Jim Gormley of Palos Verdes Golf Club in Palos Verdes Estates has been selected winner of the Southern California Professional Golf Association’s Player of the Year Award for 2022 due to his overall performance as a golf professional and for leadership, service, promotion and performance in the game of golf.
Gormley previously was chosen 2018 Golf Professional of the Year by the American Junior Golf Association, which honors a golf professional who displays unwavering support of the AJGA and junior golf by creating a memorable tournament experience for players, families, staff and volunteers.
In 2022, Gormley played on the winning team in the SCPGA Senior Division Kickoff Classic on the North Course at Los Serranos Golf Club in Chino Hills, and won the SCPGA Professional-Junior Championship alongside Kyle Wada at the Golf Club of California at Fallbrook, in addition to posting six other top-10 finishes.
Blake Jirges ofCoto de Caza Golf and Racquet Club was chosen SCPGA Teacher and Coach of the Year for excellence in golf instruction and coaching, along with overall performance as a golf professional.
Erik Brown of Stadium Golf Center in San Diego received the SCPGA Clubfitter Award as 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 and helping both PGA members and assistants further their knowledge on the effects of properly fitted equipment.
Thomas Chu of San Diego Country Club received the SCPGA Assistant Club Professional of the Year Award, which is awarded for overall performance as a golf professional in leadership, service and promotion of the game of golf.
Tom Som of Arrowhead Golf Course in Oceanside was given the Bill Strausbaugh Award, which is presented to a PGA member who, by his or her day-to-day efforts, has made significant contributions through the mentoring of PGA Professional’s employment.
Petra Cole of Coronado Golf Course was presented the SCGA Player Development Award, which goes to a PGA Professional for extraordinary and exemplary contributions and achievements in the area of player development.
John Kulow of South Hills Country Club in West Covina was winner of the Tom Addis PGA Professional Award for special recognition to outstanding service and contributions to developing and improving educational opportunities for PGA golf professionals in Southern California.
Seiko Matsuyama of Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in Mission Hills received the SCPGA Youth Development Award for an SCPGA professional who reflects the image and qualities that juniors can emulate and provides opportunities for juniors to learn and play golf.
Jim Dennerline of Heroes Golf Club in Los Angeles was given the SCPGA Patriot Award, which goes to an SCPGA pro 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 State of America.
Other awards went to Keith Murakami of Trump National Golf Club in Palos Verdes Estates as SCPGA Merchandiser of the Year; Kevin Wong of Rolling Hills Estates in Rolling Hills as Merchandiser of the Year in the Private Club Category, and Jason Beatty of Encinitas Ranch Golf Course in Encinitas Ranch as Merchandiser of the Year in the Public Club Category.
These award winners were celebrated for their accomplishments at the 2022 SCPGA President’s Dinner at Newport Beach Country Club.
