News

The International Association of Golf Administrators (IAGA) announced today that Tom Ryan and Ed Gowan will be honored as recipients of the 2025 IAGA Distinguished Service Award. The award presentation will take place during the 2025 IAGA Annual Conference scheduled for November 3–6 at Horseshoe Bay Resort near Austin, Texas.

The IAGA is proud to recognize Tom and Ed for their outstanding leadership and lasting contributions to the game, both within the associations they served and across the broader golf industry. 

Jack Nance served the Carolinas Golf Association for more than four decades, including 33 years as Executive Director, establishing the CGA as one of the most respected and largest golf associations in the United States.

Nance grew up in Clinton, N.C., alongside his twin brother and three sisters. His parents, John and Dot Nance, built a house just off the first fairway at Coharie Country Club in 1960, and golf became a constant in the family’s life. Jack went on to play for legendary coach Jesse Haddock at Wake Forest University, helping the Demon Deacons finish 10th at the 1982 NCAA Championships at Pinehurst No. 2. He also qualified for the 1980 U.S. Amateur as a player.

After graduating in 1982, Nance spent a year as an assistant coach under Haddock before joining the Carolinas Golf Association in January 1984. He worked in communications, course rating, rules and competitions before being named Executive Director in January 1992.

Under his leadership, the CGA grew from a small regional office with a handful of staff into a 21-employee organization with a $9.1 million budget, more than 700 member clubs and over 200,000 golfers across the Carolinas. Nance’s vision was instrumental in constructing the Carolinas Golf House in Southern Pines, which opened in 2014 and gave the association a permanent, centrally located home in the region it serves.

Beyond his work at the CGA, Nance officiated at more than 30 USGA championships, served on many USGA committees, and served as President of the International Association of Golf Administrators. He supported numerous initiatives to advance women’s, junior and adaptive golf throughout his career.

Colleagues and peers consistently point to Nance’s steady, even-keeled leadership as his defining trait. He is widely regarded as a mentor and ambassador who elevated everyone and everything he touched, building lasting relationships throughout the golf community and mentoring the staff who now carry the CGA forward, including his successor, Andy Priest.

Nance officially retired from the CGA in April 2025, upon his 65th birthday, leaving as his legacy one of the nation’s most visible and healthy regional golf associations. He remains involved with the CGA as a volunteer and consultant on select competitions and projects.

Nance lives in Pinehurst with his wife of 36 years, DeAnn. They have two daughters and four grandchildren. He remains active in his church, assists with the local high school golf team and continues to find ways to give back to the community and the game that has been both his career and lifelong passion.

For more than three decades, Jay N. Fox has made an enduring impact on golf in Arkansas and beyond through a career distinguished by leadership, service, and an accomplished playing record.

Fox served as Executive Director of the Arkansas State Golf Association (ASGA) from 1990 until his retirement in 2024. During his tenure, the association’s championship schedule grew from six events to 30, membership reached an all-time high of nearly 20,000, and its scholarship program expanded from four annual recipients to as many as 20. He was also instrumental in developing the ASGA’s partnership with Simmons Bank and establishing the Simmons Bank Cup.

Fox joined the International Association of Golf Administrators (IAGA) in 1991 and was elected to its Board of Directors in 2007, serving as Secretary, Treasurer and Vice President before becoming IAGA President in 2014. His service extended to the USGA, where he earned expert status in the Rules of Golf in 1993 and served on rules committees for more than 25 national championships. In 2014, he received the USGA’s Ike Grainger Award in recognition of 25 years of volunteer service.

His accomplishments as a player are equally distinguished. Fox won two Arkansas high school individual state championships and, in 1977, was named the Arkansas Gazette’s Outstanding Male High School Golfer. That same year, he earned National High School All-American honors after finishing 13th in the national championship. Fox went on to earn ASGA Player of the Year honors twice and was runner-up for the honor two additional times. Over his amateur career, he won more than 50 individual tournaments in Arkansas and participated in seven USGA National Championships. He also qualified for the U.S. Amateur Championship twice.

