Department of Parks
Two State Park Golf Pros Honored For Work

PINEVILLE, Ky. – Two PGA golf professionals from Wasioto Winds Golf Course at Pine Mountain State Resort Park were recently recognized for their work by the Kentucky Section PGA of America.

PGA Professional Jerry Shoffner was honored as the resort merchandiser of the year. PGA Assistant Professional Donnie Caldwell was honored as the junior golf leader during an awards presentation Oct. 16 in Louisville.

Shoffner, who has worked for the park system since 2001, is a native of Middlesboro who has worked at golf courses in Middlesboro, London and Lexington. The merchandiser award recognizes those PGA professionals who have demonstrated superior skills as merchandisers in the promotion of golf. 

“This is really a tribute to my staff and how hard they work,” said Shoffner.

Caldwell, a Harlan County native, has worked at Wasioto Winds for six years and previously worked at courses in Jacksonville, Fla. Caldwell conducts “The First Tee” program – a national youth development program that promotes values through the game of golf. He has also promoted golf in a drug prevention program for students in Bell County and has worked with golf students from seven area high schools.

"I am proud to be a PGA member and a coach of The First Tee,” said Caldwell. “Having the involvement that I do with the youth is a blessing."

Wasioto Winds is one of the state park system’s “Signature Series” courses and was ranked as a top public course nationally by Golf Digest Magazine. 

“Jerry and Donnie are no strangers to success,” said Department of Parks Golf Director Dan Strohmeier.  “Jerry was the 2005 Junior Golf Leader and Donnie the 2004 Assistant Professional of the Year. Both golf professionals are a huge asset to our operation in the parks system and to the overall image of the PGA professional.”

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