NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 10: Shawn Barnes, Gateway Section, poses for a photo during the 100th PGA Annual Meeting held at the Grand Hyatt New York on November 10, 2016 in New York, New York. (Photo by Montana Pritchard/PGA of America)
MERCHANDISER OF THE YEAR-PUBLIC: Shawn Barnes
This year’s Public Merchandiser of the Year is Shawn Barnes, PGA. The Merchandiser of the Year Award is designed to recognize those Gateway PGA Professionals who have excelled as business persons/merchandisers in the promotion of golf. The PGA honors PGA Professionals in three categories: Private, Public and Resort facilities. 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 33 years of experience in the golf industry. Before serving in his current position, he was the General Manager & Director of Golf at Gateway National, Stonewolf Golf Club and Jackson Country Club. He was also the Head Golf Professional at Pevely Farms Golf Club, The Country Club of St. Albans and Gateway National Golf Links, and an Assistant Professional at Norwood Hills CC, Whitmoor CC, Old Warson CC and Crab Orchard Golf Club.
Shawn has been previously honored as Gateway PGA Assistant of the Year and this year marks his 4th 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 of 28 years, have 2 sons; Brennan (23) & Cameron (21).