Illinois PGA Announces 2024 Special Award Winners

Jan 17, 2025

John Varner Wins Illinois PGA Professional of the Year

GOLF, Ill. – January 17, 2025 – The Illinois PGA Section has announced its slate of Special Award winners for 2024. John Varner (Beverly Country Club) has been selected as the 2024 Illinois PGA Professional of the Year and headlines the 14 Illinois PGA Members who won awards in this cycle. With the exception of the Bill Heald Career Achievement Award, these awards are based on the past five years of a member’s contributions, with the 2024 awards placing special emphasis on the 2024 and 2023 seasons.

The following are the 2024 Illinois PGA Special Award Winners:

  • John Varner, PGA (Beverly Country Club) – Professional of the Year
  • Christopher Oehlerking, PGA (The Golf Practice) – Teacher of the Year
  • Ed Stevenson, PGA (The Preserve at Oak Meadows) – PGA Executive of the Year
  • Conner Burke, PGA (Butterfield Country Club) – Assistant Professional of the Year
  • Kevin Weeks, PGA (Cog Hill Golf and Country Club) – Youth Player Development Award
  • Eva Rogers, PGA (Medinah Country Club) – Player Development Award
  • Nick Papadakes, PGA (Onwentsia Club) – Bill Strausbaugh Award
  • Joe Sheren, PGA (S.M.A.R.T. Golf and Fitness) – PGA Professional Development Award
  • Marc Heidkamp, PGA (Old Orchard Country Club) – Bill Heald Career Achievement Award
  • Connor Farrell, PGA (Briarwood Country Club) – Merchandiser of the Year – Private
  • Jason Tomaras, PGA (Harborside International Golf Center) – Merchandiser of the Year – Public
  • Kevin Fitzgerald, PGA (PGA Member) – Distinguished Service Award
  • Josh Pius, PGA (Inverness Golf Club) – Deacon Palmer Award
  • Terry Russell, PGA (Cantigny Golf) – Patriot Award

“We are fortunate to have such an outstanding group of PGA Professionals that make up the Illinois PGA Section. Selecting a handful of members for these prestigious awards is never easy, but these professionals have shown extraordinary dedication to growing and improving the game of golf for everyone within the boundaries of the Section,” said Carrie Williams, Executive Director of the Illinois Section. “This year’s Special Award winners exemplify all that PGA Professionals have to offer as experts in the business and game of golf.”

Professional of the Year
The Illinois PGA Section proudly announces John Varner (Beverly Country Club) as the recipient of the 2024 Illinois PGA Professional of the Year Award. This prestigious accolade is the highest honor bestowed upon a PGA Professional within the Section. Presented annually since 1955, this award honors the working club professional whose total contributions to the game best exemplify the complete PGA Professional. Special emphasis is placed on performance and achievement over the past five years and specifically in the following five categories; overall performance as a PGA Professional at his/her facility, service to the Illinois PGA and the Association, leadership ability, image and ability to inspire fellow PGA Professionals, and the promotion of golf.

Varner, Director of Golf at Beverly Country Club, has dedicated his career to excellence in service, instruction, and representation of the profession. A lifelong golfer with over 50 years of experience in the game, Varner exemplifies the qualities of a consummate professional, bringing passion and commitment to every aspect of his work.

“I take great pride in being the golf professional at Beverly Country Club, and I strive each day to be better than the day before,” Varner said. “Whether it’s teaching a lesson, managing the shop, running tournaments, or representing the club in Section events, I aim to be a professional my members and peers are proud of.”

Beverly Country Club, a historic “old school” club, places significant value on the role of its golf professional. Varner has embraced this responsibility, building a year-round program that serves the club’s members at the highest level. During the winter months, he continues his commitment by running a successful indoor training program at the club and hosting a 5-week golf school in Florida.