Among his IAGA peers, Fox won the IAGA Championship nine times and finished runner-up four times over a 20-year period. Internationally, he earned both team and individual runner-up honors at the 1998 International Amateur Team Championship in Lima, Peru.

Fox earned both his BSE and MSE degrees from the University of Central Arkansas and was the first golfer inducted into the UCA Sports Hall of Fame. An endowed scholarship established by his family awards the Jay N. Fox Golf Scholarship to one UCA golfer each year. Fox was also inducted into the Arkansas Golf Hall of Fame and Arkansas Officials Association Hall of Fame.

Throughout his career, Fox’s commitment has extended beyond his own accomplishments to the future of the game. In a 2002 newspaper interview, he reflected that he hoped his legacy would not simply be his success as an amateur player, but the difference he made in the lives of those who play the game, especially junior golfers.

About the IAGA Distinguished Service Award

The IAGA Distinguished Service Award honors individuals who have made a meaningful and lasting impact on their golf community at the local, regional, or national level. Recipients exemplify the highest standards of professionalism and demonstrate outstanding leadership, innovation, mentorship, collaboration, and communication. They are champions of knowledge sharing, dedicated service, and the advancement of the game of golf.

About the IAGA

Founded in 1968, the International Association of Golf Administrators (IAGA) is the industry trade organization representing golf associations across North America. Its mission is to advance the game of golf by supporting and developing those who manage and guide it. The IAGA comprises more than 90 member associations, representing nearly 800 industry professionals and over 3 million golfers. Through education, networking, and resources, the IAGA empowers its members to strengthen their organizations and enhance the overall golf experience.

Golf With Us Brings Golf, Community and Opportunity Together at Frederick Douglass

From Indiana Golf

More than 250 kids filled Frederick Douglass Golf Course on Saturday, August 29, for a day designed around a simple idea: make golf fun, accessible and welcoming to everyone.

The Bank of America Golf With Us event brought together Indiana Golf, First Tee – Indiana, Youth on Course, Watson Links and community partners for a full day of activities, instruction and memorable experiences. More than 25 Indiana Golf staff members and volunteers were on hand, helping young golfers learn the game while celebrating the community surrounding one of Indianapolis’ most historic golf courses.

The morning began with five interactive stations spread throughout the facility. Kids had the opportunity to take full swings, test their putting and chipping skills, trade golf balls for soccer balls with FootGolf and step inside the Dryvebox mobile golf simulator.

For some, it was another opportunity to enjoy a game they already knew. For others, it was their first introduction to golf.

Either way, the objective was the same. The morning wasn’t about building perfect golf swings or keeping score. It was about connecting fun with the game and creating an experience that made kids want to pick up a club again.

And there were a few familiar faces helping make that experience even more memorable.

Indiana sports icons Tamika Catchings and Jeff Saturday joined the celebration, speaking with participants, signing autographs and spending time alongside the kids as they rotated through the stations.

When a Community Loves its Golf Course: Supporters of Druids Glen look to save it from development

From WA Golf

There are many ways the game of golf brings people together. Travel, charity fundraisers, buddy trips, tournaments, volunteering, weekly foursomes, family time for nine holes on a long summer evening.

Another way is when a beloved golf course – and the haven it provides to wildlife and as an environmental ecosystem – is threatened with development. People then look to each other for support in embracing a common goal.

Opened in 1997, Druids Glen Golf Club in Covington, Wash., spreads across 376 acres beneath the shadow of Mount Rainier, including the golf course and a habitat for deer, elk, the salmon-bearing Covington Creek and other wetlands with their natural inhabitants.

At the Remington Homeowners Association (RHOA) Annual Meeting held in May of 2025, Parks Legacy, which currently owns Druids Glen, presented to the homeowners their plan for the property. In their proposal, the golf course and clubhouse would be eliminated, and be replaced by 72 houses within a gated community.

Mark Rosenberger has lived in the Remington housing development adjacent to Druids Glen for over 30 years. After he retired from Boeing, he has served as something of a liaison between the RHOA and the golf course for the past dozen years.

In the days following that annual meeting, Rosenberger discussed the Parks Legacy proposal with his neighbors, and they felt they needed to do something. They received approval from the RHOA to officially form the Preserve Druids Glen Committee, which consists of five people, and they began organizing a plan in January of 2026.

