WORLEY - Tom Davidson, the PGA director of golf at Circling Raven Golf Club in Worley, has been named the recipient of the 2010 PGA Merchandiser of the Year Award for Resort Facilities.

Davidson, 47, who was elected to PGA of America membership in 1992, is the first Pacific Northwest PGA Professional to be named a recipient of the PGA Merchandiser of the Year since the award was established in 1978.

Davidson was recognized at The PGA of America Awards on Jan. 27 during the 58th PGA Merchandise Show at the Orange County Convention Center's Linda W. Chapin Auditorium in Orlando, Fla.

Born in Logan, Utah, Davidson was introduced to the game of golf by his father, and began his career as a golf shop employee in 1974 at Smithfield (Utah) Municipal Golf Course. He attended Utah State University, graduating in 1988 and turning professional that year.

Davidson was honored in 2008 and 2009, as the Pacific Northwest PGA Merchandiser of the Year for Resort Facilities.

"To be recognized on the Section level is quite an honor, but to be honored by our national PGA has taken what we have worked to accomplish here to a whole new level," Davidson said. "Our success starts at the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, where great leadership comes with support and commitment. I am very pleased for all members of our staff, our team. You got to have good people to be successful."

Davidson was named PGA head professional at Birch Creek Golf Club in Smithfield, Utah, in 1998, and spent four seasons there before being named general manager in 2003 at Coeur d'Alene Public Golf Course.

In 2008, Davidson arrived at Circling Raven Golf Club as PGA director of golf at his first resort 18-hole facility, where he also is responsible for all golf course operations that include golf course maintenance. The course is owned and operated by the Coeur d'Alene Tribe.

In challenging economic times, Davidson said his staff's commitment to customer service has served as a bridge to stable operations. The adjoining casino resort makes Davidson's home facility the second-largest employer in Idaho.

"We do everything with the customer in mind," said Davidson. "Guests want to be served. Our staff's ability to service our guests is what differentiates us from some of our competitors. We want to make the whole golf experience special for all of our customers."

Davidson and his wife, Pauline, live in Hayden Lake and have three children.