Indianapolis, IN (November 14, 2024) — Last night, Indiana Golf gathered at Broadmoor Country Club for a beautiful evening celebrating the latest Hall of Fame inductees and Player of the Year award winners. The ceremony was a special night filled with recognition, camaraderie, and pride as members of the Indiana golf community came together to honor those who have made outstanding contributions to the game.
Hall of Fame Inductee: Terry Werner
Terry Werner, a dedicated and accomplished amateur golfer, has built an impressive career spanning numerous state, regional, and national competitions. A resident of Dyer, Indiana, Terry’s passion for the game has earned him a distinguished reputation across Indiana and Illinois, as well as on the national level.
Werner’s accolades include victories in both Indiana and Illinois competitions. His Indiana Golf Association (IGA) titles include the Indiana PGA Northern Open (1997), IGA Senior Amateur Championships (2009, 2012, 2016, 2017), and several others. On a national level, he qualified for the U.S. Senior Amateur three times and contributed to Indiana’s third-place finish at the 1997 USGA State Team Championship. Terry’s competitive spirit and dedication to the game are evident through his numerous championships and the lasting impact he’s made on the Indiana golf community.
Upon accepting his award Terry Werner addressed the crowd. After a great speech he finished with, “I‘ve been truly blessed the game I really love and to play at a level I never dreamed was possible. What other game can you go out with four people and compete for one trophy? When you’re finished, you shake hands, congratulate or console the other players. Golf truly is the greatest game ever. I would like to thank everyone who had any part in my selection. It truly made a dream come true. And I will forever be grateful. Thank you so much.”
Hall of Fame Inductee: Lee Williamson
Lee Williamson’s journey began in Crawfordsville, Indiana, where his early success at Southmont High School set the stage for an exceptional career. At Purdue University, he was a standout golfer, earning First Team All-Big Ten honors three times and Big Ten Player of the Year in 2002. He won the Indiana Match Play, Indiana Amateur, and Indiana Open championships, becoming one of the few to claim all three major state titles.
After turning professional, Lee found success on the Canadian Tour and Nationwide Tour, with multiple victories and Top-10 finishes. He is now the Director of Golf at Orange County National in Florida, where he continues to influence the game. Williamson’s dedication and contributions, both as a player and a leader, earned him a well-deserved place in the Hall of Fame.
Clifford E. Wagoner Award: Mike Brown
The Clifford E. Wagoner Award honors an amateur golfer who exemplifies sportsmanship and character. This year’s award was posthumously presented to Mike Brown, who served as the Director of Golf for the Indiana State Senior Golf Association (ISSGA) from 2018 until his passing in 2023. Known for his professionalism, kindness, and dedication, Mike played a pivotal role in organizing tournaments and fostering a welcoming environment for senior golfers. His legacy of service and integrity continues to inspire the Indiana golf community.
Receiving the award on his behalf, was his widow, Stephanie Brown, “I just want to thank you for honoring Mike in this very special way. His family and friends are very grateful that he was given the Clifford E. Wagner award, and now joined so many others that are received prior years, especially his friend Dave Williamson.”
Player of the Year Honorees
- IGA John K. David Player of the Year: Matt Vogt, of Indianapolis secured multiple wins, including the Indianapolis Open and Indiana Four-Ball Championship, with a strong performance in both individual and team competitions.
- IGA Senior Jerry Nelson Player of the Year: Michael Williams, also from Indianapolis, showcased his talent by qualifying for the U.S. Senior Amateur and winning the Senior Match Play Championship.
- IWGA Alice O’Neal Dye Player of the Year: Julia Potter-Bobb, continued her success with top finishes in national and state competitions, highlighted by a quarterfinal appearance at the U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur.
Howard Bailey Junior Golf Program
Indiana’s rising talents were recognized for their impressive achievements:
- Girls Prep Tour Player of the Year: Nellie Lemmon, of McCordsville led all players with six victories, including a low round of 74 at Crestview.
- Boys Prep Tour Player of the Year: Gavin Davis, of Fishers secured five wins, capped off by a standout 4-under 67 at Woodwind.
- Junior Tour Girls Player of the Year: Addison Meadows, of New Market excelled with five wins and a victory at the Junior Tour Championship.
- Junior Tour Boys Player of the Year: Jaxon Calhoon, of Greenwood claimed top finishes in key championships, including a win at the Buffy and Alice Mayerstein Age Group Championship.
- Girls Junior Program Player of the Year: Ressie Lemmon, dominated with multiple victories and consistent top finishes across junior tournaments.
- Boys Junior Program Player of the Year: Jake Cesare, of Westfield, the 2024 Boys Hoosier Junior Champion, qualified for the 2025 U.S. Amateur Four-Ball Championship.
The 2024 Hall of Fame Ceremony was a memorable celebration of golf excellence in Indiana. The inductees and award winners were recognized not just for their accomplishments on the course, but also for their dedication, sportsmanship, and impact on the Indiana golf community. The evening showed the enduring spirit of golf and the legacy of those who have helped shape the game in our state.