2025 South Florida PGA Annual Awards Announced; Justin DeFont, PGA, Named Golf Professional of the Year

West Palm Beach, FL - For Justin DeFont, the 2025 South Florida PGA Golf Professional of the Year, the arc of his passion for teaching and developing the next generation of PGA of America Members stretches from a nationally acclaimed golf professional outside of Indianapolis, to a communications-driven entrepreneur in the rugged, Green Mountains of Vermont, to those aspiring to the profession through a dynamic program at a burgeoning university close to where DeFont has called home in Southwest Florida for the past decade.


It's a "what else can I take on" and "what more can we do" philosophy that has earned DeFont the highest recognition a South Florida PGA Professional can receive. It's also a daily commitment to mentoring those who feed off his guidance and support, no different than the keen interest that was shown to him by a man who himself has been honored with the ultimate award bestowed by the PGA of America.


The South Florida Golf Professional of the Year award recognizes a PGA of America Professional for overall performance, level of service to the Association, leadership, image, and ability to inspire fellow professionals and promote the game of golf. DeFont, a Class A PGA Professional for 20 years, certainly has earned his place at the pinnacle of his profession.


"It's such a tremendous honor to receive this award, and I was speechless when I received the word," says DeFont. "I am so proud to be a member of the South Florida PGA, and this is the top of the pyramid in terms of recognition."


DeFont, who has achieved Certified status in Golf Operations and is currently pursuing Master Professional status in the PGA of America, recently ascended to the position of PGA Director of Golf at TwinEagles, a 36-hole facility in Naples, Florida. Prior to that, he was the PGA Head Professional for 10 years at nearby Audubon Country Club, and over his time at Audubon, DeFont directly mentored more than 75 individuals pursuing PGA of America membership through the PGA Golf Management University Program at Florida Gulf Coast University. Students in the program at Florida Gulf Coast are required to serve internships at multiple golf facilities as a major component of their education, which ultimately can lead to PGA of America membership upon graduation.


"I think it speaks to the desire to treat those who report to you like they are the ones in charge, and to empower them so they feel like they can make their own decisions," adds DeFont, the 2023 Golf Professional of the Year in the Southwest Chapter of the South Florida PGA. "It's putting people in positions where they may not be the most comfortable, and challenging them so that they become capable of handling all of the aspects of a job at the top and eventually helping them become more valuable in their chosen field."


DeFont, the director of golf today, was once one of those willing students, having completed a similar program at Methodist University in Fayetteville, North Carolina, in the fall of 2004. Two of his internships occurred under the same PGA of America Professional, albeit at different facilities in two different states. And to say that Tony Pancake has highly influenced DeFont's life and career is, well, to appreciate that the four months DeFont interned under Pancake at Baltimore Country Club meant so much to him that he traveled to Carmel, Indiana, for his final internship after Pancake had become the PGA Director of Golf at Crooked Stick Club, site of the 1991 PGA Championship.


"I'm extremely grateful to Tony because he took such an interest in me as a golf professional and he cared about my growth, as he has with all of his interns," says DeFont. "He gave me opportunities in different areas of the operation, and he prepared me for the next steps in my career."


DeFont truly learned from the best, as Pancake was recognized as the 2024 PGA of America Golf Professional of the Year. Pancake, now in his 23rd year at Crooked Stick, also was featured in a PGA of America promotional spot that aired throughout the recent coverage of the 45th Ryder Cup.


"Right off, I could see that Justin had the passion to do well, the attention to detail, and he was very strong behind the scenes," Pancake says. "So, I challenged him to be more out front, to work the room, and to engage with the members at both clubs. Golf is still very much a people business, and you have to be really good with people or you'll never have the chance to advance. Justin understood that, improved in those areas, and I am so happy today to see how he has grown and moved up the ladder in his career."


DeFont was named the recipient of the 2022 South Florida PGA Bill Strausbaugh Award, with criteria for the honor including professional mentoring. In particular, DeFont is proud of the impact he has had on Pete Makarov, who began working at Audubon Country Club helping primarily in the locker room in 2014, the year before DeFont arrived. Makarov spent the next three years working at Audubon and developing under DeFont's system and today he is the PGA Head Professional at True North Golf Club in Harbor Springs, Michigan.


Braedon Fox was assigned by Florida Gulf Coast to intern under DeFont at Audubon. Early on, Fox expressed a passion for photography, and DeFont encouraged Fox's interest by assigning him to photograph/video the club's Men's Invitational and produce a video recap. Fox's skills elevated the experience for Audubon members who competed in the Invitational, and it helped set Fox on a course that today has him owning Braedon Fox Media LLC.