Beyond his duties at Beverly Country Club, Varner has made significant contributions to the Illinois PGA and the larger golf community. He has served on the Illinois Finnane Committee and currently sits on the Tournament Committee, playing an active role in advancing the Section’s mission. Beverly Country Club has also hosted multiple Section events under Varner’s leadership, further cementing its reputation as a pillar of Illinois golf.

Varner is particularly proud of Beverly Country Club’s large youth caddie program, which introduces many young individuals to golf for the first time. Through this program, participants gain valuable skills, experience, and a lifelong connection to the game. Varner has extended the program’s outreach to the community by providing clinics at local schools and churches, educating youth about the many benefits of golf—both as a career and as a sport.

“Golf has been my life, and I love what I do,” Varner stated. “The members of Beverly Country Club are my top priority, but I’m also dedicated to serving the Illinois PGA and giving back to the game that has given me so much.”

This marks the second Illinois PGA Special Award honor for Varner, who also won the Illinois PGA Private Merchandiser of the Year in 2013.

Teacher of the Year
Chris Oehlerking of the Golf Practice has been named the 2024 Illinois PGA Teacher of the Year. The Illinois PGA Teacher of the Year Award is designed to recognize a PGA Professional who is an outstanding teacher of golf among the ranks of the Illinois PGA membership. This award is based on a professional’s overall performance in teaching, innovative and special teaching programs initiated or implemented, and articles published, as well as outstanding golfers the professional has instructed.

Oehlerking is entering his 20th year as a teacher. As the Director of Instruction at the Golf Practice, Oehlerking has made an indelible impact on the game of golf, coaching players of all ages and skill levels while fostering a passion for learning and improvement. As the co-owner of a leading teaching academy, he has guided the development of hundreds of golfers annually and established a reputation as a visionary in golf instruction.

Throughout his career, Oehlerking has taught more than 19,000 lessons, guided 350 juniors to make high school golf teams, and overseen 125 junior tournament wins. His efforts have also led to over 32 players advancing to collegiate golf and 19 participants in the Illinois Open. Oehlerking currently oversees nine coaches and operates a combined 27,000 square feet of indoor teaching space across two facilities, which host more than 50 annual programs.

In 2024, his academy registered 1,000 junior program participants, coached over 500 individual juniors, and served 5,000 private lessons, including 200 adult students. Among his national achievements, Oehlerking coached one Drive, Chip & Putt National Champion, and four finalists who competed at Augusta National.

Beyond coaching, Oehlerking is a leader in professional development within the Illinois PGA Section. In 2023, he presented “How to Build a Multi-Faceted Instructional Operation” and organized educational events featuring renowned instructors Stan Utley and PGA Hall of Fame teacher Michael Hebron. He also serves on the Section’s Teaching and Coaching Committee, and the Illinois PGA Foundation Board.

Oehlerking’s dedication has earned him national recognition, including being named to GOLF Magazine’s 2024-2025 “Teachers to Watch” list. However, this is his first career Illinois PGA Special Award honor.

PGA Executive of the Year
Ed Stevenson is the 2024 Illinois PGA Executive of the Year. The Illinois PGA Golf Executive of the Year Award bestows special recognition on a PGA Golf Professional who has performed outstanding services for multiple facilities/course management/ownership operation, Allied Association or golf industry executive management position.  As one of the highest honors the Illinois PGA can bestow, candidates must possess outstanding qualities of leadership, vision, courage, strong moral character, and a substantial record of service to the Association and the game of golf. Individuals honored with the PGA Golf Executive of the Year award are held as a model PGA Professional.

Stevenson’s journey as an Executive Golf Professional began in 2011 when he took on the challenge of becoming the General Manager the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s three golf properties (The Preserve at Oak Meadows, Maple Meadows, and Green Meadows). Faced with aging infrastructure, chronic flooding, and financial struggles, Stevenson saw an opportunity to transform the properties into multi-functional assets that aligned with the District’s conservation mission. His visionary approach redefined these golf courses as “golf preserves,” highlighting their ecological and recreational value.

