The Southwest Section PGA announced its 2012 Special Award Winners at its’ Annual Awards dinner on January 11th at Gainey Ranch in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Michael Haywood, PGA, Tucson Country Club was named 2012 PGA Golf Professional of the Year. Michael owns more than 25 years of golf experience with more than 15 years of that at Tucson Country Club. He is currently serving as President of the SWSPGA and is also one of 14 District Directors that comprise the Board for the PGA Of America. Michael also manages his own teaching academy and is currently working with players on the Senior PGA Tour, LPGA Tour and the Web.com Tour. Michael is one of the extremely few “two-time” winners of this award (previously in 2006) in the Southwest Section.

Michael Hopper, PGA, Pointe at Lookout Mountain was named 2012 Player of the Year. A PGA member since 1998, Michael has come into his own in the last two years, and has now claimed his first Player of the Year title in the very competitive SWSPGA. Mike won the Match Play in 2011 and used this as a springboard for 2012. Mike competed in and tied for 20th in the PGA’s Professional National Championship and finished well in the Section Championship, PNC Qualifier and the individual stroke play events. He has also competed in the PGA National Assistants Championship and continues to gain quality tournament experience.

William Dodd, Jr, PGA, Continental Golf Club earned the 2012 Senior Player of the Year. It was ultimately a single round that led to his earning of the award in 2012. Playing last fall in the Senior Professional National Championship on “Cut Day” Bill put together one of the best rounds of the day to make the cut on the number. This round allowed Bill to earn enough additional points to seal the award for the year. This “under pressure” experience came in handy again in December as Bill was able to make a birdie on the final hole—of the final match—of the Goldwater Cup (Senior Division) to clinch a half a point and allow the Senior Team to retain the cup again in 2012.

Jamey Lewis, PGA, General Manager Wickenburg Country Club won the Bill Strausbaugh Award, which recognizes PGA Professionals “who by their day-to-day” efforts have distinguished themselves by mentoring their fellow PGA Professionals in improving their employment situations and through service to the community.

Brandon Stooksbury, PGA, Tour Academy TPC Las Vegas won the Horton Smith Award. By recognizing the PGA Professional who is a model educator of PGA Golf Professionals, the award gives special recognition to an individual PGA Professional for outstanding and continuing contributions to professional education.

Joshua Doxtator, PGA, Trilogy at Vistancia Golf Club was given the Player Development Award which is designed to recognize a PGA Professional for extraordinary and exemplary contributions and achievements in the area of player development.  With seven years of experience, all at The Trilogy at Vistancia, Josh has developed a true passion for introducing new players to the game of golf. With the support of the club and the ownership Josh has created some very unique instructional-practice-play programs that have brought new players to the game from all walks of life.

Frank Calvin, PGA, Southwest Section PGA Junior Golf Director won the Junior Golf Leader Award. The award is given to a professional who is a leader in junior golf and who reflects the ideals of those who work with youth.

Mark Winkley, PGA, The Estancia Club was named Teacher of the Year, an award that is designed to recognize a PGA Professional who is an outstanding teacher of golf among the ranks of PGA membership. Mark has provided instruction around the world including Thailand, Australia, Singapore and Europe. He has worked with the Golf Digest Schools, has published numerous articles and has provided presentations around the world.

Travis McCutchan, PGA, of Grayhawk Golf Club was named Assistant Golf Professional of the Year. A talented person in a premier environment usually yields positive results. This and much more was said about Travis McCutchan and the standard he sets for Assistant Professionals throughout the Section.

Ross McCullough, PGA, The Badlands Golf Club, Las Vegas; Matt Hudson, PGA, Tucson El Conquistador, and Mark Thush, PGA Desert Mountain Golf Club won Merchandiser of the Year in public, resort and private categories, respectively.

For more information, call the SWPGA Office at 480.443.9002 or visit www.southwest.pga.com.