Lawrence, Kan. (Dec. 14, 2021) – Vince Gill, a country music hall of famer and Tennessee Golf Hall of Fame inductee, will receive the 2022 Old Tom Morris Award from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). Gill will be presented the honor during the Closing Celebration of the 2022 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in San Diego, Feb. 10.
The award is presented annually to an individual, who through a lifetime commitment to the game of golf, has helped to mold the welfare of the game in a manner and style exemplified by Old Tom Morris. Morris, a four-time British Open winner and the legendary greenkeeper at famed St Andrews in Scotland.
Gill, an avid golfer and advocate of the game, helped create the annual Vince Gill Pro-Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament to support junior golf programs throughout Tennessee. The event was held from 1993-2019 and raised more than $8 million for youth golf in the state. The Little Course at Conner and at Golf House Tennessee includes a practice and putting green named in Gill’s honor. The facility also houses a research and demonstration area for university turfgrass researchers.
Gill was inducted into the Tennessee Golf Hall of Fame in 2005 for his efforts supporting junior golf. A scratch golfer, he grew up playing the game on public courses in his native Oklahoma. Some of those who have benefited from his philanthropic work include turfgrass researchers, those with cancer, and military members and families transitioning to civilian life.
“Vince Gill is known the world over for his singing and songwriting, but he is so much more. He is a golfer, a family man and a philanthropist, ” GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said. “His lifetime love for and promotion of the game is in keeping with the spirit of Old Tom.”
A 22-time Grammy Award winner, Gill is the only country artist to win a Grammy for 10 consecutive years, while also earning Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year twice and CMA Male Vocalist of the Year five times. He has been performing on tour with the Eagles since 2017.
Gill has had four songs reach number one on the Billboard charts, including “Don’t Let Our Love Start Slippin’ Away,” “I Still Believe in You,” “One More Last Chance,” and “Tryin’ to Get Over You.”
Born in Norman, Okla., Gill played golf at Oklahoma City’s Northwest Classen High School before embarking on his musical career. He is married to singer-songwriter Amy Grant.
“This just came completely out of left field,” Gill said after learning he was named the Old Tom Morris Award recipient. “I am really grateful.”
A list of past Old Tom Morris Award recipients is available at https://www.gcsaa.org/about-gcsaa/awards/old-tom-morris-award.
About GCSAA
The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is a leading golf organization in the United States. Its focus is on golf course management, and since 1926 GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the U.S. and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to nearly 19,000 members in more than 78 countries. The association’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org or find us on Facebook or Twitter. Visit our industry-leading magazine at GCMonline.com.
The GCSAA Foundation is the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA. Its mission is to secure funding and support to strengthen advocacy, education, and research that advances the work of golf course management professionals. Visit the Foundation at www.gcsaa.org/foundation.
Contact:
Angela Hartmann
Director, Marketing and Communications
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 3647 or 785-393-1361 (cell)
ahartmann@gcsaa.org
Mike Strauss
Manager, Media Relations
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 5164
mstrauss@gcsaa.org