2023 Awards Banquet
presented by
2023 Hall of Fame Inductees
Joe Schwent
Joe “The Pro” Schwent, was born in St. Louis, Missouri. He got his first taste of working in the industry as a caddie at Westwood Country Club under Gateway PGA Hall of Famer Joe Dodick, PGA. One Friday afternoon in 1981, Joe was paired with Mike Malcom, PGA of Lock Haven Golf Club in Alton, Illinois. Mike offered Joe a job as an Assistant Golf Professional and his career in golf began. In addition to Dodick, Joe was mentored by Gateway PGA Hall of Famers Terry Grosch, PGA and Jerry Tucker, PGA. After 10 years as Co-Head Golf Professional at Bellerive Country Club, Joe was asked to lead the Country Club at St. Albans golf operations in 2006.
The Consummate Professional helped St. Albans grow its membership through his members first mentality and inability to say “no”. He goes above and beyond for his members, their guests and outside events to make every outing worth remembering. Joe is considered to be a mentor to many in the Gateway Section as well as neighboring areas and has helped many earn Head Professional jobs. In 2009 he started his eight year stint on the Section Executive Board where he eventually served as President from 2013-14.
Scott Bess
Scott Bess was born in St. Louis, Missouri but grew up just yards away from Columbia Country Club. Following in his mother’s footsteps, Scott was known to be found on the tee box during the day and on the putting green at night with his Camero headlights lighting the green. At the age of 15 he became a certified McGregor and Wilson Club repair technician while leading Hickman High School to three consecutive state championships.
In 1969 he defeated Don Dupske 8 and 7 to win the State Amateur, after previously defeating Tom Watson. At the University of Missouri, he was an All-Conference player twice before turning pro in 1973. He played in 12 Majors and on two United States PGA Cup Teams. In addition to his years playing, Scott was a golf club designer. As a Tour Rep for Cleveland, Odyssey, and Callaway, he worked behind the scenes with his friend Roger Cleveland.
Scott was the Senior Gateway PGA Player of the year five times and is the only Gateway PGA member to win Section Championship and Senior Section Championship in the same season (2004). He was inducted unanimously into the Missouri Golf Hall of Fame in 2015.
2023 Award Winners
Golf Professional of the Year - Gideon Smith
Quincy CC (Quincy, IL)
“It is a great honor to be the recipient of the 2023 Joe Dodich PGA Professional of the Year. I am extremely lucky to have such a great team at the Club that supports me and allows me to serve the Gateway PGA Members and the Quincy Country Club membership. I also need to thank my family. They are so supportive and understand the demand of time for work at the Club and the desire I have to serve our fellow PGA Professionals. They also put me in my place when needed. Thank you for such an amazing experience and allowing me to be here and celebrate with all of you.”
About Gideon:
Gideon entered into the golf business in 1997 as an assistant to Scott Oulds at Greenbriar Hills Country Club. After five years at Greenbriar, Gideon became an assistant golf professional at Quincy Country Club and in 2007, became the Head Golf Professional. Gideon served as the Out State Director for 12 years for the Gateway PGA and is currently serving as Vice President of Gateway PGA.
Gideon has been married to his wife Kris for 26 year. They have three children, Caroline, Garret and Jackson. He loves spending time with family, going on runs and making funny videos for Quincy CC.
Past Awards:
2004 - Gateway PGA Assistant Professional of the Year
2013 - Gateway PGA Professional of the Year
2024 - Herb Graffis Award (Quincy CC)
Assistant Golf Professional of the Year - Jordan McKelvy
St. Louis CC (St. Louis, MO)
"When I became a member of the PGA, I was always inspired by the individuals who were recognized for their work within their Section. It’s truly an honor to now be at the receiving end and to be recognized by my peers and colleagues. I’d like to express my sincere thanks to all the people who have supported me throughout my career, including my wife, my parents, friends, and mentors."
About Jordan:
Jordan began playing golf at the young age of 3 years old in his hometown of Mt. Vernon, IL. His love for the game of golf continued throughout his academic career and led him to consider
golf as a career. He attended Mississippi State University and was a part of the Professional Golf Management program. During his 4 years at Mississippi State, he worked at Wichita Country Club, Limestone Springs Golf Club, Sawgrass Country Club, The Players Championship, and the U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club.