Through his leadership, Stevenson spearheaded a groundbreaking renovation of The Preserve at Oak Meadows, integrating stormwater management, ecological restoration, and world-class golf amenities. The project garnered widespread acclaim, earning awards such as the Golf Digest “Green Star” award in 2017, Golf Inc.’s “2018 Renovation of the Year,” and the Chicago Wilderness “Force of Nature” award. The newly constructed clubhouse at The Preserve added another accolade to his resume, earning Golf Inc.’s “2022 Clubhouse of the Year.”

Stevenson’s leadership extends beyond environmental sustainability. His innovative strategies have also made the district’s golf operations financially sustainable, paving the way for future projects, including the complete renovation of the Maple Meadows golf property.

Promoted to Executive Director of the Forest Preserve District in 2016, Stevenson balanced this demanding role while continuing as Director of Golf. Under his leadership, the district navigated challenges such as the pandemic, all while hosting prestigious events like the Illinois Senior Open, Illinois Open qualifying rounds, and Drive, Chip & Putt competitions at its facilities.

Stevenson’s commitment to the PGA extends beyond his executive roles. He has actively participated in the Illinois PGA Player Engagement Committee and Finance Committee, and he has hosted numerous Illinois PGA programs and events.

This marks the first career Illinois PGA Special Award honor of Stevenson’s career.

Assistant Professional of the Year
Conner Burke of Butterfield Country Club is the 2024 Illinois PGA Assistant Golf Professional of the Year. The Illinois PGA Assistant Professional of the Year Award bestows special recognition to a PGA Member Assistant Professional. Special emphasis is placed on leadership qualities, moral character, the individual’s record of service to the Illinois PGA and the game of golf and consideration as a well-regarded and model PGA Professional.

Burke, currently completing his fifth season as an Assistant Professional at Butterfield Country Club, has distinguished himself as a leader and mentor, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to his club and its members. His role as Interim Head Golf Professional for three months at the start of 2024 challenged him to bring together a new team, including a new Head Golf Professional and three new Assistant Golf Professionals. Burke’s ability to navigate this transition with professionalism and poise ensured a seamless experience for the club’s staff and members.

As a mentor, Burke has focused on encouraging the professional growth of his team, particularly seasonal Assistants and bag room staff. He emphasizes the importance of dependability, responsibility, and courtesy, leading by example to inspire those around him.

Burke is also a passionate advocate for growing the game of golf. He takes a lead role in teaching new players, with a special focus on making women feel comfortable and confident at the club. From swing lessons to navigating the bag drop and understanding etiquette, Burke ensures a welcoming and supportive experience for new golfers. Additionally, Burke is a lead

instructor in Butterfield Country Club’s junior golf program. He strives to create a fun and inclusive environment for young players, encouraging them to enjoy their time at the club and develop a lifelong love for the game.

This marks the first career Illinois PGA Special Award honor of Burke’s career.

Youth Player Development Award
Kevin Weeks of Cog Hill Golf and Country Club is the recipient of the 2024 Illinois PGA Youth Player Development Award. The Illinois PGA Youth Player Development Award recognizes the PGA Professional who is a leader in junior golf and who reflects the ideals of those who work with youth golfers.

Weeks is the Director of Instruction at Cog Hill and is deeply passionate about youth development, has made a transformative impact on the lives of his students by using golf as a platform to teach essential life skills such as leadership, sportsmanship, teamwork, and perseverance. Through his involvement in the PGA Jr. League, Weeks has created an environment where young players can thrive both on and off the course.

Weeks has been instrumental in evolving the PGA Jr. League program to include a mentorship system. Returning players help teach new participants the rules, etiquette, and joys of golf while ensuring the experience is enjoyable. This mentorship fosters leadership skills in older players while creating a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers. He encourages his students to be fearless by focusing on the process, not the results. This philosophy has helped Weeks guide countless players, whether they pursue competitive or recreational golf, by setting achievable, statistics-based goals that prioritize balance and well-being.