In addition to his duties as Communications and Member Services Director at the Vermont Golf Association, Fox has supported the PGA of America with freelance projects for both the 2023 and 2025 Ryder Cups.


"I'm not sure I would be in the position I am now if it were not for Justin," says Fox. "He made time to find out what my interests were, as he has done with all of his interns, he helped me develop into the PGA member I am today. It's what makes him unique as a mentor."

DeFont also has impressed the best of the South Florida PGA, including Tom Wildenhaus, a Past President of the South Florida PGA and the current President of its Foundation.


"Justin is one of the best young PGA Members I’ve met in a while," says Wildenhaus, the longtime PGA Director of Golf at Olde Florida Golf Club in Naples. "He has committed himself to mentoring the next generation of PGA Members and has found time to support his community through the SFPGA Foundation. He is very deserving of being our Golf Professional of the Year, and  I’m excited to see where his career takes him."

2025 South Florida PGA Annual Award Recipients:

Teacher of the Year:

Kellie Stenzel, PGA   Dutchman's Pipe Golf Club Director of Instruction


Bill Strausbaugh:

Danny Butts, PGA | West Bay Club Director of Golf


PGA Professional Development:

Dr. Tara McKenna, PGA - Florida Gulf Coast University Golf Management Director


Player Development:

Christine Meier, PGA | The Club at Mediterra Assistant Professional


Youth Player Development:

Chip Inks, PGA | Village Golf Club Director of Instruction


Assistant of the Year:

Will Coleman, PGA | Palm Beach Country Club Assistant Professional


Merchandiser of the Year - Public:

Cody Sinkler | The Park Director of Golf


Merchandiser of the Year - Private:

Travis Wehrs, PGA - Boca West Country Club Director of Golf


Merchandiser of the Year - Resort:

Andrew Farrea, PGA | The Boca Raton Golf Club Director of Golf


Patriot Award:

Scott Kash, PGA | Quail Creek Club Assistant Professional


Deacon Palmer:

Nicole Triano, PGA | Wilderness Country Club Assistant Professional


Salesperson of the Year:

