USGA announces Paul Latshaw Sr. as the winner of the Green Section Award, among other USGA awards
Paul R. Latshaw, Sr., has been announced as the recipient of the USGA’s 2026 Green Section Award. Latshaw is the only superintendent to have hosted all three U.S. men’s majors, overseeing two U.S. Opens, four Masters Tournaments and a PGA Championship during his career that spanned from 1964 to 2001. His leadership shaped some of the game’s most iconic venues, including Oakmont Country Club, Augusta National Golf Club, Winged Foot Golf Club, Congressional Country Club, The Riviera Country Club and others.
The Green Section Award was established in 1961 and honors distinguished service to golf through turfgrass management and innovation. Latshaw has one of the most impressive coaching trees in the industry; over 100 former members of his staff have gone on to become superintendents, turfgrass scientists and industry leaders.
“This recognition means a great deal to me,” said Paul Latshaw, Sr. “Turfgrass work is often behind the scenes, but it plays a critical role in the golfer’s experience and the long-term health of the game. I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with superintendents, researchers and industry partners who are passionate about improving how we care for golf courses, and the USGA’s recognition of our work means the world.”
The USGA also recognized Stephen Proctor with the Herbert Warren Wind Award, which honors exceptional contributions to golf literature that enhance public understanding and appreciation of the game. Stephen Proctor was the author of Matchless: Joyce Wethered, Glenna Collett and the Rise of Women’s Golf. Jerry Lemieux was announced as the Joe Dey Award winner that recognizes exemplary volunteer service and leadership within 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.”
The USGA will recognize the award recipients at its Annual Awards Dinner in New York City, on Saturday, Feb. 28, during the organization’s Annual Meeting.
Related Articles
USGA names Rodney Lingle, CGCS, 2025 Green Section Award winner
Subscribe to Golfdom
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to Golfdom to receive more articles just like it.
Great person, met Paul while he was at Shaker Hts., Cleveland. At this time I was in sales & a graduate of PSU turf anveteran. I Was working at Laurel Valley spraying Greens and Warren Bidwell was visiting with a supplier. We talked and set up an interview at PSU turf conference at Nittany Lion Inn. This interview took to me to sales.From there Paul and I developed a mutual respect at a long distance. Having worked the 62 open, I would be leaving for the military in August and I think Paul was out of the Navy. Ten years later he is at Oakmont and he asked if I would volunteer, rest is history. Years go by and I am at Harbor Town working as manager maintenance for three course plus much more. Went to dinner and discussed using PSU Supt, commercial people and more (1977 plus). While at Harbor Town my son introduced me to Sam Green that I knew Paul we talked, I gave him my advice. Sam took my advice rest is history. This story appeared a2010 article in Golf Course Industry. Paul congratulations for the USGA award and elevating the Tournament Superintendent Mngrs. A friend Joseph Vuknic 81 yrs old, thanks for all you did for my.