GSGA Announces Partnership With Southern Company!

From the Georgia State Golf Association

The Georgia State Golf Association (GSGA) is proud to announce a new partnership with Southern Company, one of the largest energy providers in the United States. Headquartered in Atlanta, Southern Company will support the GSGA Adaptive Golf Program through its monthly community clinics and serve as the title sponsor of the Georgia Adaptive Open.

“We are proud to partner with Southern Company in support of our shared commitment to creating opportunities for all to enjoy the great game of golf,” said Matt Vanderpool, CEO, GSGA. “Together, we look forward to strengthening our programming for golfers of all ages and abilities across Georgia while showcasing the talent of our adaptive golf community.”

The GSGA Adaptive Golf Program is a complimentary community golf program with a mission to empower individuals with physical, cognitive or sensory impairments to enhance their lives through the game of golf. The program offers monthly clinics across the state providing participants with golf clubs, training aids, range balls, on-course learning and single-rider adaptive golf carts.

Adaptive Golf Is Growing in Minnesota — And Braemar Is Proof

From the Minnesota Golf Association

This fall, Braemar Golf Course will host the second Minnesota Adaptive Open, a championship-level tournament that gives golfers with disabilities a stage to compete at the highest level.

The event carries World Ranking for Golfers with Disability (WR4GD) status, which means every player earns points toward international rankings. It’s a serious competition and a celebration of how far adaptive golf has come in Minnesota.

Nathan Lindberg, the MGA’s Youth & Adaptive Golf Manager, has watched this growth since the inaugural event last year.

“The player field has expanded, volunteer participation has increased, and overall awareness of the event has grown throughout Edina and the greater Minnesota golf community,” he said. “It’s exciting to see more people recognizing the championship and embracing adaptive golf.”

Bryan See, a longtime adaptive golfer and MGA volunteer, got his official adaptive golf pass this year and plans to compete for the first time.

“There’s almost twice as many people signed up already this year compared to last year,” he said.

He also credited the visibility adaptive golf has gained nationally, pointing to the U.S. Adaptive Open’s growing television coverage.

The Cobra PUMA Golf State Cup Series: Five Years of Growth and Impact

From the AJGA

For the past five years, the Cobra PUMA Golf State Cup Series has combined competitive junior golf with valuable lessons in leadership, teamwork, character, philanthropy, personal development, and community impact.

In 2025, the series hosted 25 events at premier venues such as Whistling Straits, Pasatiempo Golf Club, Silverleaf Club, and Sea Island. Already in 2026, more than two hundred juniors have participated in nine State Cups, with a full-year goal of 26 events. In the last five years, participants have helped raise more than $5.7 million for charitable causes. Each Ryder Cup-style event brings together up to 36 junior golfers, creating a unique team experience while showcasing some of the best talent in the game.

Meet Olivia Jatczak, A Cape Cod Teen Who Will Play Along PGA TOUR Champions Roster in September at Pebble Beach

From Mass Golf

Golfers spend years trying to control the ball. Olivia Jatczak has learned something even more valuable: not letting where the ball goes control her. Whether she is playing well, recovering from an errant shot or competing in a playoff with a close friend, the 17-year-old rising senior at Cape Cod Academy makes a deliberate effort to smile, laugh and enjoy where the game has taken her.

Now, it’s taking her farther than ever.

Jatczak earned the opportunity to represent First Tee – Massachusetts in the PURE Insurance Championship from September 18-20, making her first trip to California to compete at Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course. Prior to the event start, she will also participate in practice rounds at both courses, attend the Pairings Party, and play in a special event at The Hay, Pebble Beach’s renowned par-3 course.

“It’s Pebble Beach,” Jatczak said when asked about the excitement level. “It’s every golfer’s dream. I feel like it speaks for itself.”

The 54-hole event brings together 80 nationally-selected First Tee juniors, 80 PGA TOUR Champions professionals and 160 amateurs. Jatczak will be the first participant representing First Tee – Massachusetts since Jared Winiarz in 2017.

