Holiday Valley hosted the 2024 Special Awards Night dinner where 16 individuals were recognized for outstanding leadership, mentorship, coaching, playing, merchandising, and growing the game giving the audience a look into their accomplishments and contributions.
We would like to formally congratulate the following individuals on their prestigious awards. This esteemed awards class includes:
- Golf Professional of the Year: Michael O’Connor, PGA
- Assistant Golf Professional of the Year: Jake Eckley, PGA
- PGA Golf Executive of the Year: Michael O’Connor, PGA
- Bill Strausbaugh Award: Chris Kulinski, PGA
- Deacon Palmer Award: Mike D’Agostino, PGA
- Teacher of the Year Award: Marc Rosa, PGA
- Youth Player Development Award: Joe Bock, PGA
- Professional Development Award: Kyle Benish, PGA
- Player Development Award: Bob King, PGA
- Patriot Award: Jeff Mietus, PGA
- Merchandiser (Private): Ben Windoft, PGA
- Merchandiser (Public/Semi Private): Anthony Schiro
- Merchandiser (Resort): Kyle Benish, PGA
- Sales Representative Award: Jeff Beaver, PGA
- Superintendent Award: Justin Sudo
- Media Representative: Brian Koziol
The Golf Professional of the Year Award is the highest annual honor given to a WNYPGA Professional. It’s awarded for qualities of leadership, strong moral character, and substantial record of service to the WNYPGA Section and the game of golf. A PGA Member since 1995, O’Connor started his career as a PGA Associate in the South Florida Section. After moving to various Sections and making multiple career advancements, O’Connor has been with the WNY Section since 1999 and is the GM/Owner of The Ridge Golf Club.
With a new season on the horizon, we would like to acknowledge and thank the efforts of everyone involved in the Section. On October 28th, the Section will invite 250 WNYPGA Professionals to Glen Oak GC for the Annual Fall Meeting that brings together our Section’s PGA Membership to discuss and review the golf season.