Awards That Actually Mean Something

Let’s face it, I have one of the best jobs in the world. Nearly every weekend, we get to play a small role in one of the best days of someone’s life — whether it’s a club championship, match play event, member-guest tournament, or that rare one-in-12,500 chance of a hole-in-one. We are honored to be part of those moments.

The one thing that will get a PGA Professional in hot water with committees, boards, and management faster than almost anything else is staging an event where the awards are missing, damaged, late, or simply disappointing. That is where Heritage becomes the answer. We always suggest to our club staff: get us your tournament schedule early, and we will take care of the rest.

I was at a PGA tournament a couple of years ago, speaking with one of our competitors’ sales representatives. He shared a story that has stayed with me. He attended one of his customer’s annual fall awards banquets, where the club champions were being honored. That year, the club had purchased basic, standard commodity crystal awards for its champions. A few of the honored recipients left their awards behind on the dinner tables — a not-so-subtle protest.

There is commodity crystal, and then there is prestigious Heritage crystal.

At Heritage, we are always here to consult, guide, and assist in creating awards you are proud to present on the 18th green on a Sunday afternoon. We recognize that golf awards go far beyond a physical reminder of victory. They are a testament to a player’s dedication, skill, discipline, and tireless effort. The moment a golfer is presented with a Heritage Trophy can become a pinnacle moment in their playing career.

But this recognition is not for the champion alone.

These awards also enhance the reputation, tradition, and prestige of the event — and of the club itself. The allure of the Sunday afternoon hoist motivates players, elevates the championship experience, and adds a sense of elegance and timelessness to the occasion. Many of our clubs request that their awards be shipped weeks ahead of their tournaments so they can proudly display them in the pro shop or clubhouse, building anticipation before the first tee shot is ever struck.

We are finding more and more opportunities with clubs that eagerly answer one important question: What is iconic about your club?

It may be a premier tournament logo, a signature hole, the clubhouse, a historic feature on the course, or a meaningful landmark around the property. We have created custom awards such as a record-sized alligator head for the Gator Bowl Pro-Am, an 1897 locomotive honoring Henry Flagler for Bel-Air Country Club, and a recreation of the iconic clubhouse at Mountain Lake — down to the Spanish tiles on the roof.

So I will ask you: what makes your club iconic? Let our design team turn your vision into reality.

Heritage has always been at the forefront of innovation meeting craftsmanship. We often say our assortment is not grandpa’s trophy cabinet. We have successfully introduced contemporary, modern art glass pieces into our crystal assortment while continuing to honor the timeless traditions of the game.

Another industry first is Heritage’s Lynk technology. This award feature allows clubs and recipients to personalize and memorialize an award by connecting virtual content — especially video — to an individual physical award through a QR code. It transforms an award from a static object into a living memory.

Gone are the days of, “Let’s do what we did last year and just change the date.” Members and guests respect — and quite honestly expect — awards that are worthy of their club’s brand, their event’s prestige, and the championship achievement.

Heritage Awards become cherished possessions: reminders of a moment, symbols of accomplishment, and legacies to be passed down through generations.

Since our founding in 1995, Heritage has crafted museum-quality recognition products for many of the most prestigious golf and country clubs in the country. From the beginning, we have prioritized innovation, craftsmanship, and exceptional service. Our quest was never to be the biggest — only to be the best.

Heritage Creations stands as a leader in awards, recognition, and design. A heritage of excellence.

About the Author
Andy Heffner, VP of Sales at Heritage Creations USA, five time - PGA Award honoree, brings more than 20 years of experience in business development, sales, marketing, financial strategy, and executive leadership. With a focus on exceeding expectations and helping organizations grow, Andy shares insights on recognition trends, custom awards, event planning, and meaningful design through The Heritage Insider.