Metropolitan PGA 2026 Special Award Winners
ELMSFORD, N.Y. – The Metropolitan Section of the PGA of America is proud to announce the 2026 Special Award winners. Each year, the Met Section honors PGA Professionals who go above and beyond in their work. These eleven exceptional professionals have made lasting contributions to the game—on the golf course, in the golf shop, at their facilities, and throughout their communities.
These awards recognize the best of the best across a wide range of roles, and this year’s group is no exception. The 2025 class includes leaders from all corners of the Section who continue to grow the game in meaningful and lasting ways.
Here are this year’s recipients:
- Professional of the Year – Craig Thomas, Metropolis Country Club
Craig Thomas, PGA, is being recognized as the Metropolitan PGA Golf Professional of the Year for his outstanding leadership, service, and dedication to the game throughout a distinguished career spanning more than three decades. As Head Professional at Metropolis Country Club, Thomas has championed player development, supported countless charitable and veteran-focused initiatives, and helped bring numerous Metropolitan PGA, MGA, and national championships to the region. A respected leader, accomplished competitor, and passionate advocate for growing the game, Thomas exemplifies the highest standards of the PGA Professional.
- Teacher of the Year – David Young, Sleepy Hollow Country Club
David Young, PGA, is being recognized as the Metropolitan PGA Teacher & Coach of the Year for his decades-long commitment to developing golfers and fellow professionals. A Master Professional and respected educator, Young has built impactful junior programs, mentored future award-winning instructors, and helped shape the careers of countless players. His influence now extends to the game’s highest level as the full-time coach of PGA Tour standout Cameron Young, while his dedication to education, mentorship, and growing the game continues to leave a lasting mark throughout the Metropolitan PGA Section.
- Bill Strausbaugh Award – Nick Yaun, Century Country Club
Nick Yaun, PGA, is being recognized with the Bill Strausbaugh Award for his exceptional commitment to mentorship, career development, and service to fellow PGA Professionals. Through his leadership at Century Country Club and within the Metropolitan PGA Section, Yaun has helped guide countless professionals toward advancement opportunities, fostered meaningful industry relationships, and championed initiatives that strengthen the Association. His dedication to developing future leaders and elevating the PGA Profession has made a lasting impact throughout the Section.
- Professional Development Award – Mike Ballo Jr., Tamarack Country Club
Mike Ballo Jr., PGA, is receiving the Professional Development Award for as a model educator of PGA Golf Professionals. This award is designed to give special recognition to an individual PGA Professional for outstanding and continuing contributions to professional education. Since becoming a PGA Member in 2024, Ballo has been a force in supporting the Met Section and his fellow Professionals. From leadership on the Assistant’s Board, to organizing Educational Programs and Forums, even being tapped as a presenter, Ballo does it all. His desire for personal improvement and development is palpable and his determination impacts not only those around him, but his peers throughout the Section—even those his senior. What makes the recognition of Mike extra special is that he has only just begun and it’s exciting to imagine the continued impact he will have on PGA Professionals and the Met Section.
- Deacon Palmer Award – Frank Darby, Life Member
Frank Darby, PGA, is being honored with the Deacon Palmer Award in recognition of his outstanding character, leadership, and lifelong commitment to serving others through the game of golf. Throughout a distinguished career as a PGA Professional, collegiate coach, mentor, and Metropolitan PGA Tournament Administrator, Darby has positively impacted countless players and fellow professionals while helping shape more than a thousand Section events. Following a serious heart-related medical emergency, he has continued to inspire others through his dedication to teaching, player development, and promoting the PGA Profession, embodying the resilience, integrity, and selfless service that define this award.
- Patriot Award – Bill LePosa, Holbrook Country Club
Bill LePosa, PGA is the Patriot Award recipient, which bestows special recognition on a PGA Golf Professional, who personifies patriotism through the game of golf and demonstrates unwavering commitment and dedication to the men and women who have valiantly served and protected the United States of America. LePosa has been a mainstay as an instructor of our Met PGA HOPE classes, evolving from unsure he’d be able to regularly volunteer, to refusing to miss a class or PGA HOPE event. Bill has developed significant and personal relationships with our Veterans and continues to pour his time and talent into PGA HOPE.
