CARRABASSETT VALLEY – Sugarloaf/USA’s director of golf, Scott Hoisington, and the pro shop staff have been recognized as the 2003 Merchandiser of the Year by the New England Professional Golfers’ Association.

Hoisington accepted the award on behalf of the retail team last month at the annual New England PGA Awards and Hall of Fame Banquet.

The Merchandiser of the Year award recognizes PGA professionals who demonstrate superior skills as merchandisers in the promotion of golf. The award is given for excellence in golf shop operations in three categories: private, resort, and public/municipal/semi-private. Sugarloaf is this year’s resort category winner.

Hoisington and the Sugarloaf team were selected for the award because of the way their retail strategy is designed to celebrate the spectacular setting of the Sugarloaf Golf Club. The merchandising program is tailored to accentuate the beauty, memory and accomplishment of a round at Sugarloaf.

The Sugarloaf triangle logo is recognized worldwide, and that is evident in Sugarloaf’s soft goods movement. The recognition, combined with an inventory comprised of very high quality merchandise, complements the caliber of the championship golf course.

Sugarloaf’s 11th hole program was also cited in the success of the retail operation. Through this program, players have to opportunity to ‘wager’ up to $100, which they automatically receive as credit in the pro shop. If their drive lands on the green of the signature hole, the credit is doubled.

On a busy day, the program can add up to $1,500 in sales in the pro shop.

The Sugarloaf/USA Golf Club has been rated the top course in Maine for 18 consecutive years by Golf Digest and is ranked the No. 1 Course You Can Play in New England, by the New England Journal of Golf.