[Skip to Content]

Gulf States PGA Special Awards Program

Gulf States PGA Members,

We greatly appreciate your contributions to the Section and the game of golf. Your involvement in this process is of utmost importance.

Below are instructions for accessing the electronic application form. To be considered for a Section or Chapter Award(s), you must complete and submit the online application form that corresponds with the award(s). If you were nominated for multiple awards, you will need to complete an application for each award. If you received multiple nomination emails, it is because multiple members nominated you for an award. You only need to complete ONE application PER award category for which you received a nomination.

**Chapter Award nominations require an application as well.

Application Deadline:

The deadline for applications is Sunday, June 16, 11:59 PM!

Awards Tool:

This year, we will be using a tool called OpenWater to collect award applications. Please carefully read the following instructions before completing your application. 

  • If you have been nominated for the Mississippi Chapter Carpenter-Lindsay or Louisiana Chapter Barbato-Thomas award, no further action is required.  
  • Click here to complete an application for:
    • PGA Golf Professional of the Year Award
    • Patriot Award
    • Bill Strausbaugh Award
    • PGA Professional Development Award
    • PGA Teacher & Coach of the Year Award
    • PGA Player Development Award
    • PGA Youth Player Development Award
    • Merchandiser of the Year - Private Award
    • Merchandiser of the Year - Public Award
    • Merchandiser of the Year - Resort Award
    • Assistant Professional of the Year Award
  • Click here to complete the application for:
    • Louisiana Chapter Golf Professional of the Year
    • Louisiana Chapter Assistant of the Year
    • Mississippi Chapter Golf Professional of the Year
    • Mississippi Chapter Assistant of the Year
  • Log into OpenWater or create your account. If you already created an account during the nomination period, you may log in and begin your application. If you do not have an account, you will need to create one before beginning your application. The application form will automatically appear on the screen once your account is created.
  • Select the award you were nominated for from the awards dropdown list to open the application form. 
  • Once the form is completed, submit the form by clicking the "Save and Submit" button on the last page of the application form. (Tip: If you are not ready to submit your form, click "Save" to save your work and return later to finish and submit.)
  • If you were nominated for multiple awards, click the respective link above to start your next application.  

Special Awards Committee:

The committee is comprised of our 2022 & 2023 award winners, the Section Secretary, and 4 at-large PGA members appointed by the Committee Chair. Thank you to the Awards Committee for their involvement in this year’s awards process. Your involvement assists our committee in making the best selections possible! 

If you have questions about the process, please refer to the FAQ page or contact Andrew Lewis at alewis@pgahq.com. Thank you for your involvement in this important Section program.

Thank you,

Gulf States PGA