Columnist Peter Benton: ‘Dean of LV golf’ Roberts honored by PGA

Peter Benton

Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2003 | 8:47 a.m.

Peter Benton's golf column appears Wednesday.

The Las Vegas Chapter, PGA Southwest Section recently held its annual awards banquet at the TPC Summerlin. Jerry Roberts, director of golf at the Spanish Trail County Club, was singled out for special recognition and was the man of the evening.

Roberts, referred to as the Dean of Las Vegas golf, is your basic boy-next-door type. He is blessed with a smile that can warm a room on the coldest day, and his love of golf is deep and sincere.

Among the many places Robert has toiled include the Stardust golf course, Las Vegas Hilton and Las Vegas National, where he first worked as a professional in Las Vegas. From there he went to the Desert Inn, and then to Las Vegas Country Club, which preceded his appointment as Director of Golf at Spanish Trail in 1985.

A devout Ben Hogan disciple, Roberts, because of his integrity, dedication and downright helpfulness, has won every award possible in this chapter, including Merchandiser of the Year five times.

Roberts has served this area with distinction for more than a quarter century, and his introduction at the banquet as "a pro's pro" says it all.

Dale Akridge, South Shore's head professional and the chapter's outgoing president, was honored as the Golf Professional of the Year. This came as no surprise, as his hard work and diligence is common knowledge throughout Las Vegas.

The prestigious Person of the Year Award went to Charlie Baron, who has overseen our Las Vegas PGA event virtually since inception. The trials and tribulations he has weathered -- and is weathering -- is well documented. He is a very deserving honoree.

The Chapter Teacher of the Year went to Mike Davis of Walters Golf while Brian Esposito (TPC Canyons) was named Junior Golf Leader of the Year.

Tyson Tidwell of the TPC Canyons was named Player of the Year, having earned 770 points in tournament play. Wes Weston (South Shore) placed second with 560 while Monty Montgomery of Shadow Creek was third with 526.25.

Palm Valley's Jim Kirwin garnered Senior Player of the Year honors, accumulating 1017.5 points. He was followed by Roberts with 942.5 and Tom Carlson of Craig Ranch with 682.5 points.

Montgomery won the Low Stroke Average of the Year with Mike Davis (Walters Golf) winning in the Senior division.

Merchandiser of the Year went to Joe Kelly at the Bali Hai complex. John Hearndan of Reflection Bay won in the resort category and Jason Edminston of TPC Summerlin for private clubs.

Kirwan was elected the Chapter's incoming president along with new board members Paul Brown, Palm Valley; John Goin, TPC Summerlin; Chuck Hardy, Dragon Ridge; and Berry Walburn, Sienna.