Key Takeaways
- Derek Ingram and Tristan Mullally were presented with the 2025 PGA of Canada National Awards during Canada Night at the PGA Show in Orlando, Florida.
- Ingram was awarded the Ben Kern Coach of the Year Award, marking his third time receiving the honor and his sixth career National PGA of Canada Award.
- Mullally was named the Tex Noble Professional Development Award winner in recognition of his contributions to coach education, mentorship, and the advancement of professional development in Canada.
- Both Ingram and Mullally have made significant contributions to the development of golf in Canada, with Ingram coaching Team Canada at multiple Olympic Games and World Championships, and Mullally overseeing the national talent identification system.
Introduction to the Awards
The PGA of Canada National Awards are a prestigious recognition of excellence in the golf industry, and this year’s winners are no exception. Derek Ingram and Tristan Mullally were presented with their awards during Canada Night at the PGA Show in Orlando, Florida. Ingram, a renowned coach from Winnipeg, Manitoba, was awarded the Ben Kern Coach of the Year Award, while Mullally, from Dundas, Ontario, was named the Tex Noble Professional Development Award winner.
Derek Ingram’s Achievements
Ingram’s contributions to the golf industry are numerous and impressive. He has coached Team Canada at three Olympic Games, including Rio 2016, Tokyo 2021, and Paris 2024, and serves as a full-time PGA TOUR coach to several notable players, including Corey Conners, Taylor Pendrith, and Sudarshan Yellamaraju. Ingram has also coached Team Canada at eight World Junior Team Championships and six World Amateur Team Championships, earning a silver medal in Japan in 2014. His dedication to the sport has earned him numerous awards, including the Ben Kern Coach of the Year Award, which he has now won three times.
Ingram’s Reaction to the Award
Ingram was thrilled to receive the award, stating, "I am both honoured and thrilled to win the PGA of Canada’s Ben Kern Coach of the Year Award. Ben was a legend playing and coaching in Canada, and it is a privilege to win the award with his namesake." He also expressed his gratitude to the players and Golf Canada for putting their trust in him, saying, "There is very little more gratifying than being recognized by your peers and the PGA of Canada for the work I have done this year and past years. One simple goal, to help Canadian players achieve their goal of playing on the PGA Tour. Huge thank you to the players and Golf Canada for putting their trust in me. Excited for the future."
Tristan Mullally’s Achievements
Mullally, the winner of the Tex Noble Professional Development Award, has made significant contributions to coach education, mentorship, and the advancement of professional development in Canada. As Golf Canada’s Head of National Talent Identification, he oversees the national talent identification system, which was established in 2022. In this role, Mullally provides support to a promising group of young junior golfers and their existing coaching teams to grow the pool of future Team Canada prospects. His work has already shown promising results, with six players transitioning from Talent ID to Team Canada – NextGen in 2026.
Mullally’s Reaction to the Award
Mullally was humbled to receive the award, stating, "To be recognized by my peers in developing coaches is a truly humbling honour. So many mentors had a significant influence on my career, and it’s been so great to fulfill that role for others on behalf of Golf Canada and the PGA of Canada." His dedication to developing coaches and advancing professional development in Canada is a testament to his passion for the sport and his commitment to helping others achieve their goals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 2025 PGA of Canada National Awards recognize the outstanding contributions of Derek Ingram and Tristan Mullally to the golf industry in Canada. Both winners have demonstrated a deep commitment to the sport, and their achievements serve as an inspiration to others. Golf Canada congratulates all the award winners and extends a heartfelt thank you for their continued support and advancement of the sport across the country. For more information on the award winners and their achievements, please visit the PGA of Canada website.
