2026 Special Awards Winners
The Kentucky PGA Section is honored to announce the 12 individuals serving in various capacities in the golf industry in Kentucky who are receiving recognition with a Special Award. Each award focuses on a specific sector of the industry, with these individuals exemplifying success in their respective categories. These individuals were celebrated at the 2026 Inaugural Kentucky PGA Annual Summit on Monday, February 9th.
Keith Reese, PGA (Valhalla Golf Club)
Golf Professional of the Year
One of the highest honors the PGA can bestow, Keith Reese, PGA, becomes the 71st recipient of the Kentucky Golf Professional of the Year award for his outstanding services as an overall PGA of America Golf Professional.
Please join us in congratulating all of our 2026 Special Award Winners below!
Aiden Robison (Woodhaven Country Club)
Assistant Professional of the Year
Chris Hamburger, PGA (Hurstbourne Country Club)
Golf Executive of the Year
Eric Gilliland, PGA (Audubon Country Club)
Bill Strausbaugh Award
Kelly Williams, PGA (Greenbrier Golf & Country Club)
Professional Development Award
Mitchell Moore, PGA (Hopkinsville Golf & Country Club)
Teacher & Coach of the Year
Jake Martin, PGA (Big Spring Country Club)
Player Development Award
Olivia Hardesty, PGA (Quail Chase Golf Course)
Youth Player Development Award
Kyle Cramer, PGA (Valhalla Golf Club)
Merchandiser of the Year - Private
Robert Costello, PGA (Nevel Meade Golf Course)
Merchandiser of the Year - Public
Sean O'Daniel, PGA (Perry Park Golf Resort)
Merchandiser of the Year - Resort
Tyler Chilson (Callaway Golf)
Sales Representative of the Year
Kentucky PGA Special Awards
Click here for the history of KPGA Special Award winners
Golf Professional of the Year
One of the highest honors the Association can bestow on a working club professional whose total contributions to the game best exemplify the complete PGA Professional.
Assistant Professional of the Year
Awarded for overall excellence as an Assistant Professional.
Teacher & Coach of the Year
Recognizes a PGA Professional who is an outstanding teacher of golf among the ranks of PGA Membership.
Sales Representative of the Year
Recognizes an outstanding Golf Sales Representative in the Kentucky.
Youth Player Development Award
Recognizes the PGA Professional who is a leader in junior golf and who reflects the ideals of those who work with youth.
Deacon Palmer Award
Bestows special recognition on a PGA Golf Professional who personally displays outstanding integrity, character and leadership, in the effort to overcome a major obstacle in their life.
Patriot Award
Presented to a PGA Professional who personifies patriotism through the game of golf and demonstrates unwavering commitment and dedication to the men and women who have valiantly served and protected the United States of America.
Bill Strausbaugh Award
Recognizes PGA Professionals who by their day-to-day efforts have distinguished themselves by mentoring their fellow PGA Professionals in improving their employment situations and through service to the community.
PGA Professional Development Award
Recognizes the PGA Professional who is the model educator of PGA Golf Professionals.
Player Development Award
Recognizes a PGA Professional for extraordinary and exemplary contributions and achievements in the area of player development.
Merchandiser of the Year
Recognizes those PGA Professionals who have excelled as business persons & merchandisers in the promotion of golf at a Private, Public or a Resort facility.