Joe Downey, PGA | Holderness & Bourne Sales Representative


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By Chance Bressler December 23, 2025
WEST PALM BEACH, FL – In 2022, Joe Downey, PGA made a career-changing decision. Downey decided to move on from his role as Director of Golf at Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club in Jupiter to become a Sales Representative with Holderness & Bourne. A vastly different avenue within the golf industry but a new endeavor he took head on, increasing sales in the Florida and Caribbean territory by 235%, making it now a top-3 territory in sales for the company. The significant increase and level of customer service Downey delivers earned him the recognition of 2025 South Florida PGA Salesperson of the Year. The Salesperson of the Year Award annually honors a sales representative serving the Section who has made significant contributions to the game of golf at the Section level and within his/her company and those overall performance as a sales representative including service to accounts, overall integrity, courtesy and professionalism is second to none. Downey’s journey in golf began in high school, when he first started taking the game seriously. He knew that making it as a touring professional was a long-shot, but with his uncle as a PGA Professional, Downey was intrigued by the idea of working in the business. Upon graduating high school, Downey headed off to Campbell University in Bules Creek, North Carolina where he set out to study Professional Golf Management. During this time, Downey interned at Atlantic Golf Club in Bridgehampton, New York. Upon graduation, Downey moved into an Assistant Professional role at Atlantic Golf Club, serving under longtime Head Professional, Rick Hartmann, PGA who turned into a valuable mentor for a young Downey. Hartmann was genuine with members and guests, making everyone feel welcomed, and he knew how to create a comfortable atmosphere, an essential skill trait that Downey observed early on. “You don’t have to change who you are to be the best,” Downey said about the important lessons he learned from Hartmann. Downey also worked seasonally at Floridian National Golf Club in Palm City, where he had his first experience with sales and merchandising. At Floridian, it was solely the job of the golf professionals to oversee the merchandise, and Downey was tasked with the responsibility. Under the leadership of Morgan Jewell, the PGA Head Golf Professional at Floridian National, Downey experienced first-hand how growing sales and revenue in a golf shop can be fun, treating it like a game with the goal of growing year after year. “It was my first time being involved and engulfed in the business side of golf,” Downey said about his experience at Floridian National Golf Club. “I loved it!” After five seasons working between Atlantic Golf Club and Floridian National Golf Club, Downey decided to make Florida his permanent home. His move included working summers at Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club while being led by then PGA Director of Golf, Neil Lockie. After one season of working at both Floridian and Jonathan’s Landing, Downey transitioned to Jonathan’s Landing full-time. Downey was hired as the Head Golf Professional at Jonathan’s Landing under the guidance of Lockie, a mentor and friend to Downey. After three years as the Head Professional and with Lockie accepting a role in Texas, Downey was promoted to Director of Golf. Downey stayed in the role for three years before ultimately accepting the position with Holderness & Bourne. Since joining the Holderness & Bourne team in 2022, Downey has had incredible success with the line, and believes in the product and brand.. “I was fortunate enough to join Holderness & Bourne, a company that I already knew and believed in,” said Downey. “This gave me the ability to ‘sell’ without ‘selling.’” Secondly, maintaining communication and transparency with partners is vital to success by building a “two-way street of trust.” Some examples Downey gives of communication and transparency are lead dates, pricing, and revenue statistics. Downey explains, “by being transparent, a sales representative becomes an asset, molding the partnership into a collaborative effort between salesperson and partner.” Thirdly, a salesperson has to be likable. Be the person that people feel comfortable being around. Through this, better relationships and trust can be built. “When you get to know someone, you ultimately develop a deeper and more trusted relationship with them,” Downey says about the importance of likability. “I want partners to enjoy their hour-long meetings with me or when I am there for events.” Downey also emphasizes the importance of providing excellent service by assisting clubs when they need product at an event or providing last-minute tournament packages at a member-guest, as an example. “Every club gets the same attentiveness that Augusta National does,” Downey says, “It is well worth whatever challenges we're going to go through to get this done, and I think that's how we see things.” Downey’s journey, working seasonally in the Hamptons and in South Florida, to becoming Director of Golf at Jonathan's Landing, and now paving the way in sales at Holderness & Bourne, reveals how each step of the way has led him to earning the Salesperson of the Year Award. Now, after significantly increasing his territory’s sales revenue over three years, Downey presses forward to continue the path of growth at Holderness & Bourne.
December 18, 2025