After graduating from Mississippi State University, Jordan accepted his first Assistant Golf Professional job at Rolling Hills Country Club in Wichita, KS. With the intend of growing as coach and lead golf professional, Jordan earned his Class A PGA Golf Professional membership and became a Level 1 Certified U.S. Kids Golf Coach in 2014 and 2016, respectively. A few years later, Jordan implemented a new junior golf program at Rolling Hills Country Club and was recognized as a Top 50 kids coach from U.S. Kids Golf.
His experience in the golf industry and as a coach led him to accept the Assistant Golf Professional position at St. Louis Country Club in 2019. Throughout his tenure at St. Louis Country Club, Jordan was instrumental in implementing and developing programs that doubled the participation of Junior Golfers.
Teacher & Coach of the Year - Blake Sharamitaro
Family Golf & Learning Center (St. Louis, MO)
"It is a great honor to win these awards! We have so many accomplished PGA Professionals in our Section who do so many great things for our game. I am always appreciative to even get nominated for these, but to win an award is a great feeling. I am grateful to be affiliated with Family Golf and Learning Center. We put so much energy into growing this great game every single day and these awards are a true recognition of those efforts."
About Blake:
Born and raised in St. Louis. Bake learned the game at Ballwin GC and caddied at a few local clubs as soon as he was old enough to do so. Attending Parkway South, Blake won the only State Championship in the school's history in 2001. Continuing his golf career at Regis University in Denver, CO, Blake started his journey as a PGA Professional. Years later, he met my wife Mickie on the lesson tee at Riverdale GC. They now have two beautiful daughters (Izzy, 7 and Cecelia, 8 months) who keep them quite busy. Blake and his family enjoy traveling when they can, going to many of the sporting events St. Louis has to offer, and at times just cozying up on the couch for a family movie night.
Professional Development Award - jeffery Field
Westborough CC (St. Louis, MO)
"Being recognized by the Section as someone who has made a difference in the way of education means so much to me. We are in an industry that is ever evolving based on a variety of factors, and we must continue to want to improve our skill sets. This can only be accomplished through continuing education and development. I'm very passionate about education and development for the future well being of the business. To quote Bo Schembechler, the college football coach - "Every day you either get better or you get worse. You never stay the same."
About Jeffery:
Jeffrey started his career in 1993 as an attendant at the Marine Corps Base driving range in Okinawa, Japan. After a stint at the Awase Meadows Marine Corps Golf Course Jeffrey attended the PGA Golf Management Program at New Mexico State University. In the Summer of 1996, he interned at Fox Run Golf Club, followed by Banyan Tree Golf Course, Kadena Air Force Base, Okinawa Japan in the summer of 1997. He returned to Fox Run in 1998 and 1999 before being hired there in 2000 as an Assistant Golf Professional. In 2019 he retired from Fox Run and started his role as Relationship Manager with the PGA Magazine. In December 2020 he accepted the Head Professional position at Westborough Country Club and now serves as their Director of Golf.
Past Awards:
2009 – Merchandiser of the Year – Private
2013 – Bill Strausbaugh Award
2014 – Section Golf Professional of the Year
2016 – Horton Smith Award
2022 – Merchandiser of the Year – Private
Bill Strausbaugh Award - Larry Salsman
Bellerive CC (St. Louis, MO)
"My crowning achievement to date. I am so very proud of this award. Being a Golf Professional is my calling. I cannot imagine doing anything else. But, at the end of the day, we will not be measured by our own accomplishments, but by the accomplishments of the individuals we have changed and guided."
About Larry:
Larry became a PGA Member in 1999 and became master professional in 2022. He has been the Director of Golf at Osage National for past 12 years. Larry has been married to his wife Kari for 24 year and have three sons together, Parker, Lincoln and Griffin. He has only one Hole in One but three double eagles. In his leisure time, Larry chases his boys around and watches them play sports.
