NJ Section of PGA of America Announces 2025 Special Award Recipients

On Sep 9, 2025

The New Jersey Section of the PGA of America (NJPGA) today announced its 2025 annual award recipients, led by Mike Attara, president, Spirit Golf Management, who was named 2025 NJPGA Golf Professional of the Year, the highest honor for a PGA of America Golf Professional within the Section.

A PGA of America Golf Professional for more than 35 years, Attara was recognized for his leadership, strong moral character and a substantial record of service to the NJPGA, PGA of America and the game of golf.

Backed by a vision to create a boutique northeast regional management firm with the mission of “Growing the Game One Club at a Time,” Attara founded Spirit Golf Management in 2009. Since that time, Mike has led and mentored dozens of Golf Professionals and currently employs eight PGA of America Members who serve as General Managers, Head Professionals and Director of Instruction, and six PGA Associates, working towards their membership. Mike’s commitment to service, mentorship and positively impacting lives through the game of golf is strengthened by his six years on the NJPGA Board of Directors and more than 16 years on the New Jersey Golf Foundation Board of Directors, where he currently serves as President.

Attara is joined by an esteemed list of PGA of America Golf Professionals who were selected as 2025 NJPGA Special Awards winners thanks in part to their passion, commitment to excellence and extraordinary efforts to elevate the profession.

“The New Jersey Section is fortunate to have so many terrific PGA of America Golf Professionals, world class facilities and incredible partners, which makes the selection process so difficult each year,” said Chris Bauer, Executive Director, New Jersey PGA Section. “Congratulations to all of our award winners, we look forward to celebrating them at our Fall Meeting and Celebration of Golf later this year.”

The New Jersey PGA plans to recognize the award recipients at the NJPGA Fall Meeting on Monday, October 27th at Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club and, in conjunction with NJ Golf, on Thursday, Oct. 30 at the Celebration of Golf at Canoe Brook Country Club.

2025 NJPGA Special Award Winners:

• Golf Professional of the Year: Mike Attara – Spirit Golf Management – Lambertville
• Assistant Golf Professional of the Year: Chris Whalen – Echo Lake Country Club – Westfield
• Teacher & Coach of the Year: Matt Wilson – Baltusrol Golf Club – Springfield
• Club of the Year: Canoe Brook Country Club – Summit
• Bill Strausbaugh Award: Jason Fiore – Montammy Golf Club – Alpine
• Professional Development Award: Joe Doughty – PGA of America Career Services
• Merchandiser of the Year (Private): Mickie Gallagher III – Trump National Golf Club Bedminster
• Merchandiser of the Year (Public): Gabe Rickards – Skyway Golf Course – Jersey City
• Player Development Award: Tommy Lee – D1 Golf Academy – Englewood
• Youth Player Development Award: Dave Vazquez – Canoe Brook Country Club – Summit
• Patriot Award: Ron Reed – High Bridge Hills Golf Club – High Bridge
• Salesperson of the Year: Shannon Pfundheller – Dunning, Greg Norman Collection
• Deacon Palmer Award – Ed Koch – Life Member

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