Gene McClure of Atlanta, Ga., a member of the United States Golf Association's Regional Affairs Committee who has worked at many USGA, state and collegiate championships as a committee member, Rules official and referee, is the recipient of the 2008 Joe Dey Award.

The Award recognizes an individual's meritorious service to the game as a volunteer. It is named after the late Joseph C. Dey Jr., the former USGA executive director (1934-69) who became commissioner of the PGA Tour.

"When people get into a volunteer activity they obviously do it because they love it, but very few people can make an impact like Gene has," said Mike Waldron, executive director of the Georgia State Golf Association (GSGA).

McClure began playing golf at 14 and his dedication to the game developed in his years as a student at Emory University in Atlanta and during a stint in the Air Force. An attorney, he is a founder and partner of the law firm of McClure & McMorries, PC, practicing law in Atlanta and the District of Columbia..

McClure was president of the Georgia State Golf Association in 1996-97. He was a director of the Atlanta Junior Golf Association, a trustee of the Georgia Junior Golf Foundation and the GSGA's charitable affiliate foundation that provides scholarships to children of employees at Georgia golf courses. McClure was co-chairman of the 2005 U.S. Women's Amateur at Ansley Golf Club.

"It's overwhelming to think of this honor," said McClure. "Volunteering is important because it promotes the values of the game and we appreciate the relationships with the staff and committee people all over the country."