The Wagoner Award is presented annually to an amateur golfer who by his or her conduct most nearly exemplifies those sterling qualities of outstanding sportsmanship and high character possessed by Clifford E. Wagoner. Mr. Wagoner was one of the very first inductees into the Indiana Golf Hall of Fame.
This year’s recipient is Dave Williamson. Williamson has been a mainstay in Indiana Golf Association and Indiana PGA events for over 35 years. His grace and sportsmanship, whether winning or losing, has earned him the respect and admiration of his fellow competitors.
A lifelong resident of Crawfordsville, Ind. Williamson taught history and physical education at Southmont Elementary for 40 years. He also coached the girls and boys high school golf teams and was recognized in the Indiana High School Golf Coaches Hall of Fame (‘04).
Williamson developed an interest for golf at age 11 and was eager to teach his sons Ryan and Lee the game. Both boys participated on the Indiana Junior Golf Tour and went on to play college golf at Ball State and Purdue Universities. Lee is also a State Open and two-time State Amateur Champion.
As a player, Williamson has also had a successful career. He has won three IGA events including the IGA Four Ball Championship, which he won with his brother Steve in 1980, and two IGA Stroke Play Championships (‘73, 2011). In the past five years, he has had three runner-up finishes and fifteen top-ten finishes.
Williamson also dedicated his time and efforts to the IGA Board of Directors, where he served for three years.
Now retired, Williamson spends most of his time at Crawfordsville Municipal GC.
“I am so appreciative of the opportunities to play in professionally run golf tournaments on our great Indiana courses,” Williamson said. “I am equally appreciative of all the great players I’ve met and played with over the many years.”