David Jacobsen Recipient of USGA Joe Dey Award

PORTLAND, Oregon - David Jacobsen has long been a champion of growing the game of golf in Oregon.

Through many years of volunteering and the numerous youth initiatives, he helped to establish in partnership with the OGA he has pushed the game forward in Oregon.

On Monday, the USGA honored his many years of service by naming Jacobsen the 2025 recipient of the Joe Dey Award. This award recognizes his exemplary service to the game and incredible impact in welcoming thousands to the sport through junior golf.

The award is named after Joe Dey, USGA executive director from 1934-1969, the award honors the game’s most exceptional volunteers. Beyond his service to the Oregon Golf Association (OGA), Jacobsen has volunteered at the national level with the USGA for more than four decades.

“This honor came as a surprise and I am extremely grateful to the USGA for this incredible recognition,” said Jacobsen. “The wonderful game of golf is filled with thousands of volunteers at the local, state, regional and national level. To be among those recognized for my service – knowing Mr. Dey’s distinguished place in the game and the impact of previous recipients – is humbling.”

Jacobsen helped establish the the Jacobsen Youth Initiative and Erling Jacobsen (EJ) Tour, as well as the launch of Oregon’s Youth on Course program, which helps offset costs of golf for young players as they learn the game. Jacobsen also co-created the OGA Tournament Assistance Group (TAG Team) now comprised of more than 200 individuals who embody his spirit of service to others.

“David’s integrity, respect for tradition and history of the game is a direct reflection of Joe Dey’s legacy,” said USGA CEO Mike Whan. “Volunteers are critical to everything we do in the game, but that title does not do David’s impact justice. He’s an advocate for public golf, a champion of all that is good in the game, and the USGA is honored to celebrate him with this year’s award.”

His inspiration for helping young people stems from his father, Erling, who he honored through the creation of the EJ Tour – a series of educational, non-competitive nine-hole golf events intended to introduce the game to young people.

“David Jacobsen’s unwavering dedication to the game of golf has left an indelible mark on Oregon and beyond,” said Oregon Golf Association CEO Rick Rangel. “His passion reflects the very spirit of golf – one of community, integrity, and service. On behalf of the Oregon Golf Association, we are proud to see David recognized with the Joe Dey Award, a testament to his lifelong commitment to growing the game.”

As a volunteer myself who has helped with the EJ Tour playdays, these events are instrumental in helpings kids learn to enjoy the game through drills, games, and a nine hole round of golf. Even meeting David Jacobsen at these EJ Tour days, brings an added bit of joy for the players, parents, and volunteers.

Jacobsen has served on several USGA committees, including those for Regional Affairs, the Green Section and championships, and was recognized in 2007 with the Ike Grainger Award for 25 years of service to the organization.

Of note, is Jacobsen is the older brother of Peter Jacobsen, who won seven times on the PGA Tour.

David co-chaired the 2023 U.S. Senior Women’s Open Championship and the 2017 U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship, both held at his home course, Waverley Country Club in Portland, and was general chairman at the 1990 U.S Amateur Public Links Championship at Eastmoreland Golf Course, also in Portland.

Jacobsen will be formally recognized at the USGA’s Annual Meeting on March 1 in Pinehurst, N.C., where he will be celebrated alongside other honorees.

An honor that is well deserved for an Oregon golf pioneer.