Under Weeks’ leadership, Cog Hill has qualified for the PGA Jr. League 13U National Championships eight times and the 17U National Championships twice since the PGA Jr. League National Championship began in 2013. Beyond team accomplishments, Weeks celebrates individual growth, exemplified by Sarah Thornton, who advanced from an alternate in 2018 to winning 14 Illinois Junior Golf Association tournaments and earning Player of the Year honors in 2019.

In addition to his youth development work, Weeks has significantly contributed to the Illinois PGA and golf education. He founded the Illinois PGA Section Teaching and Coaching Summit in 2009, bringing world-renowned coaches such as Sean Foley, Michael Breed, Hank Haney, Stacy Lewis, and others to share their expertise with Illinois PGA Professionals.

Weeks also leads a “Teaching the Teachers” group at Cog Hill, providing fellow professionals with a collaborative learning environment. Utilizing cutting-edge technology, including GEARS 3-D, TrackMan, and SAM PuttLab, Weeks ensures that both his students and his peers benefit from the latest advancements in golf instruction.

In 2024, Weeks was inducted into the Illinois Junior Golf Association Hall of Fame, a testament to his lifelong commitment to youth golf. He has served on the Illinois PGA Section Player Development Committee since 2010 and has been an active member of the Teaching and Coaching Committee since 2000.

The Illinois PGA Youth Player Development Award celebrates Kevin Weeks’ unwavering dedication to mentoring young golfers.

Player Development Award
Eva Rogers of Medinah Country Club is the recipient of the 2024 Illinois PGA Player Development Award. The Illinois PGA 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.

Rogers, known for her unwavering commitment to growing the game, views herself as a steward of golf, inspiring players and nurturing the next generation of PGA Professionals. Her dedication to mentorship has been a cornerstone of her career, having guided eight aspiring PGA Professionals into the industry. Rogers has offered career advice, facilitated job placements, provided shadowing opportunities, and celebrated the successes of her mentees, with three of them now thriving as full-time instructors.

Rogers has been a Teaching Professional for Medinah Country Club since 2018. As a passionate advocate for the Play Golf America initiative, Rogers emphasizes accessibility, community outreach, and making golf fun for players of all skill levels. Her efforts have also significantly expanded the ladies’ program at Links and Tees Golf Dome in Addison, growing participation by 30% over two years and creating a supportive environment for women golfers.

Additionally, Rogers’ junior golf programs continue to spark interest and growth among young players, with over 200 children currently participating in her programs, a figure growing 10-15% annually, including an 18% increase in high school participants last year. The programs cater to all skill levels ranging from ages four to 17. Participants may advance to higher levels by passing skills, rules, and on-course tests. The programs have also increased beginner golfers by 20%, reflecting their success in fostering new talent.

As the leader of a coaching internship program, Rogers has mentored more than 20 interns over the past three years, equipping them with practical skills in instruction, professionalism, and customer service. She views investing in the future of the golf profession by mentoring young professionals as one of the most rewarding aspects of her career.

In addition to her community involvement, Rogers serves the PGA of America at both the Section and National levels. She was selected for the 2024-2025 PGA Lead Cohort IX, a leadership development program designed to cultivate future leaders within the PGA. This program, aligned with the PGA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, has provided Rogers with advanced training in strategic planning, communication, financial literacy, and governance.

Rogers’ efforts in mentorship, player development, and community engagement exemplify the spirit of the Illinois PGA Player Development Award. Rogers has been recognized in the national media in publications like Golf Digest Best Young Teachers, GRAA Top 100 Growth of the Game Professional, and U.S. Kids top 50. She now adds her first career Illinois PGA honor to this list, as she becomes the first woman to win the Illinois PGA Player Development Award.

Bill Strausbaugh Award
Nick Papadakes of Onwentsia Club is the 2024 Illinois PGA Bill Strausbaugh Award winner. The Illinois PGA Bill Strausbaugh Award is designed to recognize PGA Professionals who by their day-to-day efforts have distinguished themselves by mentoring their fellow PGA Professionals in improving their employment situations and through service to the community.

