Michigan Section PGA 2022 Awards Announced
Jeff O’Malley, PGA, a 38-year PGA Life Member who retired as the General Manager of Pilgrim’s Run Golf Club in December 2021, has captured the 2022 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. O’Malley was chosen by his peers for the award based on his overall performance as a Golf Professional. O’Malley’s proudest accomplishment is that his Pilgrim’s Run Golf Club staff was awarded the #1 Friendliest Golf Course by Golf Advisor in 2018.
Kevin McKinley, PGA, Assistant General Manager of Treetops Resorts was selected the Golf Executive of the Year award. The honor bestows special recognition on a PGA Golf Professional who has performed outstanding services for a multiple facility/course management/ownership operation, allied association, or golf industry executive management position. At Treetops he oversees all aspects of the operation including 81 holes at two distinct facilities.
Brian Cairns, PGA, a 2016 Michigan PGA Hall of Fame Inductee, and Teaching Professional at Fox Hills Learning Center and Edgewood Country Club, has been named the Teacher & Coach of the Year. Cairns’ honor is for his overall impact on teaching and coaching along with his innovative and special teaching programs he implemented. Students who have utilized Cairn’s coaching include James Piot, the 2021 US Amateur Champion, Ben Cook, the 103rd PGA Championship low PGA Club Professional, and numerous golfers who have earned collegiate scholarships.
Lauren Strong, PGA, First Assistant Golf Professional/Teaching Professional at Forest Dunes Golf Club, is the Assistant Golf Professional of the Year. Strong’s strengths as a player, teacher, merchandiser, tournament administrator and overall golf professional all contributed to her success at her facility and the game of golf.
Doug Kreis, PGA, Head Golf Professional at Battle Creek Country Club, is the prestigious recipient of the Bill Strausbaugh Award. Kreis was honored for his outstanding integrity, character, and leadership through a commitment to mentoring and making significant impacts on the careers of PGA Professionals.
John Lindert, PGA, Vice President of the PGA of America and Director of Golf at Country Club of Lansing, has been selected by the Michigan Section PGA as the recipient of the Professional Development Award – which is earned annually by a PGA Member for their outstanding contributions to professional education, leadership, networking ability and contributions made by the candidate to grow and strengthen the image of a PGA Professional.
Kyle Horton, PGA, Head Golf Professional at Kalamazoo Country Club, has been named the Merchandiser of the Year for Private Golf Facilities, Ian Ziska, PGA, Head Golf Professional at American Dunes Golf Club, has been named the Merchandiser of the Year for Public Golf Facilities, and Gary Lewandowski, PGA, Director of Golf at Tullymore Golf Club, has been named the Merchandiser of the Year for Resort Golf Facilities by the Michigan Section PGA.
Doug Bell, PGA, General Manager at American Dunes Golf Club has earned the Patriot Award. Bell was honored for personifying patriotism through the game of golf and demonstrating unwavering commitment and dedication to the men and women who have valiantly served and protected the United States of America.
Kelly Kuhlman, PGA, Director of Instruction at Twin Lakes Golf & Swim Club and a Teaching Professional at Red Run Golf Club is the Player Development Award Winner. This award recognizes a PGA Golf Professional, who has displayed extraordinary and exemplary contribution and achievement in the area of player development.
Rolla Frisinger, PGA, PGA Professional and Owner at Foundation Golf Center, is the Youth Player Development Award Winner – which bestows special recognition on a PGA Golf Professional, who has displayed extraordinary and exemplary contribution and achievement in the area of youth player development.
Doug Dingwall of Holly, MI, has been named for the Distinguished Service Award, which honors outstanding individuals who display leadership and humanitarian qualities, including integrity, sportsmanship, and enthusiasm for the game of golf. He is a member of Warwick Hills CC.
