Awards

Each year, the NGCOA honors the most outstanding members and industry professionals of the past year. These individuals and businesses have helped preserve the tradition of the game while embracing the challenges and opportunities of the golf business.

The 2026 award recipients were honored at NGCOA's annual Golf Business Conference, January 19–21, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. You can view the videos featuring the award recipients here or by clicking an individual award below.

You must be a course member or corporate member of the NGCOA to submit a nomination/application, and the nominated facility must be an NGCOA member facility. 2027 award nominations will be accepted through midnight Monday, August 31, 2026. The 2027 award recipients will be honored during NGCOA's annual Golf Business Conference, January 25–27, 2027 in Orlando, Florida.

For a list of past award winners, click here. For any inquiries regarding NGCOA Awards, please contact Rachel Carter, NGCOA Senior Director of Membership, at rcarter@ngcoa.org.

Award of Merit

The Award of Merit is NGCOA's most prestigious award, which recognizes long-term and significant contributions to the game of golf.

Click to see past winners.

Don Rossi Award

This award is given for significant and long-lasting contribution to the NGCOA and its members.

Click to see past winners.

Paul Porter Award

This award was established to recognize an NGCOA member who left an enduring mark on a national or international affiliate through the highest level of commitment, service and leadership. The honor was given posthumously to Porter, the late CEO of Poppy Holding, Inc. and the Northern California Golf Association, who passed away in September 2006.

Click to see past winners.

Click to view/submit the nomination form.

Jemsek Public Course of the Year

This prestigious award, named after the late Joe Jemsek, widely regarded as the “Patriarch of Public Golf”, recognizes a privately owned, daily fee golf facility that exemplifies excellence in operations, community impact, and contributions to the game of golf. The recipient of this award will be a model for the industry, demonstrating a strong financial foundation, exceptional employee culture, and a deep commitment to both its community and the sport.

Click to view/submit the nomination form.

Municipal/Government Agency Owned Course of the Year

This award recognizes a municipally owned golf course that sets the standard for excellence in public golf through exceptional management, outstanding customer and community service, and thoughtful contributions to growing the game of golf. This facility serves as a model for how municipal golf can deliver a high-quality golf experience while delivering broad community value and doing so with a sustainable financial manner. This facility also demonstrates resourcefulness in using the NGCOA Municipal Operators Community for benchmarking and leveraging other operators in their management choices.

Resort Course of the Year

This award honors a resort golf course that delivers an exceptional experience across all facets of operation—from turf management to guest engagement—while also contributing meaningfully to the growth and vitality of the game of golf. The recipient of this award will exemplify excellence in resort-level golf experiences, setting the benchmark for service, design, and industry leadership.

Click to view/submit the nomination form.

Champion Award

This award is bestowed upon individuals who, or entities which, have succeeded in working on behalf of a group of owners – locally, regionally, nationally or internationally – and have garnered significant victory for our members. Click to see past winners / award & nomination info

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Kevin McDonnell

Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09)

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Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell

The Empire State Golf Alliance