Danny Butts, PGA - 2025 South Florida PGA Bill Strausbaugh Award Recipient
“At some point, you ask yourself, what's your purpose and how do you want to leave your mark.”
For 2025 South Florida PGA Bill Strausbaugh Award recipient, Danny Butts, PGA, “it’s through people, relationships and building others up. I want to have an impact on as many lives as possible.”
Now as the Head Golf Professional at West Bay Club in Estero, Florida for over five years, Butts exemplifies what it means to be a recipient of the Bill Strausbaugh Award, which recognizes the professional 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.
In addition to being an active volunteer for the South Florida PGA Foundation, volunteering numerous hours to various Habitat for Humanity home builds, helping with the Smiling Fore Life program and more, Butts and his family willingly open their own home to those in need.
“We have had six people that we housed while raising our own family with two kids,” Butts shared. “We are helping support not just golf professionals but our friends and community members.”
As the leader of his team at West Bay, Butts takes a family approach in his leadership style, ensuring he is doing everything he can to put his team in the best possible position.
“They are not just my assistants, they are borderline family,” Butts said. “I am always trying to help them to make sure they can take care of their families and get them into the jobs they want as fast as possible. That's what you do with family members and your deepest friends.”
That family approach for Butts along with his wife, Courtney, who is a Fort Myers High School Teacher, goes far beyond helping golf professionals as they share a genuine interest in helping individuals in their community.
Growing up in rural, blue-collar Western New York, a town full of farmers and factory workers, Butts was exposed to the value of hard work at an early age and continues to hold that same identity today.
As a kid, Butts revered the local golf professionals in his small town, looking up to them as “outstanding people of the community and local celebrities that everybody knew.” While reading through golf magazines, Butts saw names like Jim McLean and Bob Ford and thought to himself, “what a great life that would be.”
His early passion and obsession for golf led Butts to the Golf Academy of America - Carolinas to pursue a career in the golf industry. Upon graduation he began working as a first assistant at Bartlett Country Club in Olean, New York, a small, private 18-hole facility that still maintained a blue-collar membership.
While already demonstrating a strong work ethic, Butts was introduced to and eventually obtained a seasonal position at Royal Poinciana Golf Club in Naples, Florida by a common Bartlett member.
“I didn’t know anything about South Florida or Royal Poinciana, all I knew is that I had a job," Butts explained. “I didn’t have a place to stay, I slept in my car for a couple weeks, but I came down to work.”
For the next several years, Butts maintained a seasonal position before eventually earning a full-time role with Royal Poinciana, a facility he would stay with for over 15 years.
Early on Butts understood the importance of building a network of people around him and connecting with individuals to build strong relationships.
“It occurred to me that when you look up to the legends of the game, a lot of golf professionals are legends not because they won a PGA Championship but they are legends because they have this unbelievable network,” Butts shared. “They turned out great professionals and I realized my impact on the game was not going to be playing, it was going to be through people.”
That moment of realization changed the outlook Butts had on his career. For him, it is not about individual success or where that next job may be in the hustle of climbing the ladder of employment, it's about the number of people you can elevate in the process.
“While I am still alive, I want to have 40 either General Managers, Directors of Golf or Head Professionals that I helped get there,” Butts explained his lifetime career goal.
As someone who has spent his career not chasing individual success or accolades, Butts’s biggest accomplishments are simply helping others around him achieve their own goals. That's what motivates him every day.
When notified that he would be named the 2025 Bill Strausbaugh Award recipient, Butts response was short but immensely meaningful.
“I cried,” he shared. “We are all striving to be like someone else and to even be considered for an award after a guy that did it best is special. It is the most meaningful award to me because it's what I believe in the most.”
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Bethesda, MD - Todd Frey, South Florida PGA HOPE graduate and recently elected PGA HOPE ambassador joined 19 other HOPE graduates for the 2025 PGA HOPE National Golf and Wellness Week, October 8-13 at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, MD. PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) introduces and teaches golf to Veterans and Active Duty Military to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. Led by PGA of America Golf Professionals, the program is inclusive of a developmental 6-8 week curriculum. All programs are provided at no cost to all participating Veterans. The PGA HOPE National Golf and Wellness Week annually welcomes 20 PGA HOPE Graduates to an immersive five-day event that includes golf instruction from PGA of America Golf Professionals and wellness training from the Cohen Veterans Network — covering topics from social media, public speaking, stress management, mental health and more.
Bradenton, FL - For the fifth consecutive year the South Florida PGA defeated the North Florida PGA in the Annual Challenge Cup Matches, hosted at the Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club, October 15-16. Team South Florida earned 17 points to North Florida’s seven points in the Ryder Cup-style matches played yesterday and today in Bradenton. This win marked South Florida’s 29th Challenge Cup victory, while North Florida remains at 14.
