Awards

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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.

2026 award nominations will be accepted September 1 – 30, 2025. The 2026 award recipients will be honored during NGCOA's annual Golf Business Conference, January 19–21, 2026 in Orlando, FL 

For a list of past award winners, click here. For any inquiries regarding NGCOA Awards, please contact Rachel Carter, Senior Director of Membership, at rcarter@ngcoa.org.
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2025 ngcoa awards badge

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.

Immediate past winners:

2024 Lee Trevino
2022 Annika Sorenstam
2019 David Feherty

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Click to see all past winners.

Don Rossi Award

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

Immediate past winners:

2024 Matt Galvin
2023 Mike Tinkey
2022 Allison George
2021 Del Ratcliffe
2020 Rock Lucas

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Click to see all 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 / award & nomination info


Jemsek National Course of the Year

This award recognizes an NGCOA member golf course that epitomizes exceptional course quality and management excellence, while making important contributions to their communities and the game.

Click to see past winners / award & nomination info


Jemsek Regional Courses of the Year

This award recognizes an NGCOA member golf course that epitomizes exceptional course quality and management excellence, while making important contributions to their communities and the game.

Click to see past winners / award & nomination info


Player Development Award

This award is bestowed upon an NGCOA member golf course, organization or individual who has implemented true and tested player development programs, providing effective return-on-investment and an overall welcoming atmosphere for new golfers of all ages.

Click to see past winners / award & nomination info


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.

greg keating

Greg Keating, PGA, CCM
President and CEO, Daniel Island Club

scott peters

Representative Scott Peters 
(D-CA 50th District)