“The cornerstone of any success we may achieve is by building strong relationships cultivated from an enthusiastic approach and positive attitude,” said Tony Pancake, PGA Professional at Crooked Stick Golf Club and Indiana’s 2009 Golf Professional of the Year. Pancake’s enthusiasm for and involvement in the game has led to his success, and his hard work is recognized by his peers who selected him to receive this prestigious award. He strives to exceed members’ expectations and develop a top-notch staff. The creation of an employee networking program demonstrates his dedication to helping others grow professionally. By treating people with respect and leading by example, he establishes a level of trust with his employees and members.
Pancake serves his Section and the PGA of America as well. He holds a position on the Executive Committee for the 2009 US Senior Open Championship and fulfills Corporate Merchandising Program responsibilities. He is a promoter of Indiana PGA tournaments as a competitor, Pepsi Junior Program as a parent, education program as an attendee and speaker, and the Indiana Golf Foundation as a supporter. When he visits other clubs around the country he acts as an ambassador for the Indiana Section.
Pancake’s assistant, Patrick White, earned Assistant of the Year honors for his leadership, commitment to the membership and involvement in the Section. He directs the club’s outside staff and caddie program while balancing the responsibilities of Merchandise Specialist for the 2009 Senior Open Championship. He also participated in five Section tournaments and the McGladrey Team in 2008.
Teacher of the Year went to John Dal Corobbo of Prairie View Golf Course who has over twenty years of playing and coaching experience. His home course and The Golf Training Academy welcomed him two years ago, and since he has made remarkable improvements to the facility and instruction programs.
As an Education Committee member since 2005 and Chair since 2008, Keith Clark of Hickory Stick Golf Course has made invaluable contributions to education programs and was therefore the Horton Smith Award recipient. He organized and improved Spring and Fall Meeting agendas, curriculum and keynote speakers and improved the Section’s participation in Play Golf America initiatives.
Gary Gant of Pine Valley Country Club in Fort Wayne was awarded the Bill Strausbaugh Award for his mentoring and service to his staff and community.
The Junior Golf Leader Award was given to Gene Kaufman at Etna Acres Golf Course whose support of junior golf begins at his course’s junior program and junior tees and extends to hosting the local high school and junior high teams. He also hosts five annual junior competitions, and several of his students have gone on to play Division I. One has been named an Evans Scholar.
Jan Tellstrom of Smock Golf Course in Indianapolis was named Public Merchandiser of the Year for successfully managing a public golf shop for 33 years. Dave Harner at French Lick Resort received Resort Merchandiser of the Year for successfully managing three separate shops. Private Merchandiser of the Year was given to Kedric Perkins at Hillview Country Club in Franklin for revamping his golf shop to better serve his membership.