–MacCurrach Family receives top honor, Deane Beman Award–
–Presenting sponsors Circle K and Pinnacle Financial Partners play key benefactor role –
FOR RELEASE: Sunday, February 15th, 2026
JACKSONVILLE, FL – A spirit of unity and a shared love for the game of golf was clearly in evidence on Wednesday evening, Feb. 11th at Deerwood Country Club as 240 passionate members of the Northeast Florida golf community were in attendance at the 10th Celebration of Golf Banquet presented by Circle K and Pinnacle Financial Partners.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Deane Beman Award to the MacCurrach family of Jacksonville. Honored were the late Allan MacCurrach, Jr., his wife, Carol MacCurrach Taylor, their daughter Jennifer MacCurrach, son Allan MacCurrach III, and grandson Allan “Sonny” MacCurrach IV, among other family members in the room.
(L-R) – Allan MacCurrach III, Carol MacCurrach Taylor, Jennifer MacCurrach, Deane Beman
Many past Beman Award recipients were in attendance: Deane Beman (2015), Herb Peyton (2016), John Hayt (2017), Joe Barrow (2018), Jim and Tabitha Furyk (2023), and Tom Dudley (2024).
The Deane Beman Award is named for the visionary PGA TOUR commissioner (1974-1994) and World Golf Hall of Fame inductee (2000). It was established in 2015 to recognize those individuals who have made significant, long-term impact on or through the game of golf in the greater Jacksonville area. The award itself is a crystal bowl that was donated by Clayton Bromberg of Underwood Jewelers.
Banquet proceeds, which will clearly be impacted by the sponsorship support of Circle K and Pinnacle Financial Partners, are earmarked for the JAGA Scholarship Trust. Since 1974, the JAGA Trust has awarded approximately $2 million in scholarships to nearly 400 college-bound area students.
For ten years now, the Celebration of Golf Banquet presented by Circle K and Pinnacle Financial Partners has brought together people from all facets of the Jacksonville-area golf community – players, leaders, promoters, benefactors, supporters, clubs, volunteers, pros, amateurs, juniors, superintendents, and other organizations – to champion the game of golf and recognize and honor those who have made contributions to area golf, both on the course and off.
The banquet was organized and conducted by the Jacksonville Area Golf Association and supported by the Northern Chapter of the North Florida PGA, the Jacksonville Women’s Golf Association, and the North Florida Golf Course Superintendents Association.
2013 PLAYERS Championship volunteer chairman Robert Davis of Deerwood CC chaired the Celebration of Golf Banquet presented by Circle K and Pinnacle Financial Partners executive committee for the second year in a row. His committee members were Stefan Brunt of Sawgrass CC, Duke Butler III of TPC Sawgrass, Richie Bryant of Pablo Creek GC, Susie Fonde of Jacksonville G&CC, Fred Seely of Timuquana CC, and John Tancredi of Marsh Landing CC. Deane Beman provided input to the committee. Damon Olinto of San Jose CC will assume Davis’ role as chairman for the 2027 Banquet.
Emceeing the event was Hidden Hills Golf Club owner and general manager Russ Libby.
Olivia Drake, granddaughter of popular Hyde Park GC JAGA director Billy Drake, who passed away in 2025, got the evening off to a wonderful start singing “God Bless America”.
PHOTO GALLERY
A full house of 240 supporters of golf in Northeast Florida attended at Deerwood CC
The MacCurrach clan, with Deane Beman (far right).
Evening emcee Russ Libby (left) hosts Q&A session with Deane Beman, Jennifer MacCurrach and Allan MacCurrach III.
Banquet chairman Robert Davis (left) visits with popular and longtime Florida Times-Union golf writer Garry Smits, who attended with his wife, Mary Beth.
Deb Eady of Mayport Windy Harbor Golf Club reminded everyone that the Jacksonville Women’s Golf Association turns 100 in 2027.
An animated Stefan Brunt of Sawgrass Country Club represented the Northern Chapter of the North Florida PGA
JAGA Vice President of Administration Jim Loftin made remarks on behalf of JAGA.
ABOUT JAGA
Established in 1954, JAGA enters its 73rd year in 2026. It is a not-for-profit corporation consisting of 42-member golf facilities located in Northeast Florida. JAGA’s mission is to promote golf, community and goodwill through tournaments and related events and activities. It conducts or supports 11 tournaments, including six championship events and five others that feature team formats. JAGA has a charitable arm that manages a scholarship program which currently provides college funding for 62 area students. Since 1974, the program has generated approximately $2 million in financial aid to approximately 400 students.
Anyone interested in receiving JAGA’s monthly “Northeast Florida Golf News” and announcements about JAGA and its tournaments for free via email may do so by clicking here or going to the JAGA homepage (www.jaxareagolf.org) link that reads “Subscribe to JAGA Email” at the bottom of every page.
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Contact:
Jeff Adams
JAGA
Cell: 904-607-6142
Email: jeffreytadams71@gmail.