IAGA Quick Hits | 5.21.26

Strength in Community

From the Golf Association of Michigan

April 27, 2025, was a very bad night for the Charlevoix varsity boys golf team.

But, interestingly, a whole lot of good followed, especially from the small, tight-knit community in northwest lower Michigan, as well as the local and statewide golf community. Countless friends and strangers rallied relentlessly around the Rayders.

Even today — more than one year after a horrific car crash that left the team’s coach fighting for his life, a star golfer and basketball player with significant injuries and several other players with physical and emotional scars — there still are maroon “Rayder Strong” signs throughout town.

The community hasn’t forgotten what happened, and the coach, his players and their families will never forget how the community came together for them.

“It kept us alive. It kept us going,” said Doug Drenth, the Charlevoix boys golf coach.

“Out of so much bad, it showed what good there is in this world. There’s still a lot of good people, and it brought us together, and I feel very, very grateful for it.”

“It’s amazing. I was overwhelmed. It’s just really special.”

NH Golf & wedü Earn Gold at Hermes Creative Awards for Transformational Rebrand

From NH Golf

NH Golf is proud to announce that its recent brand transformation has been recognized with a Gold Award in the Hermes Creative Awards, honoring the collaborative work and creative vision that reimagined the organization’s identity and positioned it for long-term success. The award-winning rebrand was made possible through a strategic partnership with wedü, the creative agency that led every aspect of NH Golf’s evolution, from brand strategy and messaging to visual identity, voice, and execution across all public-facing platforms.

The Hermes Creative Awards are among the world’s largest and longest-running international competitions, recognizing excellence in branding, marketing, and communications. This year’s winners include organizations ranging from independent creators to global brands such as Deloitte, Four Seasons, Cuisinart, Lifewater, and Asics.

For NH Golf, the recognition is as much a celebration of the organization’s future as it is a reflection of the exceptional work wedü delivered throughout the rebranding process.

“When we started this rebrand, we knew we wanted to create something that felt true to who we are today and where we want to go as an organization. wedü helped us do exactly that and so much more”, commented Kate Billings, NH Golf Director of Communications & Member Services. “They took the time to really understand NH Golf, our history, our goals, and the community we serve, then brought it all to life in a way that feels authentic and exciting. From our brand identity and messaging to the look and feel of everything we share, they built a foundation that has set us up for long-term success. We’re incredibly proud of what NH Golf has become and deeply grateful to the wedü team for their creativity, partnership, and belief in our vision.”

New Member Benefit: Tee Time Booking with RapidTee Golf

From the Metropolitan Golf Association

The MGA is pleased to announce a new member benefit – tee time booking through RapidTee Golf. Members can set tee time alerts and book rounds, all through the MyMGA app.

Through this new partnership, all MGA members have the ability to book tee times inside of the MyMGA App. RapidTee also offers a premium tier of their product which includes tee time notifications and an AI tee time assistant to help secure coveted tee times. All active MGA members receive 20% off the premium tier price.

Benefits of RapidTee Premium include:

Real-Time Alerts: Get notified the moment a tee time opens up, before anyone else sees it.
Custom Filters: Set your preferences for course, time, players, and let RapidTee do the searching for you.
Instant Access: Book tee times others never see – no more missing out on that perfect weekend morning tee time.

MGA members who sign up for RapidTee Premium can play their first round FREE!

2026 Liberty National ACE Grant Cup Furthers Access for Junior Golfers

From the AJGA

The Liberty National ACE Grant Cup returned to Liberty National Golf Club on Monday, May 11, 2026, continuing its tradition of combining world-class golf with meaningful impact. This year’s event raised $131,500 in support of the AJGA Foundation’s Liberty National ACE Grant program, further strengthening its mission to expand access to competitive junior golf.

“The Liberty National ACE Grant program is about creating opportunities for talented junior golfers by helping remove the financial barriers that can stand in the way of pursuing their potential.”

Dan Fireman, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Liberty National Golf Club and Executive Chairman of the Liberty National Foundation.

While each year brings a new chapter, the purpose behind the event remains constant: creating opportunities for young athletes. Funds raised through the Liberty National ACE Grant program provide critical financial assistance to junior golfers with both talent and need, helping cover the costs associated with national-level competition and ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of potential.

“The Fireman family and the Liberty National ACE Grant program truly change lives. The opportunity for young golfers to pursue their passion without financial barriers is something that can shape their future in profound ways.”

Kevin Rinker, Chief Foundation Officer of the AJGA