2025 ING Media Awards Highlights Golf Journalism Achievements
News Summary
The 32nd Annual ING Media Awards showcased the best in golf journalism, with over four dozen awards presented at the 2026 PGA Show. Notable winners included John Steinbreder and Gary Van Sickle, celebrated for their outstanding contributions across various categories. The international community of golf media came together to honor creative storytelling and impactful narratives that resonate with golf enthusiasts. As we celebrate these accomplishments, the future of golf journalism looks bright with promising stories on the horizon.
Celebration of Excellence: 2025 ING Media Awards Shine a Light on Golf Journalism
Golf enthusiasts, gather ’round! The 32nd Annual ING Media Awards celebrated the crème de la crème of golf journalism in the United States. The big reveals happened on a lively Wednesday during the 2026 PGA Show, and you can bet that excitement filled the air!
The International Network of Golf, a non-profit organization that forges connections within the media and golf industries, rolls out the red carpet for these awards. Membership is open to anyone involved in the whimsical world of golf and media, making it a fantastic opportunity for those looking to dive into this vibrant community.
Winners Galore!
At the awards ceremony, over four dozen shiny trophies were handed out, including First-Place and Outstanding Achiever awards across various categories. It was a veritable feast of talent, showcasing remarkable stories, captivating profiles, and heart-wrenching narratives that keep the spirit of golf alive.
This year’s list of sponsors included notable names like Bridgestone Golf, CertiFresh Cigar, PGA Show, Stich Golf, and Zero Friction Golf, emphasizing the strong support system surrounding golf media.
Standouts of the Night
Among the shining stars was John Steinbreder from Global Golf Post, who snatched the top spot in the Profile Writing Category with his enchanting piece titled “The Medici of Golf.” Not just stopping there, he bagged four Outstanding Achiever awards in other categories, bringing his total to five—making him the reigning champ of the night!
Another name that resonated was Gary Van Sickle, who won four awards, including the coveted first place in Equipment/Apparel Writing. His story for SI.Com, aptly titled “James Bond Golf-Themed Grip is Worth Getting Your Hands On,” certainly struck a chord with fans and judges alike.
Gary D’Amato also made a memorable mark by earning three awards, notably clinching first place in the Opinion/Editorial Category for his heartfelt piece in Wisconsin.Golf titled “Thank You Mr. B For Your Fatherly Concern.” This captivating read showcased the deeper connections that golf inspires beyond just the sport itself.
The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as Sean Martin of PGATOUR.COM claimed first place in the Competition Writing Category with a gripping narrative on Rory McIlroy’s resilience culminating in a Masters victory. And don’t forget Tom Mackin, whose travel piece “Luck Of The Irish” transported readers through picturesque landscapes and enchanting golfing locations, winning accolades in the Travel Writing Category.
Audio and Video Waves
On the audio front, Ann Liguori’s radio show “Talking Golf With Ann Liguori” received top honors in the Long-Form Audio Category for her detailed episode surrounding the Masters, while the Golf Shop Radio Network won for Short-Form Audio. In video, Dave Lockhart’s Golf360 TV show brought home the award for Short-Form Video, showcasing the impact of engaging visual content in golf media.
As an added excitement, the MGA and FORE Magazine also celebrated triumphs in their respective categories, further emphasizing the diversity of talents in golf journalism today.
A Fair Judgment Call
All these winners were determined by an unbiased panel of three judges who evaluated entries based on a scoring system grounded in various key criteria. These judges independently assessed each entry, ensuring that creativity took center stage devoid of bias.
The number of Outstanding Achievers in each category is derived from the overall entries and their scoring ranges, which adds to the excitement of the competition year after year.
As we reflect on this year’s celebration of golf journalism, we can’t help but look forward to the incredible stories and works that lie ahead in the future. The passion and creativity voiced at the 2025 ING Media Awards certainly set the stage for an exciting year of golf ahead!
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