Celebrating Excellence in Our Chapter
Our Chapter Special Awards recognize professionals whose leadership, service, and dedication strengthen the game of golf. Join us in celebrating their accomplishments and the difference they make for golfers, fellow professionals, and their communities.
2026 Special Award Winners
Golf Professional of the Year
Chad Wagner, PGA
Cedars at Dungeness
Chad Wagner of The Cedars at Dungeness exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding PGA Professional through his exceptional leadership, dedication to mentorship, and unwavering commitment to the game of golf. His ability to lead successful golf operations while developing future PGA Professionals and creating opportunities for golfers of all ages reflects his passion for the profession. Beyond his facilities, Chad’s service to the Western Washington Chapter, leadership in professional education, and efforts to bring major PGA events to the Olympic Peninsula have made a lasting impact. His integrity, vision, and commitment to elevating those around him make him a truly deserving recipient of the Chapter’s highest honor.
Assistant Professional of the Year
JJ Schultz, PGA
Overlake Golf & Country Club
JJ Schultz of Overlake Golf & Country Club exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding Assistant Golf Professional. His passion for growing the game, dedication to mentoring future PGA Professionals, and leadership both at his facility and throughout the Chapter set him apart. Through his commitment to player development, junior golf, and service to the PGA, JJ continues to make a lasting impact on his fellow professionals and the golfing community.
Bill Strausbaugh Award
Tom Sovay, PGA
The Golf Club at Redmond Ridge
Tom Sovay of The Golf Club at Redmond Ridge embodies the spirit of the Bill Strausbaugh Award through his unwavering commitment to mentorship, leadership, and service to the PGA Profession. Throughout his remarkable career, Tom has generously shared his knowledge, experience, and passion to help fellow PGA Professionals grow and succeed. Whether mentoring young professionals, leading educational opportunities, or supporting Chapter initiatives, Tom consistently puts others first. His genuine care for his peers and lifelong dedication to strengthening the PGA community make him an exceptional recipient of this honor.
Player Development Award
Jack Kelly, PGA
Glendale Country Club
Jack Kelly of Glendale Country Club has established himself as a leader in player development through his innovative programming, passion for instruction, and dedication to growing the game. From creating engaging opportunities for golfers of all ages and abilities to sharing his expertise with fellow PGA Professionals, Jack consistently finds new ways to inspire participation and improve the golf experience. His commitment to education, mentorship, and making the game more accessible extends well beyond his facility, making him a truly deserving recipient of this award.
Teacher & Coach of the Year
Tom Sovay, PGA
The Golf Club at Redmond Ridge
Tom Sovay of The Golf Club at Redmond Ridge has established himself as one of the most respected teachers and coaches in the Pacific Northwest. His remarkable dedication to instruction, innovative teaching methods, and passion for developing players of all abilities have made a lasting impact on the game. Beyond his work with students, Tom generously shares his knowledge with fellow PGA Professionals, helping elevate teaching and coaching throughout the Section. His decades of excellence, mentorship, and commitment to growing the game make him a truly deserving recipient of this prestigious award.
Youth Player Development Award
Evan Johnsen, PGA
First Tee – Greater Seattle
Evan Johnsen of First Tee – Greater Seattle has made an extraordinary impact on the next generation of golfers through his passion, leadership, and commitment to youth development. His efforts have helped introduce thousands of young people to golf while creating welcoming, accessible opportunities for players of all backgrounds. Beyond teaching the game, Evan inspires confidence, builds character, and encourages fellow PGA Professionals to invest in the future of golf. His dedication to making a meaningful difference in young lives makes him a truly deserving recipient of this award.
Professional Development Award
Carissa Shaw, PGA
Better Together Golf
Carissa Shaw of Better Together Golf exemplifies a lifelong commitment to education, leadership, and advancing the PGA Profession. Through her involvement at the Chapter, Section, and National levels, Carissa has become a passionate advocate for helping fellow PGA Professionals grow, innovate, and build fulfilling careers. Her willingness to share her knowledge, champion new opportunities, and inspire others extends far beyond the traditional golf facility. As President of the Western Washington Chapter, Carissa continues to lead by example, making a lasting impact on professional development throughout the PGA of America.
Patriot Award
Adam Englehorn, PGA
Glendale Country Club
Adam Englehorn of Glendale Country Club exemplifies the spirit of the Patriot Award through his extraordinary dedication to supporting our nation’s veterans through the game of golf. His leadership of the Meridian Valley Patriots for Veterans Pro-Am has generated tremendous support for American Lake Veterans Golf Course and PGA HOPE, helping expand opportunities and improve facilities for veterans throughout the Pacific Northwest. Through his generosity, leadership, and commitment to giving back to those who have served, Adam continues to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the veteran community.
Merchandiser of the Year – Public
Brian Bussinger, PGA
Chambers Bay
Brian Bussinger of Chambers Bay has demonstrated outstanding leadership, creativity, and business excellence in golf merchandising. Through innovative product displays, strategic inventory management, and strong vendor partnerships, Brian has elevated the retail experience while achieving impressive growth and profitability. His ability to combine a memorable shopping experience with exceptional business performance reflects his dedication to excellence and sets a high standard for public facility merchandising.
Merchandiser of the Year – Private
Noah Rocheleau, PGA
Sahalee Country Club
Noah Rocheleau of Sahalee Country Club has demonstrated exceptional leadership and business excellence in golf merchandising. His commitment to delivering a first-class retail experience, thoughtfully selecting premium products, and understanding the needs of his membership has helped establish an outstanding golf shop operation. Through his creativity, attention to detail, and dedication to customer service, Noah continues to elevate the merchandising experience while setting a high standard for excellence among PGA Professionals.
Merchandiser of the Year – Resort
Garrett Smithson, PGA
Cedars at Dungeness
Garrett Smithson of Cedars at Dungeness has demonstrated exceptional business leadership and merchandising excellence through his ability to create a successful and inviting retail experience for golfers, resort guests, and the local community. His thoughtful product selection, efficient use of retail space, and commitment to continuous improvement have driven impressive sales growth and profitability. Garrett’s dedication to customer service, creativity, and operational excellence makes him a deserving recipient of the Resort Merchandiser of the Year Award.
2026 Players of the Year
Player of the Year
Blake Snyder, PGA
PNW Golf Academy
Blake Snyder delivered an exceptional 2026 season, combining consistent performance with outstanding results across the Pacific Northwest. Competing in 22 Chapter Pro-Ams, Snyder recorded 12 top-five finishes while also excelling in regional championships. He finished runner-up in the Oregon Open, fourth in the Northwest Open, eighth in the Rosauers Open, and tied for ninth in the PNWPGA Professional Championship. Beyond his individual accomplishments, Snyder captained the victorious North Team in the North/South Cup and earned a spot on the prestigious Hudson Cup team.
Mike Coury Senior Player of the Year
Tom Sovay, PGA
The Golf Club at Redmond Ridge
Tom Sovay put together an outstanding 2026 season, demonstrating remarkable consistency throughout the year. He captured three Senior Pro-Am victories and finished in the top three in six of his seven Senior Pro-Am appearances. Sovay also advanced to the Senior Match Play Championship and earned a third-place finish in the Senior Chapter Championship. His strong play extended to regional competition, finishing sixth in the Senior Washington Open, tied for 11th in the Senior Oregon Open, and tied for ninth in the PNWPGA Senior Players Championship.