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LIBERTY CORNER, N.J. – The USGA recently announced the 2023 recipients of its Annual Awards, including the Joe Dey Award, the Herbert Warren Wind Award and the Green Section Award. These awards are annually given to individuals who demonstrate exceptional efforts in volunteerism, innovation and golf literature. 

Former NYSGA volunteer (1996-2006) Robin Farran is the recipient of this year’s Joe Dey Award in recognition of nearly 30 years of meritorious service to the game as a volunteer.

Farran was a rules official and tournament chair for the NYSGA, as well as the Rochester District Golf Association (RDGA) for two decades when he resided in upstate New York before moving to Arizona. He was also involved with rules education seminars and active on the course rating team. He was on the NYSGA's Executive Committee from 2002-2006 and RDGA President in 2002 as well as Vice President in 2001.

Joe Dey Award – Robin Farran

Highly respected among peers for his dedication to Rules education and junior golf, Robin Farran of Chandler, Ariz., has helped grow the game over the course of 28 years of selfless service. Since attending his first PGA/USGA Rules of Golf Workshop in 1995, he has committed himself to helping others interpret the Rules by developing educational materials and officiating at more than 1,000 championships locally, nationally and abroad. Farran also regularly conducts junior clinics and has raised more than $140,000 for the Junior Golf Association of Arizona through its 100-Hole Marathon in an effort to ensure that golf continues to thrive for future generations.

Farran is widely recognized as an ambassador for the Rules of Golf and a strong reflection of the award’s namesake, Joseph C. Dey Jr., who served as the USGA’s executive director from 1934-1968 and as the first commissioner of the PGA Tour.

“Blessed One,” by James Roth, has been selected as the winner of the USGA’s Herbert Warren Wind Award. Roch Gaussoin is the Green Section Award honoree for introducing new technologies and processes that advance putting green construction and management.

“The game of golf is better because of the knowledge and expertise of Robin, James and Roch,” said Mike Whan, CEO of the USGA. “Their contributions are helping to strengthen and advance the game for all who play – and the USGA is thrilled to showcase those efforts with this year’s Annual Awards.”

The USGA will recognize the honorees at its Annual Awards Dinner in Napa, Calif., on Saturday, Feb. 25 during the organization’s Annual Meeting, which will be held in person for the first time since 2020.