The Western New York section of the PGA of America and its Awards Committee recently honored several local members with various awards. For the first time in the history of the awards, both the Professional of the Year and Assistant Professional of the Year were employed by the same facility, Holiday Valley Resort in Ellicottville. Steve Carney, the Master PGA pro at Holiday Valley, was named Professional of the Year. Carney, pictured above left, is finishing his 15th season at the resort and previously won the honor in 2015. The award is given to the working pro whose total contributions to the game best exemplify the complete PGA golf pro. Kyle Benish of Jamestown was named the Assistant Golf Professional of the Year. Benish, pictured above right, has been a PGA member since 2010 and the assistant pro at Holiday Valley since 2005. He is a three-time winner of the award. The award is given to the assistant pro who has gone beyond the call of duty to promote the game of golf, his or her place of employment and the WNYPGA. Carney was also honored as the Merchandiser of the Year.

Submitted photo