2024 Awards Banquet
presented by
2024 Award Winners
Golf Professional of the Year - Jon DePriest
Sunset Hills Country Club (Edwardsville, IL)
About Jon:
As the son of a Korean War veteran and a respected PGA member for 39 years,DePriest has passionately supported Veterans, recognizing golf as a powerful tool for therapy and community reintegration. He has been a key PGA HOPE instructor since the program’s inception, contributing to its growth and success. In 2022, DePriest launched a pioneering women’s-only PGA HOPE program, which has already seen nearly 40 female Veterans graduate. His commitment extends beyond instruction, with DePriest raising
over $900,000 for Veterans’ causes, hosting free-play days, and leading Adaptive Golf Training Seminars for fellow PGA members.
Past Awards:
2024 National Patriot Award
2024 Gateway PGA Patriot Award
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
Assistant Golf Professional of the Year - Emily Van Rie
Quincy Country Club (Quincy, IL)
About Emily:
Emily's passion for golf ignited when she witnessed the joy it brought to others—a feeling she has cherished throughout her journey as both a golfer and now a golf professional. This sense of fulfillment from helping others succeed in golf inspired her to enter the golf industry, and she is confident it will sustain her career for many years.
Serving on the Tournament Committee and the Professional Development Committee, Emily relishes collaborating with her fellow professionals to lead the Section effectively. Additionally, her involvement with the Women of the Gateway group has been the most rewarding aspect of her time in the Gateway Section. She has enjoyed building relationships with other women in the Section, learning from them, and growing alongside them. Emily aspires to lead this group one day and become a role model for future women joining.
Emily also contributes to the Association as an instructor for the PGA Hope chapter in Quincy, a role she has embraced for two years. She finds tremendous joy in meeting new Veterans each season and witnessing their growth in the game of golf. Outside of her professional commitments, Emily enjoys running and engaging in weekly pickleball games with fellow Quincy CC Professionals John and Gideon.
Teacher & Coach of the Year - Todd Meyer
Algonquin Golf Club (St. Louis, MO)
About Todd:
Todd Meyer, a dedicated PGA Member since 2002 with 34 years of experience in the industry, is the Director of Instruction at Algonquin Golf Club. In 2023 alone, he provided 1,789 lessons, underscoring his commitment to enriching the skills of golfers of all demographics and abilities within the club.
Todd is renowned for his undivided attention in each lesson, ensuring his students receive personalized instruction tailored to their needs. His passion for golf extends beyond teaching; he is deeply committed to ensuring his students have the right equipment, which not only enhances their performance but also contributes to increased golf shop revenue.
Todd has successfully run various programs, including a Jr. League Program and the CYC program, where he impressively expanded participation in the St. Chuck district from 100 to 900 kids over 17 years. His knack for connecting with students of all ages and abilities is well-known, as is his supportive mentorship, which aids in developing the skills of the club's staff. The only critique often heard about Todd is finding a lesson time because the demand is so high for his lessons. Despite this, his willingness to assist the team and his dedication to mentorship have made him an invaluable asset to Algonquin Golf Club.
Past awards:
2012 Gateway PGA Junior Golf Leader of the Year
2005 Gateway PGA Junior Golf Leader of the Year
2003 Gateway PGA Teacher of the Year
Professional Development Award - Paul Leahy
Margaritaville Lake Resort (Lake of the Ozarks, MO)
About Paul:
Paul Leahy has been an active member of the Gateway Section Professional Development Committee for several years, where he has contributed his expertise by presenting at two educational seminars focused on merchandising and mentoring. This November, he will share his insights on best practices for hiring and retaining staff. Paul is dedicated to mentoring local professionals in their development and is actively involved in training opportunities within the area.
A prominent leader in the community, Paul has served as the Golf Council President for over two decades, tirelessly promoting the region as a premier golf destination. He co-directed the Lake of the Ozarks Junior Golf Program for over 20 years until the Missouri Golf Association took over four years ago. He continues to administer a local scholarship program, awarding $10,000 annually to local high school senior golfers to aid their higher education pursuits.
Paul served as the Out-State Director on the Gateway Section Board from 2000 to 2018 and has contributed a bi-monthly golf article to the regional magazine, Lake Lifestyles, for over 15 years. His outreach extends into the community through his past roles with the Chamber of Commerce, including serving as a board member and President. As the President of the Lake of the Ozarks Golf Council, Paul continuously champions the PGA brand and its positive influence.
His 18-year tenure on the Section Board, coupled with his participation in national conferences such as the National Merchandiser of the Year and the PGA Golf Professional of the Year, has significantly bolstered his ability to enhance and project the PGA’s image through his diligent efforts.