With over 20 years of service in the Illinois PGA Section, Papadakes, the Head Professional of Onwentsia Club, has dedicated his career to mentoring and developing the next generation of golf professionals. Through his leadership roles at Conway Farms Golf Club, Old Elm Club, and Onwentsia Club, he has established successful mentoring programs that have guided dozens of young professionals into assistant and head professional positions at prestigious clubs across the United States.

Papadakes views mentorship as a lifetime commitment, and he takes great pride in helping his team develop the personal and professional values, skills, and traits for success. His mentoring ability is a reflection of the guidance he received from his own mentor, Joe Burch, PGA (TPC Sawgrass), whose example he has strived to embody every day.

As Chairman of the Illinois PGA Education Committee for six years, Papadakes played a pivotal role in enhancing professional development within the Section. Under his leadership, the committee hosted over 80 educational seminars, averaging 30 to 50 participants, and organized six Teaching and Coaching Summits that attracted close to 200 PGA Professionals annually. His commitment to education has added immense value to the careers of countless professionals in the Section.

Over 14 years of service to the Illinois PGA and the PGA of America, Papadakes has held numerous leadership positions and contributed to advancing the organization and its mission. Serving on the Illinois PGA Board of Directors from 2010 to 2014, Papadakes was also Chairman of the Education Committee from 2010 to 2016, Co-Chairman of the Illinois PGA KPMG Women’s PGA Championship Committee in 2017 and 2018, and a member of the Ryder Cup Committee in 2012.

Papadakes has held officer roles within the Illinois, including Secretary (2016-2018), Vice President and Finance Committee Chairman (2018-2020), President (2020-2022), and Honorary President (2022-2024), during which he chaired the Special Awards Committee.

On the national level, Papadakes currently represents the Illinois PGA on the PGA of America Mentoring Taskforce, serves on the PGA of America Employment Committee (since 2022), and was a member of the PGA of America Special Awards Committee for 2023-2024.

Papadakes now adds his eight Illinois PGA Special Award to his decorated his career. He is a six-time Illinois PGA Professional Development Award Winner (2012, 20215, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2023), and a two-time Illinois PGA Bill Strausbaugh Awar Winner (2017, 2024). He also won the National PGA of America Professional Development Award in 2023.

PGA Professional Development Award
Joe Sheren of SMART Golf & Fitness is the 2024 Illinois PGA Professional Development Award (formerly the Horton Smith Award) recipient. The Professional Development Award recognizes the PGA Professional who is a model educator for his or her fellow PGA Professionals. This award is designed to give special recognition to an individual PGA Professional for outstanding and continuing contributions to professional education.

Throughout his career, Sheren has dedicated himself to elevating the standards of professional development within the PGA. As the founder and Director of Instruction of SMART Golf & Fitness (SMART Golf), Sheren has built a dynamic and thriving team of 13 PGA Professionals and 13 Golf-Specific Fitness Trainers. His innovative 30-day onboarding program equips team members with advanced tools and skills, setting them up for success within the company and the broader golf industry.

Sheren’s influence extends beyond his organization. As a nationally recognized educator, he has hired PGA professionals from across the United States, including states like Florida, California, and Michigan, and even onboarded talent internationally, with recent hires from England. His efforts demonstrate a global vision for advancing the profession and fostering a diverse network of skilled PGA professionals.

Sheren’s commitment to education has been showcased through his involvement with National PGA education programs and his contributions to PGA Magazine, where his methodologies and philosophies have been featured prominently. As a former Illinois PGA Teacher of the Year, he has shared his expertise at the National PGA Teacher and Coach of the Year Conference, inspiring fellow professionals and advancing best practices in golf instruction.

Sheren is also making a lasting impact on the pipeline for future PGA professionals. As a member of the Ferris State University PGM Program Advisory Board, he is collaborating with industry leaders to enhance the educational experience for students. In addition, Sheren recently launched an internship program, providing hands-on opportunities and mentorship to Ferris State PGM students, including a nine-month placement for the program’s first intern.

