Stafford, VA – The MAPGA President’s Award is bestowed upon an individual whose tireless effort, unwavering dedication and exceptional contributions to the game of golf result in significant benefit to the Middle Atlantic Section, its members and apprentices and the entire golf community. For 2012, MAPGA President John Malinowski, selected William “Buddy” Sass, PGA of Ocean City Golf and Yacht Club in Berlin, Maryland as the recipient of this award.
Buddy is a Washington D.C. native and at the age of 10 was introduced to golf by his father who took him to the course on Saturdays and set him up for golf lessons with PGA Professionals, Bill Deck and Bob Haley. These experiences would hold true with Buddy as he started his first golf job at High Point Country Club in High Point, North Carolina while attending High Point University. Following graduation from High Point, Buddy followed the advice of PGA Professional Bill Sporre, who he admired and respected, and turned professional.
In just three short years after declaring his professional status, Buddy was elected to membership of the PGA of America. Holding assistant positions at High Point Country Club, Lochmere Golf Club in Cary, North Carolina and The Beach Club Golf Links in Berlin, Maryland, Buddy then moved into a Head Professional position at Ocean Pines Country Club in Berlin, Maryland. After Ocean Pines, he served one year as Deer Run Golf Club’s Head Professional before landing his current position as Head Professional of Ocean City Golf and Yacht Club also in Berlin, Maryland.
“Buddy Sass is a model PGA Professional and one that all members can strive to be like,” states MAPGA President John Malinowski. “He has gone out of his way to help his fellow PGA Professionals, the members of his club, and the golfing public. He is a credit to the PGA as well as the Eastern Shore of Maryland.”
About the Middle Atlantic Section of the PGA of America
The Middle Atlantic Section of the PGA (MAPGA), located in Stafford, Virginia, is one of 41 Sections of The Professional Golfers’ Association of America (PGA), headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. As a part of The PGA since 1925, the MAPGA consists of over 1,100 members and apprentices in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Together, the MAPGA golf professionals, volunteers and staff support the mission of The PGA to promote enjoyment and involvement in the game of golf and to contribute to the game’s growth by providing services to PGA Professionals and the golf industry.
Contact:
Stephanie Jennings, PGA
sjennings@pgahq.com
(540) 720-7420 ext. 116
