SUTTON, Mass. – The New England PGA recently gathered at Pleasant Valley Country Club in Sutton, Massachusetts, to celebrate the Section’s 2025 Special Award Winners and Hall of Fame Inductees during the Annual Awards Banquet.
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.
NEPGA Special Award winners & Hall of Fame recipients:
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
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).
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.
“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.”
