IAGA Quick Hits | 7.14.26
Debbie Pyne To Retire From British Columbia Golf After More Than Two Decades
From British Columbia Golf
British Columbia Golf announced that Debbie Pyne, managing director of player development, will retire June 30, 2026. Over more than 20 years with BC Golf, Pyne helped shape the province’s player development pathway at every level — from a child’s first introduction to golf in an elementary school gym to the moment a young athlete pulls on a Team BC jacket for the first time. Along the way, she built a network of coaches, volunteers and families who shared her belief that creating opportunity was the point, and that results would follow.
Pyne served as executive director of the BC Ladies Golf Association from 2002 to 2004. She helped guide the amalgamation of the BCLGA’s 20,000 members into the newly formed British Columbia Golf, advocating for gender equity and equal representation of women on the organization’s inaugural board of directors.
At British Columbia Golf, Pyne created and managed Playground to Fairway, B.C.’s first school golf program, which introduced more than 80,000 schoolchildren to the fundamentals of the sport. It was one of many initiatives through which she worked to widen the base of who plays golf in British Columbia and strengthen the pathway from first contact with the game through to provincial representation.
Youth on Course Partner Highlight: Tommy Betz, PGA
From Golf House Kentucky
At Long Run Golf Course, junior golf isn’t just a program, it’s a core part of their mission. As one of the most active Youth on Course facilities in Kentucky, Long Run continues to set the standard for creating meaningful, affordable access to the game for young players. Under the leadership of Head Golf Professional Tommy Betz, the facility has built a thriving junior golf environment centered around opportunity, education, and community.
“Youth access is a backbone to our mission statement at Long Run,” Betz shared. “Our goal is to educate every young golfer and their parents that we want to maximize their opportunities to play while minimizing the cost. Programs like Youth on Course allow us to do exactly that. Our passion for growing the game and making it accessible to young players has helped Long Run become one of the most active Youth on Course facilities in Kentucky.”
For Betz, supporting junior golfers goes far beyond instruction, it’s about giving back to a community that supported him as a child. “Youth development is the most important role I have as a mentor and golf professional,” he said. “I credit much of my career success through the game of golf to the awesome access I was given at Parks golf courses as a teenager. Because of that, I go to work every day feeling like I owe something back to the game by helping every child who walks through the doors at Long Run discover what golf can offer them.”
A Week for the Women
From the Metropolitan Golf Association
From May 27 – June 4, women across the Met Area celebrated Women’s Golf Week. Previously known as Women’s Golf Day, this week-long celebration extends appreciation for women in golf through a week of events where golf courses, organizations, and driving ranges host clinics, play days, and more for women who are at various stages of learning the game.
The MGA held six different events throughout the week. From a range night and clinics, to outings, women came together to learn, swing, and practice their golf skills. Events were held in New Jersey, Long Island, and Westchester to accommodate different areas and expand participation.
Jordyn Lee, MGA coordinator for membership growth, spearheaded the efforts as the national celebration expanded from a day to a week. With golf’s rising popularity, Lee wanted to ensure the week of events reached as many women as possible. “Seeing the trend in popularity of golf, it’s increased,” said Lee. “So many more women are getting into it, it wasn’t fair to just service one area.”
Five of the six events were sold out with waitlists, there were 300 participants, and great feedback was received. There was even a raffle held, where prizes included a Callaway gift card, an MGA gift card, and more, all benefitting Women’s Golf Week.
One day included two events: a special MGA Play Day Presented by Callaway and an Introduction to Women’s Golf Clinic as part of a series in partnership with Lexus, both at Bethpage State Park in Farmingdale, N.Y. More than 150 women attended those events, doubling the number of attendees from the previous year. Lee was satisfied with the success but admits there’s still, “a lot to improve on,” as she wants to keep up with the increasing number of female golfers.
The Final Edition: 2027 Watson Challenge
From Central Links Golf
After two decades of unforgettable moments and a lasting impact on junior golf in Kansas City, the Watson Challenge will come to a close in 2027.
Since its inception in 2007, the Watson Challenge has raised more than $600,000 in support of the First Tee of Greater Kansas City, leaving a lasting impact on junior golf in our community. In 2027, this cherished championship will celebrate the 20th and final playing as players and fans gather one last time at Milburn Country Club, June 22–24, 2027.
“The Watson Challenge has had a great run over the last 20 years as the premier event in Kansas City for Professionals and Amateurs. Unfortunately, it’s time for that run to come to a close. I’m looking forward to a great event at Shoal Creek this year, and what should be a special finale at Milburn in 2027.” – Doug Habel, Executive Director of Central Links Golf.