ELMSFORD, N.Y. (April 17, 2009) - The Met PGA honored its 2008 award winners on Tuesday, April 14, at the 47th Annual Metropolitan PGA Educational Forum at the Westchester Broadway Theatre in Elmsford, N.Y. Sponsored by Callaway Golf, the forum included the presentation of the Met PGA’s major awards along with presentations by Major Dan Rooney, a PGA professional from Oklahoma who has served three tours of duty in Iraq, and NBC sports commentator Jimmy Roberts. More than 300 PGA professionals from the Met Section were in attendance.

Among the award winners on Tuesday was Dave Catalano of Bethpage State Park, who was honored with the Sam Snead award for his fantastic work, including preparations to host a second U.S. Open at Bethpage this June. Meadow Brook Club head professional Rick Meskell, was named Golf Professional of the Year. Rob Labritz of GlenArbor Golf Club was honored for his outstanding 2008 season with the Player of the Year Award. Labritz won both the 2008 New York State Open and the 2008 Met PGA Head Professional Championship. Also, Darrell Kestner, head professional at Deepdale Golf Club was awarded the Bill Strausbaugh award for mentoring and all around professional service. Last year’s MGA Senior Open champion, Bobby Heins of Old Oaks Country Club was named Teacher of the Year.

Other award recipients include: John Hines of Baiting Hollow Club (Horton Smith Award); Tom Kuhn (Junior Golf Leader Award); Michael Crawford of Woodway Country Club (Merchandiser of the Year - Private); Joe Rehor of Bethpage State Park (Merchandiser of the Year - Public); Vinne Pauroso of Rockaway Hunting Club (President’s Plaque); and Tom Henderson of the Round Hill Club (Ely Callaway Award).

For more information on the award winners please visit the Met PGA Web site at www.met.pga.com.