Pacific Northwest PGA hands out 2017 awards

The Pacific Northwest Section PGA has handed out awards for the 2017 season. Here are the winners:

• Mike Montgomery, PGA, Head Professional at Sahalee CC received the Section’s highest honor in being named the 2017 Golf Professional of the Year. Mike is an accomplished PGA Professional with a career spanning over 19 years. He has been instrumental in the success of both Sahalee CC and Bellingham CC. Mike is a leader and model golf professional, showcasing both our Section and the PGA on a national level.

• Carissa Simmons, PGA, of Meridian Valley CC in Kent, WA, was named the 2017 Assistant Golf Professional of the Year. She stepped up during managerial changes at her facility while continuing her player development program, including running a PGA Junior League Golf team.

• Cameron Milton, PGA, Head Professional at Polson Bay Golf Course in Polson, MT, received the Youth Player Development Award. In 2017, Cameron earned his US Kids Golf Certification.

• Shanda Imlay, PGA, owner and Head Professional at FUNdaMental Golf and Learning Center in Oregon City, OR, was honored with the Player Development Award. A trendsetter in growth of the game initiatives, she has implemented several creative programs for players of all abilities.

• Doug Doxsie, PGA, Head Professional at Seattle Golf Club in, Shoreline, WA, was recognized for being an outstanding mentor with the Bill Strausbaugh Award.

• Harold Bluestein, PGA, was honored with the Horton Smith Award, an award that goes to a PGA model educator. In 2017 his “High School Golf Coaches Workshop” grew to become an annual event and a model for other chapters in the Pacific Northwest.

• Jeff Coston, PGA, who has owned and operated the Jeff Coston Golf Academy at Semiahmoo Resort in Blaine, WA since 1994, was named Teacher of the Year. Throughout his teaching career, Jeff has taught golfers of all levels—from juniors and beginners to advanced players including PNWPGA and PNGA Champions as well as players on the PGA, LPGA and Champions Tours. He has taught seminars with National PGA Teachers of the Year Mike Bender and Mike Adams. Jeff has been published in the local publication Inside Golf and done several national segments on The Golf Channel.

• Don Kramer, PGA, of Moose Run GC in Fort Richardson, AK, received the Patriot Award, an award that goes to a PGA Professional who gives back to our nation’s veterans through the game of golf.

• Mark Rashell, PGA, of the Golf Club at Newcastle was named the 2017 Merchandiser of the Year for Public facilities. Mark is heavily involved in all aspects of the merchandising at Newcastle and has been successful at creating n

• Mark Nelson, PGA, of Circling Raven GC in Worley, ID was honored with the 2017 Merchandiser of the Year award for Resort facilities.

• Greg C. Morris, PGA, Head Professional at Iron Horse GC in Whitefish, MT, received the 2017 Merchandiser of the Year award for Private facilities.

• Chuck West, PGA, of Harbour Pointe GC in Mukilteo, WA, was honored with the Perry Williams Award. He worked as a rules official at the 2017 Muckleshoot Casino Washington Open Invitational, an event he has volunteered at for the past decade. He was also a rules official at the 2017 Champions Tour Qualifiers.

• Russell Grove, PGA, Golf Coach at North Idaho College in Coeur D’Alene, ID, was recognized as the 2017 OMEGA Player of the Year.

• Tom Sovay, PGA, of The Golf Club at Redmond Ridge in Redmond, WA, won the 2017 OMEGA Senior Player of the Year Award.

•Derek Berg of Sahalee CC in Sammamish, WA, was recognized as the 2017 Assistant Player of the Year. He won the PNW National Car Rental PGA Assistant Championship, going on to place second in the National Car Rental PGA Assistant Championship.