"If we look back upon past recipients of the Jerry Cole Sportsmanship Award, each winner has a number of things in common, not the least of which is their disbelief when told the award was going to them. None felt like they deserved such an honor and each was beyond humble in their reception. It is this remarkable humility that grants them their ability to place the focus of their lives not solely on themselves, but equally on others and on respecting the heritage of honor in golf.

As was apparent in the video, there is no shortage of benevolence when it comes to Matt Savage. Nor is there any measure of the profoundly positive impact he has on the lives he touches every day.

The great 17th century mathematician and philosopher, Blaise Pascal, once said, 'that the power of a man's virtue should not be measured by his special efforts, but by his ordinary doings.'

The Jerry Cole Sportsmanship Award trophy

I think that these words hold more meaning today than ever. In an age where all too often victory alone is the measure of success and greatness, and the virtues of integrity, honor, and goodwill struggle to maintain their place in sports, it is refreshing and inspiring to see a young man championing these qualities everyday. Matt Savage personifies the very spirit on which the Sportsmanship Award was founded.

All of us in the junior golf community have enjoyed knowing and playing with Matt over the years. We will be sad to see him go, but next year Matt will head to Florida State, where I'm certain he will continue his tradition of success.

As anyone associated with the AJGA will tell you, Matt is the embodiment of all things that the Association hopes to promote with its existence. Matt Savage is a noble ambassador for the game of golf and a true sportsman. He also proves that contrary to the cliche, genuinely nice guys do indeed finish first."