Charleston, SC – The National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) is pleased 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.“All the nominees put forth this year are exceptional examples of our industry’s finest,” said Tom Brooks, President of the NGCOA Board of Directors. “The winners exemplify their importance to their community, and our sport and industry. We proudly congratulate those who were selected for this year’s NGCOA awards.”All winners will be recognized during Golf Business Conference 2023, being held January 23-25, 2023 in Orlando, Florida. Visit GolfBusinessConference.com for event details.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):
- Quechee Club in Quechee, Vermont (East Region)
- Straits Course at Whistling Straits in Sheboygan, Wisconsin (Midwest Region)
- TPC Sugarloaf in Duluth, Georgia (South Region)
- Encinitas Ranch Golf Course in Encinitas, California (West Region)
From these regional winners, the NGCOA Board of Directors selected Straits Course at Whistling Straits as the 2023 Jemsek National Course of the Year winner.
Don Rossi AwardThis award is given for significant and long-lasting contribution to the NGCOA:
- Mike Tinkey, former NGCOA Deputy CEO
Paul Porter AwardThis 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:
- Lodewijk Klootwijk, General Secretary at the Golf Course Association of Europe
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 industry:
- U.S Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL)
- The California Alliance for 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:
- Reston National Golf Course
The recipient of NGCOA’s Award of Merit, the organization’s most prestigious award which recognizes long-term and significant contributions to the game of golf, will be announced soon.
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 2023 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, GBC23 attendees can also participate in a wide range of activities at the 2023 PGA Show. GBC23 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 Contact
Renee Flowers, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications, NGCOA, rflowers@ngcoa.org