FRISCO, Texas (December 18, 2025) - George Puchinsky, golf instructor at Bonita Bay Club in Bonita Bay, Fla., has earned PGA Master Professional status, the highest educational designation available within the PGA of America. Receiving his designation in Teaching & Coaching, the South Florida PGA Section Member is the 478th to earn the recognition, joining a special group among the more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals within the Association. The program was established in 1969 to recognize PGA of America Members who make a significant effort to improve as golf professionals and maintain the highest degree of excellence for themselves and their operations. The curriculum is designed to ensure golf professionals are prepared to meet the growing demands of the marketplace within the Executive Management, Golf Operations and Teaching and Coaching Designations. The PGA Master Professional Program is available to those with at least 10 years of PGA of America Membership along with having achieved advanced certification through the PGA Specialized and Certified Professional Programs. The curriculum includes an extensive project based on the specific certification previously acquired by the PGA of America Golf Professional. Master Professional status is earned upon successful completion of the project’s presentation at the Home of the PGA of America in Frisco, Texas. “Just 30 years ago I was picking the driving range at Brown Deer Golf Course, watching in awe the best players in the game compete in the Greater Milwaukee Open,” said Puchinsky. “Now to be considered a PGA Master Professional and a part of this special group is a culmination of that journey. Achieving this designation is the highlight and pinnacle of my teaching career within the PGA of America.” Puchinsky fell in love with the game at age 30 and got his first job in golf picking the driving range at Brown Deer Golf Club during the 1996 Greater Milwaukee Open. A PGA of America Member since 2009, Puchinsky spent the first decade of his career within the Wisconsin PGA Section serving as head professional at New Berlin Hills Golf Course in New Berlin and director of instruction at Greenfields Golf Center in Greenfield, among other facilities in similar positions. In 2012 he moved east as the director of instruction at Greenhouse Golf in New Jersey and then the Golf Club at Chelsea Piers in New York in 2014 as a senior golf instructor. In 2017 Puchinsky transitioned to the South Florida PGA Section as an instructor at Valencia Golf & Country Club and has remained in the Section ever since. Puchinsky transitioned to Bonita Bay Club in 2023. Passionate for teaching all skill levels, Puchinsky’s instruction is focused on golf fitness training as a Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) fitness instructor and utilizes Wright Balance Technology, founded by his mentor Dr. David Wright. Puchinsky’s teaching emphasizes balance, posture and core stability. Furthermore, he uses the latest golf instruction technologies such as Swing Catalyst Force Plates and Trackman, among others. Puchinsky graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1995 with a bachelor of science in health care administration and management. He resides in Naples Fla., with his wife Suzanne and their two little dogs Coco and Bailey. About the PGA of America The PGA of America is one of the world’s largest sports organizations, composed of more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals who love the game, are expert coaches, operators and business leaders, and work daily to drive interest, inclusion and participation in the sport. The PGA of America owns and operates numerous championships and events, including major championships for men, women, seniors and the Ryder Cup, one of the world’s foremost sporting events. For more information, visit PGA.com and follow us on X , Instagram and Facebook .
December 16, 2025
Naples, FL - The South Florida PGA capped off its 2025 tournament season today at Wyndemere Country Club in Naples, Florida, with the SFPGA Pro-Lady, welcoming a sold-out field of 100 players. The home team from Wyndemere Country Club, led by PGA Head Professional, Alex Derksen, and amateurs, Kitty Kemp, Judy Lanfrit, and Tammy Escott, secured first place honors with a score of 2-under, 70. Wyndemere defeated the team from The Country Club of Coral Springs, led by PGA General Manager Corey Henry and amateurs, Ivy Henry, Claire Menard, and Ivania Arrechavaia, and the team from Hunter’s Run Country Club, led by PGA Assistant Professional Ralph Garofano and amateurs Lori Kirsch, Tammie Harris, and Gail Boyce, in a scorecard playoff.
By Matt De Tullio December 16, 2025
When members walk into the Boca West Country Club golf shop, they’re greeted by more than apparel, equipment, and displays. They’re met with an energy shaped by intention, creativity, and a standard of hospitality that reflects the vision of Travis Wehrs, PGA. That vision, cultivated over two decades of learning, leading, and innovating, has now earned him recognition as the 2025 South Florida PGA Merchandiser of the Year – Private Category. For Wehrs, the Director of Golf at Boca West, the honor is meaningful because it celebrates retail excellence, and it acknowledges a lifelong passion rooted not in spreadsheets or inventory, but in style, personality, and connection. “One of the reasons I got into the golf business was the retail and the clothing,” Wehrs says. “The way you can show your personality and how golf drives fashion, it’s really meaningful to me.” Wehrs’ path to one of the industry’s largest private club retail operations began far from resort-style clubhouses. He grew up on a small farm outside Lincoln, Nebraska, running hurdles and pole vaulting rather than playing golf. Golf wasn’t in the plan, at least not yet. After two years at the University of Nebraska, Wehrs felt drawn toward something bigger. With family in Southwest Florida, he moved to Fort Myers, unsure where it would lead but certain he wanted a career centered on people and hospitality. Soon after arriving, he opened the Yellow Pages and began calling golf courses. “I wanted to work at a golf course because I wanted to showcase my personality,” he recalls. “I wanted to meet people and be in the hospitality space.” One call led to Olde Hickory Golf & Country Club in Fort Myers, Florida, where he was hired in outside operations in 2000. It quickly became more than a job. He moved into the golf shop and discovered the business side of the game, including customer service, merchandising, and relationship-building that would define his career. Olde Hickory lacked