Yes, she is Kellie Stenzel, who has been named the 2025 South Florida PGA (SFPGA) Teacher of the Year. And yes, she is Kellie Stenzel, a PGA Master Professional who has been named a GOLF Magazine Top 100 Teacher each year since 2009. She's also Kellie Stenzel, whose professional development soared throughout what she terms "a masterclass in golf instruction" under the tutelage of 2016 PGA Teacher of the Year, Mike Adams. Yet, before she was any of those versions of the elite instructor she is today, she was (and still is) Kellie Stenzel, loving daughter of Bob Stenzel, whose "positive influence and outlook still are a part of my core beliefs," she says. "Without question, my father is one of the largest influences on my life," adds Stenzel, the PGA Director of Instruction at Dutchman's Pipe, in West Palm Beach, Florida. Bob Stenzel, now 91, owned a Chevrolet/Buick dealership for 31 years in her hometown of Geneva, New York. "He never missed a match or one of my brother Matthew's games. My Dad instilled great confidence in me, and there was never a doubt that I could do anything I set my mind to with a lot of hard work." Such persistence and dedication to her craft rightfully earned Stenzel the SFPGA Teacher of the Year Award, which is based on overall performance in teaching; unusual, innovative and special teaching programs that the Professional has initiated or played a key role in implementing; articles published in books and magazines; as well as outstanding golfers the Professional has instructed. "I have been fortunate to work around so many amazing teachers, and I have done my best to learn all their methods and be able to apply them based upon the students' needs," says Stenzel. "Those outstanding instructors have greatly influenced my career, and they are all part of this award. I am so excited and honored to be the South Florida PGA Teacher of the Year." Stenzel is the author of three women's golf books, and at Dutchman’s Pipe, she runs monthly golf schools in addition to her one-on-one teaching. She also oversees three-day corporate golf schools with as many as 60 students being taught by upwards of 15 top PGA of America instructors. Furthermore, Stenzel's Skillest web page allows her to help students improve their swing, and game, no matter where they may be. Stenzel has deep PGA of America roots, minus a certain talent. You see, her late grandfather, Robert Stenzel, was the longtime PGA Head Professional at Spencerport Golf Club outside of Rochester, New York, and he was a member of the Rochester Philharmonic, playing the bass. As for his granddaughter, well, Kellie sums it up this way: "I certainly did not get his musical talent," she says, "even though he tried to help me with the flute, it was not meant to be. However, when I was a young golfer he would look at the callouses on my hands, and the more I had, he would give me a few dollars. This impressed upon me the value of hard work." What Kellie Stenzel may have lacked as a potential musician, she more than made up as a talented golfer. Stenzel played four years at the Division I level at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina, where she was a key contributor to the Paladins finishing second in the nation at the NCAA Finals in her senior year, in 1987. She went on to play professionally for the next five years in a variety of locales, some close to home (the Futures Tour), and some on tours far, far away, in Asia, South Africa and Australia. Stenzel, who earned a business degree at Furman, said she "always figured that I would work in the business world in some way." Indeed, she pursued that route after her playing days ended, but "couldn't stand being inside" as a money manager. So, she started teaching at The Club at Admiral's Cove in Jupiter, Florida -- "at first, I was a terrible teacher" -- and after running some women's events there, she eventually got her first taste of being involved with large-scale golf schools under Adams, at PGA National Resort & Spa, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Adams regularly oversaw clinics of upwards of 40 players then, as he still does today at both Fiddler's Elbow Country Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, and Abacoa Golf Club in Jupiter, Florida. "I could see right away that Kellie had the desire to be the best she could be," says Adams. "Kellie had a great personality and put people at ease. She just needed to learn how to teach. I'm so proud of the instructor she has become, and she continues to improve, to look at ways to be a better teacher. She just has that thirst for knowledge. Kellie's a star, and she is absolutely at the level of being a national PGA Teacher of the Year." Stenzel says watching Adams be able to fix the ball flight of a student based on one swing was a breakthrough for her, as she was part of a stable of 20 instructors who then taught the students in groups at PGA National. "Mike has that rare ability, and he has been so willing to share his knowledge with me," she says. "By far, Mike has had the biggest influence on me professionally, and my ability to run large golf schools today is simply because of my time with him. My teaching philosophy involves working with the student in front of me and their goals and physical abilities. Having Mike Adams as a mentor, understanding body typing and how to best understand cause and effect allow me to improve ball flight and improve the overall game of my students." As Adams did with her, Stenzel now pays it forward by helping develop the next generation of golf professionals who assist her with schools, so they have the opportunity to advance in their respective careers. "It's really important to me to help other teachers," says Stenzel, a current member of the SFPGA Teaching Committee and a member of the PGA of America Teaching and Coaching Committee in 2024 and '25. "I mentor several professionals and make myself completely available to any teacher who needs help with improving their students or better negotiating their business contracts." Giving back. Yes, that's one reason why Bob Stenzel is proud of his daughter. Hearing that she is now his award-winning daughter? Yes, that's enough for this Dad to get a tad emotional. "Kellie always told me that I was a wonderful father," he says, "but she has always been great. We've played so many rounds of golf together and have such special memories. I'm thrilled for her because she earned this honor. She's a terrific teacher who just keeps improving. She's the best daughter a father could ever have."
