Golf Professional of the Year Steve Waugh Headlines the South Florida PGA 2021 Award Recipients
ATLANTIS, FL – Steve Waugh, PGA General Manager at The Old Collier Golf Club has been awarded the 2021 South Florida PGA Golf Professional of the Year Award. As the highest honor a South Florida PGA Golf Professional can receive, Waugh leads the 2021 SFPGA Awards class.
The South Florida PGA annually recognizes a PGA Professional for overall performance, level of service to the Association, leadership, image and ability to inspire fellow professionals and promote the game of golf.
A PGA member for almost 37 years, Waugh has been at The Old Collier Golf Club since 2000 where he began as the Head Professional before becoming the Director of Golf in 2007 and the General Manager earlier this year.
“To be awarded The Golf Professional of the Year Award in the South Florida PGA Section is truly the highlight of my professional career,” said Waugh. “For my peers to consider me in the same fashion as so many outstanding Golf Professionals that have received this award in the past is extremely humbling for me. I have benefited from so many throughout my life and I am thankful to all of them. Thank you to the Awards Committee for their consideration and for this incredible honor.”
In his years of service to the Association and The Old Collier Golf Club, Waugh has always held himself to a high level of integrity and professionalism, encouraging those around him to do the same. His commitment to lifelong learning and bettering himself in all areas of the business – both as a player and professional – has allowed Waugh to provide the highest level of service to his members
“Our members look to us to guide them, help them to be better players, keep them informed, assist in making their experience with golf more enjoyable,” explained Waugh. “With ongoing changes in all areas of the game, it is very important that we all continue to work to be current with these changes.”
Additionally, Waugh hasn’t let his golf game suffer due to his success on the business side of golf. A standout at Georgia Southern University, Waugh has invested the time to ensure his game has remained at a high level through the years, receiving the 2015 Southwest Chapter Senior Player of the Year Award and competing in the 2010 Senior PGA Championship.
“As a PGA Professional, your title carries with it an assumption that you have achieved an elevated level of playing ability,” said Waugh. “Your ability to play the game at some reasonable level of proficiency is important for your credibility.”
In addition to this award, Waugh was the 1991 North Florida PGA, Northern Florida Chapter Merchandiser of the Year, the 2020 South Florida PGA, Southwest Chapter Golf Professional of the Year and served as the General Chairman for the USGA Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship in 1988. Waugh is also involved in Section leadership, currently serving as a Director on the South Florida PGA Foundation Board.
The Golf Professional of the Year Award is one of the South Florida PGA’s annual awards.. Throughout the year, the South Florida PGA will honor the recipients at their individual facilities.
Recipients of the 2021 South Florida PGA Awards include the following:
- Bill Strausbaugh – Justin Thompson, PGA | Pine Tree Golf Club, Boynton Beach
- PGA Professional Development – Ben Bauer, PGA | The Club at Ibis, West Palm Beach
- Teacher of the Year – Mark Durland, PGA | Durland Golf School, Naples
- Youth Player Development – Bridget Ackley, PGA | Don Law Golf Academy, Boca Raton
- Player Development – Heather Angell, PGA | Heritage Palms Golf & Country Club, Fort Myers
- Merchandiser of the Year Private – Shawn Gifford, PGA | Adios Golf Club, Coconut Creek
- Merchandiser of the Year Public / Resort – Cory Schaub, PGA | Tiburon Golf Club, Naples
- Salesperson of the Year – Tony Romansky, PGA | Taylormade
- Assistant of the Year – John Bednar, PGA | Palm Beach Country Club, Palm Beach Gardens
- Patriot Award – Bo Preston, PGA | Ospery Point Golf Course, Boca Raton
- Deacon Palmer Award – Shawn Ward, PGA | Hideout Golf Club, Naples
