2026 MGCA Course of the Year Award Process

The Michigan Golf Course Association (MGCA) Course of the Year Award recognizes a member facility that demonstrates excellence in golf course operations, leadership, community engagement, and commitment to the game of golf.

Facilities of all sizes are eligible. The award is intended to recognize golf facilities that consistently deliver exceptional golfer experiences while demonstrating strong stewardship of their course, staff, and community.

The MGCA Course of the Year is selected through a structured nomination and evaluation process.

The Michigan Golf Course Association’s Golf Course of the Year Award will be presented at the 2026 Michigan Golf Business Conference and Vendor Fair’s Awards Dinner to be held Tuesday, December 1, 2026 at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant.

The winner of this prestigious award is also submitted to contend for the Golf Course of the Year Award nationally through the National Golf Course Owners Association.

Eligibility

All current MGCA member golf courses in good standing for at least 3 consecutive years are eligible for nomination.

Nomination Process

1. Submit a Nomination
   • Nominations may be submitted by any MGCA member by completing the online nomination form, including both golf course and corporate members.
   • Self-nominations are permitted.

1. Automatic Eligibility for Previous Nominees
   • Courses nominated in a previous year that did not receive the award may remain eligible for consideration the following year without submitting a new nomination.
   • Updated application materials may be submitted at the course’s discretion
   • Courses will choose to accept or decline the nomination.
   • Finalist courses may automatically advance for consideration in the following award cycle .
   • If the nomination is declined, the golf course must be re-nominated for consideration in a future year.

1. Course Notification
   • After the nomination deadline, MGCA staff will review all nominations and contact the nominated courses to inform them of their nomination.
   • You will have the choice to accept the nomination or not accept.
   • If you do not accept the nomination your golf course will not remain on the list for the following year.
   • Finalist courses will automatically remain eligible for consideration in the following award cycle.
   • Each nominated course will receive a link to the official Course of the Year Application Form.

Nominate a 2026 Course of the Year!

Deadline to nominate is Monday, August 3, 2026.

Submit a Nomination

Application Process

Application Submission

• Nominated courses must complete the online application through the MGCA Google Form provided.
• Applicants will be asked to provide information related to the evaluation criteria.

Revised Course of the Year Evaluation Criteria

MGCA will evaluate applications of nominated facilities using the following criteria:

Required Application Responses

Narrative responses should be limited to 250–300 words per section.

To ensure fair evaluation, applicants should provide supporting information such as:

• Recent facility investments and improvements
• Community programs and charitable involvement
• Player development initiatives (junior golf, leagues, instruction)
• Operational highlights or innovations
• Examples of how the facility enhances the golfer experience

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are evaluated and judged by the MGCA ESF Committee using the following criteria:

Course Character & Unique Attributes

• The distinctive qualities that define the golf course and overall golf experience, including course design, playability, conditioning, and atmosphere.

Quality of Ownership & Management

• Demonstrated leadership, operational excellence, and commitment to maintaining a high-quality golf experience. This may include staff development, operational innovation, service culture, and long-term stewardship of the facility.

Facility Investment & Improvements

• Commitment to reinvesting in the golf facility through course improvements, infrastructure upgrades, technology enhancements, or other initiatives that improve the golfer experience.

Community Engagement

• Contributions to the local community through charitable initiatives, partnerships, youth programs, tournaments, or events that support the surrounding community.

Contribution to the Game of Golf

• Efforts to grow and promote the game through junior golf programs, player development initiatives, accessibility efforts, or leadership within the golf industry.

Evaluation Process

Step 1 – Application Submission

MGCA member facilities submit a nomination and application.

Step 2 – Initial Review

Applications are reviewed and scored by an MGCA ESF committee using the established criteria.

Step 3 – Finalist Selection

Top 3 facilities identified for additional review.

Step 4 – Final Evaluation

The MGCA ESF evaluation committee selects the Course of the Year based on overall performance across all criteria.

The committee will consist of the ESF Chair, Vice Chair, 1 additional ESF Trustee. In the event of a tie, the MGCA Executive Committee will cast the deciding vote.

Step 5 – Award Recognition

The recipient is recognized at the MGCA Annual Conference.

Timeline

Wednesday, July 1 ∙Course of the Year nominations open

Friday, July 31∙ Deadline to nominate a course

Monday, August 10 ∙ COY applications due

Monday, August 17 ∙ Three finalists notified

Week of August 24 ∙ Winner selected and notified

MGCA Awards Committee Process for Selection

View Now

Nominate a 2026 Course of the Year!

Deadline to nominate is Monday, August 3, 2026.

Submit a Nomination

View Past Course of the Year Winners

View Past Winners