Charleston, SC (December 15, 2020) – 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.
“It’s always a special time when we recognize those who have achieved excellence at their facilities and within our industry,” said Steve Graybill, President of the NGCOA Board of Directors. “Each year, we choose from a pool of deserving nominees; this year was no exception, and we’re delighted with this year’s winners.”
All winners will be recognized before and during Golf Business Conference 2021, being held virtually January 25-27, 2021. Visit golfbusinessconference.com for details and registration.
Jemsek National Course of the Year Award
This 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):
- Spring Meadows Golf Course in Gray, ME (Region 1)
- Stoatin Brae Golf Course in Augusta, MI (Region 2)
- Pinehurst Resort & Country Club in Pinehurst, NC (Region 3)
- Gamble Sands in Brewster, WA (Region 4)
From these regional winners, the NGCOA Board of Directors selected Stoatin Brae Golf Course as the 2021 Jemsek National Course of the Year winner.
Don Rossi Award
This award is given for significant and long-lasting contribution to the NGCOA
- Del Ratcliffe, PGA, Ratcliffe Golf Services, Inc.
Paul Porter Award
This award recognizes an NGCOA member who left an enduring mark on a chapter or international affiliate through the highest level of commitment, service and leadership.
- Joel Moore, The Ridge at Back Brook, and Vice President of the New Jersey Golf Course Owners Association (NJGCOA)
Champion Award
- Dave Wasenda & Joel Moore
- South Carolina Golf Council
- Michigan Golf Alliance
Player Development Award
This 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.
- LPGA Foundation, Daytona Beach, FL
- Cog Hill Golf and Country Club, Palos Park, IL
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 2021 will include education over three days with topics relevant to current and future golf course owners and operators. Through NGCOA’s continuing strategic alliance with the PGA of America and PGA Golf Exhibitions, GBC21 attendees will also have access to elements of the 2021 PGA Show Virtual Experience & Marketplace, including exhibitor showrooms, an appointment setting and chat feature, exhibitor-to-attendee matchmaking, virtual special events and more. GBC21 can earn continuing education credits from the PGA of America, as well as 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.