Past Awards:
Gateway Section Merchandiser of the year 2001-2005, 2007-2008,2012,2016,2018,2020
Gateway Section Bill Strausbaugh Award 2012, 2020
Gateway Section Golf Professional of the Year 2019
Gateway Section Youth Player Development 2011
Bill Strausbaugh Award - Brett Moomey
Algonquin Golf Club (St. Louis, MO)
About Brett:
Brett Moomey, Director of Golf at Algonquin Golf Club, takes immense pride in sharing the positive influence that golf has had on his life and highlighting the impactful work of PGA Professionals and golf allies within the community and at their facilities. With character and integrity fundamental to his role as a PGA Professional, Brett values the leadership growth gained through serving as a section officer, which brings great pride to both his facility and staff. His dedication to section service has been a significant aspect of his career and will continue to shape his professional journey. Brett is committed to supporting the education and certification of associates at the club, aiming to ease the financial burden of becoming a Class A member.
“The Bill Strasbaugh Award carries a lot of weight within our Section. I believe it's an invaluable award to receive and signifies you are a leader that others aspire to be like. Being able to add my name to the distinguished list of professionals I look up to is a tremendous honor.”
Brett is married to his high school sweetheart, Lori, and they have two daughters, Morgan and Taylor.
Past Awards:
2022 Gateway PGA Player of the Year
2017 Gateway PGA Golf Professional of the Year
2010 Gateway PGA Professional Development Award
2009 & 2012 Gateway PGA Assistant Professional of the Year
2005 & 2006 Gateway PGA Assistant Player of the Year
Player Development Award - Will Shelton
Sunset Country Club (St. Louis, MO)
About Will:
Will is deeply passionate about growing the game of golf at Sunset Country Club, dedicating his life to spreading the joy of the sport. He is eager to work with players of any skill level and particularly enjoys teaching new golfers, finding great satisfaction in igniting a passion for golf in others. To further his mission of expanding the game at Sunset, Will launched a YouTube page focused on golf instruction, sharing his videos with club members through monthly newsletters.
His innovative programs, such as Ladies Night Out, Play with the Pros, and Sunset 36, significantly enhance his value at Sunset Country Club. These Player Development programs have successfully added approximately 300-500 rounds per year. Additionally, Will contributes his expertise by serving on the Gateway PGA Teaching and Coaching Committee.
Youth Player Development Award - Adam Betz
Family Golf & Learning Center (St. Louis, MO)
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.
Past Awards:
2023 Public Merchandiser of the Year
Patriot Award - James McCormick
Cardinal Creek Golf Course (Scott AFB, IL)
Past Awards:
James McCormick is the distinguished professional face of Cardinal Creek Golf Course and Stars and Strikes Bowling Center at Scott Air Force Base. His leadership, guidance, and unwavering support for over 60,200 troops, retirees, families, and Department of Defense civilians are unparalleled across the Air Force. Under his leadership, the golf course at Scott AFB has reached unprecedented levels, playing a vital role in the morale, welfare, and recreation of military personnel and veterans, ensuring they remain rested and resilient.
James's impact is widely recognized on base, with few who haven't benefited from his initiatives. In 2024, he spearheaded three PGA HOPE Programs, all of which were filled within days of announcement. As an Army Veteran, he passionately support PGA HOPE and all who attend the clinics. James also hosts numerous Gateway PGA Junior Tour Events.
James leads a team of 78 employees, facilitating recreation and resilience for over 60,000 armed forces personnel and their families. He is responsible for managing an 18-hole golf course, a practice facility, two Pro Shop/resale shops, a café, two banquet facilities, course maintenance over 280 acres, a 24-lane bowling center, a game room, a snack bar, three meeting rooms, and pinsetter equipment worth $484,000—all directly supporting the men and women stationed at Scott AFB, as well as the retirees and families the base serves.
Past awards:
Air Force Golf Manager of the Year 2022
Public Merchandiser of the Year - Shawn Barnes
Gateway National Golf Links (Madison, IL)
About Shawn:
Shawn is the Director of Golf, Multi-Facility Manager & Consultant at 4 Walters Golf Management golf courses. Shawn oversees the operation of Gateway National, Stonewolf Golf Club, Normandie Golf Club and Sullivan Golf Course and started this role in January 2019. Originally from Carterville, Illinois, Shawn has over 30 years of experience in the golf industry. He has been previously honored as Gateway PGA Assistant of the Year and this year marks his 5th selection as a GPGA Merchandiser of the Year. Shawn served 14 years on the Gateway PGA Board of Directors as Metropolitan St. Louis Director and as the Presidential Appointment. In April 2018 he joined the Quarter Century Club as a PGA Member. Shawn and Melinda, his wife, have 2 sons; Brennan & Cameron.
Private Merchandiser of the Year - Steve Houg
Old Warson Country Club (St. Louis, MO)
About Steve:
Customer service is the cornerstone of the Old Warson Pro Shop. With a fixed customer base, the relationships with members play a vital part in success. Understanding what their desires are, paired with responsive and knowledgeable customer service, has led Steve to incredible success in merchandising throughout his career. Additionally, as the Director of Golf, Steve involves all his assistants and mentors them throughout all stages of merchandising.