At SMARTGolf, Sheren has fostered a culture that emphasizes professional development, work-life balance, and competitive compensation. Under his leadership, team members enjoy stability and a supportive environment, enabling them to thrive in their careers while achieving personal fulfillment. This award underscores Sheren’s unwavering dedication to mentorship, education, and the advancement of the golf profession. His leadership and vision continue to set a standard of excellence, making a profound impact on the PGA and the broader golf community. Sheren has now been recognized by the Illinois PGA with three different Special Award honors: Illinois PGA Player Development Award (2019), Illinois PGA Teacher of the Year (2022), Illinois PGA Professional Development Award (2024).

Bill Heald Career Achievement Award
The 2024 Bill Heald Career Achievement Award recipient is Marc Heidkamp of Old Orchard Country Club. The Bill Heald Career Achievement Award is presented to an Illinois PGA Member for a career of service to employers, mentoring, community service, playing ability, teaching, junior golf, education, and going above and beyond the duties of a PGA Professional that has not been previously honored as the Illinois PGA Golf Professional of the Year.

This prestigious honor celebrates Heidkamp’s extraordinary lifetime contributions to the game of golf, his unwavering dedication to junior golf development, and his 47 years of outstanding service as a PGA professional.

Heidkamp’s storied career began in 1977 at Deer Creek Golf Club, and since 1979, he has served as a cornerstone of Old Orchard Country Club as the General Manager, where he has spent 45 years fostering a love for the game among players of all ages. In 2001, Heidkamp received the Bob Murphy PGA National Recognition Award for his exceptional efforts in promoting junior golf, a mission that has defined his legacy.

Since 1999, Heidkamp has been a trailblazer in youth golf development, spearheading the transformation of the “Hook A Kid On Golf” program into what is now the PGA Jr. League. Under his leadership, Heidkamp’s junior teams have achieved remarkable success, earning six National Championships and three runner-up titles.

His teams also competed internationally, triumphing over competitors from Canada and Mexico, and participated in five Springer Cup events at Rich Harvest Farms, where they emerged victorious each time. These accomplishments are a testament to Heidkamp’s skill as a mentor, coach, and ambassador for the game.

In addition to his coaching achievements, Heidkamp’s influence extends far beyond the course. He has dedicated his life to promoting the game in innovative and meaningful ways, inspiring countless individuals to take up golf and appreciate its unique values.

This marks the first Illinois PGA Special Award honor of Heidkamp’s career.

Private Merchandiser of the Year
Connor Farrell of Briarwood Country Club is the 2024 Illinois PGA Private Merchandiser of the Year. The Illinois PGA Private Merchandiser of the Year Award is designed to recognize a PGA Professional who has excelled as a businessperson/merchandiser in the promotion of golf at a private facility.

Farrell, the Head Golf Professional at Briarwood Country Club, has transformed the club’s Pro Shop into a standout operation, achieving remarkable growth and redefining the member experience.

Since taking his role at Briarwood in 2022, Farrell has produced the Pro Shop’s highest annual sales. Under his leadership, the shop now consistently generates over $700,000 annually, despite being one of the smallest in the Section. Farrell attributes this success to a deep understanding of the membership and a commitment to delivering a personalized and engaging shopping experience.

Farrell, with the help of his wife Courtney, has elevated the shop’s soft goods offerings by curating a boutique-like atmosphere featuring trendy and unique brands not typically found in golf shops. This approach, combined with outstanding customer service, has set Briarwood apart.

Another cornerstone of Farrell’s success is his custom fitting process. Taking time to understand each golfer’s unique needs, goals, and limitations, Farrell has completed 273 custom fittings this year alone for members and referrals. His unbiased approach to brand selection has earned the trust and loyalty of his membership.

