Each year, the Southern California PGA Section proudly recognizes the remarkable achievements and selfless dedication of its PGA Professionals—individuals who elevate the game through passion, leadership, and service. Headlining this year’s class of honorees is Holly Kennedy, PGA, of Emerald Isle Golf Course, who has been named the 2025 Golf Professional of the Year. Kennedy is recognized for her outstanding performance as a Golf Professional, her exemplary leadership, and her unwavering commitment to growing and promoting the game.
The 2025 SCPGA Section Awards celebrate PGA Professionals like Kennedy who have made lasting contributions to their facilities, communities, and the Section as a whole. These distinguished honorees will be recognized for their accomplishments at the 2025 SCPGA Presidents Dinner on December 14, 2025, at South Hills Country Club—an evening dedicated to celebrating excellence, camaraderie, and the enduring spirit of the game.
Below, you can explore the full list of Section Award winners and the incredible facilities they represent, each a shining example of the talent and dedication that make the Southern California PGA one of the strongest Sections in the country.
SCPGA Golf Professional of the Year
Holly Kennedy, PGA
Emerald Isle Golf Course
Awarded for overall performance as a Golf Professional and for leadership, service, and promotion of the game of golf. Also considered are the overall performance at their facility, the level of service to the Southern California Section and the Association as well as their image as a Golf Professional.
SCPGA Eddie Merrins Teacher & Coach of the Year
Roger Gunn, PGA
Golf Development Complex
Awarded for excellence in golf instruction and coaching along with overall performance as a Golf Professional. Promotion of golf, use of teaching aids, involvement in junior golf activities, teaching techniques, and articles published are some of the criteria considered for this award. Recently renamed to the Eddie Merrins Teacher & Coach of the Year in honor of the late Eddie Merrins, a true legend of the game and longtime PGA Professional at Bel-Air Country Club. “The Little Pro” was 91 when he passed away in 2023.
SCPGA Tom Addis III Professional Development Award
Dr. Alison Curdt, PGA
Wood Ranch Golf Club
Bestows special recognition for a PGA Professional for outstanding service and contributions to developing and improving educational opportunities for the PGA Golf Professionals in Southern California. In 2020, this award was renamed to honor SCPGA and PGA of America Past President, Tom Addis III, PGA.
SCPGA Bill Strausbaugh Award
Terry Beardsley, PGA
Eldorado Country Club
Presented to a PGA Professional who, by their day-to-day efforts, have made significant contributions through the mentoring of PGA Professional’s employment. The award also considers the integrity and character of the PGA Professional, their service to the Association, and their involvement in community and charitable organizations.
SCPGA Player Development Award
Tony Chavez, PGA
Los Serranos Country Club
The Player Development Award is designed to recognize a PGA Professional for extraordinary and exemplary contributions and achievements in the area of player development. This award considers the PGA Professional’s growth of the game leadership commitment at the Section and National levels and the impact of their efforts at their facility.
SCPGA Assistant Golf Professional Award
Reina Kearns, PGA
North Ranch Country Club
Awarded for overall performance as a Golf Professional in leadership, service, and promotion of the game of golf. This Professional reflects the qualities and image that promote the PGA Professional to their members and their facility.
SCPGA Youth Player Development Award
Natalie Vivaldi, PGA
Emerald Isle Golf Course
Bestows recognition to a PGA Golf Professional who is a leader in junior golf. This Professional reflects the image and qualities that juniors can emulate and provides opportunities for juniors to learn and play golf.
SCPGA Clubfitter Award
Adam Accica, PGA
The Vintage Club
This award bestows recognition to a PGA Golf Professional who is an expert in the field of club fitting. Some of the considered criteria for this award are promoting club fitting at their facility, helping both PGA members and associates further their knowledge on the effects of properly fitted equipment.
SCPGA Merchandisers of the Year
Private Category: Steven Van Leeuwen, PGA
Lakeside Golf Club
Public Category: Jeffrey Munak, PGA
Encinitas Ranch Golf Course
Resort Category: Carrie Matlin, PGA
Monarch Beach Golf Links
This award recognizes those PGA Professionals who have demonstrated superior skills as merchandisers in the promotion of golf and retail at their facility and in the Section.
SCPGA Golf Course of the Year Award
Goose Creek Golf Club
Awarded to the facility that has significantly and consistently supported the Section on all levels (hosting tournaments and events, Chapter and Division support, community outreach and support, etc.), and encourages growth in the game of golf throughout the year.
SCPGA Partner of the Year Award
Acushnet Golf
Awarded to the partner that has significantly and consistently supported the Southern California PGA throughout the year.
SCPGA Patrick Rielly President’s Award
Kimberly Falcone, PGA
La Jolla Country Club
This annual award is selected by the current SCPGA President to recognize someone for their outstanding contributions to the Southern California PGA.
SCPGA Honorary Life Members
Jamie Mulligan, PGA
John McNair, PGA
Don Knabe
