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ROBIN FARRAN NAMED RECIPIENT OF THE USGA JOE DEY AWARD FOR VOLUNTEERISM
by Janeen Driscoll
USGA Brand Communications Director
Robin Farran is the recipient of this year’s United States Golf Association (USGA) Joe Dey Award in recognition of nearly 30 years of meritorious service to the game as a volunteer.
“Congratulations to Robin Farran for all he’s done and for being this year’s Joe Dey Award winner,” said Mike Whan, Chief Executive Officer of the USGA. “Volunteerism and the people that lead these organizations are really the lifeblood. So thank you, Robin, for being the gold standard that others will follow in terms of what it means to be really connected and leading in this game.
“And thank you, Arizona Golf Association, for letting us borrow Robin so often.”
The USGA recognized Farran and other honorees at its Annual Awards Dinner in Napa, Calif., in February during the organization’s Annual Meeting, which was held in person for the first time since 2020.
“Robin created this community of people in and around the Rules of Golf and it was really special to see,” said Joe Foley, Exective Director of the Arizona
Golf Association. “I think that really starts with his genuine personality. The amount of hours and time and rules seminars and tournaments and miles he’s put on his car ‒ it’s incredible the amount of dedica tion he’s put forth.”
Highly respected among peers for his dedication to Rules education and junior golf, Farran has helped grow the game over the course of 28 years of selfless service. Since attending his first PGA/USGA Rules of Golf Workshop in 1995, the Chandler-resident has committed himself to helping others interpret the Rules by developing educational materials and officiating at more than 1,000 championships locally, nationally and abroad. Farran also regularly conducts junior clinics and has raised more than $140,000 for the Junior Golf Association of Arizona through its 100-Hole Marathon in an effort to ensure that golf continues to thrive for future generations.
Farran is widely recognized as an ambassador for the Rules of Golf and a strong reflection of the award’s namesake, Joseph C. Dey Jr., who served as the USGA’s executive director from 1934-1968 and as the first commissioner of the PGA Tour.
Click here to view a video tribute produced by the USGA and played at the Annual Meeting in Napa.