a dedicated retail director, and the responsibility fell to whoever had the passion for it. That was Wehrs. “None of the professionals there really enjoyed retail,” he says. “I was always looking for a way to differentiate myself.” He began meeting with vendors, studying color palettes, designing headwear, and helping redesign the club’s brand mark that lasted for decades. That early exposure to buying, branding, and merchandising philosophy laid the foundation for everything that followed. Even though Wehrs was just 23 and had not earned his Class-A PGA Membership, the Olde Hickory board made a bold decision, naming him the Head Professional. “They said, ‘OK kid, we’re putting all our eggs in one basket. Are you ready?’” Wehrs says. “I knew I wasn’t going to fail.” During this time, he completed his bachelor’s degree at Florida Gulf Coast University through night classes. Wehrs made the board's decision look good, as he spent 11 years as Head Professional at Olde Hickory. He then moved to Fiddlesticks Country Club in Fort Myers, and ultimately to Boca West Country Club in Boca Raton, Florida, where his passion for retail innovation found its ideal platform. With more than 6,000 members and a stand-alone retail building at Boca West, opportunity was everywhere and Wehrs embraced it. Holiday Bazaars became full-ballroom shopping events. Demo days evolved into “Golfapalooza,” a multi-vendor experience he describes as a “demo day on steroids.” Seasonal sales, brand partnerships, and curated collections expanded dramatically. But the most significant shift came in hard goods. “I felt there was a big hole,” Wehrs says. “Members wanted someone they trusted recommending golf balls, wedges, irons, everything.” The solution was hiring Jacob Huizinga, a former Florida State Amateur champion, as Boca West’s dedicated club fitter. The impact was immediate. In his first year, Huizinga completed nearly 500 fittings. Hard-goods sales jumped from roughly $600,000–$700,000 annually to over $1 million. Still, Wehrs emphasizes, it was never about revenue. “The goal was creating hospitality around club fitting, offering a boutique experience.” That experience includes a state-of-the-art fitting studio, advanced loft-and-lie technology, in-house regripping, and meticulous follow-up communication. Alongside service expansion came a renewed focus on brand identity. Boca West’s hibiscus logo has become a defining visual, one Wehrs believes could be globally recognizable. “When you see that hibiscus, you think of Boca West,” he says. “This is one of the finest facilities in the world.” As the Director of Golf, Wehrs oversees more than 230 staff members, including agronomy, golf operations, and retail. His leadership philosophy is simple: be present. “I spend the first couple of hours every day interacting with the team,” he says. “Being visible and being a servant leader matters.” He asks about families, weekends, milestones, focusing on seeing staff as people first. “That connection allows us to rely on each other’s strengths, especially when things get heavy,” he says. Being named the 2025 Merchandiser of the Year is meaningful, but Wehrs views it as a reflection of his team. “I’m surrounded by incredibly gifted, hardworking people,” he says. “I feel really fortunate.”
December 16, 2025
Fort Myers, FL – In the spirit of the holiday season, the South Florida PGA Foundation had the great honor of visiting Golisano Children’s Hospital on December 16th to present a check for $126,000. Each year, the SFPGA Foundation raises nearly $900,000 to support the local community through the game of golf. This contribution was made possible through the second annual West Coast Play Yellow Birdie Bash, held October 13th at The Glades Golf & Country Club in Naples, where PGA Professionals and supporters came together to make a meaningful impact for local families. The Birdie Bash is one of six major fundraising events conducted annually with the support of PGA Professionals across South Florida. This year’s check presentation brought together SFPGA Foundation Board Members, hospital leadership, patient families, and event participants to celebrate the Birdie Bash’s continued success and its growing impact on children’s healthcare in Southwest Florida. “The Play Yellow Birdie Bash is truly an amazing event,” said Toni Primeaux, Program Director at Golisano Children’s Hospital. “From the generosity of the PGA Professionals to the incredible support from their members, every dollar raised goes directly to helping children in our community. Seeing that level of passion and impact makes this event truly special.” During the 2025 Play Yellow Birdie Bash, 24 PGA of America Professionals competed in an 81-hole team challenge, with every birdie backed by pledged donations. The event raised more than $255,000, benefiting both Golisano Children’s Hospital and the SFPGA Foundation. Play Yellow, founded by Jack and Barbara Nicklaus in partnership with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, unites the golf community to support children’s hospitals across the country, helping the 10 million kids treated annually at CMN facilities. Donations to Golisano Children’s Hospital directly enhance its capacity to provide world-class pediatric care. As the only accredited children’s hospital between Tampa and Miami, Golisano continues to receive national acclaim, including multiple “Top Hospital” distinctions from The Leapfrog Group. Since 2022, the SFPGA has hosted six Birdie Bash events, four on Florida’s East Coast and now two on the West Coast. Collectively, these events have generated over $2.1 million to support youth, military personnel, and families throughout the region. The SFPGA Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the South Florida community. Guided by the SFPGA and its 2,200 PGA of America Professionals, the Foundation leverages the game of golf to create meaningful opportunities and strengthen the communities it serves.
By Morgan Nichol December 13, 2025
