The USGA today announced the recipients of its Annual Awards, honoring three individuals for their significant contributions for the good of the game in the areas of volunteerism, turfgrass advancement and golf literature.
One of those awards went to a readily-recognized NOGA member, rules official, and past president.
The Joe Dey Award, presented annually since 1996, recognizes exemplary volunteer service and leadership within the game. The Green Section Award is the longest standing award, established in 1961, and honors distinguished service to golf through turfgrass management and innovation. The Herbert Warren Wind Award was established in 1987 and honors outstanding contributions to golf literature that broaden the public’s interest in and knowledge of the game. Together, the awards reflect the USGA’s commitment to supporting the people and ideas that strengthen golf at all levels and deserve recognition across the game.
“This year, we are honored to recognize three outstanding individuals whose influence on the game is felt in many ways,” said Mike Whan, CEO of the USGA. “Through their service and expertise, each award winner has made a lasting impact on golf, reflecting the very values these awards were created to honor.”
2026 Joe Dey Award: Jerry Lemieux, Toledo, Ohio
Toledo’s Jerry Lemieux has served as a USGA Committee member for 19 years, exemplifying the highest standards of leadership, volunteerism, integrity and passion. One of the organization’s most respected rules officials, he has worked at premier championships including U.S. Opens and the Walker Cup, while serving as a trusted mentor to new volunteers. Known for his exceptional reliability and responsiveness, Lemieux is always willing to step in when needed and can be counted on to support the USGA and its championships at the highest level.
Beyond championship play, he is the most active Rules Queue Volunteer, resolving thousands of golfer inquiries and providing daily support to the Rules team. A past president of the Northern Ohio Golf Association, he led the successful merger with the Toledo District Golf Association and is a member of Inverness Club, where he will also serve as general chair of the 2027 U.S. Women’s Open Presented by Ally.
“I’m humbled to receive this year’s Joe Dey Award,” said Lemieux. “The opportunity to work with the amazing rules and championships staff at the USGA has been a privilege and a pleasure. It’s an honor to support the USGA and its deep commitment to the game, its traditions and its future.”
Green Section, Herbert Warren Wind Awards
In addition to Lemieux and the Dey Award, the USGA also announced today the 2026 Green Section Award to Paul Latshaw, Sr. of Stroudsburg, PA, and the 2026 Herbert Warren Wind Award to Stephen Proctor, a native of Maryland who currently resides in Malabar, FL. FULL STORY ON 2026 USGA AWARD WINNERS >
The USGA will recognize all three of these award recipients at its Annual Awards Dinner in New York City, on Saturday, Feb. 28, during the organization’s Annual Meeting. The USGA will also recognize Ellen Port, who was announced by the USGA as the 2026 Bob Jones Award recipient last month.
