The United States Golf Association (USGA) announced today that Bob Buck of Bethlehem, Pa., has been named the recipient of its newest honor – the McGraw Family Award – created to recognize an individual who has demonstrated exemplary commitment to expanding opportunities in golf for those with disabilities. 

The award, part of a multi-year commitment from the Harold McGraw III Foundation to support the U.S. Adaptive Open, will be presented annually to honor those who have had a meaningful impact on the adaptive golf community through advocacy, outreach, programming, partnership and service, while demonstrating strong character and integrity. The award was presented to Buck Saturday night at the 5th U.S. Adaptive Open players’ dinner at Woodmont Country Club in Rockville, Md. 

“The support of the Harold McGraw III Foundation and the McGraw Family enables us to continue elevating the U.S. Adaptive Open and recognize someone who has given so much to adaptive golf through the McGraw Family Award,” said USGA CEO Mike Whan. “There is no more deserving recipient than Bob Buck, whose contributions over several decades have been profound, and whose unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for adaptive golfers at every level has left a lasting impact that is truly worth celebrating.” 

Buck, a below-knee amputee since 1970, established the Eastern Amputee Golf Association (EAGA) in 1986 to raise awareness for golfers with disabilities through competitions and clinics. In the years since, the EAGA has grown into one of the largest organizations in the country dedicated to grassroots adaptive golf programming. 

From supporting wounded veterans and others through instructional classes to chairing the accessibility efforts at the 2000 U.S. Senior Open – the first USGA championship to offer scooter and wheelchair viewing in the stands – Buck’s contributions have created opportunities for countless individuals. A talented player, he  won more than 24 EAGA events, while also claiming multiple regional titles and competing both nationally and internationally in adaptive golf events. 

“I’m beyond humbled to be the first recipient of this award,” said Buck. “This has been a passion of mine for more years than I can count, and to be recognized this way honestly leaves me speechless.” 

To learn more about Bob Buck, click here. 

Led by Harold “Terry” McGraw, former Chairman, President and CEO of the McGraw-Hill Companies, the Foundation and McGraw family have a long history of supporting those with special needs. The U.S. Adaptive Open struck a particular chord with the family. 

“We are thrilled to partner with the USGA to expand access and participation in the US Adaptive Open, said Harold McGraw III. We especially want to thank Bob Buck for his enormous contribution to the growth and recognition of adaptive golf. He deeply deserves this recognition.”

To learn more about the McGraw Family’s support of the U.S. Adaptive Open, click here. 

The 2026 U.S. Adaptive Open begins today and runs through July 8 at Woodmont Country Club’s South Course. Out of 250 entries this year, 96 men and women will tee it up across all ages, nationalities and impairment categories. For more information, please visit usga.org.