In celebration of the individuals who have given back to the game in extraordinary ways, the United States Golf Association (USGA) has presented its annual Service Awards during a gala dinner at the Pinehurst Resort & Country Club.
Hosted by Golf World senior writer and Golf Channel/NBC contributor Tim Rosaforte, this year’s USGA Service Awards celebrate the leadership, dedication and outstanding contributions of 21 individuals who have used their time and talents to serve and promote the game in many ways.
“We are proud to bring the golf community together to celebrate the extraordinary work of each of our Service Award winners,” said Thomas J. O’Toole Jr., USGA president. “Their selfless dedication and contributions have made a significant impact on the USGA and our mission to serve the game. They have inspired us all to continue our work to sustain golf for future generations and we hope their efforts encourage many more people to participate in and serve this wonderful game.”
As part of the USGA Service Awards, Michael Cumberpatch of Annapolis was recognized.
Joe Dey Award
Presented annually since 1996, the USGA’s Joe Dey Award recognizes an individual’s meritorious service to the game as a volunteer. The award is named for the late Joseph C. Dey Jr., who served as USGA executive director for 35 years, from 1934-69, and was later the first commissioner of the PGA Tour.
The USGA is proud to honor Michael Cumberpatch, of Annapolis, Md., a tireless contributor to the game on local and national levels for 20 years, with the 2014 Joe Dey Award. Affiliated with the USGA since 1993, when he joined the Association’s Regional Affairs Committee, he has worked at 20 USGA championships, including the U.S. Open, U.S. Senior Open, U.S. Mid-Amateur and Men’s State Team Championships. He currently serves as the official-in-charge of U.S. Open Sectional Qualifying for the Washington, D.C., region.
“To be honored like this is pretty special, and to be honest I was floored when I heard the news,” said Cumberpatch. “It has been a lot of fun over the years to work alongside all the volunteers throughout the USGA who do so much for the game of golf. They are just really good, solid people and to be associated with them and be part of so many great championships has meant a lot to me.”
Beyond his dedication to the USGA and regional golf activities, Cumberpatch has provided extraordinary volunteer service to other organizations, including the Special Olympics and the U.S. Armed Forces. He is a past president of the Middle Atlantic Golf Association, where he earned recognition for his efforts to bring together neighboring golf associations and for instilling a sense of community among USGA committee members in the region. The Middle Atlantic PGA Section presented him with the David Wortman Citizen of the Year Award in 2009.
