Wayne Golf Pro Wins Philadelphia PGA Award

WAYNE, PA — The golf pro at St. Davids Golf Club in Wayne was recently honored by the Philadelphia PGA Section recently for his contributions to the education of PGA Professionals

The Philadelphia PGA Section announced its 2019 award winners.

In total, the Philadelphia PGA, through its Award Committee, chose 12 winners for 2019 out of over 100 PGA Professionals who were nominated for awards this past season.

It was Dean Kandle, PGA at St. Davids Golf Club in Wayne who won the Horton Smith Award.

This award recognizes a PGA Professional who displays commendable contributions to the education of PGA Professionals.

Kandle epitomizes the term mentor and has dedicated his career to giving back to the game and his fellow PGA Members, the Philadelphia PGA Section said.

In his position at St. Davids, Kandle has been instrumental in furthering the careers of his fellow staff members, many who have gone on to assume leadership positions throughout the industry, accoridng ot the PGS.

Among his mentorship techniques, and to help guide the current staff at St. Davids Golf Club, Kandle meets in private for 30 minutes each week during the season.

After catching up on what's happening at home and at the club, they spend the last 10 minutes talking about the PGA Professional's future and setting goals to reach the next career level.

In order to create a more substantial impact on his fellow PGA Professionals, in April 2017 Kandle created a website known as Golf Professional Growth (www.golfprofessionalgrowth.com). With the tagline of "Work Smarter, Live Better," the content is focused on generating awareness on how the modern PGA Professional can better manage their time, lead their people and improve their personal lives.

"The Philadelphia PGA is extremely proud to recognize our 2019 award winners, which include an accomplished list of PGA Professionals whose dedication to the game is unmatched, and who have been catalysts in the business of golf throughout the region," said Geoff Surette, Executive Director, Philadelphia PGA Section. “These individuals represent the best of their profession. We thank them for their service and commitment to golfers and golf facilities across the region."

Below is the full list of winners from the Philadelphia PGA Section's 2019 awards.

• Golf Professional of the Year: John Carpineta, PGA - Bensalem Township C.C., Bensalem, PA
• Teacher of the Year: John Dunigan, PGA - Applebrook G.C., Malvern, PA
• Assistant Golf Professional of the Year: Steve Frederick, PGA - Overbrook G.C., Villanova, PA
• Horton Smith Award: Dean Kandle, PGA - St. Davids G.C., Wayne, PA
• Bill Strausbaugh Award: Charlie Schuyler, PGA - Saucon Valley C.C., Bethlehem, PA
• Player Development Award: Steve Wager, PGA - Penn State University G.C., State College, PA
• Youth Player Development: Andy Miller, PGA - LedgeRock G.C., Mohnton, PA
• Patriot Award: John Pillar, PGA - C.C. at Woodloch Springs, Hawley, PA
• Merchandiser of the Year - Resort: Alex McGann, PGA - Seaview G.C., Galloway, NJ
• Merchandiser of the Year - Private: Brent Wallace, PGA - Northampton C.C., Easton, PA
• Merchandiser of the Year - Public: Jason Howard, PGA - Woodcrest C.C., Cherry Hill, NJ
• Golf Salesperson of the Year: Laura Manchester - Callaway Golf

Congratulations to these winners!