If there’s something Jake Owen truly loves (besides his family and his dog, of course), it’s golf. Returning the favor of his passion for the sport and his dedication to giving back, the country star and avid golfer was honored with ‘The Arnie Award’ on Tuesday night (Feb. 7).
Owen was recognized beside professional golfer Phil Mickelson and former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning for his charitable contributions through the help of The Jake Owen Foundation. Humbled and flattered by the award, Owen took to his Instagram to share his feelings about the honor alongside a snapshot of an Arnold Palmer statue, a man that the “American Country Love Song” singer looks up to immensely.
“Last night was literally one of the greatest moments in my life. I was awarded ‘The Arnie Award’… I also received this amazing honor last night with two people I’ve always admired and looked up to…Phil Mickelson and Peyton Manning. The award is not only near and dear to my heart because of the great Arnold Palmer, (who is probably the most respected athlete in history) but also because it’s given to golfers that ‘give back.’ My work with my foundation ‘The Jake Owen Foundation,’ has been one of the most fulfilling things I have ever been involved with. To me, life isn’t about awards. It’s not about money. At the end of this beautiful life, none of that matters. What matters is, the kind of person you are. Your character. Your legacy. What have YOU done for others? Arnold Palmer left a lasting legacy and I couldn’t be more proud to have my name in the same sentence as his. I’m forever humbled,” Owen captioned his emotional post.
The Jake Owen Foundation gives back to youth in need of shelter, food, health services, education and many other necessities of life. He’s contributed to the cause for several years now, through the means of fundraisers and benefit concerts in his Florida hometown.
Owen is currently promoting his current radio single, “If He Ain’t Gonna Love You,” off of his latest album, American Love.
