This year’s 2019 Gateway PGA Patriot Award winner is Sam Gilliland, Life Member Retired PGA Member. Sam has spent his entire golf career in the St. Louis area. The “PGA Patriot Award” bestows special recognition on a PGA Golf Professional, who personifies patriotism through the game of golf and demonstrates unwavering commitment and dedication to the men and women who have valiantly served and protected the United States of America.
Sam retired from the Air Force in 1985 and was immediately signed up for the apprentice program by Ken Davis. He’s had many opportunities as an Assistant and Head Golf Professional in the area with numerous hours donated to youth golf, Special Olympics, and the PGA HOPE program. He started with the PGA HOPE program in its inception after a call from Brian Maine, PGA. “As a Veteran, I try to instill my love of the game into to each one of them.
The many weeks of golf and instruction has promoted all these veterans into a group of golf fanatics. From the start of the clinics at the Jefferson Barracks VA Hospital, to the outdoor lessons at Arlington Greens to the weekly play at Arlington they look forward to our Thursday meetings. I am honored to be given the Patriot Award and gladly accept this honor.” – Sam Gilliland