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The
Clifford E. Wagoner award is presented annually to that amateur golfer who by
his or her conduct most nearly exemplifies those sterling qualities of
outstanding sportsmanship and high character possessed by Cliff Wagoner. Cliff
Wagoner is one of the very first inductees into the Indiana Golf Hall of Fame,
being inducted in 1964.
Jerry
Caplinger, of Shelbyville, joins those so honored, including John K. David,
Pete and Alice Dye, Kent Frandsen and Tom Meeks as a Clifford E. Wagoner Award
recipient. Caplinger tirelessly and generously promotes golf through his
involvement with the Indiana Golf Foundation, making it a point to give back to
the game that has given so much to him. 
A very talented golfer, Caplinger supports the Indiana
Golf Association through his participation in IGA tournaments around the state.
In 2007 Jerry was in the field at 12 amateur and Open events. He finished tied
for third at the State Senior Championship and finished as low senior amateur
in the PGA Indianapolis Open. Caplinger finished in seventh place in point
standings for the 2007 Indiana Senior Amateur Player of the Year. Stating, “I
may not be a tournament winner, but I’ve won tonight with this award.”
But what is most impressive about Caplinger is
his exemplary sportsmanship. The IGA board members agreed to award him with the
Wagoner Award for 2007 based upon his reputation as a gentleman on and off the
golf course. Seeing one’s name next to Caplinger’s on a tournament pairing
sheet is something that any IGA or PGA competitor would welcome. Jerry embodies what is most significant in a golf
competition - sportsmanship, camaraderie and mutual respect.
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