NGCOA Honors Jerry Hollingsworth with Don Rossi Award

Contact Wendy Saari
512-258-3809
wsaari@ngcoa.org

CHARLESTON, S.C. (January 4, 2002) -- The National Golf Course Owners Association will present the Don Rossi Award to Jerry Hollingsworth, long-time owner of Singing Hills Golf and Tennis Resort in El Cajon, CA. The award will be presented at the Awards Banquet on January 23 at the 20th NGCOA Annual Conference and Trade Show in Phoenix, AZ.

The Don Rossi Award is given for significant and long-lasting contribution to the National Golf Course Owners Association. Hollingsworth joined the NGCOA in the early 1990s when he attended an Annual Conference. He recognized the value of golf course owners and operators sharing information and experience, decided to be more involved. Soon after, he joined the Board of Directors. Throughout his tenure, the NGCOA experienced its most spectacular growth in membership. He served as treasurer and continues to be a very active member of the board.

Perhaps his greatest contribution to the association is his willingness to share his vast experience in golf operations with other owners and operators. He is tireless in his support of the association and the benefits of owners working together for the future of the game and business of golf. "Jerry is a wonderful guy, there is no other way to describe him," said Walt Lankau, president of Stow Acres Country Club and vice president of the NGCOA board of directors. "There was never anything that was too big or too small for him to volunteer for. He is always willing to help."

"I am very honored to receive this award," said Hollingsworth. "I just tried to give of myself and share my experience but I got back much more than I put in."

In 1956 Hollingsworth joined his father and three partners to construct Singing Hills. He has seen the course through fire, flood, renovations and additions. The 54-hole operation boasts a 102-unit lodge, 12 court lighted tennis club and a clubhouse with a large food and beverage operation. Although he sold the course in 2000, Hollingsworth continues to be active in the golf business, offering his expertise in a pro-bono consulting service that is available to anyone who needs assistance. "I think so much of this game and the people involved in it that I want to stay involved," he said. "I want to share what I've learned and keep up with new developments in the business."

Tom Addis, past president of the PGA of America and the former director of golf at Singing Hills, said, "He has touched so many in the golf business. I am fortunate to have been able to share that for 31 years. His leadership meant a great deal to me and I will thank him forever for that experience."

The National Golf Course Owners Association, representing more than 4,500 golf courses, is an international association devoted exclusively to promoting the interests of golf course owners and operators.

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