Winiarz now serves as Mass Golf’s Member Services Coordinator and has competed on the USGA stage as a standout mid-amateur.

For Jatczak, the opportunity represents everything she has come to enjoy about golf, whether it’s the constant pursuit of improvement, the places it can take her and the promise that every course might show her something new.

Golf community embraces Zeb Patten after plane crash

From the Tennessee Golf Association 

This was a week that Zeb Patten had been looking forward to since last December when the Tennessee Golf Association announced their Senior and Super Senior State Amateur championships would be coming to Lookout Mountain Club in 2026.

Patten has been a long-time member at Lookout Mountain, proudly representing the club at competitions throughout Tennessee and beyond. He also makes his home on the mountain, and he was thrilled to be able to host some of his closest peers as they experienced life for the week in his close-knit community.

But all of that changed on August 9th.

Patten, who has been a pilot for 15 years and serves as Commander of the Chattanooga Civil Air Patrol, and fellow Lookout Mountain resident Grant Caldwell were taking a short flight to Winder, Ga., where Caldwell’s brother has a farm, when their aircraft encountered mechanical issues.

“There was a large bang and the engine quit,” Patten said. “I declared an emergency, and we looked for a suitable place to land. We were trying to get into Bill Elliott Airport in Dawsonville, but it turned out that those trees were so high around it that we couldn’t make the airport.”

New Scholarship House to Serve More Than 40 Evans Scholars at Rutgers University

From NJ Golf

New Jersey Golf and the Caddie Scholarship Foundation joined the Western Golf Association and Evans Scholars Foundation, Rutgers University, Liberty National Foundation and Liberty National Golf Club in July to mark the official start of renovations on the future home of the Rutgers Evans Scholars.

Jameson Hall D, located on Rutgers University’s New Brunswick campus, is being renovated to become the Liberty National NJSGA Evans Scholars Scholarship House, providing Rutgers Evans Scholars with a permanent place to live, study, build community and develop as leaders.

The new residence represents a significant milestone for a program that began at Rutgers with its first cohort of three Evans Scholars in the fall of 2022. Four years later, the program has grown to include more than 40 students, with the scholarship house scheduled to open next summer.

“The Evans Scholars Foundation has become one of Rutgers New Brunswick’s most impactful philanthropic partners, providing tuition and housing each year to more than 40 of our undergraduate students. Through this extraordinary investment, talented young people, many of whom are here today, have been able to pursue a Rutgers’s education while becoming part of a community defined by academic excellence, leadership, and service,” said Rutgers Provost & Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Jason Geary on behalf of Chancellor Francine Conway.

Golf for All Fund Donation Expands Access for Toronto Youth

From Golf Ontario

Hundreds of Toronto youth will have the opportunity to experience golf this summer thanks to a generous donation through Golf Ontario’s Golf for All Fund.

The $3,000 contribution from the Michael Cundari Memorial Fund will help provide subsidized Youth on Course rounds for young golfers who were unable to secure a City of Toronto Junior Golf Membership after unprecedented demand filled the program earlier this spring.

Interest in the City’s junior golf program reached record levels in 2026, with more than 5,000 people online when registration opened. Approximately 300 memberships were claimed within the first 15 minutes, and by the end of registration, 670 memberships had been sold, leaving another 250 youth on a waitlist.

Recognizing an opportunity to make a meaningful impact, Golf Ontario worked with the City of Toronto and the Michael Cundari Memorial Fund to create a solution. The donation will fund 700 Youth on Course rounds for waitlisted juniors this summer.

“This is exactly the type of impact the Golf for All Fund was created to make,” said Craig Loughry, Senior Director, Membership & Member Services at Golf Ontario. “When we can remove barriers and help more young people experience golf, everyone wins. We’re incredibly grateful to the Michael Cundari Memorial Fund for choosing to invest in the next generation of golfers and helping ensure hundreds of kids have the opportunity to get on the course this summer.”

AZ GOLF Foundation Launches, Marking a New Chapter for the Sport in Arizona

From AZ GOLF

Formerly the Arizona Golf Foundation, the newly re-branded organization unites access, pathways and stewardship programs under a single strategic direction to provide opportunity through the game statewide.

