Liberty Corner, New Jersey, United States: The USGA has named David Jacobsen as the 2025 recipient of the Joe Dey Award, in recognition of his exemplary service to the game and incredible impact in welcoming thousands to the sport through junior golf.

Named after Joe Dey, USGA Executive Director from 1934-1969, the award honours the game’s most exceptional volunteers.

Beyond his service to the Oregon Golf Association (OGA), Jacobsen has volunteered at the national level with the USGA for more than four decades.

Jacobsen said: “This honour came as a surprise and I am extremely grateful to the USGA for this incredible recognition. The wonderful game of golf is filled with thousands of volunteers at the local, state, regional and national level. To be among those recognised for my service – knowing Mr Dey’s distinguished place in the game and the impact of previous recipients – is humbling.”

Jacobsen’s selfless commitment to giving back to the game can best be seen through the numerous youth initiatives he helped to establish in partnership with the OGA.

They include the formation of the Jacobsen Youth Initiative and Erling Jacobsen (EJ) Tour, as well as the launch of Oregon’s Youth on Course programme, which helps offset costs of golf for young players as they learn the game. 

Jacobsen also co-created the OGA Tournament Assistance Group (TAG Team) now comprised of more than 200 individuals who embody his spirit of service to others.

“David’s integrity, respect for tradition and history of the game is a direct reflection of Joe Dey’s legacy,” said USGA CEO Mike Whan.

“Volunteers are critical to everything we do in the game, but that title does not do David’s impact justice. He’s an advocate for public golf, a champion of all that is good in the game, and the USGA is honoured to celebrate him with this year’s award,” added Whan.

A talented amateur golfer, Jacobsen is fuelled by a desire to ensure others can experience the same joy he has found through decades of playing and volunteering. His inspiration for helping young people stems from his father, Erling, who he honoured through the creation of the EJ Tour – a series of educational, non-competitive nine-hole golf events intended to introduce the game to young people.

“David Jacobsen’s unwavering dedication to the game of golf has left an indelible mark on Oregon and beyond,” said Oregon Golf Association CEO Rick Rangel.

“His passion reflects the very spirit of golf – one of community, integrity, and service. On behalf of the Oregon Golf Association, we are proud to see David recognised with the Joe Dey Award, a testament to his lifelong commitment to growing the game,” added Rangel.

In addition to his work at the grass-roots level, Jacobsen has served on several USGA committees, including those for Regional Affairs, the Green Section and championships, and was recognised in 2007 with the Ike Grainger Award for 25 years of service to the organisation.

He co-chaired the 2023 US Senior Women’s Open Championship and the 2017 US Senior Women’s Amateur Championship, both held at his home course, Waverley Country Club in Portland, and was General Chairman at the 1990 US Amateur Public Links Championship at Eastmoreland Golf Course, also in Portland.