Veteran golf writer Tony Dear, who contributes to Golf News Net and Links Magazine, has been awarded the Northwest Golf Media Association's Distinguished Service Award. The award is a peer-selected honor given to a member of the golf media who has evidenced a thoughtful contribution to golf and golf writing over the course of his or her career.
As usual, Dear was remarkably grateful and humble, giving most of the credit for his excellent work to such editors, friends and colleagues as Jeff Shelley, formerly of Cybergolf, and Tom Cade of the PNGA, both of whom also have been well decorated for their contributions to the game.
Dear called it, "a special moment," adding it's "very humbling when your peers and colleagues vote." He went on to give touching, heartfelt thanks to all his mentors and colleagues.
A multiple award winner from International Network of Golf and the Golf Writers Association of America, Dear is perhaps best known for his startling prediction of Danny Willett to win the 2016 Masters. His deep and broad knowledge of both European and international golfers makes him especially useful as a correspondent. He is a devoted husband and father of two.
Golf News Net founder and owner Ryan Ballengee was delighted with the news of yet another honor for Dear.
"Tony is an outstanding writer, an accomplished player and, most importantly, a top-notch man," Ballengee said. "We're thrilled Tony has received this honor. It's a well-deserved, peer-voted validation of his hard work in telling golf's stories."