Past Awards:
3x Resort Merchandiser of the Year
Player Development Award - Blake Sharamitaro
Family Golf & Learning Center (St. Louis, MO)
"It is a great honor to win these awards! We have so many accomplished PGA Professionals in our Section who do so many great things for our game. I am always appreciative to even get nominated for these, but to win an award is a great feeling. I am grateful to be affiliated with Family Golf and Learning Center. We put so much energy into growing this great game every single day and these awards are a true recognition of those efforts."
About Blake:
Born and raised in St. Louis. Bake learned the game at Ballwin GC and caddied at a few local clubs as soon as he was old enough to do so. Attending Parkway South, Blake won the only State Championship in the school's history in 2001. Continuing his golf career at Regis University in Denver, CO, Blake started his journey as a PGA Professional. Years later, he met my wife Mickie on the lesson tee at Riverdale GC. They now have two beautiful daughters (Izzy, 7 and Cecelia, 8 months) who keep them quite busy. Blake and his family enjoy traveling when they can, going to many of the sporting events St. Louis has to offer, and at times just cozying up on the couch for a family movie night.
Youth Player Development Award - Blake Sharamitaro
Family Golf & Learning Center (St. Louis, MO)
"It is a great honor to win these awards! We have so many accomplished PGA Professionals in our Section who do so many great things for our game. I am always appreciative to even get nominated for these, but to win an award is a great feeling. I am grateful to be affiliated with Family Golf and Learning Center. We put so much energy into growing this great game every single day and these awards are a true recognition of those efforts."
About Blake:
Born and raised in St. Louis. Bake learned the game at Ballwin GC and caddied at a few local clubs as soon as he was old enough to do so. Attending Parkway South, Blake won the only State Championship in the school's history in 2001. Continuing his golf career at Regis University in Denver, CO, Blake started his journey as a PGA Professional. Years later, he met my wife Mickie on the lesson tee at Riverdale GC. They now have two beautiful daughters (Izzy, 7 and Cecelia, 8 months) who keep them quite busy. Blake and his family enjoy traveling when they can, going to many of the sporting events St. Louis has to offer, and at times just cozying up on the couch for a family movie night.
Patriot Award - Jon DePriest
"I am honored to be recognized as the recipient of the 2023 Gateway PGA Patriot Award. Being recognized by your peers is both a source of pride and a truly humbling experience. In tribute to friends and the 5 generations of family members who are military veterans, I strive to be an example of how we as PGA Professionals should honor our active duty and retired military veterans. Life on earth is about serving others. I believe our professions, our careers, and our jobs should revolve around a desire to serve others. To give back to others, to use our talents and abilities to make life better for others."
Past Awards:
2021 Gateway PGA Patriot Award
2019 Gateway PGA Youth Development Award
2018 Ely Callaway National Staff PGA Professional of the Year Award
2017 Gateway PGA Patriot Award
2015 Gateway PGA Professional of the Year
2013 Gateway PGA Presidents Award for Growing the Game
1998 Tennessee PGA Knoxville Chapter PGA Professional of the Year
1998 Tennessee PGA Knoxville Chapter Merchandiser of the Year (Private)
1994 Gateway PGA Merchandiser of the Year (Public)
1994 Gateway PGA Junior Golf Leader Award
Public Merchandiser of the Year - Adam Betz
Family Golf and Learning Center (St. Louis, MO)
"Among so many outstanding public facilities with impressive Golf Shop and Merchandising Operations in our Section, I am humbled and honored to be this year's recipient of the Public Merchandiser of the Year Award. This award symbolizes the incredible team we have at Family Golf & Learning Center. I want to thank my merchandising team for all their hard work and dedication to our brand and organization."
About Adam:
While working at Meadowbrook Country Club in Ballwin, MO, for seven years, Adam found a passion for golf instruction and junior golf while running their Player Development programs. He also realized a desire to have a significant impact on the community through golf and knew that St. Louis needed a quality, year-round practice facility with development resources for all golfers. This is where his vision of a player development-centric practice facility arose. Adam is incredibly proud of the thousands of golfers who have come to Family Golf and Learning Center over the past six seasons to take lessons, practice, or play the par 3. As a proud member of the Gateway Section, Adam looks forward to growing FGLC and having it be a staple in the golf community for many generations.
