New Jersey Section, PGA of America,
Announces 2026 Special Award Recipients
Kevin Beirne, Vice President of Spirit Golf Management, named 2026 NJPGA Golf Professional of the Year
The New Jersey Section of the PGA of America (NJPGA) today announced its 2026 annual award recipients, led by Kevin Beirne, Vice President, Spirit Golf Management, a Division of The Sports Facilities Companies, who was named 2026 NJPGA Golf Professional of the Year, the highest honor for a PGA of America Golf Professional within the Section.
A member of the New Jersey PGA Section since 1999, Kevin Beirne is an accomplished and highly respected PGA of America Golf Professional. His passion for growing junior golf and elevating player development programming has made a lasting impact throughout the state, earning him multiple NJPGA Player Development Awards.
A dedicated advocate for the next generation of PGA Professionals, Beirne received the 2024 NJPGA Bill Strausbaugh Award, presented annually to a member who demonstrates exceptional character, integrity, leadership, and a commitment to mentoring fellow PGA of America Golf Professionals. Committed to serving both his peers and the game of golf, Beirne has volunteered extensively throughout his career, serving as a longtime Board Member and Section Officer, and currently as President of the New Jersey PGA Section.
Beirne is joined by an esteemed list of PGA of America Golf Professionals who were selected as 2026 NJPGA Special Awards winners thanks in part to their passion, commitment to excellence and extraordinary efforts to elevate the profession. The New Jersey PGA plans to recognize the award recipients in conjunction with NJ Golf on Thursday, October 22nd at the Celebration of Golf at Canoe Brook Country Club and at the NJPGA Fall Meeting on Monday, October 26th at Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club.
2026 NJPGA Special Award Winners:
Golf Professional of the Year: Kevin Beirne – Spirit Golf Management - Lambertville, N.J.
Assistant Golf Professional of the Year: Dave Vazquez – Canoe Brook Country Club - Summit, N.J.
Teacher & Coach of the Year: Kelan McDonagh – Metedeconk National Golf Club - Jackson Township, N.J.
Club of the Year: Plainfield Country Club – Edison, N.J.
Bill Strausbaugh Award: Reed Lansinger – Canoe Brook Country Club - Summit, N.J.
Professional Development Award: John Mascari – Alpine Country Club - Damarest, N.J.
Merchandiser of the Year (Private): Craig Smith – Morris County Golf Club - Morristown, N.J.
Merchandiser of the Year (Public): Gabe Rickards – Skyway Golf Course - Jersey City, N.J.
Player Development Award: Juliet Little – Littlegolfpro
Youth Player Development Award: Chris Sommer – Ramsey Golf & Country Club – Ramsey, N.J.
Patriot Award: Rylee Plitz – Eagle Ridge Golf Club - Eagle Ridge, N.J.
Salesperson of the Year: John Rutecki – Greyson Clothiers
Deacon Palmer Award – Sean Callanan – Paramus Golf Course - Paramus, N.J.
New Jersey PGA Special Awards
The New Jersey Section Special Awards Committee's mission statement is to ensure that the best individuals in each Special Award category are nominated, given equal consideration and ultimately recognized for their achievement.
National PGA Special Awards Recipients
The New Jersey Section has been well represented at the national level by dozens of PGA Professionals being nominated for their dedication to the game of golf. Over the course of the Sections history, over 13 winners have come from the New Jersey PGA.
Past New Jersey PGA Special Awards Recipients
**Click the links below to view all the past New Jersey PGA Special Awards Recipients.**
Golf Professional of the Year
Assistant Golf Professional of the Year
Teacher of the Year
Bill Strausbaugh Award
Professional Development Award
Player Development Award
Youth Player Development Award
Patriot Award
Deacon Palmer Award
Private Merchandiser of the Year
Public Merchandiser of the Year
Club of the Year
Salesperson of the Year