Springdale's Keith Stewart named NJPGA Professional of the Year
Springdale Golf Club PGA head professional Keith Stewart has been named recipient of the New Jersey Section of the PGA of America’s highest honor, the 2019 NJPGA Professional of the Year Award.
The award is presented to an individual based on qualities of leadership, strong moral character and a substantial record of service to the NJPGA and the game of golf.
Stewart, 45, is an active volunteer for growth of the game programs and initiatives. He has won the NJPGA’s Horton Smith Award three times, and is also a three-time finalist for the national Horton Smith Award. The honor recognizes a PGA Professional who personally displays a strong desire for lifelong education and continuing contributions to professional education.
He served on the Board of Directors of the NJPGA from 2011-17. Over the past nine years, Stewart and his staff have helped raise more than $100,000 for the Ewing-based charity called “Christine’s Hope For Kids,” which benefits area children in need.
“I’m humbled to receive this honor. Golf is such a tight-knit community. Based on the number of people who have reached out to congratulate me makes me happy that I’ve touched so many lives. It’s so rewarding, but there is still work to be done.”
Stewart is an active ambassador for golf, particularly in New Jersey, as the host of his golf show that is aired on Fox Sports Radio and the Sirius XM PGA Tour Network.
“Keith’s upbeat attitude is contagious; he's always fun to be around. He’s the consummate professional who is always finding new ways to improve himself and those around him, with a strong emphasis on growing the game of golf. Keith is very much involved in the community, a role model, family man and an inspiration to all around him,” said Michael Holiday of Upper Montclair, NJPGA Special Awards chairman.
Said Springdale president Kevin Tylus: “Keith’s dedication to Springdale has enabled us to make great strides under his leadership. During his 11 years here, we’ve built one of best golf programs in the area, as evidenced by the amount of play – over 20,000 rounds each year. We have a high level of member satisfaction, great event participation, and a junior program that has grown tremendously. Our membership has grown and the club is very vibrant.
“Keith has taken initiative to do things on his own, such as his radio show, and he has a strong commitment to the New Jersey PGA and to golf overall,” Tylus added.
Stewart, a native of Edison N.J., who played varsity lacrosse at the College of the Holy Cross, began is golf career in 1997. He served as an assistant professional at Brae Burn C.C. in West Newton, Mass., Isleworth C.C. in Windermere, Fla., and at Warwick C.C. in Rhode Island. He has been PGA head professional at Springdale for the past 11 years.
While at Isleworth, he forged a personal relationship with club member Tiger Woods. “I saw all the hard work he put in to become great. It strengthened my resolve to work harder,” Stewart said.
2019 NJPGA Award Winners:
- Golf Professional of the Year: Keith Stewart - Springdale Golf Club, Princeton
- Assistant Golf Professional of the Year: Chris Sommer - Forest Hill Field Club, Bloomfield
- Teacher of the Year: Matt Barr - Baltusrol Golf Club, Springfield
- Club of the Year: Hamilton Farm Golf Club, Gladstone
- Bill Strausbaugh Award: Tommy Monteverdi - Glen Ridge Country Club, Glen Ridge
- Horton Smith Award: John Mascari - Alpine Country Club, Demarest
- Merchandiser of the Year (Private): Bradley Olson - Rumson Country Club, Rumson
- Merchandiser of the Year (Public): Pat Lawler - Rockleigh Golf Course, Rockleigh
- Player Development Award: Brian Dobbie - Montclair Golf Club, West Orange
- Youth Player Development Award: Kevin Beirne - Hopewell Valley Golf Club, Hopewell
- Patriot Award: Dan Ashley - Deer Run Golf & Tennis Club, Lincoln Park
- Deacon Palmer Award: Ron Korn - Cedar Hill Country Club, Livingston
- Salesperson of the Year: Nick Roberto - E-Z-GO
