Today, in front of their peers, we recognized our Indiana Section PGA Special Award winners at our Annual Spring Business Meeting in Muncie, Ind. Congratulations to all of our winners on this well deserved honor.
MERCHANDISERS OF THE YEAR
The Merchandiser of the Year Awards recognizes those PGA professionals who have demonstrated superior skills as merchandisers in the promotion of golf. The award is given for excellence in golf shop operations in three categories: Private, Resort and Public/Municipal/Military/Semi-Private. The following criteria are applied to all awards: PGA Member in good standing, credit rating with the industry, overall credit rating and community involvement. The candidates are judged in the following areas: merchandising ability and techniques, inventory levels and turn rate, shop display and attention to detail.
PUBLIC, JON GATES
Jon Gates is our 2022 Merchandiser of the Year in the Public category at Pretty Lake Golf Club. Gates believes that the backbone of successful merchandising is offering quality products at fair prices. Identifying the price points that fit with customers has proven to be successful and sales have increased significantly. Gates also thinks it is important to make a guest feel like a member for the day and provide an experience that is memorable and keeps guests coming back.
"Simple things like remembering names, hometowns, family members and favorite sports teams are not a common place in the public forum. By introducing this skill set, we have been able to capture a customer base that look to us as their golf expert. Non-member revenue is imperative for the profitability of the golf shop.”
MERCHANDISER OF THE YEAR – PRIVATE, DOUG HILL
Doug Hill is our 2022 Merchandiser of the Year in the Private category at Old Oakland Golf Club. Every