Malvern Golf Pro Wins Philadelphia PGA Award

MALVERN, PA — The golf pro at Applebrook Golf Club in Malvern was recently honored by the Philadelphia PGA Section recently for his contributions to the education of PGA Professionals

The Philadelphia PGA Section announced its 2019 award winners.

In total, the Philadelphia PGA, through its Award Committee, chose 12 winners for 2019 out of over 100 PGA Professionals who were nominated for awards this past season.

It was John Dunigan, PGA Professional at Applebrook Golf Club in Malvern, who won the Teacher of the Year Award.

This award recognizes a PGA Professional for their “outstanding services as a golf teacher, innovator and coach.”

An accomplished PGA Professional, Dunigan was also the recipient of the Philadelphia PGA Teacher of the Year in 2008, 2015 and 2017 and the 2018 Section Horton Smith Award, which recognizes a PGA Member who displays commendable contributions to the education of PGA Professionals, the Philadelphia PGA Section said.

A PGA Master Professional and PGA Tour coach, Dunigan’s reputation and award-winning accomplishments are unrivaled. He’s a book author, published writer on teaching and instruction, and an in-demand speaker at conferences and seminars nationwide.

Among his many honors include: Golf Digest Top 50 Teacher in 2017; Golf Magazine Top Teachers in 2016; Golf Range Association of America Top 50 Growth of the Game Teaching Professional in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019; and U.S. Kids Golf Top 50 Jr. Golf Leader in 2012.

In his new book, “Hole It!” Dunigan provides a guide for golfers developing expert level skills and shooting lower scores by making more putts when it counts. Dunigan delivers his unique approach to coaching and learning through no-nonsense skill-building exercises, key concepts, technical improvement, and practical mental game coaching that have worked for golfers of all ability levels.

Dunigan is also regarded for taking high level instructional information, such as in biomechanics, ground forces and motor learning, and simplifying it for professionals, as well as everyday golfers.

"The Philadelphia PGA is extremely proud to recognize our 2019 award winners, which include an accomplished list of PGA Professionals whose dedication to the game is unmatched, and who have been catalysts in the business of golf throughout the region," said Geoff Surette, Executive Director, Philadelphia PGA Section. “These individuals represent the best of their profession. We thank them for their service and commitment to golfers and golf facilities across the region."

Below is the full list of winners from the Philadelphia PGA Section's 2019 awards.

• Golf Professional of the Year: John Carpineta, PGA - Bensalem Township C.C., Bensalem, PA
• Teacher of the Year: John Dunigan, PGA - Applebrook G.C., Malvern, PA
• Assistant Golf Professional of the Year: Steve Frederick, PGA - Overbrook G.C., Villanova, PA
• Horton Smith Award: Dean Kandle, PGA - St. Davids G.C., Wayne, PA
• Bill Strausbaugh Award: Charlie Schuyler, PGA - Saucon Valley C.C., Bethlehem, PA
• Player Development Award: Steve Wager, PGA - Penn State University G.C., State College, PA
• Youth Player Development: Andy Miller, PGA - LedgeRock G.C., Mohnton, PA
• Patriot Award: John Pillar, PGA - C.C. at Woodloch Springs, Hawley, PA
• Merchandiser of the Year - Resort: Alex McGann, PGA - Seaview G.C., Galloway, NJ
• Merchandiser of the Year - Private: Brent Wallace, PGA - Northampton C.C., Easton, PA
• Merchandiser of the Year - Public: Jason Howard, PGA - Woodcrest C.C., Cherry Hill, NJ
• Golf Salesperson of the Year: Laura Manchester - Callaway Golf

Congratulations to these winners!