IAGA Quick Hits | 7.02.25
“I Wish I’d Started Sooner.”
From the Southern California Golf Association
I wish I started sooner.
How many times have you heard someone say that about taking up the game of golf? Imagine the skill, the swing, the low handicap. Now imagine giving that kind of head start to someone else—someone young, eager and just waiting for a shot.
That’s what we’ve been doing at Mission Hills CC for the past 15 years.
It started simple. A few of us in the men’s club thought, “What if we invited just one junior golfer to play in our annual tournament?” No banners, no fanfare—just a tee time and a chance. Now, every year since 2010, we’ve welcomed one SCGA Junior golfer to play alongside us. And every year, that single presence quietly changes the day.
You hear it in conversations at lunch. You feel it walking 18. These kids are talented, respectful and grounded. They remind us of what the game teaches: patience, humility and community.
Some have gone on to play in college. One is now an assistant pro at Thunderbird CC. Another is studying at CU Boulder. Most just needed someone to open a door.
What started as one invitation turned into something more. Year after year, our members began pooling donations—nothing fancy, just passing the hat around during the tournament. And together, over time, we’ve raised over $30,000 for the SCGA Junior Golf Foundation.
“Launching Tomorrow’s Game” Capital Campaign Reaches Key Milestones
From Maine Golf
Maine Golf is pleased to announce that to date we have raised $2.7M of our $3M goal for the “Launching Tomorrow’s Game” Capital Campaign to create a new statewide junior and family golf learning facility at the Maine Golf Center Freeport. Thanks to the incredible generosity of many in the Maine Golf community, we are closing in on our goal with 90% raised.
This momentum has enabled Maine Golf to enter into a purchase and sale agreement with L.L. Bean to acquire the Maine Golf Center property. With the agreement in place, plans are moving forward to begin construction this summer on the first phase of the project—a state-of-the art TopTracer driving range with covered hitting bays, centrally located on the property. Once completed, this will be the first TopTracer range in Maine. A ceremonial groundbreaking event will take place at the end of July, with a formal date to be announced.
The second phase of the project will include construction of a new family-friendly clubhouse and additional golf course improvements beginning in 2026. We anticipate that Maine Golf Center Freeport will remain open during construction with minimal disruption to play.
Longtime Longmeadow CC Members To Receive Newly Combined Distinguished Service Award
From Mass Golf
As a continued part of its 125-year celebration, Mass Golf is introducing a new way to honor the individuals who have served the game as leaders and kept the game and its events running strongly for decades.
The newly established Mass Golf Distinguished Service Award combines the legacies of two long-standing honors: the Women’s Golf Association of Massachusetts’ May Jackson Award and the Massachusetts Golf Association’s Frank H. Sellman Distinguished Service Award, recognizing exceptional volunteer service and leadership across the state’s golf community.
The inaugural recipients are Roberta Bolduc and Cary Jubinville, both of Longmeadow Country Club, whose combined decades of service reflect the very spirit of this new honor. They will be recognized at the 2025 Mass Golf Annual Meeting in October.
“Roberta and Cary represent everything this now-unified distinction stands for: longtime service, leadership, and a deep love for the game,” said Jesse Menachem, Mass Golf’s Executive Director/CEO. “Their contributions have especially resonated in Western Massachusetts, where their vision and commitment have helped shape a vibrant and enduring golf community. Anyone who’s spent time alongside them knows how deeply they care, not just about the game, but about the people it brings together. Honoring them in unison makes this all the more special.”
Golf Ontario Launches Adaptive Golf Month
From Golf Ontario
Golf Ontario is proud to kick off Adaptive Golf Month – a province-wide initiative celebrating accessibility, inclusion, the athletes and communities driving change in the sport.
Funded through the EnAbling Change Program from the Ontario Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility, Adaptive Golf Month will feature a full calendar of events, athlete showcases, educational opportunities, and inclusive programming. It’s all part of Golf Ontario’s long-term commitment to its Vision of Golf for All.
Throughout July, Golf Ontario, alongside key partners including Special Olympics Ontario, ParaGolf Ontario, and ParaSport Ontario, will share a full calendar of activities and events across the province to inspire, educate, and expand golf access for individuals with disabilities.