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.

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.

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.
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2026 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.

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

Municipal Golf Course of the Year

Resort Golf Course of the Year


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)