Naples, Fl. – The Cadillac Pro-Am benefiting the South Florida PGA Foundation brought together PGA Professionals and amateurs for a day of competitive golf and meaningful impact at The TwinEagles Club. A full field of 25 teams, each comprised of one PGA Professional and three amateurs, competed in an 18-hole, team two-best-ball format. A separate low professional Stableford competition was also conducted, giving PGA Professionals an additional opportunity to compete individually. Taking home top honors with a score of 16-under was the team from Colonial Country Club, led by Tim Jankowski, PGA, and amateurs Dale Barina, Dale Ewalt, and Mike Scroggins. In the Low Professional Stableford competition, Justin Bertsch, PGA, claimed the title with a total of 50 points. The South Florida PGA Foundation, the charitable arm of the Section, is dedicated to changing lives in the South Florida community through the game of golf. Funds raised from this event directly support the Foundation’s three pillars: youth, military, and families. The 2025 Cadillac Pro-Am was presented by Cadillac and supported by The Baldwin Group and COURSE RECORD. The South Florida PGA Foundation extends its sincere gratitude to The Club at TwinEagles, including General Manager Bob Radunz, PGA, Director of Golf Justin DeFont, PGA, and the entire staff for their outstanding hospitality and support in hosting this year’s event. Leaderboard
By Matt De Tullio December 9, 2025
The first paycheck PGA member Cody Sinkler ever earned came from a small-town golf course in Three Rivers, Michigan. Nearly two decades later, he found himself at another public course, this time not as an employee hired to fill a role, but as the person responsible for building an entire golf operation, brand, and identity from scratch. That full-circle journey, from Pine View Golf Club to The Park in West Palm Beach, Florida now frames the significance behind his newest recognition, being named the 2025 South Florida PGA Merchandiser of the Year – Public, an honor that represents far more than retail success. It reflects a vision, a mission, and a deeply personal connection to the place where his career began. At just 16, Sinkler wasn’t thinking about the PGA of America, merchandising plans, or running a nationally recognized operation. He didn’t even play golf. He simply needed a job. Pine View Golf Club, an unpretentious local public golf course was close to home, and that was enough. He cleaned carts, picked the range, handled trash runs, and stayed long after his shift ended, drawn to the unique energy of a public golf course. “What I remember most is the atmosphere,” he said. “It felt like a community. Pine View was where everyone went to be part of something.” What began as a job became a passion. Sinkler worked throughout high school and college, taking on increasing responsibility and learning the ins and outs of daily operations. That path ultimately led him to become a B-1, Associate head golf professional at just 22 years old, an unusually early leadership milestone that shaped his confidence and accelerated his growth in the industry. Even after earning a degree in supply chain management, Sinkler made a defining choice, passing up an opportunity with an aerospace company to pursue a full-time career in golf. That decision, he said, was fueled by the same love for the game that started at Pine View. After college, Sinkler’s career took him to Florida, where he joined the staff at Quail Ridge Country Club in Boynton Beach, Florida and spent nearly six years refining his operational approach, deepening his leadership experience, and developing a strong interest in merchandising. A season at Kalamazoo Country Club (Michigan) broadened that interest, giving him exposure to a top-tier retail environment and the artistry behind great visual presentation. It was through these experiences that he discovered that golf merchandising wasn’t just selling products, it was storytelling. It was about creating an emotional connection between a facility and the people who walked through its doors. But even as he advanced professionally, Sinkler was searching for a role with deeper purpose. The Park offered exactly that. A public golf facility built around accessibility and youth development, The Park represented something rare in the industry as a mission-first model that used golf as a tool to create opportunity. “It reminded me of Pine View,” he said. “A place where anyone could show up and feel like they belonged, only with a mission to help kids in ways my hometown course simply didn’t have the resources to do.” Sinkler was hired as the very first golf employee, stepping into a project still in its early construction stages. Rather than maintaining an existing framework, he had the responsibility and creative freedom to build one. “It wasn’t about following a playbook,” he said. “We were writing it.” When The Park opened its doors in April 2023, excitement was high, but something huge was missing. A visual identity. “We didn’t have a logo,” Sinkler said. “Everything in the shop simply said ‘The Park.’ We needed something that represented the energy of this place.” That identity arrived a few months after opening in the form of a neon green parrot, drawn from the flocks that spontaneously fly across the property every day. The reaction was instant. Items featuring the parrot sold out within days. Guests asked specifically for “the parrot hat.” The 350-square-foot golf shop quickly became a signature part of the experience. Today, The Park is projected to surpass $1.5 million in retail revenue, well beyond its initial $500,000 projection in year one. “We wanted a brand that felt alive,” Sinkler said. “Something fun, bold, and uniquely us. The parrot became that.” Even with the merchandising success, Sinkler remains most proud of The Park’s purpose. The facility reinvests around $1 million annually into youth programming, providing mentorship, academic support, internships, and athletic opportunities for local kids. “A public golf course gave me my start,” he said. “Now I’m helping build a place that gives those same opportunities on an even bigger scale. That’s the part that means the most.” He’s equally