Dean Allgeyer takes the Carolinas PGA Section's directive to "grow the game" seriously. And his efforts in that area have been rewarded by his being named recipient of the President's Plaque.

Allgeyer, the head professional at Beacon Ridge Golf & Country Club in West End, was recognized as being a leader in the area of player development. This covers all manner of golf activities relating to the growth of the game.

Allgeyer was honored for "exemplary and extraordinary contributions to player development." Consideration was given for his growth of the game leadership commitment at CPGA Section and national levels as well as the impact made at Beacon Ridge.

According to the statement from Ron Schmid, executive Director of the CPGA, Allgeyer's involvement in Link Up 2 golf, a program designed in 2002 to bring adults to the game of golf through programs at participating facilities was instrumental in his winning the award.

Allgeyer held his first Link Up 2 Golf program at Wake Forest Golf Club before bringing the program to Beacon Ridge and the Pinehurst area. He has since expanded the player development programs to include beginners' clinics, which target the many retirees that are both members and residents of Beacon Ridge.

Another Sandhills professional, Tobacco Road's Chris Brown, was honored as the Public Course Merchandiser of the Year.

With a popular logo such as Tobacco Road, Brown believes that his greatest success comes in producing great price points and unique buying experiences for all of his customers in a 950-square-foot shop.

Brown sees Tobaccos Road's public niche as being one of the greatest advantages he has in being successful. He changes the merchandise regularly to stay current with trends and changes in buying habits.

Rick Murphy of the Carolina Golf Practice & Learning Center in Greensboro has been named the CPGA Professional of the Year.

Murphy, who has been a member of the section since 1981, has shown leadership and a successful teaching philosophy. He also developed the section's first Clubs for Kids program, organized a nationally recognized private club junior golf program and has won numerous teaching awards.

Brad Clayton of The Zone Golf Learning Center in Oxford has been named winner of the Palmer Maples Teacher of the Year Award.

Clayton is a Master PGA Teaching Professional who has devoted his entire career to golf instruction. He opened The Zone Learning Center in 1999 and annually gives between 600 and 700 lessons to golfers in Raleigh and Oxford.

The Zone is the home practice facility for the Granville County Special Olympics golf team.

Clayton, who lost an arm in 2000, has embraced the opportunity to become an example of perseverance for people with similar challenges.

Other awards announced included: Phil Pendergrass of the Golf academy of America -- Carolinas, Horton Smith Trophy; Jameson Wallace of the Members Cub at Grande Dunes (Myrtle Beach), Assistant Professional of the Year; and Frank Coughlin of the Members Club at Grande Dunes, the Bill Strausburgh Award.