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General Manager of the Year: Scott Smith

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Scott Smith, former Director of Operations for Steelwood Country Club, has been named the General Manager of the Year by the American Junior Golf Association. This award honors the general manager that displays an unwavering support of the AJGA and junior golf by creating a memorable tournament experience for players, families, staff and volunteers.

Each year, the AJGA presents awards to the tournaments with the best individual hospitality, Junior-Am fundraising tournament, charitable giving and volunteer base. Awards are also given to the events with the highest media and social media participation. Finally, the AJGA recognizes the year’s most outstanding golf professional, superintendent and general manager, as well as the most improved event, best new event, best Junior All-Star tournament, best Invitational and overall tournament of the year. Awards will be presented at the J.R. “Digger” Smith Awards Banquet in Braselton, Ga., on March 8.

“This award reinforces the fact that the job I have done over the past years has continued to improve,” Smith said.

Smith’s passion for junior golf was the driving force behind his eagerness to bring an event to Steelwood Country Club in 2008. Under his guidance, the Steelwood membership embraced the tournament.

“The tournament is an opportunity for Steelwood to showcase our golf course to 96 of the best junior golfers and to the world,” Smith said. “The membership is behind it 100 percent.”

Smith took a hands-on approach to the tournament and always personally welcomed players and their families. His hospitality also extended to AJGA staff while on-site.

“Our major goal and objective is to exceed our members and guests expectations. Being acknowledged for the hard work and effort means we have done that.”

After 16 years, Smith left Steelwood Country Club for a new position at The Country Club of Mobile. However, his impact on the event will still remain as the event celebrates its seventh year on the AJGA schedule, June 2-5.

“This award is not about me, it is about the staff,” Smith said. “They are the ones that put in the hard work and long hours. I steer the ship and they are the ones that do all the work. I don’t view this as a personal award I view it as an award for the facility.”

Complete list of 2013 Tournament Awards