The Bill Todd Award honors a volunteer who maintains the highest standard of service and stewardship to the GSGA. It is named for one of the GSGA’s most valued volunteers who spent more than 20 years serving the Association. Todd served as GSGA’s president in 1995 and gave his time in many ways before his passing in 2001.
Like Todd, this year’s recipient has dedicated many years of service to the Georgia State Golf Association in a variety of areas. Barnes began volunteering with the GSGA in 1972, and within two years, he worked his way up to serve on the Executive Committee. Over the years, he has served on nearly every Association committee, including the role of president from 1977-1980. He was the last president to serve two terms.
Under his leadership, Barnes spearheaded a number of initiatives, which remain an essential part of the Association today. The Georgia State Golf Association’s Foundation was established in 1977 and began granting scholarships to turfgrass students throughout the state. The GSGA also began hosting USGA qualifiers in the state in 1979, conducting five qualifiers that first year. In 1980, the Georgia Girl’s Championship was held concurrently with the Georgia Junior Championship at Houston Lake Country Club in Perry.
He has served the Association with pride, and also served on the United States Golf Association’s Mid-Amateur Championship Committee for over 25 years. For his efforts, he earned the governing body’s prestigious Ike Grainger Award.
Barnes was presented the Bill Todd Award by previous winners who were in attendance at the Annual Meeting.
The presentation of this award honors Todd’s memory and recognizes an individual who exemplifies his volunteer spirit and involvement. Originally known as the President’s Service Award, it was renamed in 2002. It was then deemed that all former winners of the President’s Service Award would also be known as Bill Todd Award winners. A winner may be chosen annually, but not necessarily every year, by a committee that includes all past recipients and volunteers from each area of GSGA service.