Ron Self Award
The Ron Self Memorial Award, an engraved State of Minnesota plaque, is presented at the fall banquet to the person who most symbolizes, through their active involvement, the enthusiastic spirit of public golf in Minnesota.
It is named in remembrance of Ron Self, who was an active Executive Committee member in the 1970's.
It is the Association's most prestigious and honored award, often serving as a lifetime achievement award.
The recipient is nominated from the at-large ranks of the association.
Winners
2024
No Nominations
2023
Tom Ryan
2022
No Nominations
2021
Ron Proferl
2020
Ken Gerzsenyi
2019
Steve Whittaker — Dear MPGA Board, We would like to nominate Steve Whittaker for the 2019 Ron Self Award. Steve has been a leader in the central Minnesota golf scene for more than 20 years. His selfless put others before himself attitude is one most can only strive to achieve. He has served as an advisor to the City of Becker on strategy and direction for Pebble Creek. He is an avid participant in MGA and other golf events and still to this day in retirement competes at the highest level. On top of all that I would find it hard to believe that anyone has done more to help youth find the joy of the game of golf through teaching, coaching and providing opportunities. Steve was a large influence in getting the local nine at Pebble Creek built where kids can play nine holes of golf for just $5. For these reasons and the highlights listed below I believe that Steve Whittaker is a great candidate for the 2019 Ron Self award. ### Contributions to the Game of golf: * Through Becker Schools Community Ed and under the tutelage of PGA professionals Jeff Johnson, Jeremy Lupinek, and Troy Malo I have given junior golf lessons at Pebble Creek for 20 years to over 1000 kids (average of 60 juniors per year). * Coached golf at Becker Schools for 20 years in capacity as varsity, junior varsity and junior high coach and continue to do so after retirement. * Fall swing coach for College of St. Bens for 10 years. * Cut down and assembled over 50 sets of clubs given free to junior golfers. * Cut down and assembled clubs for Becker Middle School and Intermediate school in order to start golf units in PE. * Assisted in starting Fellowship of Christian Athletes summer junior golf camps in Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin. * Volunteered as teacher and lesson coordinator for over 30 FCA summer 3-5 day overnight junior golf camps. * Was on the development and design team for the construction of Pebble Creek local nine golf course. ### Top Finishes as a Player ### **USGA Senior Amateur** * 2009 top 64 * 2010 top 64 * 2011 top 64 * 2014 qualifier **MN State Senior Open** * 2007 2nd * 2010 Champion * 2019 2nd **MGA Senior Players** * 2012 2nd * 2013 Champion * 2014 T3 * 2016 Champion * 2018 T3 **MGA Senior Amateur** * 2011 Champion **MGA Senior Player of the Year** * 2010 1st * 2011 1st * 2013 2nd * 2015 3rd **MPGA Senior Publinks** * 2009 3rd * 2010 2nd * 2011 2nd * 2014 T4 * 2015 3rd * 2016 2nd * 2019 T2 **MPGA Mid Publinks** * 2009 3rd * 2013 2nd * 2015 Champion **MGA State Players** * 2019 T3 **MGA Senior 4 ball** * 2010 2nd * 2011 2nd * 2015 3rd * 2016 3rd * 2017 T2nd * 2018 T3rd Sincerely, Lonnie Fluck Pebble Creek Men’s Club President
2018
No Nominations
2017
Roger Blossom / John Compton
2016
Bill Oas
2015
John Lieser