Kellie Stenzel is Teacher of the Year, Megan Younkman is Professional of the Year, Val Patrick is Coach of the Year and Beth Brown is Junior Golf Leader of the Year

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Nov. 13, 2025 – The LPGA Professionals announced today the recipients of its prestigious 2025 Global Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to the game of golf through teaching, professional service, coaching, and junior golf leadership. These awards highlight the dedication of LPGA Professionals who inspire players of all ages, while fostering growth and inclusivity both on and off the course.

Kellie Stenzel is the 2025 LPGA Professionals Teacher of the Year; Megan Younkman is the Professional of the Year; Val Patrick is the Coach of the Year; and Beth Brown is the Junior Golf Leader of the Year.

Selected through a rigorous nomination and evaluation process by the LPGA Professionals membership’s Executive Committee, these honorees embody the highest standards within the organization’s membership - more than 2,000 women spanning six regional sections: Central, International, Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, and Western.

"The LPGA Professionals Global Awards celebrate the trailblazers who embody our mission of transforming lives through the game of golf," said Liz Cooper, Vice President of the LPGA Foundation and LPGA Professionals. "We are thrilled to honor their innovative approaches, unwavering commitment to players and profound community impact, proving golf’s power as a transformative tool in life. We look forward to their continued influence in 2025 and beyond."

Kellie Stenzel, Teacher of the Year

In 1958, the LPGA established the Teacher of the Year Award to honor the female golf professional who has demonstrated exceptional excellence in instruction.

With over 30 years in the industry, Kellie Stenzel, LPGA Professionals member and PGA Master Professional, has taught thousands worldwide, earning accolades as one of the most influential instructors. She is being recognized this year for her unparalleled ability to make golf approachable, enjoyable, and confidence-building for players of all abilities, including women and beginners.

Based in West Palm Beach, Florida, she serves as Director of Instruction at Dutchman’s Pipe Golf Club, a newly founded private club that leads with top instructors as a part of their brand.

Stenzel expanded guest instruction at elite spots like Shooting Star (WY), The Yellowstone Club, and John’s Island Club (FL), boosting student numbers by 30%. She has also rebuilt programs at The Boca Raton, doubling revenue in the first year and expanded lesson volume at Palm Beach Par 3, while serving as Director of Instruction at each location.

Her career trajectory reflects a seamless blend of athletic prowess and academic innovation, profoundly impacting golf’s accessibility. A native of Geneva, New York, she excelled as a standout junior golfer, competing at the Division I level for Furman University before launching a five-year professional playing career on global circuits, including the Futures Tour, Ladies European Tour, Ladies South African Tour, Ladies Asian Tour, Ladies Australian Tour, and the Korean Open.

Transitioning to teaching in the late 1990s, she rose swiftly to prominence, being named a Golf Magazine Top 100 Teachers since 2009 and consistently ranked among Golf Digest’s 50 Best Women Teachers in America and among the LPGA’s Top 50 Best Teachers (2022-2025). Her philosophy emphasizes empowerment through personalized instruction, merging technical drills with clear communication to conquer barriers like contact issues, full game development and short game plans to lower scores and allow golfers to get the most out of their games and achieve their personal goals.

Stenzel has inspired players worldwide through her instruction, writing, and media presence, democratizing golf for tens of thousands. She authored the acclaimed Women’s Guide to Golf series, contributed to Golf Magazine’s Big Book of Basics, created content like her Amazon Prime video series on full swing and short game for women, and frequently writes for Golf Magazine and GOLF.com. She leverages her social influence to share practical tips, amassing millions of monthly views and new followers. Her game-improving instruction courses are featured on her Instagram account.

Since 1997, Stenzel has been deeply involved with the LPGA Professionals in the Southeast Section, underscoring her commitment to the organization’s mission. Inspired by trailblazing LPGA Professionals mentor Dana Rader, whose profound teaching, leadership, and generosity modeled the supportive sisterhood she sought, Stenzel joined the LPGA to elevate women in golf. She serves on the Member Engagement committee, speaks at national engagements like the 2024 PGA Show, and mentors rising stars. She carries forward the traditions of collaboration and excellence.

“I am so thrilled and honored to receive this teaching award from the LPGA Professionals,” expressed Stenzel. “Being part of this amazing organization means so much to me. It’s a place where women truly support and lift each other up. I share this award with my fellow instructors who continue to inspire and teach me every day, and with my students who trust me with their games and their goals. I am grateful to my mentors who’ve guided me, my colleagues who’ve collaborated with me, and my students who’ve supported me throughout this journey. A huge thank you to the LPGA leadership and team for everything you do to support us and grow the game we all love.”

