Long time PGA of America leader Jim Awtrey will accept the prestigious Donald Ross Award from the American Society of Golf Course Architects during its Annual Meeting on March 26, 2006, in Pinehurst, N.C.
ASGCA President Tom Marzolf will present the award to Awtrey, the first CEO in The PGA of America’s history, during the Donald Ross Award Banquet at the Carolina Hotel at Pinehurst Resort. The award is given annually to a person who has made significant contributions to the game of golf and golf course architecture.
"Jim Awtrey is a true friend of the game and ASGCA," notes Marzolf. "He has overseen the selection of architecturally-significant layouts for PGA championships and, in the process, helped millions of golf enthusiasts to better appreciate the role of the golf course architect. And, by supporting and creating initiatives like Play Golf America, the PGA has given back to the game by introducing it to young people and promoting it to the general public."
Long Career in Golf Industry
After completion of his education at the University of Oklahoma, Awtrey’s golf career began in 1967, as an assistant professional at Siwanoy Country Club in Bronxville, N.Y. He was elected to PGA membership in 1969, and began his involvement with the organization after returning to Oklahoma to serve as head golf coach of the Sooners in 1972.
He spent the next 14 years moving up in the Association: from a member of the PGA Rules Committee to treasurer of the South Central PGA Section to president of the section and eventually to the PGA of America Board of Directors in 1986. It was during his term on the PGA Board that Awtrey was offered the staff position of PGA Tournament Manager. His chief responsibility, as outlined by the officers and board, was to "get the events on television."
Awtrey’s successful execution of that directive led him to be appointed PGA Executive Director in 1987, and then Chief Executive Officer in 1993, the position he held through October, 2005 when he retired.
"To shortly join the prestigious list of names and golf luminaries that have received the Donald Ross Award from the ASGCA is a tremendous thrill," said Awtrey. "This Award is a proud moment for me as I begin a new phase in my life. I am truly honored, and I thank the ASGCA for this wonderful recognition, as well as the officers, members and staff of The PGA of America, who gave me such tremendous support over the years."
Awtrey will be the 31st winner of the Donald Ross Award. Robert Trent Jones was the first honoree in 1976.
ASGCA Background
Founded in 1946 by 14 leading architects, including Donald Ross and Robert Trent Jones, Sr., the American Society of Golf Course Architects is a non-profit organization comprised of 170 golf course designers located throughout the United States and Canada. Members are actively involved in the design of new courses, the renovation of existing layouts, and issues affecting the future of the game.
For more information about ASGCA, including a current list of members, log on to the ASGCA website at http://www.asgca.org or call 262/ 786-5960.
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Sidebar: Donald Ross Award Recipients
YEAR RECIPIENT OCCUPATION
2006 Jim Awtrey Former Chief Executive Officer, The PGA of America
2005 John Singleton Irrigation Pioneer
2004 Thomas Cousins Philanthropist, Urban Golf
Developer
2003 Bill Campbell President, USGA, Captain, Royal &
Ancient Golf Club
2002 Byron Nelson Professional Golfer
2001 Jack Nicklaus Professional Golfer, Golf Course
Architect
2000 Jaime Ortiz-Patiño Owner, President, Valderrama Golf
Club
1999 Arnold Palmer Professional Golfer
1998 Judy Bell President, USGA
1997 Gene Sarazen Professional Golfer
1996 Ron Whitten Golf Writer
1995 Pete Dye Golf Course Architect
1994 James R. Watson Agronomist
1993 Brent Wadsworth Golf Course Builder
1992 Paul Fullmer ASGCA Executive Secretary
1991 Michael Bonallack Secretary, Royal and Ancient (St.
Andrews)
1990 John Zoller Former Executive Director, No.
California Golf Association
1989 Dick Taylor Editor, Golf World Magazine
1988 Frank Hannigan USGA Executive Director
1987 Charles Price Golf Writer, Author
1986 Deane Beman PGA Tour Commissioner
1985 Peter Dobereiner London Observer Columnist, Author
1984 Dinah Shore Sponsor of Women’s Golf
Tournaments
1983 Al Radko Former Director, USGA Green
Section
1982 Geoffrey Cornish Golf Course Architect, Historian
1981 James Rhodes Governor of Ohio
1980 Gerald Micklem Former Captain, Royal and Ancient
1979 Joe Dey Former Executive Director of the
USGA
1978 Herb and Joe Graffis Founders, National Golf Foundation
1977 Herbert Warren Wind Golf Digest Columnist, Author
1976 Robert Trent Jones Founding Member of ASGCA
Contact:
Aileen Smith
(262) 786-5960
aileen@asgca.org
