IAGA Quick Hits | 6.19.25
Golf Takes the Spotlight at State Capitol During Pennsylvania Golf Day
From the Golf Association of Philadelphia
Pennsylvania Golf Day 2025 brought together representatives from across the state’s golf community at the Capitol in Harrisburg for a day of advocacy, education, and celebration. Industry leaders—from GAP and the Western Pennsylvania Golf Association to the PGA of America, GCSAA, First Tee, and others—joined forces to highlight the game’s far-reaching benefits. From fueling economic growth and supporting thousands of jobs to fostering youth development, promoting accessibility, and enriching local communities, golf continues to make a lasting impact throughout the Keystone State.
Adding to the day’s excitement: with both the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club and the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club being held just a year apart within the Commonwealth, Pennsylvania’s role on golf’s biggest stages took center stage. To celebrate the moment, both championship trophies—the U.S. Open Trophy and the Wanamaker Trophy—were on display at the Capitol, underscoring the state’s significance in the sport’s national landscape.
To cap off the day, the trophies were brought into Governor Josh Shapiro’s office, where he enjoyed some time (and content creation) with the hardware and engaged in a thoughtful conversation with the group about golf’s place in Pennsylvania. He expressed his appreciation for the game’s impact and affirmed its value across economic, recreational, and community dimensions.
Team NJ Golf Successfully Completes 100 Hole Hike
From New Jersey Golf
On Monday, June 9, Rich Kennedy, Eric Houseknecht, and Jeff Liebler took on an incredible challenge—completing 125 holes of golf in a single day to raise funds for Youth on Course.
The trio participated in the 100 Hole Hike, going above and beyond by playing 25 extra holes to mark the milestone anniversary of NJ Golf. Their effort supports Youth on Course, a national nonprofit dedicated to making golf more accessible for young players. The program helps subsidize green fees, allowing junior golfers to play rounds for just $5 at more than 30 participating courses throughout New Jersey.
For the extra 25 holes of the hike, Madison Head Golf Professional Ryan Druska and Daniel Castano, Director of Golf at Hudson Golf, joined the trio. In total, 23 birdies were made over the 125 holes, highlighted by a hole-in-one from Kennedy on the 20th hole of the day. To further elevate the impact, the Association donated $125 for every birdie made during the special 25 extra holes—turning great shots into even greater opportunities for young golfers.
The group raised just over $12,000 and is currently ranked the No. 1 team in the country.
2025 ANNIKA Award race features five standout AJGA alumnae
From the AJGA
As the collegiate golf season nears its close, the spotlight turns to one of the most prestigious honors in women’s college golf: the ANNIKA Award presented by Stifel. Named after golf legend Annika Sörenstam, the award celebrates the top female collegiate golfer of the year—an athlete whose performance, sportsmanship and impact on the game have set her apart. What makes this honor even more meaningful is its unique selection process, with votes cast by fellow college golfers, coaches and members of the college golf media, ensuring that the winner is truly recognized by the game’s most invested voices.
A testament to the American Junior Golf Association’s mission, every recipient of the ANNIKA Award to date has been an alumna of the AJGA, highlighting the organization’s vital role in DEVELOPING GOLF’S NEXT GENERATION®. That tradition continues in 2025, with five of the 10 players on the Final ANNIKA Award Watch List representing AJGA alumnae.
2025 Ohio Golf Hall of Fame Inductees
From the Ohio Golf Association
The Ohio Golf Association has announced the Ohio Golf Hall of Fame class of 2025.
The Ohio Golf Hall of Fame strives to recognize outstanding achievements of Ohioans who play or support the game of golf. The Hall of Fame was founded in 1992 and features members such as Jack Nicklaus, Bob Hope, Arnold Palmer, Tammie Green, John Cook, and Ben Curtis, among others.
The 2025 induction ceremony will be held at Scioto Country Club in Columbus, Ohio, on Wednesday, Sept. 17. Ticket information and other ceremony details will be posted on ohiogolf.org at a future date.