Nicole Triano, PGA - Deacon Palmer Award Recipient
As a junior in high school attending a family reunion, Nicole Triano, PGA, and her father made a spontaneous stop at Latrobe Country Club in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, to browse the golf shop. Unexpectedly, the visit turned into a defining moment when they crossed paths with legendary golfer Arnold Palmer. When Triano shared her dream of becoming a PGA Professional, Palmer smiled and offered his signature thumbs up—a brief interaction that left a lasting impression.
Nearly a decade later, that moment comes full circle as Triano, now an Assistant Golf Professional at Wilderness Country Club in Naples, Florida, is named the 2025 South Florida PGA Deacon Palmer Award recipient. The award honors the legacy of Palmer’s father, Deacon Palmer, and recognizes PGA Professionals who demonstrate perseverance, service, and dedication to the game while overcoming personal adversity.
“To be presented with an award carrying the Palmer name is a huge honor,” Triano said. “It doesn’t feel like it was earned alone. It reflects the people and the PGA community that lifted me up.”
Raised in Westchester, New York, Triano was a multi-sport athlete before discovering golf at a young age. What began as reluctance quickly became a passion that would shape her future.
“I grew up playing a lot of sports—soccer, basketball, softball,” Triano said. “They introduced golf to me at Yorktown Athletic Club in Yorktown Heights, New York, and I immediately said, ‘no’. My dad told me, ‘Just give it a try,’ and after that first clinic, I fell in love.”
As Triano began to envision a career in golf during high school, her path took an unexpected turn in her junior year when her health rapidly declined. Once a competitive athlete, she suddenly struggled with everyday physical demands.
Triano was diagnosed with Dysautonomia, a disorder affecting the autonomic nervous system. Facing uncertainty about graduating high school, she leaned heavily on the support of her family and mentor Skip Marini, her golf coach and an Assistant Golf Professional at Mohansic Golf Course in Yorktown Heights, New York. With their encouragement, Triano persevered, graduating high school and continuing her education.
She enrolled in the Professional Golf Management program at Methodist University in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where she encountered additional challenges. The heat intensified her symptoms, and the physical demands of the Playing Ability Test (PAT) posed significant obstacles. With perseverance and the support of the university staff, Triano ultimately passed the PAT and graduated.
“The staff embraced me and were willing to work with me,” Triano said. “Eventually, I passed my playing ability test and went on to become a PGA Professional.”
Triano began her professional career in 2021 at Wilderness Country Club in Naples under PGA Director of Golf Sara Dickson. There, she found a supportive environment that allowed her to contribute meaningfully while prioritizing her health. She remains at the facility today, playing an integral role in daily operations and member engagement.
“Sara Dickson took a chance on me,” Triano said. “She, my teammates, and the membership have been absolutely fantastic, and we’ve been able to carve out a plan that allows me to still give back through the game of golf.”
At Wilderness, Triano is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, particularly for members facing physical limitations of their own. Her personal journey has shaped a leadership style grounded in empathy, adaptability, and service.
Triano’s story exemplifies the spirit of the Deacon Palmer Award, which honors those who persevere through adversity while uplifting others. Through resilience, service, and a deep commitment to the game, she continues to inspire golfers and PGA Professionals throughout the South Florida PGA Section.



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