Northern Texas PGA Announces Section Award Winners
Courtney Connell Named Golf Professional of the Year
DALLAS, Texas – Each year the Northern Texas PGA recognizes its members and others in the golf community through the NTPGA Awards program. On behalf of the Northern Texas PGA Awards Committee and past Presidents of the Section, it is our pleasure to announce the 2021 Section Award Winners.
Courtney Connell, PGA head professional at Mira Vista Country Club, is the recipient of the 2021 Northern Texas PGA Golf Professional of the Year Award. This is the highest annual honor given to a Northern Texas PGA member, awarded for qualities of leadership, strong moral character and a substantial record of service to the NTPGA and the game of golf.
As PGA head professional at Mira Vista Country Club, Connell has spent the last 13 years focusing on delivering exceptional customer service to the Mira Vista membership as well as growing, and developing the game for adult and junior golfers.
Connell has been a PGA member for 35 years, joining the Quarter Century Club as a 25 year member of the PGA in 2011. He was elected to the Board of Directors in 2012 and is in his second and final year serving as NTPGA President. In 2004 Connell received “Master Professional” status, the highest level of PGA status awarded to members.
Congratulations to the following 2021 Northern Texas PGA Award Winners.
PGA Member Award Categories
Golf Professional of the Year Award – Courtney Connell, Mira Vista Country Club
Assistant Golf Professional of the Year Award – Ashley Thorpe, Brook Hollow Golf Club
Distinguished Service Award – Billy Harris, Dallas Country Club
Teacher and Coach of the Year Award – Corey Lundberg, Altus Performance
Randy Smith Youth Player Development Award – Alex Curnutt, Lakewood Country Club
Player Development Award (Growth of the Game) – Chad Moscovic, Brook Hollow Golf Club
Patriot Award – Ira Molayo, Cedar Crest Golf Course
Bill Strausbaugh Award (Club Relations, Employment and Mentoring) – John Sikes, Hollytree Country Club
PGA Professional Development Award (Education / Building the Image of a PGA Professional) – Lee Rhind, Midland Country Club
Merchandiser of the Year Award (Private Category) – Brandon Veld, Lubbock Country Club
Merchandiser of the Year Award (Resort/Public Category) – Cody Roye, Golf Clubs at The Tribute
Playing Awards
Yamaha Golf-Car Company | Srixon / Cleveland Golf / XXIO / Asics Player of the Year – JJ Killeen, 4ORE! Golf
Ben Hogan / NTPGA Stroke Play Average Award – JJ Killeen, 4ORE! Golf
Rolex | XXIO Senior Points Challenge Winner – Bruce Smith, Black Belt Golf Academy
NTPGA Woman Player of the Year – Julie Wells, John Sikes Golf Academy
Non-PGA Member Award Categories
Bob Galt Award (Media) – Arnold Payne, WFAA-TV
Byron Nelson Award (Amateur) – Mark Harrison, Northern Texas PGA
Leon Faucett Award (Sales Representative) – Rob Banta, Adventures In Golf
Golf Course Superintendent Award – Fore Brown, Midland Country Club
The winners will be honored at the President’s Dinner on Sunday, February 6, 2022
