Secession's Harmon Wins PGA's Strausbaugh Award

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL – Secession Golf Club Director of Golf Michael Harmon has been named the 2006 PGA Bill Strausbaugh Award winner -- one of the highest annual honors bestowed by the PGA of America on a PGA Professional -- heading a list of 13 awrad recipients.

Michael Harmon never got to meet Bill Strausbaugh, the namesake for the national award for PGA Professionals who distinguish themselves by mentoring their fellow professionals and improving employment situations. But, Harmon heard much about Strausbaugh through his members at Secession Golf Club, several of whom had taken lessons from the man they called “The Coach,” and who inspired many to become the best that they could be in golf. Harmon, in his 20th season at Secession Golf Club, and is the third Carolinas PGA Section member to be honored with the Bill Strausbaugh Award. Elected to PGA membership in 1986, the 52-year-old Harmon also received national recognition in 2004 as the PGA Merchandiser of the Year for private facilities.

Other 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

Brian Gerard
PGA Merchandiser of the Year (Resort Facilities)
Meggett, SC

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

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

The PGA of America is the world's largest working sports organization comprised of 28,000 men and women golf Professionals who are the recognized experts in growing, teaching and managing the game of golf while serving millions of people throughout its 41 PGA Sections nationwide. Since its founding in 1916, The PGA of America has enhanced its leadership position in a $62 billion-a-year industry by growing the game of golf through its premier spectator events, world-class education and training programs, significant philanthropic outreach initiatives, and award-winning golf promotions. 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.