As Director of Golf for the Bella Vista Property Owners Association, Muldoon has served as tournament chair for each of the five years Bella Vista has hosted the AJGA. During that time, he has built a dedicated tournament committee and helped establish a strong network of volunteers, sponsors and community partners who come together to make the event possible.
“Darryl Muldoon exemplifies what it means to be a Golf Professional of the Year. His commitment to the AJGA over the past five years has resulted in sustained growth, record fundraising, outstanding volunteer engagement and exceptional community support.”
More than 30 volunteers come together each day to support the tournament, creating a strong community presence throughout the week. Muldoon has played a key role in building that support while also ensuring players and their families receive an incredible tournament experience.
Muldoon has also played a key role in growing the tournament’s community support. He was instrumental in securing Discover Bella Vista as a presenting sponsor, providing valuable support for the event. In 2025, he also added a new fundraising chair to the tournament committee, helping produce the highest local fundraising total in tournament history.
“Whether leading a committee, securing key sponsorships or ensuring every detail is covered for players and families, Darryl approaches each challenge with professionalism, enthusiasm and a servant-leader mindset. His dedication to creating a first-class championship experience and his willingness to consistently go above and beyond make him an outstanding ambassador for the game of golf and a highly deserving recipient of this award.”
When course renovations required the tournament to move to another Bella Vista property, Muldoon communicated openly throughout the process and helped make the venue change seamless. His willingness to adapt and find solutions allowed the tournament to continue without losing sight of the player experience.
Despite his many contributions, Muldoon is quick to direct the credit elsewhere.
“Receiving the 2025 AJGA Golf Professional of the Year Award is an incredible honor, and I am extremely humbled and grateful to be recognized. While I am very appreciative of the award, I truly believe this recognition is about Alex’s team and everyone who works behind the scenes to make the AJGA event such a success, not about me.”
Muldoon also recognized the volunteers, course staff and AJGA staff who contribute to the tournament each year.
“Most importantly, watching these young men and women compete and play the game they love is truly inspiring. Our membership gets to see some of the best junior golfers in the country, but more importantly, they get to witness the passion, sportsmanship, dedication and love for the game that these young players bring to the course.”
After five years of hosting, Muldoon’s impact on the AJGA event at Bella Vista extends well beyond tournament week. His leadership has helped build a committed committee, strengthen community support and create an environment where players can compete and enjoy the game.
“I am extremely honored to receive this award, but I see it as a reflection of the entire team of people who work so hard to make this event special every year. I am incredibly fortunate to be a part of it.”
The Golf Professional of the Year Award will be officially presented at this year’s AJGA NW Arkansas Junior presented by Discover Bella Vista, held Sept. 4-7, 2026, at Bella Vista Village - Highlands Golf Course in Bella Vista, Arkansas.