AZ GOLF, the governing body for amateur golf in Arizona and the state’s representative to the USGA, recently announced the launch of the AZ GOLF Foundation, a relaunch and evolution of the organization formerly known as the

Arizona Golf Foundation.

The Foundation’s mission is expanding opportunity for more people to access, experience and thrive in the game of golf across Arizona — opening pathways for future generations and investing in the long-term health of the game through meaningful stewardship.

“The AZ GOLF Foundation gives us an opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the game throughout Arizona.,” said John Souza, President AZ GOLF. “By bringing together people who care about golf and want to give back, we can expand access to the game, support programs that make a difference, and create opportunities for golfers of all ages and backgrounds. I’m excited about what the Foundation can become and the role it can play in strengthening the future of golf in Arizona.”

Developed under the governance of AZ GOLF, the Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports programs and initiatives showcasing golf’s ability to change lives across the state.

Always Time for the Game: Eric Kleser brings experience to his internship with Pathways Discover Program

From WA Golf

The term “Pathways” seems very appropriate for Eric Kleser’s journey, as his is not an everyday one. At 43 years old, he was easily – by two decades or more – the oldest of the 25 college students who were selected to participate in this year’s USGA Pathways Discover Program, the annual 10-day immersive internship program that is centered each year around the U.S. Open.

But with Eric recently completing the program, held June 12-22 at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, N.Y., he found that he was not walking the journey alone.

Growing up in Vancouver, Wash., immediately after graduating from Evergreen High School Eric enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Trained as a crew mechanic and flight engineer, he was first stationed in Japan, and for the next 20 years devoted himself to his military career.

Soft-spoken and modest, he slowly recounted his service in the Air Force. “I flew over 4,000 flight hours on MC-130s (special operations), E-4B, and AWACS,” he said. “I was recognized as a member of the best air refueling crew in the U.S. Air Force in 2013. I have a meritorious service medal, 10 air medals, and six aerial achievement medals as my top decorations.” He also deployed numerous times to Afghanistan and Kuwait, and flew over 1,000 combat sorties.

In 2021, after 20 years of service, Eric retired as a U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant. He was just 38 years old. “I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to do next,” he said. “But I had a general idea.”

MGA Foundation’s 100 Hole Hike Returns for 2026

From the Minnesota Golf Association

The sun is barely up at Lafayette Club, and a small crowd is already gathering on the first tee.

By the time the last group finishes, it will be evening, the group will have played 100 holes, and every one of them will have raised money to help a kid somewhere in Minnesota play golf for the first time.

This is the 100 Hole Hike.

Where the Hike Began:

The 100 Hole Hike started as a national fundraiser through Youth on Course. The MGA launched its own Youth on Course chapter in 2017, and demand grew fast to stage the Hike in Minnesota.

MGA’s Joel Comstock, who was instrumental in launching the Youth on Course program in Minnesota back in 2017, remembers those early years well.

“We needed to find another way to cover our expenses that we were creating,” he explains. “The 100 Hole Hike has been a great tool for us here in Minnesota.”

Historic Celebration of 80 Years since Inaugural U.S. Women’s Open

From WA Golf

The first U.S. Women’s Open was held at Spokane Country Club (now called Kalispel Golf & Country Club) in 1946. It was conducted by the Women’s Professional Golf Association (precursor to the LPGA) and the Spokane Athletic Round Table. It is the only U.S. Women’s Open that was played as match play, and future World Golf Hall of Famer Patty Berg defeated Betty Jameson, 5 and 4, in the scheduled 36-hole final match to win the title.

Spokane’s Betty Jean (Rucker) Hulteng defeated several professionals earlier in the match play bracket, and advanced to the semifinals, where she finally bowed to Berg on the 35th hole.

It was in the 1940s that Hulteng enjoyed most of her success. She won the Spokane Women’s City Amateur three times (1942, 1943, 1944), and burst onto the national scene 1944 when she won the Broadmoor Invitational in Colorado Springs, the most prestigious national women’s event next to the U.S. Women’s Amateur. She won the PNGA Women’s Amateur in 1945 and 1946, and the Washington State Women’s Golf Association Championship in 1946.

