The PGA of America has named the late Jeff Babineau as the 2026 recipient of the PGA Lifetime Achievement Award in Journalism.
Babineau’s decorated career and lasting legacy will be celebrated April 8 at the 52nd annual ISPS Handa GWAA Awards Dinner in Augusta, Georgia.
Babineau, the 35th recipient of the award, passed away in December 2024 at the age of 62. His death was preceded by a distinguished career that inspired an outpouring of recognition in his memory.
“Jeff Babineau was in a class of his own,” said Nathan Charnes, PGA of America Vice President. “As a highly skilled writer and editor, Jeff covered the game of golf with the utmost professionalism and expertise. His enduring impact extends far beyond his published work as he was a dedicated and compassionate mentor to countless journalists learning the profession. While Jeff’s friendly presence and best-in-class coverage is missed throughout media centers across the country, his legacy will continue to be felt for years to come.”
Established in 1991, the PGA of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award in Journalism recognizes members of the media for their steadfast promotion of golf. Babineau’s family, including wife, Jane, and sons Derek (Bisgounis), Keith (Bisgounis) and Luke will accept the award in his honor.
For the Babineau family, pride in Jeff’s career is matched only by their pride in the person he was and the genuine kindness he showed to everyone around him.
“It’s been eye-opening for me and the whole family just to see how loved and respected he was in the industry,” said Jane Babineau. “We knew how loved he was as a father and a husband and a friend, but now we get to see the other side of it. He loved his job. He loved the people that he worked with. He was well respected and he respected everybody”
“It means everything to us,” said Luke. “My dad was genuinely loved and respected by everyone he met and left a lasting impression on countless lives. For him to receive this award is super-special and he was so very well deserving of this.”