The Professional Golfers Association (PGA) of America announced its 2023 #GameChanger Awards at the PGA Show. Mike Suhre, PGA of Oak Brook Golf Club, Don Kueper, PGA of Carlyle Lake Golf Club, and Blake Sharamitaro, PGA of Family Golf and Learning Center earned #GameChanger honors. Suhre’s program ranked fifth in size nationally with 335 participants, up 75 from last year. Ranked 11th, for the second consecutive year, was Sharamitaro who had 284 participants, an increase of 81. Kueper joined Sharamitaro and Suhre by earning the Player Engagement award.
The #GameChanger Awards began in 2019 as a way to recognize PGA Jr. League Coaches with the largest programs nationwide and the largest programs in each PGA Section. New in 2022, these awards also celebrate PGA Coaches who embrace an array of Player Engagement programming. To qualify for the Player Engagement honor, members must achieve 24 or more active PGA Jr. League players, host multiple seasons, a PGA Family Cup event, and must be American Development Model (ADM) Certified.
About the Gateway PGA
The Gateway PGA is comprised of over 335 professionals at over 200 facilities in Eastern and Central Missouri and Southern Illinois. We provide our members with meaningful playing, educational and financial opportunities while promoting golf at all levels in the geographical confines of the organization.