LOUISVILLE, KY (January 2, 2025) - The Kentucky PGA Section is honored to announce the 13 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 will be recognized at the 2025 KPGA Spring Member Conference on Monday, March 24.
 

Golf Professional of the Year
Eric Gilliland, PGA (Audubon Country Club)
One of the highest honors the PGA can bestow, Eric Gilliland, PGA, becomes the 70th 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 2025 Special Award Winners below!

Assistant Professional of the Year
Aaron Eldridge (Traditions Golf Club)
Golf Executive of the Year
Keith Reese, PGA (Valhalla Golf Club)
Bill Strausbaugh Award
Tom Walters, PGA (Summit Hills Country Club)
Professional Development Award
Erin Horn, PGA (Valhalla Golf Club)
Teacher & Coach of the Year
Jon Hardesty, PGA (Idle Hour Country Club)
Player Development Award
Karissa Hardesty, PGA (Persimmon Ridge Golf Club)
Youth Player Development Award
Adam Webb, PGA (Calvert City Golf & Country Club)
Patriot Award
Bryan Slone, PGA (Weissinger Hills Golf Course)
Deacon Palmer Award
Tennye Ohr, PGA (Man O' War Golf)
Merchandiser of the Year - Private
Gary Bebelaar, PGA (Big Spring Country Club)
Merchandiser of the Year - Public
Kyle Sheffer, PGA (Oldham County Country Club)
Sales Representative of the Year
Tyler Chilson (Callaway)

About the Kentucky PGA:
The Kentucky PGA Section (KPGA) is one of 41 Sections across the country that represent the PGA of America and its Members. It is also one of three organizations encompassed within Golf House Kentucky, in addition to the Kentucky Golf Association (KGA) and Kentucky Golf Foundation (KGF). The KPGA contains more than 300 Members and Associates working in various roles across Kentucky, all of whom share the goal of bettering the game and its players. The KPGA and its Members assist with organizing many chief growth-of-the-game initiatives, including PGA HOPE and PGA Jr. League, among others. The Section also operates more than thirty tournaments throughout the golf season, including the three State Open championships and qualifiers for Kentucky's PGA TOUR event.