By Vinnie Manginelli, PGA
In the world of business, success is often measured in revenue, market share and innovation. However, in some industries, beyond these financial metrics, many professionals and organizations seek validation through awards and recognition from their peers. After all, winning a business award is more than just an accolade – it is a testament to excellence, hard work and industry impact. Golf is different, however.
Ask any PGA of America Golf Professional or LPGA Professional why he or she does what they do and they’ll cite love of the game, desire to mentor others or a passion to leave the industry better than they found it. Never will you hear them say “I did it for the accolades…the awards…the acknowledgments.”
Nevertheless, in gratitude for exceptional performance, innovation, influence, leadership, vision, commitment and impact on the customer and community, the PGA of America recognizes its top members across 41 PGA Sections and nationally, and golf industry publications and organizations celebrate the best in our sport in their own special ways, as well.
At the Golf Range Association of America (GRAA), we celebrate 14 years of the Top 50 Public, Private and Stand-Alone Facility awards, as well as more than 150 Growth of the Game Teaching Professionals, one-third of whom are in an elite category after taking home the award more than five times. Check out our January Golf Range Magazine issue for a complete list of this year’s honorees. In addition, applications for these esteemed awards are available by late summer each year and can be found on the GRAA website.
Although, award-recognition is not the primary goal of these transformative and influential golf coaches and instructors, we wanted to better understand what winning a GRAA award means to them. So, we asked, “What does being a GRAA award winner mean to you?” Here’s what they told us.
Robbie Fritz – PGA of America Director of Instruction – Greensboro (NC) Country Club
“My first reaction is how grateful I am. It’s really cool to see how proud and excited our members are to see one of their golf professionals recognized like this. Teaching at a private club, we are part of a “golf family” – so it’s really special to celebrate this recognition together with other members and staff.”
Randy Chang – PGA of America Director of Instruction – The Journey At Pechanga – Temecula, California
“Being recognized with this award, along with others involved with the GRAA and PGA Magazine, has created a solid relationship with the facilities where I currently run my schools. It solidifies my value to their overall business, developing new players, creating more practice facility usage and justifying capital improvements.”
Bridget Ackley – PGA of America Teaching Professional – The Park West Palm – West Palm Beach, Florida
“Receiving the GRAA Top 100 Growth of the Game Teaching Professional award multiple times is an incredible honor that means a great deal to me. This recognition reflects the hard work, passion and dedication I invest in growing the game, particularly for junior players and new golfers. As an emerging teaching professional, I often refer to the GRAA Top 100 list to connect with experienced instructors who could help me improve my skills. It’s been a remarkable journey to transition from seeking advice from those professionals to being recognized alongside them.”
Janean Murphy – 2024 LPGA Professionals Teacher of The Year
“Being a multi-year recipient of the GRAA Top 100 Growth of the Game Teaching Professional award is an honor that continually inspires me. Each year, I look forward to completing the nomination process, which provides an invaluable opportunity to reflect on my contributions to growing and retaining golfers.
“This recognition underscores my commitment to expanding the game of golf for juniors and adults. Being named to the GRAA Top 100 multiple times is a testament to the dedication I bring to developing innovative programs that not only attract new golfers but also engage those already passionate about the sport. I am proud to be recognized among the best teaching professionals who are devoted to creating and nurturing exceptional learning experiences.
“The GRAA’s acknowledgment of teaching professionals who are passionate, creative and engaged in the growth of golf motivates me to continue striving for excellence. This recognition not only reflects my commitment to my students’ success and my pursuit of world-class instruction and service, but it also strengthens my professional profile and provides valuable credentials for future opportunities.”
Robbie Blackwell – PGA of America Director of Instruction – Hoover (AL) Country Club
“I don’t do what I do for the recognition. Is it nice? Of course it is. But I do what I do because I truly love what I do. I get to impact people’s lives by helping them hit the ball better or score better, and sometimes just teaching them how to relax and have fun while they are out on the course. It is cool, however, to see my name alongside some of the others on the list, who are so respected in our profession.
“I feel like I am living a dream. I get to wake up every day and go to work at a golf course and teach people how to swing a club and play golf. And I get paid to do it! I get to encounter someone starting to play or someone who is frustrated with their ability to hit a golf ball and help them get better. And usually about 35 minutes into our time together, I see that improvement. The other 25 minutes is helping them sustain it and chit chat. A lot of times it’s a therapy session for them to just disappear from their world and consume themselves in golf, even if it is just for an hour. So, to be recognized for the things I get to do in our fantastic game is icing on the cake! Of course I like it! Who wouldn’t? But is it why I do what I do? Absolutely not! I love what I do!”
Gaylon Cude – PGA of America Teaching Professional – Golf House Tennessee Learning Center – Franklin, Tennessee
“The reason I got into golf instruction was because I have always been and continue to be passionate about the game of golf. It has been incredibly good to me and has provided so many opportunities that I would have never been afforded without it in my life. From friendships to travel, it has given me so much that I would love for others to have the chance to experience as well. That is what led me down this path. To be a recipient of the GRAA’s Top 100 Growth of the Game Teaching Professional award for multiple years shows me that we are accomplishing that mission. It shows me that we are impacting the lives of tons of individuals in a positive way by exposing them to this incredible game.”
Randy Dietz – PGA of America Director of Instruction – Windmill Golf Center/Randy Dietz Golf Academy
“As a golf professional, I get programmed to grind extremely hard for a large portion of the year to keep up with a schedule booked more than a month in advance and make sure all of the programming is accounted for with staffing through Windmill Golf Center and my own academy, while not missing my three kids’ activities – and doing it again the next day. As I reflect in the offseason, it is very rewarding to be sitting here as a GRAA Top 100 Growth of the Game Teaching Professional.
