The Old Tom Morris Award is the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America's most prestigious honor. It is presented each year to an individual who "through a continuing lifetime commitment to the game of golf has helped to mold the welfare of the game in a manner and style exemplified by Old Tom Morris."
Morris (1821–1908) was greenskeeper and golf professional at the St Andrews Links Trust Golf Club of St. Andrews, Scotland; a four-time winner of The Open Championship (1861, 1862, 1864 and 1867); and ranked as one of the top links designers of the 19th century.
The recipient of this award is determined by the GCSAA Board of Directors. The award is presented annually at the GCSAA Education Conference, held in conjunction with the Golf Industry Show.
Source: [1]