Honoring the Best of the Garden State at 22nd Annual Celebration of Golf
SUMMIT, N.J. –– Members of New Jersey’s golf community gathered Thursday evening at Canoe Brook Country Club for the annual NJPGA/ NJ Golf Celebration of Golf, a night dedicated to honoring the individuals and clubs who represent the very best of the game across the Garden State.
The annual event recognized the NJPGA Award Winners, the New Jersey Golf Players of the Year presented by Donnelly Industries, the Caddie Scholarship Foundation Club of the Year, the Honey Gantner Award recipient, and the Distinguished Service Award.
New Jersey Golf proudly announced its 2026 Players of the Year presented by Donnelly Industries, recognizing the top performers for their excellence throughout the season.
For the fourth consecutive year, Troy Vannucci captured NJ Golf’s top men’s honor –– becoming the first player to win the Robert Housen Player of the Year Award four times. His 2026 season included a breakthrough win at the 94th Four-Ball Championship alongside Brian Hollins at his home course of Little Mill Country Club, a runner-up finish at the 125th Amateur Championship, and multiple victories across regional events.
Rutgers University standout Grace Lu earned her second Women’s Player of the Year award after a season defined by consistency and composure, including a career-low 7-under par 66 at Essex Fells Country Club to earn medalist honors on the first day of the 101st Women’s Amateur Championship, and a national appearance at the 126th U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship.
Jamie Slonis’s strong season included two state titles, starting with Slonis defending his Senior Four-Ball title at Rumson Country Club with longtime friend Tom Gramigna, and ending with a win at the 68th Senior Amateur Championship and an appearance at the 71st U.S. Senior Amateur Championship at Baltimore Country Club.
Rayhao Feng and Jessica Kim earned the Junior Boys’ and Girls’ Player of the Year Award after two record-setting seasons, highlighted by wins from both at the Inaugural Cronheim Cup at Watchung Valley Golf Club.
The Distinguished Service Award, one of New Jersey Golf’s most prestigious honors, was presented to David Reasoner her his decades of dedication, leadership, and mentorship at every level of the game. As the longtime Head Golf Professional at Ridgewood Country Club, and past President of the New Jersey PGA, Reasoner has spent his career advancing the profession, supporting fellow PGA Professionals, and founding the charitable organization of Golf Gives to aid professionals in need.
Also recognized was longtime volunteer and former NJ Golf President, Eric Houseknecht, the 2026 Honey Gantner Award recipient, honoring his exemplary service and commitment to New Jersey Golf for more than two decades. From guiding the organization as president through the challenges of the pandemic to serving as a dedicated rules official and supporting key initiatives like the Western Golf Association’s Evans Scholars Foundation, Houseknecht has spent nearly twenty years fostering deep community connections, mentoring fellow volunteers, and giving back to the game.
The New Jersey Golf Caddie Scholarship Foundation honored The Ridgewood Country Club as the 2026 Club of the Year and inducted the club into the Foundation’s Diamond Society. Since 1997, Ridgewood has contributed more than $1 million to the Foundation, helping provide scholarships to 164 of the club’s caddies.
Kevin Beirne, Vice President of Operations for Spirit Golf Management, was named the 2026 NJPGA Golf Professional of the Year –– the highest honor a PGA Professional can receive within the Section.
A dedicated PGA member for over 25 years, Beirne was celebrated for his exceptional leadership, strong moral character, and significant contributions to player development. Alongside his executive role at Spirit Golf, where he oversees facility operations and mentors rising talent, he serves as President of the New Jersey PGA Section, continually championing community engagement and junior golf initiatives across the region.
The New Jersey PGA Section also honored the following 2026 Special Award Winners, celebration excellence in leadership, instruction, merchandising, player development and service:
- Golf Professional of the Year – Kevin Beirne, Spirit Golf Management
- Assistant Professional of the Year – Dave Vasquez, Canoe Brook Country Club
- Teacher & Coach of the Year – Kelan McDonagh, Metedeconk National Golf Club
- Club of the Year – Plainfield Country Club, Edison, N.J.
- Bill Strausbaugh Award – Reed Lansinger, Canoe Brook Country Club
- Professional Development Award – John Mascari, Alpine Country Club
- Merchandiser of the Year (Private) – Craig Smith, Morris Country Golf Club
- Merchandiser of the Year (Public) – Gabe Rickards, Skyway Golf Course
- Player Development Award – Juliet Little, Littlegolfpro
- Youth Player Development Award – Chris Sommer, Ramsey Golf & Country Club
- Patriot Award – Rylee Plitz, Eagle Ridge Golf Club
- Salesperson of the Year – John Rutecki, Greyson Clothiers
- Deacon Palmer Award – Sean Callanan, Paramus Golf Club
NJPGA Player Awards
- Player of the Year –– Danny Harcourt
- Assistant Player of the Year –– Rhett Sellers
The 2026 Celebration of Golf once again showcased the strength, unity, and passion of New Jersey’s golf community. From rising stars and seasoned professionals to selfless volunteers and generous clubs, the evening was a true reflection of the spirit of the game in the Garden State.
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