- Player Development Award – Joe DiDomenico, Pelham Country Club
Joseph DiDomenico, PGA, is being recognized with the Player Development Award for his outstanding commitment to growing the game through innovative and inclusive programming. At Pelham Country Club, he has created impactful opportunities for juniors, adults, beginners, and veterans to learn, enjoy, and remain engaged in golf. Through his leadership in PGA Junior League, PGA HOPE, junior development initiatives, and community outreach programs, DiDomenico has helped foster a welcoming environment that encourages lifelong participation in the game while advancing the mission of the PGA of America.
- Youth Player Development Award – Jason Russell, Southampton Golf Club
Jason Russell, PGA, is being recognized with the Metropolitan PGA Youth Player Development Award for his extraordinary dedication to growing the game through youth golf. Over the past two decades at Southampton Golf Club, Russell has transformed a small junior program into a thriving developmental pipeline serving golfers from their first introduction to the game through competitive and collegiate golf. Through innovative programming, the creation of Southampton’s junior short course, and his leadership of the East End Junior Interclub, Russell has positively impacted hundreds of young golfers while helping shape the future of junior golf throughout the East End and the Metropolitan PGA Section.
- Merchandiser of the Year (Private) – Ben Hoffhine, Westchester Country Club
Ben Hoffhine, PGA, is being recognized as the Metropolitan PGA Merchandiser of the Year (Private) for his innovative approach to retail operations and commitment to elevating the member experience at Westchester Country Club. By blending the club’s rich traditions with a modern boutique-style retail environment, Hoffhine has created a golf shop that serves as both a premier shopping destination and a reflection of the club’s distinguished brand. Through thoughtful merchandising, strategic product selection, and a focus on innovation, he has helped drive significant growth while enhancing the overall experience for members and guests alike.
- Merchandiser of the Year (Public) – Paul Alexander, Oak Hills Park Golf Club
Paul Alexander, PGA, is being recognized as the Metropolitan PGA Merchandiser of the Year (Public) for his commitment to delivering exceptional value, service, and retail experiences to golfers at Oak Hills Park Golf Course. Through thoughtful merchandising strategies, competitive pricing, creative promotions, and a customer-first approach, Alexander has built a golf shop that serves the diverse needs of a busy public golf facility. His dedication to personalized service, strong industry relationships, and creating a welcoming environment has enhanced the experience for thousands of golfers while helping grow the game at the community level.
- Sam Snead Award – Tom Avezzano, Sprain Lake Golf Course
Thomas Avezzano, PGA, is being honored with the Sam Snead Award in recognition of his extraordinary lifetime contributions to the game of golf, the PGA, and the Metropolitan Section. A PGA Member for nearly six decades, Avezzano has dedicated his career to teaching and mentoring golfers of all ages, impacting multiple generations of families while helping shape the public golf landscape in the Metropolitan Area. As Head Golf Professional at Sprain Lake Golf Course since 1975 and President of TJM Golf Corp., he has overseen two thriving public golf facilities, introducing countless players to the game and fostering a lifelong love of golf through his leadership, instruction, and unwavering commitment to the profession.
- Assistant of the Year – Rob Baynard, Brae Burn Country Club
Rob Baynard, PGA, is being recognized as the Metropolitan PGA Assistant Golf Professional of the Year for his exceptional leadership, service, and commitment to the profession. As Lead Assistant Professional at Brae Burn Country Club, Baynard has excelled in tournament operations, player development, and member programming while maintaining a high level of competitive play. Beyond the club, his service on the Metropolitan PGA Assistants Board and Tournament Committee, along with his efforts to secure new partnerships and enhance opportunities for fellow professionals, have helped strengthen the Assistant Professional community throughout the Section. His passion for mentorship, junior golf, and advancing the game exemplifies the future of the PGA Profession.
About the Metropolitan PGA
With over 800 PGA Professionals and Associates throughout the New York metropolitan area, the Met PGA has a long-standing reputation as a leader in the golf industry. From championship operations to junior golf, education, and outreach initiatives, the Section continues to move the game forward while honoring its traditions.
For more information, visit www.met.pga.com