Hartle gets Georgia PGA Pro of Year honors By Stan Awtrey The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Published on: 11/09/06 Craig Hartle, head professional at the new Georgia Tech Club in Alpharetta, has been named the Georgia PGA's Professional of the Year. Hartle took home the organization's big award, which is based on the candidate's body of work, with emphasis placed on service, leadership and promotion of the sport. "It's both humbling and shocking, but it's always nice to be honored by your peers," Hartle said. Hartle, a PGA member since 1986, has been chairman of the tournament committee for the past three years. He's a two-time winner of the Georgia PGA Championship. Hartle played two years of golf at Florida Southern and two years at Western Michigan. He spent two years in the banking business before returning to golf, first as an assistant at Fountain Head Country Club in Hagerstown, Md. Hartle spent time at clubs in Savannah and Augusta before becoming head professional at Settindown Creek in 1992, a job he held for 14 years. He moved to the Georgia Tech Club last April. Rick Anderson, director of golf at the Atlanta Athletic Club since 1989, won the President's Award, given for promotion of golf, impact on the game and the ability to inspire his colleagues. Billy Peters of Blakely won the Distinguished Service Award for spending 30 years as a volunteer rules official. Peters is an honorary lifetime member of the Georgia PGA. Ted Fort of the Marietta Golf Center was named Teacher of the Year. Fort has given nearly 4,000 lessons over the past three years. Deck Cheatham, director of golf at The Farm in Rocky Face, won the Horton Smith Trophy for his contributions to continuing education. Cheatham, the 2004 Professional of the Year, has organized and hosted many seminars and roundtables for his colleagues. Bud Robison, the head professional at Callaway Gardens, was named Junior Golf Leader. Mark Harrell of Atlanta Country Club was named Assistant of the Year. He was the assistants division president until recently being named head professional at Governor's Towne Club. Recognized as merchandisers of the year were: Craig Riddle of Bear's Best (public courses), Bill Connally of Glen Arven (private) and Steve Hupe of Stone Mountain (resort).