2026 AWARD WINNERS: Friedrich, Eccleton Highlight Michigan Golf Course Association Honorees

LANSING – Bernie Friedrich, Director of Golf Course Renovation and Development for Boyne Resorts, and Jay Eccleton, Director of Operations at The Emerald Golf Course in St. Johns, have been selected as winners of the top annual awards of the Michigan Golf Course Association (MGCA).

Friedrich has been named the winner of the 2026 Matthews Lifetime Achievement Award, and Eccleton the winner of the Lyle Leeke Distinguished Service Award and will be honored and celebrated at the Annual MGCA Awards Banquet on Tuesday evening, Dec. 1, during the 2026 Michigan Golf Business Conference and Vendor Fair at the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant.

“We are excited to honor award winners that have left an indelible mark and exemplified the spirit of servant leadership in the Michigan golf industry,” Jada Paisley, executive director of the MGCA said.

The Matthews Lifetime Achievement Award is awarded to an individual or organization that over the span of a lifetime has provided steadfast leadership, outstanding service, and continuous commitment to the Michigan golf industry.

Friedrich, who in 2026 celebrated his 50th year with Boyne Resorts, started his career as head PGA golf professional at Boyne Mountain Resort and has since served in senior vice-president roles while helping guide what has become the largest family owned golf resort destination in North America.

Currently he is the director of golf course renovation and development, and during his career Boyne Resorts has expanded from three golf courses to 13, including 11 in Michigan and others in Maine and Montana.

He has served on the MGCA Board of Directors for several years and has taken on leadership committee roles with the Michigan Section PGA. He is a two-time Michigan PGA Golf Professional of the Year winner and is a member of both the Michigan PGA Hall of Fame and the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame for his contributions to the game.

Friedrich also has a legacy of service to his community and the state’s tourism industry. He has served on the board of America’s Summer Golf Capital, is a founding member of The First Tee of Northern Michigan and the co-founder of the Harbor Cup, which raises funds for food projects in Northern Michigan.

The Lyle Leeke Distinguished Service Award is presented to individuals who have displayed distinguished service to the MGCA and the golf industry in the state of Michigan. It is named in honor of Leeke, one of the founders of the MGCA.

Eccleton, a Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGSA), celebrated his 26th year at The Emerald in 2026 collaborating with his wife Katie on the management team of the popular mid-Michigan public golf course.

Throughout his career he has had a lasting commitment to MGCA and the broader golf community through leadership, education, advocacy, and service. He has served for 15 years on the MGCA Scott Family Educational Support Foundation and currently serves on the Michigan Golf Course Association Board of Directors. A frequent presenter at MGCA Business Conferences, he generously shares his experience and practical ideas to help fellow golf course owners and operators succeed.

Eccleton was also an early participant and supporter of MGCA’s Registered Apprenticeship Program, helping develop the next generation of golf course superintendents. A founding board member of the Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association, Jay helped establish an organization that continues to support the profession statewide. His work on the state’s Water Use Advisory Council further demonstrates his commitment to representing golf’s interests at the state level.

He was raised in a family that owned a golf course in Stockbridge, and with Katie tirelessly promotes the benefits of golf while allowing The Emerald to host significant charitable events and youth and high school tournaments.

Downloadable Photos:

• Matthews Lifetime Achievement Award – Bernie Friedrich

• Lyle Leeke Distinguished Service Award – Jay Eccleton

CONTACT: To join the celebration, call the MGCA by calling 800-860-8575 or visit michigangca.org to register. For additional information contact Jada Paisley, executive director, (517) 482-4312, jpaisley@michigangca.org.