The American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) is proud to announce the late Andy Neher as the recipient of the 2025 J.R. "Digger" Smith Award, recognizing his extraordinary commitment to junior golf and the lasting impact he made on the AJGA and its members.
Neher was instrumental in several key AJGA initiatives, including hosting the Wyndham Cup at Old Sandwich Golf Club and spearheading the creation of the ACE Grant Cup, which continues to fund opportunities for junior golfers through the Liberty National ACE Grant. The idea originated in conversations with AJGA Executive Director Stephen Hamblin in 2015, and Neher hosted the inaugural event at Old Sandwich Golf Club in 2016. The fundraiser raised $100,000 to endow a Liberty National ACE Grant, which at the time represented the largest donation generated through a fundraising event in AJGA Foundation history. Since then, the Liberty National ACE Grant Cup has been held annually at premier clubs across the country, continuing to support junior golfers with financial need.
Serving as President and Partner of Old Sandwich Golf Club since 2002, Neher helped establish the club as one of the AJGA's premier championship venues. Under his leadership, Old Sandwich hosted the Wyndham Cup five times (2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026), producing memorable competitions and becoming one of the most beloved sites in the event's history.
"Andy's impact on the AJGA extends far beyond the events he hosted. He believed deeply in creating opportunities for young people and consistently found ways to support our mission. Whether it was welcoming us to Old Sandwich Golf Club for the Wyndham Cup, where future stars such as Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Rose Zhang and Alexa Pano competed, or helping establish the ACE Grant Cup, Andy's generosity and vision helped shape the lives of countless junior golfers. We are honored to recognize his legacy with the Digger Smith Award."
"Andy was passionate about the game of golf and even more passionate about the people it brought together. He took tremendous pride in supporting junior golf and valued the partnership between Old Sandwich Golf Club and the AJGA. His commitment to providing opportunities for young golfers was unwavering, and this recognition is a fitting tribute to the impact he made both at Old Sandwich and throughout the junior golf community."
Presented annually since 1991, the J.R. "Digger" Smith Award honors individuals whose dedication to the AJGA's mission embodies the spirit 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 devoted more than three decades to advancing junior golf and supporting the Association's growth.
Past recipients of the Digger Smith Award include Premier Partner Rolex; AJGA Board members Wally Uihlein, John Solheim, Betsy Rawls, Annika Sorenstam, and Mark Brazil; AJGA Chairman Jim Nugent; and numerous Tournament Chairs whose dedication helps make the AJGA’s annual schedule of more than 150 events possible. A complete list of past recipients is available here .