Eric Houseknecht Named 2026 Honey Gantner Award Recipient
KENILWORTH, N.J. – Longtime New Jersey Golf volunteer and past president Eric Houseknecht has been named the 2026 Honey Gantner Award recipient, presented annually to a NJ Golf volunteer who demonstrates exemplary service and commitment to the organization.
“I was really flattered when I found out that I was receiving this award,” said Houseknecht. “I was lucky enough to be around all the way back in 2008 when Honey was still working for us. She was just a wonderful person and a wonderful volunteer.”
Houseknecht has been a dedicated New Jersey Golf volunteer since 2008, serving the organization in numerous capacities over nearly two decades. He was elected to the NJ Golf Board of Trustees in 2011, joined the Executive Committee in 2014, and served as president from 2020-21. Throughout his tenure, he has remained a familiar presence at NJ Golf championships, serving as a rules official and sharing his extensive knowledge of the Rules of Golf with competitors and fellow volunteers alike.
His passion for volunteering, however, began well before his involvement with New Jersey Golf. In the 1990s, Houseknecht began volunteering at the USGA Museum and Library, where his interest in golf history allowed him to assist researchers and connect with individuals throughout the game. He joined the USGA Museum and Library Committee in 2000 before eventually turning his attention to the Rules of Golf.
What began with a USGA rules workshop developed into a longstanding commitment to championship officiating. Today, Houseknecht continues to serve as a rules official at both NJ Golf and USGA championships, becoming a trusted resource and mentor to those following in his footsteps.
“Early on I learned a lot and was mentored and got taught by some people who I really admired,” Houseknecht reflected. “I feel like I'm sort of passing that along and paying it forward to help the others who are just getting started or people who are interested in the rules to become good rules officials or good volunteers in a lot of the other ways as well.”
Houseknecht's dedication extends beyond the golf course. During his presidency, which coincided with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, he helped guide the organization through an unprecedented period while maintaining its commitment to championship golf. Among the highlights of his tenure was helping establish a partnership with the Western Golf Association's Evans Scholars Foundation, expanding opportunities for New Jersey caddies to pursue life-changing educational scholarships.
“The fact that we were able to hold all of our championships during COVID and establish our partnership with the Evans Scholars Foundation was a real highlight,” Houseknecht said. “Being able to provide New Jersey caddies with opportunities to earn life-changing scholarships was something really special.”
His contributions to the game have also earned recognition on the national level. In 2025, Houseknecht received the USGA's prestigious Ike B. Grainger Award, recognizing 25 years of service as a volunteer committee member. He was one of six individuals honored that year for their longstanding dedication to the USGA.
“Eric is one of those individuals who makes New Jersey Golf a better organization simply by being involved,” said Kevin Purcell, NJ Golf Executive Director. “Whether he's officiating a championship, mentoring a fellow volunteer, or helping guide the organization, he brings a tremendous amount of knowledge, passion, and dedication to everything he does. We're incredibly fortunate to have him as part of New Jersey Golf."
For Houseknecht, the most meaningful part of his involvement with New Jersey Golf has been the relationships formed along the way. From serving on the Board of Trustees and officiating championships to supporting the organization's charitable initiatives, his years of service have been defined by a shared commitment to giving back to the game.
“So many wonderful people volunteer here,” Houseknecht said. “I've made great friends through my involvement on the board, tournament committee, and partnerships with Youth on Course and Evans Scholars.”
“Everyone shares the same goal of making golf a better game, giving back, and improving lives through golf,” he continued. “It's a fantastic organization to be involved with, and it's been like a second family to me for almost two decades.”
The Honey Gantner Award, named in honor of longtime NJ Golf volunteer Honey Gantner, is presented annually to a volunteer who demonstrates outstanding service, commitment, and contributions to the organization.
Houseknecht will officially accept the 2026 Honey Gantner Award at the Celebration of Golf on Thursday, October 22, at Canoe Brook Country Club.
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