Clem King, director of golf at the Country Club of Lexington (S.C.), has been named the Carolinas PGA Professional of the Year, the highest honor bestowed on a CPGA member.

“Clem has been in the business for 30 years, and over that time has crafted his career in such a way as to be an expert in all faces of the operation,” said CPGA Section President Karl Kimball.

“He is a great example of what a consummate professional should be. He plays well, works hard and carries himself as professional each and every day.”

Mac Hood, general manager of Meadowlands and Farmstead Golf Links in Calabash, won the Strausbaugh Award, given for day-to-day efforts in making significations to the game and business of golf and for mentoring PGA professionals in their careers.

Hood volunteers as a rules official, an instructor at Play Golf America Day programs and has served on the CPGA board of directors, the PGA of America Presidents Council and the CGA Hall of Fame committees.

Paul Dickens, of River Landing Country Club, in Wallace, was named Assistant Professional of the Year. Dickens was especially noted for his work in organizing member and charity events for the club and with junior golfers.

Perry Green, director of instruction at the Golf Club at Wescott Plantation in Summerville, S.C., was honored as Junior Golf Leader of the Year. His commitment to junior programs is cited for making an impact on the lives of junior golfers at the facility and in the community.

Bill Sampson, head professional of Old Tabby Links in Okatie, S.C., is the recipient of this year’s President’s Plaque. His work in player development was cited, as well as a program he developed to help members retain golf skills and improving their games as they age.

Rick Barry, of Sea Pines Plantation Golf Club in Hilton Head Island, S.C., won the Palmer Maples Teacher of the Year Award. This goes to the teaching professional who has performed outstanding work as a golf instructor and demonstrated an impact on teaching and instruction in the section, involvement in junior golf activities.

Stephen Youngner, of the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, S.C., won the Horton Smith Trophy.

Youngner exhibited a commitment to the development and improvement of golf education for PGA professionals, including contributions to the section’s education program, meetings and seminars.

Greg Wood, of The Links at Stono Ferry in Summerville, S.C., was honored as Public Course Merchandiser of the Year. His philosophy helped the golf shop increase net profits 100 percent in the past year.

Tom Dale, of Linville Golf Club, is the Private Course Merchandiser of the year.

Matt Biddington, of Legends Resort, in Myrtle Beach, S.C., is the Resort Merchandiser of the Year,

The winners of these awards will be recognized at the 18th annual Awards and Honors Ceremony Feb. 20 at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center.

Contact Howard Ward at howardward@att.net.