Sutton, Mass. – The New England PGA gathered at Pleasant Valley Country Club in Sutton, Massachusetts, on Saturday, October 25th, to celebrate the Section’s 2025 Special Award Winners and Hall of Fame Inductees during the Annual Awards Banquet.

Guests arrived to a lively cocktail reception, reconnecting with colleagues, family, and friends before gathering in Pleasant Valley’s ballroom for dinner and the evening’s presentations. The atmosphere was filled with pride and camaraderie—an annual reminder of the incredible passion and professionalism that define the New England PGA.

NEPGA Executive Director Mike Higgins opened the evening by welcoming the crowd and expressing appreciation for the many families, members, and mentors who support the Section’s professionals every day. He also extended thanks to the 2025 Awards Committee, led by Chairman Mike Bradshaw, and to host PGA Professional Paul Parajeckas and the entire Pleasant Valley Country Club staff for their gracious hospitality and commitment to making the evening special.

“This night is one of the highlights of our year,” Higgins said. “It’s a chance to celebrate not just the accomplishments of our winners, but the dedication, relationships, and lifelong commitment that define what it means to be a PGA Professional.”

Serving as Master of Ceremonies, Jim Remy, PGA of America Past President, NEPGA Hall of Fame Member, and Past Section President, guided the night’s award presentations with his trademark warmth and inspiration. His insights and anecdotes brought each honoree’s story to life, reminding all in attendance of the strong sense of community that defines the New England Section.

Throughout the ceremony, the Section’s most outstanding professionals were recognized across a range of categories, celebrating excellence in teaching, player development, merchandising, leadership, and service.

This year’s NEPGA Special Award winners & HOF recipients included:

Mike Dugas – Youth Player Development Award

Jim Tirone – Teacher & Coach of the Year

Charles Mallo – Assistant Golf Professional of the Year

Jim Fairbanks – Player Development Award

Kristy Gleason – Merchandiser of the Year – Public

Paul Tessier – Merchandiser of the Year – Private

TJ Anthoine – PGA Professional Development Award

Joel Jenkins – Patriot Award

Ollie & Dee Hallett – Sales Representatives of the Year

Jim Lynch – George S. Wemyss Award

Chris Hulme – Deacon Palmer Award

Allan Belden – Bill Strausbaugh Award

Zack Sweet – Golf Professional of the Year

Rich Iwaszko – Hall of Fame

Ed Kirby – Hall of Fame

Chapter Award winners from across New England were also recognized, highlighting the incredible impact PGA Professionals make at the local level throughout the Section’s six Chapters.

To conclude the evening, three special fireside chats offered an intimate look into the careers of the Section’s most distinguished honorees: 2025 Golf Professional of the Year Zack Sweet of Cape Cod National, and Hall of Fame inductees Rich Iwaszko (Life Member) and Ed Kirby (The Aquidneck Club).

Through laughter, reflection, and heartfelt gratitude, each shared stories of perseverance, mentorship, and the deep connections formed through the game of golf. Their words captured the essence of what it means to be a PGA Professional—dedicated, service-driven, and always striving to grow the game for others.

Sweet shared reflections on leadership, mentorship, and what it means to serve the game at every level. Iwaszko, a PGA Life Member, reflected on his decades of service, from his early playing days to his deep contributions as a mentor and ambassador for the Section. Kirby, one of New England’s most accomplished players, spoke about the lifelong friendships, lessons, and opportunities the PGA has provided throughout his storied career.

Each honoree’s words underscored a shared theme of gratitude—for their families, their peers, and the game itself.

As the evening concluded, Higgins returned to the podium to offer closing remarks and one final round of applause for all of the award recipients and inductees.

“This night is a celebration of everything that makes the New England PGA so special—our people,” Higgins said. “Each honoree represents the very best of our Section and the values of the PGA of America… It’s about people who care deeply—for their students, their facilities, their fellow professionals, and the game of golf. We’re proud to celebrate them.”

The 2025 NEPGA Awards Banquet was not only a reflection of professional excellence but also of community—the friendships, mentorship, and shared passion that unite PGA Professionals across New England.