IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Julius Mason

January 18, 2013 561/624-8444

MINNESOTA’S MIKE SCHULTZ, E-Z-GO FOUNDER BEV DOLAN

ANCHOR 2012 PGA OF AMERICA AWARD RECIPIENTS, JAN. 24

2012 PGA of America Awards presented Jan. 24, at 5:30 p.m. in

The Chapin Theater (3rd Level)of the Orange County Convention Center

ORLANDO, Fla. –Mike Schultz,only the secondPGA head professionalin the history of storied Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minn.,and Bev Dolan, regarded by many as the “father of the modern golf cart,” anchor the 2012 PGA of America Awards, Thursday, Jan. 24, at 5:30 p.m. in conjunction with the 60th PGA Merchandise Show.

The PGA of America Awards ceremonyis in the Chapin Theater of the Orange County Convention Centerin Orlando, Fla.

Schultz, who retired from Hazeltine National Golf Club at the conclusion of the 2012 golf season, shaped the careers of more than 40 aspiring PGA Professionals for nearly four decades. Schultz’s legacy of service elevated him to become the 58th recipient of the PGA Golf Professional of the Year Award, the highest annual honor bestowed by The PGA of America on a PGA Professional.

Dolan, 85, sparked a competitive boom in the game of golf in 1954 with the introduction of the E-Z-GO golf car. He is the recipient of the PGA Ernie Sabayrac Award for lifetime contributions to the golf industry. A native of Augusta, Ga., Dolan lives in North Palm Beach, Fla.

Schultz, a 37-year member of The PGA of America,is the fourth member of theMinnesota PGA Section to be honored as the PGA Golf Professional of the Year. Schultz is currently pursuing other interests within the golf industry.

Also honored during the PGA of America Awards program are:

  • Michael Breed of Greenwich, Conn. – PGA Teacher of the Year
  • Don Law of Boca Raton, Fla. – PGA Junior Golf Leader
  • Harry Hammond Jr. of West Chester, Pa.– Bill Strausbaugh Award
  • Carl Alexander of Bedford, N.Y. – Horton Smith Award
  • Mark Holiday of Bozeman, Mont. – PGA Player Development Award

The PGA Merchandisers of the Year will be honored Jan. 18, 2013, at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate, Fla. They are:

  • Amy Pendergast of Bandon, Ore. – Resort Facilities
  • Dale Smigelsky of Fort Collins, Colo. – Public Facilities
  • George Kahrhoff of Castle Rock, Colo. – Private Facilities

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The PGA of America honored recipients of two national awards last November at the 96th Annual Meeting at the Hyatt Regency Baltimore Inner Harbor in Baltimore. They were:

  • John Kennedy of New Canaan, Conn. – Patriot Award
  • New Jersey PGA Section – Herb Graffis Award (for exemplary contributions to Player Development)

“Our talented 2012 class of national award recipients span more than four decades of service to our Association and to the game of golf,” said PGA of America President Ted Bishop. “They are true stars and impact both their home facilities, their respective Sections, communities and in some cases had a direct effect on the vitality of the golf industry. We are proud of how they daily go about their business of inspiring young and old. By their dedication to serving others, we are proud to declare that they are truly experts in the game and the business of golf.”

About The PGA of America

Since its founding in 1916, The PGA of America has maintaineda twofold mission: toestablish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf. By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, The PGA enables its professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in the multi-billion dollar golf industry. By creating and delivering world-class championships and innovative programs, The PGA of America elevates the public's interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere. As The PGA nears its centennial, the PGA brand represents the very best in golf.

The PGA of America, 100 Avenue of the Champions, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418