Farrell is also unafraid to experiment with creative strategies to drive sales. From introducing nontraditional brands and running innovative promotions to developing corporate gift guides and leveraging social media, Farrell has consistently found ways to enhance the shop’s appeal and increase engagement.

Having been a member of the Illinois PGA Section for just two years, this marks the first career Illinois PGA Special Award honor in Farrell’s career.

Public Merchandiser of the Year
Jason Tomaras, the Director of Golf at Harborside International Golf Club is the 2024 Illinois PGA Public Merchandiser of the Year. The Illinois PGA Public Merchandiser of the Year Award is designed to recognize a PGA Professional who has excelled as a businessperson/merchandiser in the promotion of golf at a public facility.

Tomaras’ merchandising philosophy transforms the traditional golf pro shop into a dynamic and welcoming destination. Through bold, innovative displays and an open market-inspired layout, Tomaras has redefined the way golfers interact with and experience products. His creative strategies, including interactive product setups, seasonal themes, and curated groupings, inspire customers to explore and discover in an environment that feels fresh, inviting, and inspiring.

Tomaras’ success in merchandising demonstrates the powerful impact of blending creativity with thoughtful design. By prioritizing customer engagement and community building, he has set a new standard for retail excellence within the golf industry.

This marks for the first career Illinois PGA Special Award honor for Tomaras.

Distinguished Service Award
PGA Member, Kevin Fitzgerald has been selected as the 2024 Illinois PGA Distinguished Service Award winner. The Illinois PGA Distinguished Service Award honors an individual who displays leadership and humanitarian qualities, including integrity, sportsmanship, and enthusiasm for the game of golf.

Fitzgerald, who has been a PGA Member for 43 years, has built an impressive legacy of service and dedication. Having held multiple positions throughout his career, the majority of Fitzgerald career was spent at Harborside International Golf Center and Kankakee Country Club as the Head Professional. His commitment to charitable efforts and community engagement has positively impacted countless individuals and organizations throughout Illinois.

One of Fitzgerald’s standout contributions is his active involvement in the Riverside Health Care Pro-Am, a pivotal fundraiser for the Riverside Health Care Foundation. In addition to serving on the tournament committee, Fitzgerald was instrumental in the event’s success through his work on the special awards sub-committee. His dedication has helped the Pro-Am become a cornerstone of fundraising efforts for the foundation. Fitzgerald views the Riverside Health Care Pro-Am not only as a tournament, but an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the community, and he takes pride in his contribution to an event that has such a positive impact.

Beyond the Riverside Health Care Pro-Am, Fitzgerald’s service extends to numerous community and association activities. As Head Golf Professional at Kankakee Country Club, he was an active participant in several charitable outings and events, many of which rely entirely on successful fundraising to sustain their operations. His contributions to these initiatives have made him a valued leader in his community.

Fitzgerald’s dedication also includes post-retirement volunteering for prestigious events like the Illinois Open as well as the Chicago Golf Show. Additionally, he has provided instruction for charitable organizations, junior golf programs, and corporate outings, further showcasing his passion for growing the game of golf and giving back.

The Illinois PGA Distinguished Service Award celebrates Fitzgerald’s unwavering commitment to the game, his community, and the broader goals of the PGA Professional. This marks his first career Illinois PGA Special Award recognition, although he was honored as an Illinois PGA Senior Master in 2022.

Deacon Palmer Award
The Illinois PGA Section proudly announces Josh Pius the Head Golf Professional of Inverness Golf Club as the recipient of the prestigious Deacon Palmer Award. This distinguished honor recognizes individuals who personally display outstanding integrity, character, and leadership in an effort to overcome a major obstacle in their life. This individual is an unsung hero/heroine at their facility and in their community. Pius’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring.

