LOUISVILLE, KY (November 24, 2020) – The Kentucky PGA Junior Tour is proud to present the 2020 Jace Bugg Award to Jack Bedell, a senior at Louisville Male High School and a Crestwood resident. This award honors a player from the Tour who displays outstanding sportsmanship, a positive attitude, and characteristics that embody what golf represents.

Bedell had a terrific 2020 season on Tour as he won five times in ten starts while competing in the Boys Championship Division. He recorded two other top-ten finishes this season which ultimately produced a 4^th-place finish in the season-long points standings. Bedell’s level of play meant his character was front and center for all to see throughout the season. From how he treated his peers, tournament staff, facility staff, and other families, it became clear how genuine of a person he is.

“I am so humbled to be chosen as the Jace Bugg Award winner this year,” Bedell stated. “Golf has always been such an important part of my life. It’s the only sport I think really reflects all parts of life. You can hit great shots with terrible results and terrible shots with great results. It’s just how life works out. No matter what, I love the game and the many opportunities I’ve had to play golf and meet some great coaches and golfers. I hope to continue playing golf in college, but I’m very thankful to receive this honor.”

"Jack was the definition of sportsmanship during a tough year for golf,” Michael Vick, PGA Director, Junior Golf said. “He is a very outgoing and well-mannered young man that always brought a smile to the golf course. Whether he played well or struggled, Jack always stayed behind to wait for the award ceremony and chat amongst the staff and other contestants. I couldn't be happier for Jack as the recipient of the 2020 Jace Bugg award. It is well-deserved!" 

The Jace Bugg Award has been awarded annually dating back to 2005. It is named in honor of the Henderson native who passed away in 2003 at age 27 after a battle with leukemia. Prior to his passing, Bugg won twice in professional competition in Arkansas and South Carolina. Bugg was consistently regarded as one of the most professional and friendly faces of Kentucky golf, hence why this award was named in his honor.

The Kentucky PGA Junior Tour congratulates Jack and his family on receiving this award and thanks them for their participation in the program. The Tour also expresses its appreciation towards the Bugg family for their continued participation in this award.