Charleston, SC – The National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) is honored to announce the winners of the association’s annual awards. Each year, the NGCOA recognizes the most outstanding members of the past year, and the individuals and organizations that have helped preserve the tradition of the game while embracing the challenges and opportunities of the golf business.“This year was no exception when it comes to the achievements of those in charge of growing the game in their local communities, service to our industry, and ongoing significant contributions to the game of golf,” said Steve Graybill, President of the NGCOA Board of Directors. “We proudly congratulate those who were selected from a great pool of nominees for this year’s NGCOA awards.”All winners will be recognized during Golf Business Conference 2022, being held January 24-26, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. Visit golfbusinessconference.com for details and registration.Jemsek National Course of the Year AwardThis award recognizes a golf course that epitomizes exceptional course quality and management excellence, makes important contributions to its communities and the game, and is a model of operations to its peers.The following members were selected as the Regional Course of the Year winners (from which the National Course of the Year is chosen):
- Swansea Country Club in Swansea, MA (Region 1)
- Sweetgrass Golf Club at Island Resort & Casino in Harris, MI (Region 2)
- Streamsong Red in Bowling Green, FL (Region 3)
- Silverado Resort in Napa, CA (Region 4)
From these regional winners, the NGCOA Board of Directors selected Sweetgrass Golf Club at Island Resort & Casino as the 2022 Jemsek National Course of the Year winner.Award of MeritThis award is the NGCOA’s longest-running award and is designated for long-term and significant contributions to the game of golf:
- Annika Sorenstam, LPGA Tour Champion Golfer
Don Rossi AwardThis award is given for significant and long-lasting contribution to the NGCOA:
- Allison George, Owner and Wizard of Fun at Toad Valley Golf Course in Pleasant Hill, IA
Champion AwardThis award is bestowed upon individuals 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:
- Steve Jubb, PGA, Executive Director of National Alliance for Accessible Golf
Player Development AwardThis award is bestowed upon a course, entity or individual, which has implemented true and tested player development programs, providing effective return-on-investment and an overall welcoming atmosphere for new golfers of all ages:
- Maple Hill Golf in Grandville, MI
- Cantigny Golf in Wheaton, IL
- SCGA Junior Golf Foundation in Studio City, CA
- Colwood Golf Center in Portland, OR
About the Golf Business Conference
The Golf Business Conference is the industry’s largest annual gathering of golf course owners and operators, and is hosted by the NGCOA. Golf Business Conference 2022 will include three days of education, activities and networking relevant to golf course owners and operators. Through NGCOA’s continuing strategic alliance with the PGA of America and PGA Golf Exhibitions, GBC22 attendees can also participate in a wide range of programs and activities at the 2022 PGA Show, including various PGA Show Education Conference sessions. GBC22 attendees can earn continuing education credits from the PGA of America, the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), the Club Management Association of America (CMAA), and the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). Learn more at golfbusinessconference.com.
About the National Golf Course Owners Association
The NGCOA is the leading authority on the business of golf course ownership and management. The association represents and promotes the interests of golf courses as the principal businesses and economic assets of the game of golf. The not-for-profit organization is the only trade association dedicated exclusively to golf course owners and operators. Through advocacy, education and information resources, purchasing programs and networking opportunities, the NGCOA helps golf course owners and operators run more successful businesses. For more information or to join, visit ngcoa.org or call 800-933-4262.Media ContactRenee Flowers, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications, NGCOA, rflowers@ngcoa.org.
