Las Vegas, Nevada (January 19, 2013)–It's the highest honor a Las Vegas PGA of America professional can receive. And recently Chad Gunier–who's family moved to Las Vegas in 1948 so his roots run deep here–was named the 2012 Professional of the Year by the PGA of America, Southwest Section, Southern Nevada chapter. His award concluded a night of other honors. Gunier serves as the general manager of the Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort. –By Brian Hurlburt
"To win this award is humbling esepecially because of my family's deep roots in this city," said Gunier during his acceptance speech at the Stan Fulton Building on the UNLV Campus, the home to one of the best Professional Golf Management programs in the country.. "But I couldn't win an award like this without a terrific team, and I have that at the Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort. And I also say thank you to the Las Vegas Paiute Tribal Council for entrusting me to oversee their operations." Gunier serves as the general manager of the resort, which is the home of the only three Pete Dye signature golf courses in the Las Vegas Golf Region. Also on the property is a smoke shop and gasoline station.
Among the people specifically thanked by Gunier was Tom Fischer, the resort's head professional. "Fisch", Gunier said, was the person behind many of the initiatives that are making of the resort successful. Gunier was presented the award by Thom Blinkinsop, the 2011 Golf Professional of the Year. Blinkinsop is the general manager of Siena Golf Club and Red Rock Country Club. Blinkinsop is a former Marine.
Gunier takes a lot of pride in being a native of Las Vegas. Probably because of that influence, Gunier is supportive of the community coming together for the common good. He wants all PGA of America professionals in the Las Vegas area to promote the Las Vegas Golf Region as a preeminent golf destination. He urged everyone in the community to work together towards that common goal. He also suggested that the PGA Southern Nevada chapter create a committee to focus in on the overall promotion of golf in Las Vegas to the world.
Founded by the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe, The Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort was the first master planned multi-course resort to be developed on Native American land in the United States. The Paiute offers three championship golf courses, facilities and catering for corporate events, wedding ceremonies and receptions, and a full-scale clubhouse including an award-winning Pro Shop, restaurant, bar, outdoor terrace, and smoking/cigar lounge. Pete Dye, recipient of the World Golf Hall of Fame (WGHOF) 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award and 2008 inductee into the WGHOF, is the creative force behind the design of Snow Mountain, Sun Mountain, and WOLF, currently the longest course in Nevada. Click now to reserve your Las Vegas tee times at the Paiute.