Megan Younkman, Professional of the Year

The LPGA Professional of the Year Award was established in 1980 and is awarded annually to an LPGA Professionals member primarily engaged in a golf operation, golf association, or industry position, promoting the game through player development, growth of the game initiatives, and other golf-related activities.

With more than three decades teaching and growing the game, LPGA Professionals member, Megan Younkman has delivered over 38,000 lessons, establishing herself as a cornerstone of the Northeast golf community. She is being recognized this year for blending operational acumen with student-centered instruction to boost programs serving thousands annually across iconic New York courses.

Based in Farmingdale, New York, she serves as Chief Operating Officer and Director of Instruction at Golf Channel Academy with Kelley Brooke, operating at Bethpage State Park Golf Courses, Montauk Downs Golf Course, Harbor Links Golf Course, Merrick Golf Club and Lido Golf Club.

Younkman drove unprecedented growth this past year in her facilities, expanding junior programs to over 500 participants and launching inclusive programming, lifting overall participation by 25%. Junior golf enrollment surged 100% at Harbor Links and Merrick, with adult classes reaching waitlists; per-day registration at Montauk Downs also grew attendance. She hosted regional qualifiers for national junior events, spearheaded strategic partnerships for after-school initiatives integrating Trackman analysis and implementing cutting-edge technologies across five sites to drive business growth. Her efforts engaged nearly 2,450 juniors and adults, generating revenues projected to exceed $1 million this fiscal year.

Younkman’s career reflects a passion for accessible, transformative golf education. After playing collegiate varsity golf for The Ohio State University and The University of Toledo, she later joined the LPGA Professionals and became a Class A certified instructor in 2007, amassing nearly 1,100 service and continuing education credits. She is known as an excellent communicator and motivator and has taught internationally in both Austria and Germany.

Her junior leadership shines. In 2011, Younkman was appointed the Head Coach for the State of Florida in the PGA Junior League Golf World Series. She co-led the U13 PGA Junior League National Championship Team for the State of New York in 2019. And guided Bethpage’s U17 PGA Junior League Team to the National Championship in both 2023 and 2024, securing the 2024 title in New Mexico.

As an active member of the Northeast Section, Younkman has been deeply involved with LPGA Professionals for more than 20 years. She has been an integral part of the LPGA Teacher Education Program since 2012, serving on the Global Education Team as a National Evaluator and Practical Teaching Evaluation Workshop Instructor. She chaired the National Continuing Education Committee from 2014–2018 and participated on the Executive Education Committee 2019–2021. Her philosophy of leading by example with kindness, respect and mentorship empowers teams.

Her accolades include LPGA Professionals Northeast Section Junior Golf Leader (2021, 2023), LPGA Professionals Top 50 Teacher (2022–2027) and 2023 LPGA Professionals National Junior Leader of the Year.

“Receiving this award is an honor that fills me with gratitude and humility,” said Younkman. “It represents not only my journey, but the collective effort of an extraordinary team whose passion and dedication elevate the game of golf every day. I feel grateful every day for the opportunity to lead, inspire future professionals, and to share the game of golf with others and to help create opportunities for people of all ages and skill levels to enjoy it.”

Val Patrick, Coach of the Year

Created in 1980, the LPGA Professionals Coach of the Year Award recognizes a member each year for outstanding contributions to golf coaching at the collegiate or high school level.

For more than 20 years, LPGA Professional, Val Patrick has shaped hundreds of young athletes by emphasizing the importance of practice, patience, and positivity. She is being recognized this year for her deep passion for the game and her commitment to helping others play their best by blending technical skills with life lessons like integrity and perseverance.

Currently, she serves as Director of Instruction at Mill Creek Country Club, where she has revitalized junior programs since May 2023, like LPGA*USGA Girls Golf, PGA Junior League, and Operation 36, while coaching Shorewood High School Girls Golf since 2017.

This past year, Patrick led Shorewood's Girls Golf team to its first-ever League Championship, an 8th-place District finish and one state qualifier improving team cohesion. Her LPGA*USGA Girls Golf site onboarded 150 new participants; her PGA Junior League U13/U17 programs earned sportsmanship honors at regionals; and her Operation36 program grew 30%, incorporating adaptive tech for diverse abilities. She launched a high school-pro mentorship program yielding 20 college commitments and prepped 9-year-old Charley Drake for Drive, Chip and Putt regionals at Pebble Beach.

