The association's highest honor goes to a professional golfer, golf course builder, architect and environmental advocate for his continuing lifetime commitment to the betterment of the game of golf. The award will be presented at the Opening Session of the 2008 GCSAA Education Conference, Jan. 31, 2008. The conference (Jan. 28-Feb. 1) will be held in conjunction with the Golf Industry Show (Jan. 31-Feb. 2) at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.

"I have always had the utmost respect for the GCSAA and I believe its members are truly the unsung heroes of our sport," Norman said in a prepared statement. "It is a distinct honor to be selected for the Old Tom Morris Award and to join this distinguished list of past recipients."

GCSAA's most prestigious honor, the Old Tom Morris Award is presented each year to an individual who "through a continuing 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 (1821-1908) was greenkeeper and golf professional at the St. Andrews Links Trust Golf Club of St. Andrews, Scotland; a four-time winner of the British Open (1861, '62, '64 and '67); and ranked as one of the top links designers of the 19th century.

Labeled the "Great White Shark" by a headline writer for the Augusta Chronicle after the first round of the 1981 Masters, Norman owns 91 professional victories, including 20 PGA Tour titles and two British Open Championships (1986 at Turnberry and 1993 at Royal St. George's). He is a five-time Byron Nelson Award winner and a three-time Vardon Trophy winner for the lowest adjusted scoring season average. Norman is a three-time Arnold Palmer Award winner as the PGA Tour's leading money winner and he was the first person to surpass $10 million in career earnings. He won the 1995 Jack Nicklaus Award as the PGA Tour player of the year, and he held the No. 1 world ranking for 331 weeks. Norman also represented Australia in three Presidents Cups. He has 29 top-10 finishes in the majors and was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2001.

"Greg Norman truly embodies the spirit of this award," said GCSAA President Ricky D. Heine, a certified superintendent. "A true friend to our profession and association, he has made countless contributions to the game."

Norman continued his winning ways in the business world. Norman serves as chairman and CEO of Great White Shark Enterprises, a multinational corporation with offices in Jupiter, Fla., and Sydney, Australia.

The company's interests are primarily focused around golf and the golf lifestyle. Established in 1987, Greg Norman Golf Course Design is recognized as one of the premier signature design groups. Medallist Developments is an international developer of premier residential golf course communities. Greg Norman Turf Co. licenses proprietary turfgrasses for golf courses, athletic fields and home lawns. Greg Norman Collection is a leading worldwide marketer and distributor of men's sportswear, golf apparel and accessories. Greg Norman Estates produces a line of highly rated wines.