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.
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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 180 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.
