Michael Buccerone, senior director for Grande Dunes Clubs and Amenities, was chosen as the 2008 National Merchandiser of the Year in the resort category. Buccerone advanced to the national level after capturing the 2008 Carolinas PGA Merchandiser of the Year in the resort category earlier this year.
Buccerone was honored for his efforts in expanding the golf shop at Grande Dunes to 1,050 square feet; increasing gross merchandise sales each year; initiating property-wide Grande Gift Cards; developing an online merchandise store component; directing the Grande Dunes Pro-Celebrity Classic benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation; integrating the marketing theme of the Grande Collection into the retail philosophy and developing a national vendor program that extends to other Burroughs & Chapin golf courses and through other corporation departments.
Buccerone will be recognized at The PGA of America Awards Night, Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009, during the 56th PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Fla., along with all 2008 national award winners.
“It is an extreme honor to be recognized by my fellow PGA professionals,” says Buccerone. “I have been very fortunate to work in a business that I truly love, and be supported by so many people who have helped make this award possible. I have a strong belief that merchandise does not sell itself. We need to recognize what our guests need and buy accordingly.”
A native of Washington Township, N.J., Buccerone graduated from Methodist College in 1995 with a bachelor of science degree in business administration and a concentration in professional golf management. He began his golf career after in Myrtle Beach, S. C., at Wild Wing Plantation in 1996 as the assistant golf professional. After advancing to the first assistant golf professional and the golf shop buyer, Buccerone left South Carolina in 2000 to join the staff at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colo. as an assistant golf professional and a golf shop buyer. His golf shop operation was also named as one of the “Top 100 Golf Shops in America” by Golf World Business. Buccerone returned to Myrtle Beach in 2001 to assume the duties of general manager of The Resort Club at Grande Dunes for three years before being named as the general manager of both The Resort Club and The Members Club in 2004. In 2008, Buccerrone was promoted to his present position as the senior director for Grande Dunes Clubs and Amenities.
After establishing the PGA Merchandiser of the Year Award in 1978, the PGA of America annually recognizes PGA professionals who have excelled as merchandisers. Individuals honored with this award demonstrate skill in planning and promoting of sales by presenting products to the market on a timely basis and through the use of specialized merchandising techniques such as displaying and advertising. The PGA of America honors individuals based on three categories: private, public and resort facilities, with candidates nominated by their respective PGA section offices.