b'P rairie Dunes is blessed with a strong heritage of highly respected golf professionals. That we have had only three head professionals since 1937 speaks volumes to the character of these men. A tremendous testimony, Head Pro John Lanham was recognized by his peers in the Midwest Section PGA this year as the 2024 Bill Strausbaugh Award recipient.Club General Manager and Chief Operating Officer Thomas Barksdale watches John work with his team every day. He excels, Barksdale says, in his ability to develop leadership talent. Throughout his career he has been steadfast in pushing his staff to a higher standard of excellence and helping them focus on the bigger picture of their professional aspirations. The energy he brings to his team is impressive to say the least and often inspirational.We enjoyed sitting down with Lanham recently to learn more about what this award means for him, his family and Prairie Dunes. Please take time to congratulate John when you have the opportunity. PGA of America BillThis award is designed to recognize great leaders who takeStrausbaugh Award an interest in developing the folks who work for them to be Established in 1979, the Billthe best versions of themselves. John Lanham is one such Strausbaugh Award is presentedleader. He has the four qualities I believe all great leaders in to a PGA Professional who byour business have:their day-to-day efforts has distinguished themselves in He knows what hes doingmentoring their fellow PGA He can make everyone a better version of themselvesProfessionals to improve He can mold them into a team, and show them how to wintheir employment situations He cares about them as people, not just employeesand through service to the community. The awardIve known John almost 30 years; hes always employed reflects the characteristics andthese same principles, and he never stops learning.qualities of Strausbaugh, a Middle Atlantic PGA MasterCameron Doan, PGA, Director of GolfPreston Trail Golf ClubProfessional who died in 1999. 2018 PGA National Strausbaugh Award RecipientROOTStoBRANCHES20'