Naples, FL - The South Florida PGA held its second annual West Coast Play Yellow Birdie Bash, today at The Glades Golf & Country Club to raise funds for the Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida and the South Florida PGA Foundation. A total of $258,896.50 was raised, including 671 total birdies. Donations will continue to be accepted until Friday, October 17th. If you would like to donate, please click here . “It is such an amazing event,” said Golisano Children's Hospital Program Director Toni Primeaux. “Everybody is so friendly and when you hear the pros say it is the best day of the year for them, that is huge and then to think of all the members that support the pros and to think of all the funds that goes directly to the kids. Is there a better event? No.” This year’s Bridie Bash welcomed 24 South Florida PGA of America Professionals completing 81 holes on The Pines and Palmetto courses at The Glades, making as many birdies as possible in a team scramble format. Each birdie was backed by donor pledges and funds raised will support the missions of the SFPGA Foundation and Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida.
West Palm Beach, FL - Justin Hicks, PGA, and Chris Hatfield (A) won the South Florida PGA Global Golf Sales Senior/Super-Senior Pro-Scratch at The Club at Ibis - Heritage Course with a total score of 8-under. After a cancelled 2024 event, the 2025 Championship welcomed 33 teams of a senior SFPGA Professional over the age of 50 and a senior amateur over the age of 50 playing in a best-ball format. Hicks, a Teaching Professional at Stonebridge Country Club, and partner Hatfield managed a clean scorecard, including six birdies and an eagle on the par-5, 4th hole. After winning his third consecutive Pro-Scratch Championship earlier in the season with Bear Lakes Country Club Member Robbie Wight, Hicks teamed up with Hatfield, who is also a Bear Lakes Member. In the 2025 season alone, Hicks has won seven championships at both the Chapter and Section levels.
Naples, FL - Imperial Golf Club hosted the 2025 South Florida PGA Teaching Symposium, October 7-8, welcoming 70 South Florida PGA of America Golf Professionals for two days of golf instruction led by 2024 PGA of America Teacher and Coach of the Year, Joe Hallett, PGA. The SFPGA Teaching Symposium is an annual education opportunity for all SFPGA Professionals to learn, engage, network and share best practices that can be taken back to an individual's facility and teaching ground. Joe Hallett, PGA Director of Instruction at Vanderbilt Legends Club and Golf Digest Top-50 instructor served as the emcee with guest speakers, John Dunigan, PGA Director of Instruction at Applebrook Golf Club, Dan McLellan, PGA Assistant Professional at John Webster Golf Academy, John Webster, PGA Director of Instruction at John Webster Golf Academy and Matt Wilson, PGA Director of Instruction at Baltusrol Golf Club.
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."
BOCA RATON, FL – The Fourth Annual PGA HOPE Cup at St. Andrews Country Club concluded today with Team Impellittiere capturing the Front Nine Division title with a 5-under par 31, while Team Gray claimed victory in the Back Nine Division with a 6-under par 30. Team Impellittiere was led by Jerry Impellittiere, PGA Director of Instruction at Monarch Country Club, and Veterans Wayne Hanners, Juan Mata Jr, and William Howe. Team Gray was led by PGA Life Member Mike Gray, and Veterans Michael Carey, Barry Colson, and Michele Colson. This annual event brings together 72 Veterans and 24 South Florida PGA of America Professionals for a day of camaraderie, competition, and celebration. Each team featured one PGA Professional paired with three SFPGA HOPE Graduates, competing across two divisions: Front Nine and Back Nine. PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is the flagship military program of the South Florida PGA Foundation, which introduces golf to Veterans and Active-Duty Military Personnel to enhance their physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being. All participating Veterans have completed the six-week PGA HOPE program, which is offered at no cost to them as a way of giving back for their service. Now in its 10th year, PGA HOPE has had a profound impact across South Florida. The South Florida PGA Foundation has served over 2,000 Veterans through more than 140 programs, helping to create a supportive community where Veterans can experience both the therapeutic value of golf and the camaraderie that comes with it. The special day would not have been possible without the support of St. Andrews Country Club and its membership as well as SFPGA Foundation Secretary and Director of Golf at St. Andrews Country Club, Paul Clivio, PGA. Click here to learn more about the South Florida PGA Foundation and PGA HOPE.
