A Rocky Mount golf professional is one of 10 pros in the state who have been recognized by the Carolinas PGA Section.

Rich Parker again was named the sport group’s Private Merchandiser of the Year. The head pro at Benvenue Country Club, Parker was recognized for supplying quality merchandise, providing his staff effective sales ideas and tools and offering superior merchandising techniques, performance and shop operations.

“Parker and his staff enhance their member’s buying experience by making them feel at home by creating an atmosphere that is relaxed and consistent with their buying habits,” the release announcing the award says. “They focus on custom club fitting systems to reduce the overhead of hard good inventory.”

Parker previously won this award in 2003. He also was the sport group’s Horton Smith Award recipient in 2006.