Private Merchandiser of the Year - Curt Goss
CC of St. Albans (St. Albans, MO)
"It is an honor to win the Private Merchandiser of the Year Award in the Gateway Section. Sharing the award with my St. Albans members is a great way to wrap up an amazing 2023."
About Curt:
Curt grew up in St. Louis and starting playing golf at a young age. After playing four years of golf for Lindbergh High School, Curt furthered his education and playing career at Webster University where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management. After graduating in 2005, Curt started his golf professional career at Fox Run working for Jeffrey Field.
10 years ago an opportunity opened up at the Country Club of St. Albans and Curt hasn’t looked backed. He often reflects on how rewarding working for Joe Schwent at such a special club is.
Married to his wife Jessica for 10 years, they have a 7 year old daughter names Eliza. In his downtime, Curt enjoy traveling with his family, watching Ole Miss sports, and crossing off bucket list courses.
Resort Merchandiser of the Year - Andrea Taylor
Margaritaville (Lake Ozark, MO)
"I am honored to receive the Resort Merchandiser of the Year Award. I am very appreciative of my fellow golf professionals for choosing me to receive this award."
About Andrea:
Andi has worked in the golf industry for over 25 years, and received her class A PGA Membership on March 1, 2021. Andi grew up in the golf industry with her grandfather and uncle also being PGA Professionals. She has vivid memories of her grandfather waking her up at 4:00 in the morning asking if she was planning on sleeping all day, or if she was going to get up and come to the golf course with him; he not only was the golf professional he also mowed greens every morning. Andi loves the business but sometimes wishes it was like it was 40 years ago. Honored to have worked with some of the best people in the business, including her Director of Golf Paul Leahy, Andi most looks up to her Uncle, Tom Loyd.
Soft Goods Sales Representative - Jake Wall
Peter Millar
"I am deeply grateful and honored to be named the Soft Goods Sales Representative of the Year. This award reflects our shared dedication at Peter Millar and I am especially grateful to those who voted, acknowledging our collective efforts."
About Jake:
Jake serves as a Sales Executive at Peter Millar, where he applies his experience from a background in golf, including roles at Whisper Rock and Whistling Straits. Passionate about both golf and clothing, Jake skillfully navigates the retail world with the same dedication he brings to the sport. Outside of work he enjoys playing golf and spending quality time with his family.
Hard Goods Sales Representative - Jeff Thornhill
TaylorMade Golf
“Winning the Hard Goods Sales Person of the Year Award from the Section is very meaningful to me and I appreciate everyone’s support of myself and TaylorMade Golf. Having called on many PGA Sections in my past sales roles, the Gateway PGA is unique in its varying facility demographics, deep quality of golf courses, and outstanding PGA Professionals. I’ve truly enjoyed getting to know everyone within the Gateway PGA and look forward to many more years together.”
About Jeff:
Jeff Thornhill has over 18 years of golf sales experience in the greater Midwest with multiple premium OEM equipment brands. He believes in a partnership approach to his business and enjoys connecting with others on a personal level. An avid player, golf junkie, and committed father & husband, he has a proven history of building sales territories, developing strong relationships, and surpassing sales quotas.
Player of the Year - Ryan Roy
Bogey Hills Country Club (St. Charles, MO)
"It is an honor to win the 2023 Gateway Section Player of the Year, especially with the caliber of players in our section. It was an exciting race from start to finish, I still can’t believe my name ended up on top!"
About Ryan:
Ryan grew up in Denver, CO and currently lives in Wentsville, MO where he serves as the Head Golf Professional at Bogey Hills Country Club. Prior to working at Bogey, Ryan was the head Pro at Norwood Country Club for 14 years.