Her coaching philosophy includes building personalized plans from game assessments, blending technical drills, and utilizing data and technology for analysis and positive feedback. She claims her superpower is being a good listener to her students.

Since becoming an LPGA Class A Professionals in 2017, Patrick has been a dedicated member in the LPGA’s Western Section. She served for four years as Section Secretary and Section Championship Coordinator for three years, expanding events to Southern California for broader accessibility. She has delivered hundreds of presentations since 2009 and has led webinars like Control Your Posture. Patrick regularly volunteers at LPGA Professionals Lesson Zones and hosts InviteHER Sips and Tips to boost women’s participation, while supporting Washington State Golf and First Tee coaching curriculum training. Her accolades include the 2024 Operation 36 Coach Impact Award for positivity infusion.

“Winning the LPGA Global Award for Coach of the Year is an incredible and humbling honor,” stated Patrick. “I’m grateful for the opportunity I have had in my career to impact players' lives and help them reach their potential. This award highlights my achievements and also motivates me to continue striving for excellence and inspiring others in the sport. It is a recognition of the hard work, dedication, and passion I invest in my coaching. I am deeply grateful to the teachers and mentors who have guided and inspired me throughout my career.”

Dr. Beth Brown, Junior Golf Leader of the Year

Created in 2012, the LPGA Professionals Junior Golf Leader of the Year Award celebrates members driving growth in junior golf through innovative teaching and excellence.

For nearly three decades, LPGA Professionals member, Dr. Beth Brown has revolutionized youth development, combining sport psychology with holistic pathways. She is being recognized this year for architecting scalable programs that foster equity and lifelong opportunities, impacting thousands of elite juniors nationwide.

Based in Pinehurst, North Carolina, she is the Senior Athlete Development Specialist for the USGA's U.S. National Development Program, which identifies, trains, develops, funds and supports the nation’s most talented junior players, regardless of cultural, geographical or financial background. Dr. Brown collaborated on the development of the State Junior Team Program comprising 116 athletes across 32 states. She helped to expand the grant program which now awards over $865,000 to 109 athletes, more than 50% of whom are people of color. National Junior Team Camps reached 22 athletes with sessions on relationships and values. She and the USNDP team delivered 30 webinars on nutrition, fitness, psychology and recruiting, and was the architect and lead for two THRIVE trainings for coaches serving 115 juniors. Her collective efforts boosted impact by nearly 190%, from 89 to 256 athletes.

Dr. Brown earned a Ph.D. in Sport Psychology from the University of Kansas. She advanced from First Tee roles to founding Team Aureus, a consultancy empowering athletes and families. She has impacted thousands of athletes, parents, and coaches through her innovative programs.

As USNDP THRIVE™ architect, she crafted a blueprint spanning six domains: Training, Health, Relationships, Individual Development, Values and Equipment to nurture well-rounded athletes. Rooted in the American Development Model, this framework builds on established grassroots programs like LPGA*USGA Girls Golf, while emphasizing multi-sport participation to combat athletic identity risks like depression. She champions a long-term approach to athlete development that cultivates not only top competitors, but also exceptional human beings. Dr. Brown takes great pride in her programs’ role in elevating junior golf skills, while equipping them with resources, training, and opportunities to THRIVE on and off the golf course.

Dr. Brown inspires families worldwide through her authorship of Adventures with Divot and Swish, which has reached 10,000 households with stories of resilience, and guest spots on podcasts like Raising Golfers. As a Certified Mental Performance Consultant, she frequently keynotes at industry-wide conferences on youth psychology and junior engagement.

She has been an active LPGA Professionals member since 1995 in the Central Section. Dr. Brown led a 15-month advisory group piloting enhanced certification process for LPGA Professionals aspiring to become an LPGA Master Professional while mentoring those going through the program. She has served as an LPGA*USGA Girls Golf Site Director of Met OKC and led a Girls Golf Championship panel discussion for athletes and families. Her service extends to USGA Town Halls and PGA collaborations, fostering coach-athlete ecosystems.

“Winning this award feels surreal,” said Beth Brown. “I am simultaneously honored and incredibly grateful, because I would not have this opportunity without a myriad of exceptional people investing in and collaborating with me – including my dad, mentors, LPGA Professionals, and brilliant colleagues at the University of Kansas, First Tee, and the USGA’s U.S. National Development Program.”

Stenzel, Younkman, Patrick and Brown Receive 2025 LPGA Professionals Global Awards

Related Articles