Crawley Wins 2018 Iowa PGA Patriot Award
Riverside, Iowa – David Crawley of the Muscatine Municipal Golf Course has been named the 2018 Iowa PGA Patriot Award winner by the Iowa PGA Award’s Committee. The Patriot Awarded is presented to the Iowa PGA Professional who personified patriotism through the game of golf and demonstrated unwavering commitment and dedication to the men and women who valiantly served and protected the United States of America.
"I am humbled to win the Iowa Section PGA Patriot Award,” said Crawley. “This award is dedicated to all the Soldiers, Veterans, and Family Members that I have had a chance to work with over my career in Europe and the United States. This award serves as a reminder to me the dedication of the men and women who protect our country and to allow us to be able to play golf and to be free."
Prior to becoming the Head Golf Professional at the Muscatine Municipal Golf Course, Crawley served 28 years working for the United States of America as a Solider and Department of the Army Civilian. His Military Career consisted of 2 years in the United States Army Reserves, and 9 years on Active Duty in the United States Army. His military career took him all over the world, to include Tours of Duty in Germany, and with a 6-month deployment on the NATO Peacekeeping mission to Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1997 and 1998.
After leaving the US Army in 1999, Crawley, continued to work for the US Army as a Civilian Employee. Crawley started working in the US Army Golf Program in 2001, where he held different positions, being able to work with Soldiers on a daily basis to help build the game of golf during their downtime. From 2001 to 2006, he also worked with the German Golf Club co-located with the Army Golf Course, to develop programs to build friendships and programs to get Soldiers involved in golf.
In 2006, Crawley left Germany, where he took a job working at the US Army Golf Course on Fort Riley, KS. He worked with Military Leaders, Civilian Leaders, and fellow PGA Members in getting Soldiers to participate in the game of golf, through Pro-Ams, Monthly Pay Day Golf Events, and other events to promote the resiliency of Soldiers and their families. Crawley, was able to get lessons and programs started for Wounded Soldiers, to help relieve the stress of rehabilitation and the rigors of Military Life. Crawley eventually was able to bring The First Tee to Military Families on Fort Riley, and well as get Soldiers to participate in PGA HOPE.
During his time in Muscatine, though not part of the Military establishment, he has continued to work for Veterans and advocate golf to them. Crawley has helped participate in the G.I.V.E Foundation program and has been able to get Muscatine Municipal as a G.I.V.E location for Veterans and their Families.
Throughout Dave’s career he has shown the upmost devotion to providing opportunities and experiences for active personnel and veterans to learn and enjoy the game of golf.
Sutton Named Charlie Burkart Scholarship Recipient
Riverside, Iowa – Davis Sutton of Ellis Park Golf Course has been selected as the 2018 Charlie Burkart Scholarship honoree by the Iowa PGA Foundation Charlie Burkart Scholarship Committee.
“I am honored to be the recipient of the Charlie Burkart Scholarship this year,” said Sutton. “It means a tremendous amount to me, as this provides me a great opportunity, as well as encourages me, to go further in my career. I must thank the staff I am surrounded by at Ellis Golf Course, especially the head professional, Mark McMahon, who has given me so many great opportunities in the short time I have worked for him. I wouldn’t be where I am today without him and his continuous support. I would also like to thank the scholarship committee for selecting me and awarding me this opportunity. I only hope to be a great representative of the scholarship in the future.”
The Iowa PGA Section annually awards a college scholarship in memory of Iowa Golf Hall of Famer, Charlie Burkart, PGA member for 49 years and head professional at the Elmcrest Counrty Club in Cedar Rapids for 42 years. The purpose of the scholarship is to assist students in furthering their education. At least one high school graduate a year will be the scholarship recipient in the amount of $1500 per year for four years. Other previously graduated applicants are reviewed with additional scholarships awarded when possible.
Upon graduating from high school, Sutton accepted a Golf Scholarship at Indian Hills Community College, one of the top Junior College golf programs in the country. In the Spring of 2017 Davis decided he would enroll in the PGA of America’s Professional Golf Management Program.
After entering the program Sutton accepted his current job at Ellis Park Golf Course in Cedar Rapids. Sutton is currently on Level one of the Professional Golf Management program and has completed his PAT and entry level exam.
Sutton is most interested in working on the junior golf side of the industry. He helps with the junior golf program that is run through the City of Cedar Rapids, the Ellis PGA Jr. League team and he also has a handful of junior golfers that he helps on an individual basis.
Beyond working in the golf industry, Sutton has seen success playing the game of golf. Sutton turned professional in the spring of 2017. Since then, he has competed in seven Iowa PGA events. He’s finished inside the top-10 in five of the seven events he played in, including victories at the National Car Rental Iowa Assistant PGA Championship and the Fall Education & Pro-Pro.