focused on his staff, helping PGA Associates move through the program, offering guidance, and supporting the next generation of golf professionals. “Developing people is a huge part of what we do,” he said. “It’s what keeps the culture strong.” Sinkler doesn’t naturally pause to celebrate accomplishments, but what he has been able to build at The Park while reflecting on where he started, the recent recognition allowed him to feel a level of success that is special. “It hit me that everything I’m doing now traces back to that first job,” he said. “I learned what a public golf course can be. Now I get to help build one that pushes that idea even further. That’s a full-circle moment.” The Merchandiser of the Year Award highlights a standout retail program, but the story behind it reaches deeper. A kid who fell in love with golf at a local muni, grew professionally through years of hard work and consistency, and ultimately helped bring an entirely new golf experience to life. At The Park, that story continues one operation, one idea, and one bright green parrot at a time.
By Chance Bressler December 2, 2025
“It was shocking, surreal, and one of the greatest honors of my career.” These are the words of Andrew Farrea, PGA, on being awarded the 2025 South Florida PGA Merchandiser of the Year Award in the Resort category. In less than two years in the South Florida PGA Section, Farrea has already made a significant impact as the PGA Director of Golf at The Boca Raton Golf Club, driving substantial merchandise revenue growth and introducing data-driven strategies that elevate both the golf shop and member experience. Farrea’s journey started at Methodist University, where he studied Professional Golf Management, graduating as a PGA of America Golf Professional. Farrea then took his first job at Newport National Golf Club in Newport, Rhode Island as an assistant golf professional. Unsure if a career in golf was for him, Farrea set out to obtain his MBA, applying and being accepted into graduate school at the University of Mississippi. However, during that same time Newport National unexpectedly offered him the head golf professional position. Surprised by the offer, Farrea accepted the position and chose to forgo graduate school. Farrea credits Matt Adams, the former general manager at Newport National, for the guidance he provided, and recognizes Adams for serving as his first mentor in merchandising. Adams stressed the importance of strategic branding, market research, and the many ways to utilize that research to increase sales. Along with merchandising, Adams taught Farrea how to build a great team. “Matt showed me the importance of creating a culture that attracts and nurtures an outstanding group of individuals,” Farrea explained. Farrea stayed at Newport National for eight years before moving to Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands as head golf professional at North Sound Golf Club. He was there for two years before moving to Ko Olina Golf Club in Hawaii, also as head golf professional. During Farrea’s time in the Aloha PGA Section, he was recognized with the Bill Strausbaugh Award in 2022. The Bill Strausbaugh Award recognizes PGA Professionals who distinguish themselves by mentoring their fellow PGA Professionals in improving their employment situations. At Ko Olina Golf Club, Farrea’s General Manager, Greg Nichols, became another mentor of his. Nichols taught Farrea to spend time gathering anecdotal research, diving into the data, and paying attention to the details that often go unnoticed. Farrea stayed at Ko Olina for four years before deciding he wanted to move back stateside, and fell in love with The Boca Raton Golf Club. Farrea continues to utilize what he has learned to build a great team culture and has seen how it positively affects merchandising. He fosters those working in the facility who aspire to become PGA Professionals one day, and has built an environment that accelerates growth. Farrea has structured outside operations as a fast-track program, with the goal of moving dedicated staff into assistant professional roles within a year. “We want to grow the PGA brand overall and our own property at the same time,” Farrea said. “It worked in Hawaii, and I can see it coming together here in Boca Raton.” This past year,The Boca Raton Golf Club, with the help of 2025 South Florida PGA - Southern Chapter Salesperson of the Year, Kris Saba of TaylorMade, brought a tour-fitting van to the facility, giving club members the opportunity to have a TOUR-level fitting experience. “It was an incredible day,” Farrea said. “In addition to the van, TaylorMade staffed the event with expert fitters building clubs on-site—just like they would for Rory and Tiger.” In just eight hours, the club had shattered a TaylorMade record, producing $75,000 in sales, which was approximately $25,000 more than the previous record. Farrea’s leadership, connections, and strategies led to him earning the Merchandiser of the Year Award in the Resort category. His short time at The Boca Raton Golf Club has been marked by significant growth, with sales increasing by almost 30% in the spring months and continuing to grow throughout the year. Farrea recognizes the significance of what he and his team have accomplished. “There's a lot of weight behind this award and I don't take it lightly,” Farrea said. “I'm very honored to receive it, and thankful to those who gave me the opportunity to do so.”
By Brianna Alonso December 1, 2025
