CHARLESTON, SC – The National Golf Course Owners Association 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.
The winners will be recognized throughout NGCOA’s Golf Business Conference 2025, being held Jan. 20-22 in Orlando, Florida.
“We will be recognizing an outstanding lineup of golf industry leaders during NGCOA’s Golf Business Conference 2025,” said Cathy Harbin, Owner of Pine Ridge Golf Course and Board President of the NGCOA. “All of our award recipients have made incredible impacts on golf, especially within their communities, and we’re thrilled to celebrate such a deserving group.
“We’re also excited to award Tom Watson with NGCOA’s Award of Merit. We all admire what Tom has achieved as a player, and what he’s doing currently at the grassroots level with kids.”
“I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of the honorees, as well as the many facilities nominated for consideration. For a business owner, being recognized with a national award is an incredible honor,” said Rachel Carter, Senior Director of Membership at the NGCOA. “This is one of my favorite programs at the NGCOA, as it allows us to celebrate those who work tirelessly in service to others, while shining a well-deserved light on their outstanding contributions.
“It’s a powerful morale booster for our members who are recognized and a reminder of the impact we can all have in our industry.”
The 2025 NGCOA Awards and Winners
The Jemsek National Course of the Year 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 Regional Courses of the Year winners (from which the National Course of the Year is chosen):
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Five Ponds Golf Club in Warminster, PA (East Region)
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The Links of North Dakota in Ray, ND (Midwest Region)
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Bobby Jones Golf Course in Atlanta, GA (South Region)
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Desert Willow Golf Resort – Firecliff Course in Palm Desert, CA (West Region)
From these regional winners, the NGCOA Board of Directors selected Bobby Jones Golf Course as the 2025 Jemsek National Course of the Year.
The Don Rossi Award is given for significant and long-lasting contribution to the NGCOA:
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David Pillsbury, CEO, Invited Clubs
The Player Development 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:
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Franklin Bridge Golf Club, Franklin, TN
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The Links of North Dakota, Ray, ND
The Paul Porter award recognizes an NGCOA member who left an enduring mark on a national or international affiliate through the highest level of commitment, service and leadership.
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Mike Bennett, President, NGCOA Mid-Atlantic
The Award of Merit is the organization’s most prestigious, and recognizes long-term and significant contributions to the game of golf.
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Tom Watson, eight-time major champion, World Golf Hall of Fame inductee, and founder of Watson Links
The Champion 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 achieved significant victory for our industry.
The recipient will be announced at the NGCOA Champions Circle Dinner during National Golf Day 2025 in Washington, DC.
