USGA chief executive Mike Whan was the headline winner at the 28th Annual ING Industry Honors Awards which were announced at the 69th PGA Merchandise Show in Florida.
The ING Industry Honors program recognizes outstanding achievement in the golf business. The non-profit, media-based networking organization International Network of Golf conducts the awards .
Nominees in all categories are submitted throughout the year from anyone in the golf industry. Sub-committees that include experts in each category then trim the entries to the top three in each category. ING members then vote to determine the winners, who are announced and recognized at the Industry Honors Presentation Press Conference.
Whan, who became CEO of the USGA in July 2021 after an 11-year stint as commissioner of the LPGA, won the Business Achievement award.
As CEO, Whan leads the USGA team’s work to champion the game of golf by conducting global championships, delivering golfer engagement programs, broadening accessibility and driving sustainability. Under his leadership, the LPGA experienced unprecedented growth, with significant increases in the number of tournaments, purses and television coverage.
The Tour Edge Exotics 721 Hybrid won in the Product Ingenuity-Golf Equipment for Market Leaders category. The 721 utilizes several new technologies to maximize performance. A carbon-composite panel covers the entire crown, saving weight that is shifted to the rear for better forgiveness on off-centre hits. The new lightweight steel in the face is another weight saver.
High Heat 257+ Turf Glider Sole was the winner in the Product Ingenuity-Golf Equipment, Emerging Companies category, marking the third time Knuth Golf has won this category.
Other winners included PGA Professional Jay Golden in Player Development; Putting Arc in the Product Ingenuity-Training Aids category; Blue Tees Golf in Product Ingenuity-Technology; LPGA Tour in the TV Commercial category; Sun Mountain Eco-Lite Golf Bag in Product Ingenuity Technology; and Omni Homestead Resort in the Digital/Print Ad category.
