Golf journalist Amanda Balionis has reacted to Brian Crowell winning the award at the 2026 PGA of America National Awards. The PGA of America announced the name of the winner of the 2026 National Award on Friday. Crowell was awarded the Professional of the Year honor.
Bally’s Golf Links at Ferry Point shared the good news by posting on its Instagram account. The club shared a photo of Crowell to congratulate him. The post was reshared by Amanda Balionis on her Instagram story with a heartfelt caption.
“One of the best humans in the game. Well deserved, @bcrowellpro,” she wrote.
Alongside him, Bernie Najar won the PGA of America Teacher & Coach of the Year award, while Sean Palmer won Executive of the Year.
Here is the list of the winners of the 2026 PGA of America National Awards:
- PGA of America Golf Professional of the Year: Brian Crowell
- PGA of America Teacher & Coach of the Year: Bernie Najar
- PGA of America Golf Executive of the Year: Sean Palmer
- PGA of America Professional Development award: Robin Shelton
- Bill Strausbaugh Award: Carl Alexander, PGA – The Golf Club of Purchase
- Deacon Palmer Award: Mike D’Agostino, PGA
- Patriot Award: Bo Preston, PGA – The Links at Boynton Beach
- PGA of America Player Development Award: Ryan Young, PGA
- PGA of America Youth Player Development Award: Henry Stetina, PGA
- PGA of America Merchandiser of the Year – Resort Category: Jared Henzlik
- PGA of America Merchandiser of the Year – Public Category: Alex Abbruzza
- PGA of America Merchandiser of the Year – Private Category: Chris Rowe
Amanda Balionis Shares Her Excitement for the New PGA Tour Season
Amanda Balionis shared her excitement for the upcoming PGA Tour season on her Instagram last week. She shared a post on her social media handle with a heartfelt caption.
“A great few days spent with the incredible @amazonwebservices team 👏 Getting a closer look at how AI and innovative technology are helping drive the PGA TOUR forward has me even more excited for the new season 👀 always love the chance to learn from this team, brainstorm ideas and push the limits of the way we can tell stories through data,” she wrote.
Balionis posted a few snaps of herself from the broadcasting booth, along with a few from the golf course. In the first slide of the post, she added a photo of herself in a blue top, followed by snaps from the greens.
Amanda Balionis covers golf and the NFL for CBS Sports. The 2026 PGA Tour season started with its season-opening event last week at the Sony Open in Hawaii. This week, players are competing at The American Express.
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