Zack Sweet, PGA Named NEPGA Golf Professional of the Year
Ed Kirby, PGA & Rich Iwaszko, PGA Hall of Fame Recipients
Boylston, Mass. – The New England PGA is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2025 Special Awards and Hall of Fame Class, recognizing the exceptional contributions of golf professionals across the region. These individuals have demonstrated excellence in a variety of areas, from teaching and leadership to player development and merchandising, and represent the best of the New England PGA.
The 2025 NEPGA Special Awards will be formally presented at the 2025 NEPGA Special Awards Banquet, which will take place on October 18th, 2025, at Pleasant Valley Country Club in Sutton, MA.
The recipient of the 2025 Golf Professional of the Year Award is Zack Sweet, Head Golf Professional at Cape Cod National Golf Club. Zack’s journey into the golf world began at the age of four, when his father introduced him and his younger brother, Seth, to the game at their local Par 3 course in Maine. Over the years, that casual family activity evolved into a lifelong passion that led him to pursue a career as a PGA Professional. Today, he stands as one of the most respected golf professionals in New England.
Sweet’s story is one of hard work, passion, and mentorship. From his early days working at Lakewood Golf Course to his formative years at Cape Cod National, where he has served as an intern, Assistant Professional, and Head Professional, Sweet’s career has been shaped by a series of pivotal moments and the guidance of influential mentors.
“I couldn’t be more honored to receive this recognition,” said Sweet. “When I got the call from NEPGA President Chip Johnson, it was honestly overwhelming. To be chosen from among so many deserving PGA Professionals is humbling. This award isn’t just about me; it’s about the incredible colleagues and mentors I’ve had along the way. It’s a testament to the importance of building relationships, maintaining a passion for the game, and never losing sight of why we’re here.”
Sweet’s leadership has had a profound impact on the Cape Cod National community. His dedication to mentorship and team-building has been key to his success as Head Golf Professional, a position he’s held for eight years. He has consistently gone above and beyond to foster a culture of growth, support, and positivity among his staff and members.
“I’ve always believed that leading by example is the most powerful way to gain respect,” Sweet explained. “When you roll up your sleeves and show your team that you’re willing to do the same hard work, it builds trust. And when you create an environment of growth, people are inspired to give their best. That’s how we create something special.”
Throughout his career, Sweet has drawn inspiration from a wide array of mentors. From his parents, who introduced him to the game and taught him the importance of hard work and leadership, to figures like Tom Kimball from the Maine State Golf Association, the team at Methodist University, and the community and staff at Cape Cod National, his journey has been enriched by valuable guidance from those around him.
“I’ve had so many incredible mentors,” Sweet said. “It’s tough to single out just one, but I think of my time at Cape Cod National, where I worked closely with industry professionals like Jim Campbell, Michael Walker, and Gregg Richbourg. They were not just colleagues, they were coaches, helping me build my career and guiding me to be the best professional I could be.”
His journey at Cape Cod National has come full circle, returning to the club as Head Professional in 2018 after a stint at Fishers Island Club. “I was thankful the club took a chance on me as a young man,” said Sweet. The move marked a defining moment in his career, and he quickly earned the trust and respect of his team and members.
As Head Golf Professional, Sweet has focused on nurturing talent and giving back to the PGA community. “One of my proudest moments as a professional was watching my assistant, Tim Mooney, be offered his first Head Professional job. There’s no greater feeling than seeing someone you’ve mentored achieve their career goals,” he said.
“I’m so fortunate to be in a role that allows me to help others grow, whether it’s a young golfer getting their first taste of the game or a colleague taking the next step in their career. These relationships are what make the job so rewarding.”
Sweet also attributes his growth and success to the support of his wife, Kelsey and his family, who have been with him every step of the way.
Looking ahead, Sweet remains driven by his passion for the game and the opportunity to continue impacting the lives of others. “I’m excited about what lies ahead,” he said. “There are so many people I have yet to meet, so many lives I have yet to influence, and so much more I want to do. That’s what keeps me going every day — the opportunity to make a positive difference in the game of golf.”
Sweet’s recognition as Golf Professional of the Year is not only a reflection of his accomplishments but a celebration of his commitment to the values that define great PGA Professionals: passion, leadership, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to growing the game.
Sweet is one of 13 individuals to earn recognition of their service and dedication to their profession as the NEPGA announced its full slate of 2025 award winners.
The complete list of the 13 individuals recognized as 2025 NEPGA Award Winners includes:
Golf Professional of the Year: Zack Sweet, PGA (Cape Cod National)
Assistant Professional of the Year: Charles Mallo (Hyannisport Club)
Bill Strausbaugh Award: Allan Belden, PGA (Salem Country Club)
Deacon Palmer Award: Chris Hulme, PGA (Newport National Golf Club)
George Wemyss Award: Jim Lynch (Prize Possessions)
Merchandiser of the Year – Private: Paul Tessier, PGA (Bald Peak Colony Club)
Merchandiser of the Year – Public: Kristy Gleason, PGA (Kingswood Golf Club)
Patriot Award: Joel Jenkins, PGA (Mt. Pleasant Golf Club)
PGA Professional Development Award: TJ Anthoine, PGA (The Quechee Club)
Player Development Award: Jim Fairbanks, PGA (Riverside Golf Course)
Sales Rep of the Year: Ollie & Dee Hallet (Hallet Golf Sales)
Teacher of the Year: Jimmy Tirone, PGA (The Kittansett Club)
Youth Player Development Award: Mike Dugas, PGA (JW Parks Golf Course)
Our 2025 Hall of Fame Class includes:
Ed Kirby, PGA (The Aquidneck Club)
Rich Iwaszko, PGA (Life Member)
The 2025 NEPGA award winners represent all six of the Section’s Chapters: Cape Cod, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
“The New England PGA is proud to recognize these outstanding professionals who exemplify the highest standards of leadership, passion, and dedication in the game of golf,” said NEPGA President Chip Johnson, PGA (Hatherly CC). Each of our award winners has made an indelible impact on our community, from developing young players to nurturing the growth of their peers, and enhancing the overall experience for golfers across New England. On behalf of the entire New England PGA Section, I congratulate all of this year’s award recipients. Your contributions to the game and the PGA of America are invaluable, and we look forward to celebrating your achievements at our Special Awards Banquet in October.”
Award winners are chosen through a selective process. After being nominated to the NEPGA Awards Committee and Board of Directors by a fellow PGA member, nominees complete and submit their application. The Awards Committee then reviews each application before making its recommendations to the NEPGA Board of Directors.