Kiawah's Gerard Named PGA Merchandiser of the Year

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL – Kiawah Island Golf Resort's Director of Golf, Brian Gerard, was recently named PGA Merchandiser of The Year (Resort Facilities) -- one of the highest annual honors bestowed by the PGA of America on a PGA Professional -- heading a list of 13 recipients who were honored at the 2006 PGA of America Awards ceremony at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.

Gerard, 42, is in his 20th season at the Kiawah Island Golf Resort in Kiawah Island, S.C., and is the PGA Director of Golf, overseeing the operations of five courses at one of the world’s high-profile golf destinations. A native of Eureka, Ill., and a 1986 graduate of Western Illinois University, Gerard was elected to PGA membership in 1989. He has been a member of the Kiawah Island Golf Resort staff since 1986. He served as PGA assistant professional at Turtle Point @ Kiawah Island until 1990, then as PGA head professional at Turtle Point through 1995. He became head professional in 1995 at the Ocean Course, site of the 2007 Senior PGA Championship and the 2012 PGA Championship. He was named director of golf for the resort this month. Golf World Business recognized Ocean Course @ Kiawah Island as one of the 100 best golf shops in the country in listings from 1997-2001, and from 2003 through 2005.

The 2006 PGA of America Award winners:

Chris Starkjohann
SR. PGA Professional Player of the Year
Cardiff by the Sea, CA

Mike Small
PGA Professional Player of the Year
Champaign, IL

Brad Braden
PGA Merchandiser of the Year (Public Facilities)
Discovery Bay, CA

Dick Stewart
PGA Merchandiser of the Year (Private Facilities)
Kalamazoo, MI

Bob Baldassari
President’s Plaque
Fredericksburg, VA

Michael Harmon
PGA Bill Strausbaugh Award
Beaufort, SC

Tom Tatnall
PGA Horton Smith Award
Ridgefield, MS

Francis “Frank” Selva
PGA Junior Golf Leader Award
Bethany, CT

Bill Forrest
PGA Teacher of the Year
Scottsdale, AZ

Ron McPherson
PGA Ernie Sabayrac Award
Scottsdale, AZ

Jim Manthis
PGA Golf Professional of the Year
Coon Rapids, MN

Today's PGA Professional is the public's link to the game, serving an essential role in the operation of golf facilities throughout the country.