IAGA Quick Hits – 4.17.25
Golf Ontario Announces Launch of Adaptive Golf Month This July
A story from Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is proud to announce the launch of Adaptive Golf Month, a new, province-wide initiative taking place in July 2025 that will spotlight athletes, events, and programs advancing accessibility and inclusion in the sport of golf.
This groundbreaking campaign is made possible thanks to an EnAbling Change program grant from the Ontario Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility.
“Adaptive Golf Month is directly linked to our Vision of Golf For All and our commitment to supporting the adaptive golf community,” says Golf Ontario’s CEO, Kyle McFarlane. “With the support of our incredible partners and the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility, we’re working to reduce barriers, grow awareness, and celebrate the remarkable athletes leading the way in adaptive golf.”
Alabama Golf Association Announces 2025 Board of Directors and Honors Joe H. King and Sadie Roberts Award Recipients
A story from the Alabama Golf Association
On Saturday, March 22, 2025, the Alabama Golf Association (AGA) held its Annual Membership Meeting, Annual Board of Directors Meeting, and Annual Awards Luncheon at the Shoal Creek Club in Shoal Creek, AL.
Larry Kniseley of Daphne has been honored with the 2025 Joe H. King Award, the highest distinction presented by the AGA in amateur golf. Kniseley has been an integral part of the AGA Board of Directors since 2009 and has dedicated decades to the game as a rules official at numerous AGA and USGA events. His commitment to golf was further recognized in 2024 when he received the prestigious Ike Grainger Award from the United States Golf Association (USGA) for 25 years of exemplary volunteer service.
Allen Hasbrouck of Huntsville received the 2024 Sadie Roberts Volunteer of the Year Award. In 2013, combining his love for golf and volunteerism, Allen signed up to be a scoring volunteer at an AGA event at Huntsville Country Club and has been a dedicated volunteer since. Over the years, he has attended multiple Rules Workshops, driven countless miles, and stayed hundreds of nights at hotels around the state to support the Alabama Golf Association’s efforts. His dedication to service extends beyond his military career, making him a true asset to both his community and the Alabama Golf Association.
New York Launches State Team as Part of the USGA’s U.S. National Development Program
A story from the Metropolitan Golf Association
New York is creating a state junior golf team that will expand the pipeline for elite local golfers, ages 13-18, into the U.S. National Development Program (USNDP) – an initiative launched in early 2023 by the United States Golf Association (USGA).
Seven states participated in the initial phase of the state team pilot program in 2024. New York now joins a group of ten new state teams being established in 2025, advancing the USGA’s goal of all 50 states having a team by 2033.
Said Heather Daly-Donafrio, USGA managing director, Player Relations and Development: “The opportunity to represent their home state will incentivize each region’s best junior golfers to play more in-state competitions, ultimately strengthening the junior golf programming across the country.”
The program is continuing to expand through close collaboration between the USGA, its Allied Golf Associations – including the three AGAs in New York: Metropolitan Golf Association, New York State Golf Association and the Rochester District Golf Association – as well as the PGA of America and relevant state junior programs.
WA Golf Youth on Course receives 2025 William E. Hammonds Award for Excellence
A story from WA Golf
The WA Golf Youth on Course program was recently honored with the 2025 William E. Hammonds Award for Excellence.
The prestigious award highlights and celebrates the significant growth of the WA Golf Youth on Course program – new courses added, year-over-year membership increases, and an outstanding number of rounds played and subsidized.
The William E. Hammonds Award for Excellence is presented annually by Youth on Course to recognize an outstanding Allied Golf Association (AGA) partner that demonstrates an exceptional commitment to growing and sustaining affordable access to golf for young people.
WA Golf Youth on Course provides youths age 6-18 with access to play for only $5 per round at over 85 participating courses in Washington and Northern Idaho and an opportunity to develop a lifelong love for the game of golf.