Palm Beach Gardens, FL - The Country Club at Mirasol hosted the South Florida PGA E-Z-GO Pro-Superintendent today, with Corey Henry, PGA, and Bob Harper of The Country Club of Coral Springs winning the gross division, while Nick Latimer, PGA, and Jason Jobson of The Medalist Golf Club captured the net division. This year’s Championship, not contested in 2024 due to inclement weather, welcomed 49 teams of one South Florida PGA Professional and a golf course superintendent from the same facility playing in an 18-hole scramble format. In the gross division, Henry, PGA General Manager at the Country Club of Coral Springs and partner Harper, wrapped play at 9-under, defeating Mike Demakos, PGA Director of Golf at Sailfish Point Golf Club and partner Scott MacPhee in a scorecard playoff that was determined by the back-nine score. Henry and Harper finished with a 31 while Demakos and MacPhee shot a 32. In third place came the team from Miami Shores Country Club with PGA Teaching Professional, Ricardo Ronderos, and partner, Seth Strickland, finishing at 8-under. In the net division, Latimer, PGA Assistant Professional at Medalist Golf Club, and Jobson fired a 12-under round, defeating Clay Myers, PGA Head Professional at The Park, and partner Peter Lavallee by one shot. In third place was Mike Melton, PGA Head Professional at Fairwinds Golf Course, and partner Joe Brink at 10-under. The 2025 E-Z-GO Pro-Superintendent was hosted at The Country Club at Mirasol and played on the Sunrise course. E-Z-GO was the title partner, while COURSE RECORD, Relay, Scales, Southeast Water and Land Management, The Turf Guy Pro, and Unknown Golf were supporting partners.
West Palm Beach, FL - Ashley Grier, PGA, posted a final round 6-under 65 to force a playoff and eventually win the South Florida PGA Women’s Section Championship, played September 29-30 at The Park. Susan Bond, PGA, captured her second consecutive Senior title. The South Florida PGA Women’s and Senior Section Championships welcome the top female professionals within the SFPGA Section to compete for the Pam Brosnihan Section Championship trophy. This event serves as a way to honor the late Brosnihan, who was a PGA Professional at Quail Ridge Country Club from 1992 until her passing in 2014 after a long fight against cancer. Dan Brosnihan, current PGA Director of Golf at The Club at Quail Ridge, was in attendance to present the trophies to each champion. After an opening round at 3-over, 74, Grier of the Legacy Golf & Tennis Club trailed Loretta Giovannettone, PGA by five. “I had a talk with myself and changed my mental outlook today and just tried to have fun, make good swings and not really worry where it goes,” Grier explained her mindset going into the final round. “It is amazing when you let go of trying to hit a good shot or shoot a good score how it just happens easily. The mental switch led to a 4-under front nine and 2-under back nine that included a birdie on the 18th hole, forcing a playoff with Giovannettone of Loblolly. The playoff was contested on the par-5 18th hole, which both players birdied in regulation. With Grier in the fairway after her tee ball and Giovannettone in the fairway bunker, Grier was first to play, hitting the green in two with a 5 wood. Giovannettone then missed the green left and was unable to get up and down for birdie. Grier managed a two-putt birdie, claiming the title in her first year as an SFPGA Member. “It is very exciting,” emphasized Grier. “I had won the event in some of my previous Sections and this is the strongest Section I have played in with a lot of really good players and it wasn't an easy task. I knew I had to shoot under par and play really well if I wanted to get a win this week.” In her first season as an SFPGA Member, Grier has finished in the top-25 during all four Section Majors, had her fifth start in the KMPG Women’s PGA Championship, qualified for the 2026 PGA Professional Championship, made the 2025 SFPGA Challenge Cup team and now adds 2025 South Florida PGA Women’s Section Champion. “I was kind of nervous coming into the Section. I had success in my other Sections, but there are so many really solid players, and shooting even-par was pretty good before, but now you have to be under-par or you don’t compete,” Grier said. “I kind of did everything I could possibly ask for this year and met a lot of great people.” In the senior division, Susan Bond, PGA of PGA Magazine captured her second straight Women’s Senior Section Championship title, defeating Pamela Elders of Boca West Country Club by four. Bond opened the 36-hole event with a 7-over 78, trailing Kim Augusta, PGA by one and tied with Elders going into the final round. With a 5-over 76, Bond managed the tournament's low round in the senior division to hold off Elders, who had a hole-in-one on the third hole today. The 2025 South Florida PGA Women’s Section Championship was supported by Winston Collection and The PGA Tour. This year’s Championship was hosted at The Park which is led by PGA General Manager, Brian Conley, PGA Director of Golf, Cody Sinkler and PGA Head Professional, Clay Myers. Leaderboard
