The Atlanta-based company celebrates the achievements of golf professionals at three Bobby Jones Links facilities

Bobby Jones Links, an Atlanta-based golf club development and management company, is proud to celebrate three accolades that have been awarded to its staff members by the Georgia PGA for 2021 — the Player Development Award, the Merchandiser of the Year Award and the Youth Player Development Award — as well as two instructors in the U.S. Kids Golf Top 50 Coaches list.

Justin Martin, an instructor at the Grand Slam Golf Academy at Bobby Jones Golf Course, has been recognized as 2021's Player Development Award winner. This award is presented to the PGA professional that has made extraordinary contributions and achievements in conducting and/or supporting Play Golf America initiatives. The award also considers the member’s service to the Association and involvement in the community. Martin is involved in numerous community efforts, including the PGA HOPE program for veterans and the junior program powered by U.S. Kids Golf, which has reached over 1,700 children since the facility reopened in 2018. In addition, he’s involved in PGA of America governance at both the section and national levels, currently serves as the Georgia PGA North Chapter President and is on the PGA of America National Tournament Committee.

A talented player and instructor, Justin Martin was also recently named to the U.S. Kids Golf Top 50 Kids Coaches list for 2021 alongside another Bobby Jones Links' instructor, Matt Clinger of Towhee Club, who received the award in 2020 as well. The award honors professionals who have dedicated themselves to coaching junior golf and excelled in helping younger players learn the fundamentals of golf. In addition, Martin has been honored with the GRAA Top 100 Growth of the Game Teaching Professional Award, the Georgia PGA Match Play Champion Award and the Georgia PGA North Chapter Youth Player Development Award in recent years.

"Justin's commitment to player development and growing the game is unmatched," said Jason Kuiper, director of Instruction at the Grand Slam Golf Academy. "He has always had full buy-in to any growth-of-game program we put together, and his leadership at the academy and dedication to teaching have made him a perfect fit for us at Bobby Jones Golf Course."

Rachel Clopton, a lead instructor at Bobby Jones Golf Course, was awarded the Youth Player Development award by the Georgia PGA North Chapter. This award is selected by the Chapter Awards Committee and recognizes the chapter professional who is a leader in junior golf, reflects the ideals of those who work with youth, and promotes the development of junior golf at both the club level and in national junior golf programs. A graduate of the Mississippi State University Professional Golf Management Program, Rachel joined the Bobby Jones team in spring of 2019. Known for her work with juniors, she was a 2020 recipient of the U.S. Kids Top 50 Coach award.

Mike Wooditch, PGA Head Golf Professional at Cobblestone Golf Course, has been awarded the Merchandiser of the Year Public Award. This award recognizes PGA professionals who have excelled as a businessperson or merchandiser in the promotion of golf in three categories: private, public and resort. Wooditch helped Cobblestone Golf Course record a 25% increase in total sales over 2020, which he attributes to his implementation of creative sales promotions, consistently adapting the product mix in the golf shop, and belief in the importance of training staff in customer service. Wooditch is a Quarter Century Member of the PGA of America and has over 45 years of experience in the golf industry.

"I am truly honored to be this year’s recipient of the Merchandiser of the Year Award in the public category,” said Mike Wooditch. “It has been a pleasure to be a leader and mentor to such a fine group of staff members who excel in customer service and the promotion of golf at Cobblestone; a successful retail business is more than just product offerings, and our team and efforts show that."

You can find out more about Bobby Jones Links dedication to excellence at www.bobbyjoneslinks.com. For more information on Justin Martin, Rachel Clopton and Bobby Jones Golf Course visit www.bobbyjonesgc.com, and to learn more about Mike Wooditch and Cobblestone Golf Course visit www.cobblestonegolf.com. Additional information on Towhee Club and Matt Clinger can be found at www.towheeclub.com.

About Bobby Jones Links

Bobby Jones Links is an Atlanta-based club management company. Bobby Jones Links’ partners and principles have broad experience building, owning, and operating more than 200 clubs worldwide. Bobby Jones Links’ expertise goes beyond just golf and country clubs with work on additional projects and amenities such as lodging, spas, marinas, property owner associations, and real estate developments. Visit www.bobbyjoneslinks.com to get to know how Bobby Jones Links makes a difference for their clients and associates.