“It all starts with the support of Windmill Golf Center, a GRAA Top 50 Stand Alone Facility, allowing me to oversee the instruction and programming as Director of Instruction, our amazing teaching staff that delivers programming that impacts so many people and my family that supports me with the demands of time away during so much of the year. My day off on Monday typically finds me traveling to our weekly Northern Ohio PGA Section events as I still have a passion to compete at a high level.
“The fact that my schedule keeps expanding, at times two months out, makes me appreciate what I envisioned in 2019 as I shifted to a teaching- and coaching-only career. It is humbling to be recognized for this award numerous times amongst so many instructors that I respect and admire. This is an extremely talented group of instructors that is moving the game forward. Having this network and opportunities such as the yearly GRAA conferences allow these great minds to come together and share ideas to make us all better and keep things fresh at our facilities.”
Alex Iguchi – PGA of America Director of Instruction – PGA Golf Club – Port St. Lucie, Florida
“I am deeply honored to be a multi-year recipient of the GRAA Top 100 Growth of the Game Teaching Professional award. However, it still feels a bit surreal that someone who started as a scruffy 16-year-old ball picker on the outskirts of a public course in Amsterdam is now recognized as a Top 100 instructor in the U.S.
“I often joke with my students that perhaps only 100 pros applied, because how else would I have won? I feel a bit uncomfortable with recognition, knowing there are so many deserving professionals out there. While I am ecstatic and want to celebrate, I don’t want to flaunt it either, so I tend to downplay the achievement a bit. But others around me know it’s a big deal, and to quote one of my proud students, “Now your peers know what we’ve known all along.”
“The reality is that many professionals apply for this award each year, and only 100 are selected. So, what’s the secret? For years, I watched from the sidelines, wondering if these awards were based on merit or politics. Today, I can say it’s a bit of both – you have to put yourself out there, but you can still stay true to yourself.
“The biggest turning point in my career came when I stopped asking what the PGA could do for me and made a call to my section office, asking to be listed as a mentor, volunteering to teach sick kids in hospitals, running a PGA HOPE program and assisting my chapter – preferably in education, but in any way needed, which at that time was running tournaments.
“This award is a special milestone in my career, one that can never be taken away – it is a stepping stone. It has expanded my network, created new opportunities to connect with my peers and reinforced my belief that if you make time to give back, your efforts will be appreciated. I look forward to seeing how I can expand my influence and give back even more.”
Brian Jacobs – PGA of America Director of Instruction – BallenIsles Country Club – Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
“It has been a distinct honor for many years to be recognized by the GRAA as a Top 100 Growth of the Game Teaching Professional. You are being recognized by your peers as someone who at their roots is a teacher and coach and has the values we all should have to grow the game the right way. Doors to relationships have opened, and it has been a blessing to be around such amazing people as Bryant Shuford, Ryan Gingrow, Rick Summers and all the great teachers and coaches. Sitting in a room with these folks really fills me with gratitude. Listening to their stories, learning how they coach and discovering how creative these folks are is a priceless tool for me. I get the chance to grow, network and be mentored, as well as mentor others and pass along my legacy.
“I am proud of being a GRAA Top 100 Growth of the Game Teaching Professional, and this fuels me to be better, learn more, push myself to be my best and know that I am never alone as a coach. I can pick up the phone and call any of the other award recipients and ask for guidance, perspective or help. Many feel the same way, and I have gotten many calls and emails for help as well. It is an amazing network of people and a privilege to be included.”
John Dipollina – PGA of America Director of Golf – Lyman Orchards Golf Center – Middlefield, Connecticut
“Recognition is always meaningful, but when it comes from those who understand the dedication, passion and effort behind the work, it becomes truly special. Being a multi-year recipient of the Golf Range Association of America (GRAA) Top 100 Growth of the Game Teaching Professional Award is an incredible honor – one that reaffirms my commitment to the game, my students and the Lyman Orchards Golf community here in Connecticut as a whole.
“Golf has given me so much throughout my life, and I have dedicated my career to giving back. Whether it’s helping a beginner junior find joy with PGA Jr. League or guiding an experienced player to the next level, the opportunity to make a lasting impact and grow the game is what drives me every day. This award is not just about personal achievement – it represents the lives I’ve touched, the players I’ve helped and the love for the game that I strive to share with others.
“This award is not just a reflection of past success but also a motivation to continue improving, learning and finding new ways to inspire others. Golf is a lifelong journey, and I am grateful to play a role in helping others enjoy and excel in this great game.
“To the GRAA and my peers – thank you for this honor for a 5th time. It is a privilege to be part of such a dedicated and passionate community. I am so appreciative of all you have done for my career.”
Carlos Brown – PGA of America Associate Director of Golf – Frisco Lakes Golf Club – Frisco, Texas
“Being a multi-year recipient of this prestigious award is truly inspiring. As a coach, my primary focus is always on helping my players reach their goals – whether that’s winning on tour, playing collegiate golf or simply becoming the best version of themselves on the course. To receive recognition from an organization that honors true teachers of the game, those who give 100% to their craft, is both humbling and rewarding.
“This award also pushes me every year because I know there are incredible teachers out there doing amazing things to grow the game. To be included among such a distinguished group of coaches is an honor. Most of us who teach were competitive players at a high level, and that competitive drive still exists. While I take immense pride in my players’ accomplishments, it’s also rewarding to know that my dedication to coaching is being recognized.
“I believe the GRAA Award is one of the most meaningful honors a coach can receive, especially with its connection to the PGA of America. The thorough judging process ensures that every recipient has given their all, and that, in turn, motivates me to keep improving. Every year, I ask myself: How can I be better? How can I grow the game more? How can I help more players reach their goals? This award plays a significant role in that journey.”
