By Mike May
The Metropolitan Section of the Professional Golfers’ Association of America (Met PGA) has proudly announced that Indiana’s Ted Bishop will receive the prestigious Sam Snead Award. This accolade recognizes Bishop’s exceptional contributions to the Met Section and the broader golf community.
“Ted Bishop’s impact on the Met Section has been profound and enduring. During his tenure as President of the PGA of America, Ted demonstrated remarkable foresight and dedication by spearheading the efforts to bring both the 2019 PGA Championship and the upcoming 2025 Ryder Cup to Bethpage State Park’s renowned Black Course,” said Stuart Waack, President Met PGA. “These major championships have not only elevated the profile of golf in the Metropolitan New York area but have also provided unparalleled opportunities for golf enthusiasts and professionals alike.”
Even though Bishop lives and works in Indiana, his family has an active presence in the Met PGA.
“Beyond his instrumental role in securing these landmark events, Ted Bishop has left an indelible mark on the Metropolitan golf community through his leadership and vision,” added Waack. “His daughter, Ambry, serves as a Met PGA Assistant at The Saint Andrew’s Golf Club in Westchester, New York, and as the coach of the St. John’s University women’s golf team. Ambry’s own achievements as an award-winning golf professional underscore the legacy of excellence and passion for the sport that Ted has instilled within his family and the broader golf community.”
Originated in 1956, the Snead Award criteria was left intentionally vague although the intent was obvious. The award would be presented to an individual in recognition of his or her contributions to the game of golf, the PGA and the Met Section. While all of the other Special Awards are presented only to PGA members, the Snead Award could honor professionals or amateurs and its list of recipients reads like a ‘who’s who’ of golf in the Metropolitan area.
Previous Snead Award recipients include Harry “Lighthorse” Cooper, winner of 37 PGA Tour events; Joseph C. Dey Jr., USGA Executive Director from 1934-68; Claude Harmon, former Masters Champion; Gene Sarazen, seven-time major champion; Paul Runyan, two-time PGA Championship winner; Dave Marr II, legendary ABC sportscaster who was a PGA champion and Ryder Cup captain; Ely Callaway, founder of Callaway Golf and many other golf legends from the New York City Metropolitan area.
“I was humbled beyond words when the Met PGA informed me of this great honor,” said Bishop. “My respect for the New York City area and its golf professionals is immeasurable. I’ve been very fortunate in my career to experience a lot of great things through golf, but absolutely nothing means more to me than receiving the Sam Snead Award from the Met PGA. This is really the pinnacle of my career and I am so grateful.”
Bishop will be honored along with the other 2024 Special Award winners at a special dinner later this year which will include video tributes to the honorees with fellow PGA members, family, friends and club members in the audience.