“I think it's a great compliment to be nominated for this award by a peer. Don't know if I am any more deserving than anyone else in the section but I am very proud of what our team accomplishes through the merchandise program at the club. It gives me a lot of pride to hear members come in and say that the shop looks great and that our assistant who is responsible for that area feels pride in the work that they have accomplished.”
2017 - Kentucky Section Merchandiser of the Year
Resort Merchandiser of the Year - Larry Salsman
Osage National (Lake Ozark, MO)
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:
2023 Bill Strasbaugh Award
3x Resort Merchandiser of the Year
Presidents Plaque - Brain Maine
Whitmoor Country Club (Weldon Springs, MO)
About Brian:
Brian Maine is one of the most respected PGA Professionals in the Gateway Section. As the son of a 25-year Air Force Veteran, Brain has dedicated countless hours to give back to the military community. As an original PGA HOPE instructor, Brian played a pivotal role in establishing the program at the Jefferson Barracks VA, which has blossomed into a national program in all 50 states. His dedication to serving others is evident through his involvement in teaching HOPE Clinics, organizing and hosting numerous events benefitting Veterans and their families, conducting fundraisers, and serving on the National PGA HOPE Committee. Brian has generously donated hundreds of golf clubs to Veterans embarking on their golfing journeys.
Beyond his work with military communities, Brian passionately supports the growth of the game through junior golf. He has hosted Drive, Chip and Putt competitions for seven consecutive years, managed PGA Jr. League teams and championships, and hosted Gateway PGA Junior Tour events. As a community leader, Brian is actively involved with his church, volunteering his time to assist fellow parishioners and the local community.
In addition to his extensive community work, Brian serves as the Secretary on the Executive Committee for the PGA REACH Gateway Foundation. He is known for going the extra mile to forge personal connections with others, further solidifying his impact as a role model and leader in his community.
Past awards:
2014, 2018 - Bill Strausbaugh Award
2016 - Patriot Award
2008 - Gateway Professional of the Year
2005 - Jr Golf Leader / Youth Development Award
Soft Goods Sales Representative - Kyle Szcesniak
Footjoy
Hard Goods Sales Representative - David Kohlberg
Callaway Golf
Player of the Year - Gideon Smith
Quincy Country Club (Quincy, IL)
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:
2024 - Herb Graffis Award (Quincy CC)
2013, 2023 - Gateway PGA Professional of the Year
2004 - Gateway PGA Assistant Professional of the Year
Ladies Player of the Year - Emily Van Rie
Quincy Country Club (Quincy, IL)
About Emily:
Emily's passion for golf ignited when she witnessed the joy it brought to others—a feeling she has cherished throughout her journey as both a golfer and now a golf professional. This sense of fulfillment from helping others succeed in golf inspired her to enter the golf industry, and she is confident it will sustain her career for many years.
Serving on the Tournament Committee and the Professional Development Committee, Emily relishes collaborating with her fellow professionals to lead the Section effectively. Additionally, her involvement with the Women of the Gateway group has been the most rewarding aspect of her time in the Gateway Section. She has enjoyed building relationships with other women in the Section, learning from them, and growing alongside them. Emily aspires to lead this group one day and become a role model for future women joining.
Emily also contributes to the Association as an instructor for the PGA Hope chapter in Quincy, a role she has embraced for two years. She finds tremendous joy in meeting new Veterans each season and witnessing their growth in the game of golf. Outside of her professional commitments, Emily enjoys running and engaging in weekly pickleball games with fellow Quincy CC Professionals John and Gideon.
Senior Player of the Year - Bob Gaus
Family Golf & Learning Center (St. Louis, MO)
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
4x Super Senior Player of the Year
9x Gateway PGA Majors Champion
PGA Cup team member 1998
Super Senior Player of the Year - Jeff Whitfield
The Quarry at Crystal Springs (St. Louis, MO)
About Jeff:
Jeff has been a proud Class A member of the Gateway PGA for over 35 years. He turned Professional in 1980 after his college career at the University of Missouri where he earned a B.S. degree in agronomy. In 1995, Jeff formed Integrated Golf Services, Inc., a golf development, management and consulting company. He conceived and managed the development of two Gateway Section golf clubs, Persimmon Woods G.C. (1998) and The Club at Old Hawthorne (2007), and served as G.M. of both facilities. His work with IGS has also afforded Jeff the opportunity to work/consult on international projects in Hong Kong and Panama. Jeff’s playing career includes numerous section titles and he has qualified for 9 PGA Professional National Championships (regular and senior) as well as 2 U.S. Senior Opens and a Senior PGA Championship. Jeff has been married to Tamara Whitfield for 40+ years and they have two daughters (Katelyn and Kristen) and two granddaughters (Hadley and Sawyer).
Assistant Player of the Year - Kyle Szyhowski
Norwood Hills Country Club (St. Louis, MO)
About Kyle:
Ladies Senior Player of the Year - Barbara Blanchar
WingHaven Country Club (O'Fallon, 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
2023 Gateway PGA Ladies Player of the Year