Merchandisers of the Year Donah, Jobin and McNamara Winners-
Luke Donah Wins Private Merchandiser of the Year-
Riverside, Iowa – Luke Donah of Cedar Rapids Country Club has been named the 2025 Iowa PGA Private Merchandiser of the Year. This award is presented to the PGA Professional who demonstrated superior skills as a merchandiser in the promoting of golf at a private facility.
When asked on what this means to win this award Donah responded with, ““It is an honor to be recognized as this years Private Merchandiser of the Year. This recognition would not be possible without the assistance of my talented Professional Staff at the Cedar Rapids Country Club. Together we strive to provide our membership with an elevated shopping experience, this award is every bit theirs as it is my own”
His merchandising philosophy can best be summarized as attempting to uphold an high-end, elegant, and tasteful shopping experience that one would find at premier classic clubs throughout the country. He carries brands that are not found at Dicks Sporting Goods/Golf Galaxy and displays merchandise in a fashion that creates an experience for the shopper as they navigate their way from the front door to the counter. Brands that can be found in our shop include Smathers and Branson, Peter Millar, Holderness and Bourne, Kjus, Zero Restriction, B Draddy, Fairway and Greene, Footjoy, GFore, Ecco, American Needle, and others. He also brings in the usage of alternate logos and merchandising concepts that tell a story about the history of the club.
Donah won the Merchandiser of the Year for Private in 2023.
The PGA Congratulates Luke Donah as our 2025 Private Merchandiser of the Year.
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Mason Jobin Wins Public Merchandiser of the Year
Mason Jobin of TPC Deere Run has been named the 2025 Iowa PGA Public Merchandiser of the Year. This award is presented to the PGA Professional that demonstrated superior skills as a merchandiser in the promotion of golf at a public facility.
When asked what this means to win this award Jobin responded with, “I’m profoundly grateful for this award. Although we host an annual PGA Tour event on a spectacular property, our continued success is due to our passionate staff throughout the year. They are the key component to delivering the experience that our golfers expect, especially in the shopping experience. Winning this award showcases how truly special this team is.”
Our retail philosophy is to create an elevated guest experience motivated by a vast souvenir option. The core customer drives 2-6 hours to play either once in a lifetime or once annually and are looking for a memorable keepsake. We also host multiple collegiate events including two intercollegiate and one national championship where athletes and families are looking for meaningful gifts to remember their visit. Our ordering strategies are heavily dictated by the timing of these competitions to help create a fan shop-like experience.
Many of our accessories are farm-themed to be in line with the strong agriculture background our area is known for. We also stock heavily in green and yellow combinations in apparel and headwear due to our property’s rich history with the Deere family and company.
We began a replenishment program with TASC for leisurewear tees and hoodies to ensure a consistent option in various styles and all sizes. Sell through has been amazing and provides a great alternative option to the traditional golf shirt or outerwear piece.
Our merchandise success is due to the tremendous Golf Shop staff lead by our Assistant Professional, Peyton Tanghe. They do a wonderful job with enhancing the buyers experience with their attention to detail and product display. Social media content showcases our many options in accessories. Since last year, accessories sales have increased by 45%, apparel by 42%, and headwear by 31%.
This is Jobin’s first Iowa PGA Section Award.
The Iowa PGA Congratulates Mason Jobin as our 2025 Public Merchandiser of the Year.
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Michael McNamara Wins Resort Merchandiser of the Year-
Michael McNamara of Blue Top Ridge at Riverside has been named the 2025 Iowa PGA Resort Merchandiser of the Year. This award is presented to the PGA Professional who demonstrated superior skills as a merchandiser in the promoting of golf at a resort facility.
When asked on what this means to win this award McNamara responded with, “I see retail sales as an indicator of how our team is doing in all facets of the operation. The fact that our golf shop is doing well tells me we are building a positive golf experience for each and every guest. I’m honored to win this award and thrilled to share this with our team members.”
McNamara typically will spend 30 – 45 minutes a day evaluating the golf shop and creating visually appealing pro shop displays. Rotating merchandise for a fresh look and monitoring sales. Ensuring all products are priced, tagged and color coordinated, grabbing the customers’ attention. We will meet several times a season with our golf company representatives evaluating sales, sales goals, and future orders. Working together to understand the supply of products, new releases, and product launches.
We will change the Golf Shop fixtures and display them 3-4 times a season. Knowing the hot and cold zones and impulse items. We place shop fixtures strategically, so customers see as much product on their way to the counter. We cross merchandise multiple items such as hats with shirts and shorts together to create interest in all three items. We will group products by brand or by type so there are clear categories in store for the customer to identify. We will work on window displays and focus points to draw attention to new product. We space our product delivery to keep the pro shop looking fresh and compelling.
As a Casino and Golf Resort our Resort Club members get exclusive daily and monthly promotions. Resort Club points can be spent in our golf shop. Members also receive a discount based on their level of play. We offer discounts of 10% – 30% off selected items based on their card level. Card members also receive points on their retail and golf purchases.
Elite Casino Resorts owns and operates the Midwest’s premier gaming and resort destinations. Our first-class guest service and amenities. We tailor our goals, values, and the specific identity, involving principles for product selection, presentation, promotion, and customer expectations. Offering a diverse range of products across various price points, from essential items like tees and balls to apparel with diverse bold patterns, and new materials apparel styles and brands.
McNamara won Bill Strausbaugh in 2020, Resort Merchandiser of the Year in 2024, Assistant Professional of the Year in 2010.
The Iowa PGA Congratulates Michael McNamara as our 2025 Resort Merchandiser of the Year.
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