Vero Beach, FL – The South Florida PGA Foundation celebrated another successful year at the 13th Annual Quail Valley Holiday Pro-Am, held at Quail Valley Golf Club in Vero Beach. The event once again united PGA of America Professionals and amateurs for a day of competition and camaraderie, while raising funds and awareness for the SFPGA Foundation. A record field of 56 teams, each featuring one PGA Professional and one amateur, competed in a Stableford team format across net, gross, and professional divisions. Thanks to the generous support of participants and partners, the event raised more than $15,000, directly fueling the Foundation’s efforts to change lives through the game of golf. Each year, the SFPGA Foundation impacts over 3,400 youth, military, and families through its community-focused programming. This year’s champions included: Gross Division: Dakun Chang, PGA & Andrew Biggadike, 50 points Professional Division: Michael Kostelnik, PGA, 45 points Net Division: Ed Humenik, PGA & Richard Bayliss, 51 points For full results, click here . The South Florida PGA Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to Quail Valley Golf Club, General Manager Kevin Given, and Director of Golf Don Meadows, PGA, for their continued hospitality and commitment to this annual tradition. Appreciation also goes to this year’s supporting partners, including Airshare, Bag Caddie, COURSE RECORD, Garmany Golf, Heritage Creations, Turtleson, and Winston Collection, whose dedication helps make the event possible.
November 25, 2025
When Will Coleman, PGA got the phone call confirming he had been named the 2025 South Florida PGA Assistant Professional of the Year, his first reaction was simply gratitude. “I was surprised,” he admitted. “Our section is one of the biggest in the country and certainly one of the most competitive for jobs and for talent. I was extremely humbled and grateful to be selected..” For Coleman, now in his third season as the lead assistant professional at Palm Beach Country Club in Palm Beach, FL, the award represents far more than a resume milestone. It reflects an unconventional journey through golf, marked by late beginnings, reinvention, humility, and a steady commitment to doing things the right way. Coleman didn’t grow up dreaming of playing golf for a living. In fact, he didn’t even start playing seriously until he was “19 or 20.” What began as a way to pass time during college breaks, hitting balls on the small course at his hometown in Maryland, quickly grew into something more. “I got hooked on the challenge,” he said. “There was always sort of a problem to solve and something to progress personally. I was attracted to that.” That attraction evolved into what he calls “the right amount of delusion.” At 30 years old, an age when many aspiring pros are already pivoting out of playing careers, Coleman turned professional. He earned status on PGA TOUR Latinoamérica where he spent three years competing. “Golf is very black and white, you're shooting the scores or you're not,” Coleman shared. “I was clearly just not good enough right then.” He tried chasing it a bit longer, but knew he eventually needed to be doing something more sustainable. “Anytime your identity is tied up in something and that picture changes, there’s frustration, sadness,” he said. “But every difficulty is an opportunity.” That opportunity came from Jupiter Country Club in Jupiter, FL, where Coleman had been on staff during his playing years. When he stepped away from competitive golf, the facility offered him an assistant role, his first real entrance into the operations side of the business. Coleman enrolled in the PGA program, passed his qualifying tests, and immersed himself in the golf industry, though he admits he initially had only a “vague picture” of what his future might look like. From Jupiter Country Club he moved to Mayacoo Lakes Country Club in West Palm Beach, where he began to understand that club operations could become a career, not just a fallback. “It was always just a natural evolution,” he said. “Show up every day, do good work, be a good person, and it's gonna carry you forward.” That mindset guided his next step to The Club at Admiral’s Cove in Jupiter, FL, a move he made intentionally. After a successful stretch there, another opportunity came calling. Through connections made in the Chapter and within the Section, Coleman was introduced to Palm Beach Country Club, where he interviewed and was hired as the lead assistant professional. He has thrived in the club’s service-oriented environment. At Palm Beach Country Club, Coleman oversees hard goods, manages tournaments, teaches, and focuses on relationship-building within a small membership that plays just 12,000 rounds a year. “We’re really a service-minded operation,” he said. “It’s a lot of face time, a lot of interactions, a lot of relationship building.” His maturity from entering the industry later than many of his peers has also shaped who he is as a leader within the operation. Working alongside a younger head professional, Coleman sees his role as both supportive and complementary. “We might be at the same experience level, but my age and life experience give me a different viewpoint,” he explained. “I think he trusts me 100 percent in a support role and if I’m thinking the same way he is, then I’m on the right track.” Another element of Coleman’s recent career has been his leadership of the Southeast Chapter Assistants tournaments, a role he stepped into somewhat unexpectedly. Nick Beddow, PGA, who preceded him in the role, asked if Coleman wanted to take it over. “I’d love to say I had this grand intent to contribute, but it was more like, ‘Okay, yeah, I’ll take it.’” But the role quickly became meaningful. “It’s been a chance for me to play a different role within the chapter,” he said. “Coming from a playing background, it was always about ‘How does this benefit me?’ Now it’s about service, providing tournaments and venues for assistants to compete and meet each other.” He also acknowledges that the role allows him to mentor younger professionals, something that comes naturally at this stage in his career. “When you're a 25-year-old assistant, a volunteer position doesn't sound that attractive,” he said. “But I’ve played all the golf I need to play. Let me give a little back. If I can help steer someone in a direction that benefits them down the road, I’m extremely happy to do that.” When notified about the award, Coleman felt the recognition reflected the totality of his journey, one defined by steady growth, evolving goals, and an embrace of service. “It means a lot to be thought of for this recognition,” he said. “I’m grateful someone thought I was deserving of the award.”