Past Awards:
3x Gateway Section Player of the Year
6x Qualifier for the Professional National Championship
Ladies Player of the Year - Ali Wells
Gateway PGA Section (Chesterfield, MO)
About Ali:
Ali Wells, born and raised in Rapid City, South Dakota, Executive Director of the Gateway PGA and the PGA REACH Gateway Foundation, received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Marketing & Professional Golf Management from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS) in 2009. Since then Ali has gained 12 years of experience as a Class A PGA Professional and has worked for the Gateway PGA in different capacities since 2012. Ali is a passionate, driven and resourceful executive with significant experience in association and non-profit operations. She has a substantiated ability to lead diverse groups of stakeholders with a proven record of fostering organizational growth through increasing operational efficiency and gross revenue. Her work has led to numerous achievements including helping the Gateway PGA to its first national award, the 2017 Herb Graffis Award and being inducted into the UCCS PGA Golf Management Hall of Fame. When she is not on the golf course Ali enjoys volunteering for Big Brothers Big Sisters and her church, hiking, playing softball and camogie, and cooking.
Senior Player of the Year - Rob Sedorcek
Family Golf & Learning Center (St. Louis, MO)
“We have a strong senior player contingency it is an honor to win this award.”
About Rob:
Born and raised in Kansas City, Kansas. Rob played and coached at Kansas State University. He currently serves as the Director of Instruction at Family Golf and Learning Center. Prior to Family golf he has worked at the Country Club of St. Albans, WingHaven Country Club, Norwood Hills Country Club, Terra Du Lac Country Club, Overland Park Golf Course, Sunflower Hills Golf Course and has taught with Nike and ESPN Golf Schools. During his coaching and instruction career he has instructed golfers that have played at the Masters, US Opens, KornFerry Tour, National Amateurs and the National Drive, Chip & Putt competition at Augusta National.
In May Rob will compete at the 2023 Senior PGA Championship at Harbon Shores in Benton, Michigan."
Prior Awards & Honors:
2011 - Gateway Section Teacher of the Year
2016-18 Senior Player of the Year
2000-01 Assistant Player of the Year and has played in
21x player in the PGA National Championships
3x player in the Senior PGA Championships
Super Senior Player of the Year - Bob Gaus
Family Golf & Learning Center (St. Louis, MO)
"It’s always good to win awards as it shows I’m competing and scoring well. Whether it’s the Regular, Senior or Super Senior, it’s everyone goal to be named Player of the Year."
About Bob:
Bob is a St. Louis native where he was a member of Lindbergh High School where he was inducted into the hall of fame. While at Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville Bob earned First-Team All-American honors in 1983. In 2020 he was inducted into the SIUE Golf Team Hall of Fame and department Hall of Fame 2020, After graduation Bob played in one US Amateur, one US Public Links, two US Opens, five PGA Championship tournaments and two Senior PGA Championship. In his 27 years with the Gateway he has earned 11 Player of the Year honors, five Senior Player of the Year awards and one super senior player of the year. During his years in the business Bob has worked at Tower Tee and Family Golf.
Past Awards:
12x Men's Player of the Year
3x Super Senior Player of the Year
9x Gateway PGA Majors Champion
PGA Cup team member 1998
Assistant Player of the Year - Matt Swanson
Forest Hills CC (Chesterfield, MO)
"Lots of ups and downs in 2023!"
About Matt:
Matt played golf at the University of South Dakota and is currently working through his level 2 PGA bookwork. He started at Forest Hills Country Club and is currently in his 4th year there. His current focus at Forest Hills is continuing to develop the Junior Golf Program and offering multiple programs and clinics for all ages.
Ladies Senior Player of the Year
Winghaven CC (St. Charles, MO)
About Barbara:
Barbara Blanchar, PGA Director of Instruction at WingHaven Country Club, turned professional in 1992. As a 5-time Missouri State Champion and 1990 USGA Women’s Public Links Runner-Up, she seamlessly transitioned to the professional ranks. She holds 19 Gateway PGA Female Player of the Year Honors and now has her first Gateway PGA Senior Female Player of the Year. Her playing legacy and passion for teaching continue to shape the golf landscape, making her a respected figure in the sport.
Past Awards:
2021 Gateway PGA Professional Development Award
2015 Gateway PGA Horton Smith Award
2013 Gateway PGA Teacher of the Year
2010 Gateway PGA Junior Golf Leader
2001-2019 Gateway PGA Ladies Player of the Year