19th Celebration of Golf Held at Canoe Brook Country Club
SUMMIT, N.J. - Over 250 people were in attendance at the 19th NJPGA/NJSGA Celebration of Golf, a night that recognized the NJPGA Award Winners as well as the New Jersey State Golf Association Players of the Year, Caddie Scholarship Foundation Club of the Year, and the Honey Gantner Award Thursday evening at Canoe Brook Country Club.
“Golf has had a few interesting years. The COVID pandemic not only generated ever changing rules and procedures for operations, but as an outdoor activity, golf became the perfect place for all of us to escape the confines of COVID,” NJSGA President Roddy McRae explained. “Golf has exploded. Combine that with the seasonal nature of golf in the northeast, it would seem the golf professionals job is 24/7, so on behalf of all the over 50,000 members of the New Jersey State Golf Association, I want to thank all of you, from the amateurs, to the pros, for your tireless efforts and dedication to us weekend hacks, your efforts are greatly appreciated.”
Along with the three NJSGA Players of the Year recognized, the 2022 Caddie Scholarship Club of Year, Baltusrol Golf Club was honored. They contributed $80,000 to the Foundation in 2022 and since 2002, has contributed $1.18M to the organization.
“On behalf of the Foundation, I want to thank Baltusrol and their membership for their longtime support and unprecedented generosity over these many years,” said New Jersey CSF Chairman Brian Hunt.
The Honey Gantner Award, presented annually to an NJSGA volunteer that displays exemplary service and commitment to the association was awarded to Charlie Gould, a former NJSGA Course Rater.
A part of the NJSGA Course Rating Committee for over 30 years, about 15 of those years, he served as a captain. As captain, Charlie served a pivotal role in assisting NJSGA staff. This involved training new raters as well as helping all raters who had questions regarding anything about course rating.
"When you get recognition, recognition in anything, it's terrific,” said Gould. “As much as we like to do things and not look for a reward, it's nice to know that you're appreciated. I never dreamed I would get this award. I never dreamed that I did that much for the association, but it means a lot.”
The NJPGA distributed their special awards on Thursday evening as well.
NJSGA Awards
Honey Gantner Award: Charlie Gould
Robert Housen Men’s Player of the Year presented by Donnelly Industries: Troy Vannucci, Little Mill CC
Women’s Player of the Year: Ami Gianchandani, Watchung Valley GC
Men’s Senior Player of the Year: Morten Gotterup, Rumson CC
NJSGA Caddie Scholarship Club of the Year: Baltusrol GC
NJPGA Awards
Golf Professional of the Year – Robin Curtis
Teacher of the Year – Matt Wilson
Assistant Professional of the Year – Garrett Carpenter
Club of the Year – Hollywood GC
Merchandiser of the Year (Private) – Tyler Teynor
Merchandiser of the Year (Public) – Rylee Plitz
Youth Player Development Award – Louis Hampton
Player Development Award – Christine Reuss
Salesperson of the Year – Rich Mosel
Patriot Award – Brian Mackey
Bill Strausbaugh Award – Ryan Fountaine
Professional Development Award - Jason Fiore
Deacon Palmer Award –Tom Flatt
NJSGA Social Media
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