The Southern Golf Association’s National Amateur of the Month award continues to rise in prestige since the organization first lauched the award in March, 2003. The monthly winner, selected by a blue-ribbon national panel of golf officials, college golf coaches and golf journalists, is recognized in a national press release that goes out to golf publications, TV networks and newspapers throughout the country. The winner receives a handsome, engraved acrylic plaque and letter of congratulations from the SGA.

     The award is made March through October each year.

     Often, the award is presented at halftime of college football and basketball games, in live local TV sportscasts and, for the first time this past year, was presented by the mayor of the winner’s home town. Mayor Wayne Poston of Bradenton, FL, presented the SGA plaque along with the key to the city in special ceremonies to Bye-ong "Ben" An, the youngest U.S. Amateur champion in history.

      The award has enjoyed increasing coverage both in traditional media outlets and on collegiate athletics websites. It has become common for college publicists to stump for their golfers following a strong individual performance.

       The 2009 selection panel includes Jim Herre, editor of Sports Illustrated Golf Plus; Joe Juliano, Philadelphia Inquirer; Gregg Grost, Executive Director College Golf Coaches Assn.; Bruce Heppler, Ga. Tech golf coach; Wyn Norwood, SGA director; Buford McCarty, SGA Executive Secretary; Clarke Rheney, SGA Director; Ron Balicki, Golfweek senior writer; Clay Homan, Mississippi State golf coach; Bob Harig, ESPN.com golf writer; Richard Durrett, Dallas Morning News; Jay Jennison, Amateurgolf.com, Sam Woolwine, Chattanooga Classic, and panel moderator Larry Guest, SGA Media Liaison.

 

        2009 Winners, with primary feat during that month:

         March – Matt Hill, NC State (won Gen. Hackler Collegiate and Schenkel EZ-Go Invitational)

         April – Co-winners Mike Van Sickle, Marquette (won Palisades Classic, second Big East Championship) – AND –
         Morgan Hoffman, Oklahoma State (won Big 12 championship, his third crown as a freshman)

         May – Matt Hill, NC State (won NCAA regional and NCAA championship)

         June – Dan Woltman, Univ. of Wisconsin (won Northeast Am with record 11-under 265)

         July – Gregor Main, UCLA (won Southern Amateur)

         August – Byeong An, Bradenton Prep (became youngest ever US Am champ)

         September – Peter Uhlein, Okla  State (4-0 in Walker Cup and won Golfweek/Ping Invitational)

         October – Nathan Smith, Pittsburgh investment adviser (won US Mid-Am)