Alex Abbruzza, Head Golf Professional at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, Louisiana, and a Member of the Gulf States PGA Section, has been a PGA Member for 12 years. Abbruzza arrived at TPC Louisiana in 2023, and thanks to his methodical approach and strategic direction total merchandise sales propelled from $1,158,186 to $2,257,052 in 2025, an impressive increase in just two years.
PGA of America Merchandiser of the Year - Private Category - Chris Rowe, PGA
Chris Rowe, Director of Golf at Whispering Pines Golf Club, in Trinity, Texas, and a Member of the Southern Texas PGA Section, has been a PGA of America Member for 30 years. Rowe’s prioritizes finding creative ways to reach their members with new and exclusive items without needing to have the member come into the pro shop. Rowe has also been nominated to Golf Digest and Golf Magazine’s “Top 100 Teachers” lists and was named one of the top teachers in the South-Central United States.
Herb Graffis Award
The award is given annually to one of the 41 PGA of America Sections that has shown tireless dedication to grow the game of golf and furthering player-development programming in the community.
The New England PGA Section has earned the 2026 Herb Graffis Award, given annually to one of the 41 PGA of America Sections for tireless dedication to growing the game of golf and furthering player-development programming in the community. Led by President Joanne Flynn, PGA, and Executive Director Mike Higgins, the New England PGA Section, through PGA REACH New England, impacts thousands annually by delivering inclusive, community-based programs centered on youth development, Veteran engagement and welcoming new and diverse participants to the game.
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