Since surviving a heart attack in 2016, he has dedicated himself to making a lasting impact on the lives of others through meaningful initiatives and personal challenges. Reflecting on the life-changing event, Pius believes that in a lot of ways, his heart attack was the best thing to happen to him because it allowed him to dedicate himself to the causes that he feels are most important in life. Among his many accomplishments, Pius has made a significant impact through two standout initiatives. The first is Sunshine Through Golf for GiGi’s Playhouse Clinics: Pius teaches clinics that introduce children with Down’s Syndrome to the game of golf, fostering inclusion and skill development. His work through GiGi’s Playhouse highlights the transformative power of golf in creating opportunities for all.

The second is Running for Team PGA Reach. In 2024, Pius joined Team PGA Reach to run the NYC Marathon, which featured 16 PGA Professionals, and raised funds and awareness for PGA Reach Foundation programs. A total of $127,000 were raised by the team. Pius contributed $12,000 to that total, the second highest of the team. This commitment to supporting the foundation’s initiatives will continue as Pius will once again participate in the New York City Marathon in 2025.

The Illinois PGA Deacon Palmer Award celebrates Pius’s resilience, passion, and unwavering dedication to positively influencing others through golf and community involvement. This award marks the first career Illinois PGA special award honor of Pius’ career.

Patriot Award
Terry Russell a Teaching Professional at Cantigny Golf is the recipient of the 2024 Illinois PGA Patriot Award. This award recognizes bestows special recognition on a PGA 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.

Russell’s journey of service began in 1991 when he became the PGA Head Golf Professional at River Forest Country Club in Elmhurst, Illinois. It was here that he managed an annual event for a group known as the “Blind Vets,” providing veterans with the opportunity to experience the joys of golf. Over the next 15 years, this experience instilled in Russell a deep appreciation for the sacrifices of veterans and the importance of giving back.

In the years that followed, Russell played an instrumental role in Patriot Golf Day, a national initiative by the PGA of America that raises funds for the families of veterans. Hosting events at River Forest Country Club and later at Bryn Mawr Country Club, Russell’s efforts supported this critical cause during his tenure at both clubs.

Since 2017, Russell has partnered with Revelation Golf, an organization dedicated to helping veterans facing challenges such as PTSD, addiction, homelessness, and depression through therapeutic golf programs. Year-round, he works with veterans at Veterans Memorial Golf Course and indoor facilities like the Buffalo Grove Dome and Links & Tees Dome. To date, he has directly impacted the lives of 70-80 veterans through this initiative.

Russell’s contributions extend to PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), a flagship program of the Illinois PGA Foundation and PGA of America. He has served as Lead Instructor at several Illinois programs, including Deerpath Golf Course and Veterans Memorial Golf Course. His dedication has inspired other Illinois PGA members to become involved in PGA HOPE clinics and certification, expanding the program’s reach.

In addition to his hands-on involvement, Russell has supported the Illinois chapter of the Veterans Golf Association (VGA). He has helped secure golf courses for VGA events, enabling as many as 60 veterans to participate in competitive events annually across 20-30 venues. This marks the third career Illinois PGA special award honor in Russell’s career, who has also won the Illinois PGA Professional of the Year (2002), and the Illinois PGA Bill Strausbaugh Award (2023).

About the Illinois PGA/Illinois PGA Foundation

The Illinois Section of the PGA of America is a professional organization serving men and women golf professionals in northern and central Illinois who are recognized experts in growing, teaching, and managing the game of golf. The Illinois PGA is responsible for the administration of competitive golf tournaments, educational opportunities, support programs, and growth of the game initiatives. With over 760 members and associates, the Illinois PGA is one of the 41 regional Sections that comprise the PGA of America. The Illinois PGA Foundation focuses its community efforts on promoting the goodwill and growth of the game with an emphasis on activities that benefit youth. Foundation initiatives include: GolfWorks Illinois, youth-based Scholarship funds, PGA HOPE (Helping our Patriots Everywhere), Illinois PGA Birdies for Charity, and the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame. For more information about the Illinois PGA and the Illinois PGA Foundation, please visit www.ipga.com and join us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

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CONTACT:
Kevin Quinn
Illinois PGA Communications
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