AJGA Executive Assistant, Mary Ann Cowgur, was named the American Junior Golf Association’s 2021 Digger Smith Award Recipient at a special dinner in her honor at AJGA National Headquarters on March 24.
Presented annually since 1991, the J.R. “Digger” Smith Award is given to a supporter devoted to the AJGA mission and purpose of developing young men and women through competitive junior golf. The award is named in honor of AJGA Chairman of the Board J.R. “Digger” Smith, who has dedicated himself to the AJGA and to junior golf for more than three decades.
"I was overwhelmed and very honored to receive this prestigious award named after a man like Digger Smith, who has dedicated his entire life to junior golf and the AJGA. Working at the AJGA has been one of the greatest joys of my life, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to serve as Stephen Hamblin's assistant for the past 31 years."
Cowgur started her AJGA career as the Membership Secretary in 1991 and has taken on many roles throughout her career. Some of the many hats she has worn during her time at the company include AJGA mom/grandmother, lookout for the operations department while they played pickup basketball, and AJGA historian.
Mary Ann has passed many milestones during her time with the AJGA, two of which occurred in the same year. She celebrated 30 years, as well as the Digger Smith Award with family, friends and coworkers in 2021.
"It was absolutely wonderful to have all the staff, board members, and my family here to celebrate with me. It meant the world to me."
In her career, Cowgur has impacted thousands of young men and women who aspire to earn college golf scholarships, as well as pursue a career in the golf industry.
Cowgur has seen a number of juniors go on to play collegiate and professional golf, making their mark on the golf industry. In her first year with the AJGA, she watched Tiger Woods and Emilee Klein become Rolex Junior Players of the Year.
Mary Ann has been the number one supporter not only for the junior golfers, but also every AJGA staff member she's encountered. Her smiling face lights up the office daily, making headquarters a home away from home for many. Through making countless birthday treats (a favorite among the staff), opening up her home and lending a helping hand, Mary Ann has impacted junior golf in so many ways that can't be measured.
"Mary Ann is the light of the AJGA. She makes sure everyone is celebrated, makes sure all important dates are honored. Whatever's happened in her life, she comes in everyday with a big smile, a "How are you?", and she brightens up everyone's day."
Other Notable Digger Smith recipients:
- Stephen Hamblin, AJGA Executive Director
- James E. Nugent III, Founder/Publisher of Global Golf Post and AJGA Board President
- Pat Saunders, AJGA Board of Directors
- Rolex