In 1995, Hulteng was inducted into the Pacific Northwest Golf Hall of Fame.

Pop Warner’s Overlooked Legacy: Springville Country Club

From the New York State Golf Association

In 1934, the former president of Springville Country Club spoke to about 800 young football players who bombarded their special guest with questions. The organizer of the event, Joseph Tomlin, wanted to help those children learn the game of football. He expected attendance from several speakers, but due to poor weather, only one showed up. To commemorate the generosity, Tomlin would eventually name his new youth football program after the speaker, Pop Warner.

The name “Pop Warner” holds great significance in American football. Pop Warner is now the largest youth football program in the world. An estimated 60-70% of NFL players played Pop Warner as kids. The league’s namesake, Glenn Scobey “Pop” Warner, was a legendary college football coach before the days of Paterno, Bryant and Saban. He was known for his innovative spirit and winning ways.

What many people don’t know is that Warner’s impact was felt in another sport, golf.

Team Alabama Captures Tenth Consecutive Southern Junior Cup Victory

From the Alabama Golf Association

The 2026 Southern Junior Cup team, representing Alabama, won 9.5 of the 24 points available in today’s singles matches to claim their tenth consecutive Southern Junior Cup title at The Club at Old Hawthorne in Columbia, Missouri after three rounds consisting of Four-Ball, Foursomes, and Singles matches.

Coming down to the final hole and the final match, Team Alabama successfully held onto their title after Kamdyn Kelley of Alabama tied Lisa Zhang of Missouri on the 18th hole to put Team Alabama half a point in front of Team Missouri.

Team Alabama finished the two-day, three match event with 16 points to defend the Cup and claim victory for the tenth year in a row.

MGA Foundation Kicks off 2026 Youth Clinic Series Presented by Webster Bank

From the Metropolitan Golf Association

The MGA Foundation kicked off it’s Youth Clinic series presented by Webster Bank at Knollwood Country Club on Monday afternoon.

Approximately 25 kids from the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester rotated between putting and short game stations, where they learned the fundamentals of stance, grip, and hitting the ball.

“I think it gives our youth a chance to try a new sport,” said John Tunas, Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester Donor Impact Officer. “MGA gave us the opportunity to come here and let our kids play. It’s amazing.”

The outing was the MGA Foundation’s first of four Youth Clinics in the Met Area this year and the first ever at Knollwood Country Club, whose teaching pros led instruction at both stations.

“We were thrilled to partner with Knollwood Country Club for this clinic and are incredibly grateful for their hospitality and support,” said Jordyn Lee, MGA Coordinator of Membership Growth. “Their team helped create a fun, welcoming environment that made for a fantastic experience, and we’re excited to continue introducing more juniors to the game through partnerships like this.”

Why the Voice of Golfers Matters in Protecting Utah’s Municipal Golf Courses

From the Utah Golf Association

As Director of Golf for Davis County, he oversees two municipal golf courses – Valley View and Davis Park – and in 2025, those courses produced a combined $6.6 million in revenue and generated a budget surplus of $2.3 million.

On a recent spring day, I visited Volk in his basement office below the pro shop at Valley View Golf Course. He pulled up budget spreadsheets and ran manual calculations on his old-fashioned desktop printing calculator to educate me on how a municipal golf course operates — and to bust somecommon misperceptions.

“It’s always funny, you always get a few in here who say, well, my tax dollars are supporting you,” Volk said with a laugh. “And I’m like, I don’t want to make you feel bad, but that hasn’t been the case since 1981.”

We love our local munis here in Utah, but what do we really know about how they are funded, how they operate, and how they stay in business?

Valley View and Davis Park are county-owned courses funded by revenue generated by their own operations — not by taxpayer dollars. Like many Utah municipal courses, their staff salaries, maintenance, and improvements are funded by four revenue streams — greens fees, cart fees, range fees, and merchandise sold in the pro shop.

The Choe-sen One, Nina Choe Claims the 96th Women’s Amateur at Pinehaven

From New York State Golf Association

History was made at the 96th NYS Women’s Amateur Championship, as Nina Choe capped off a remarkable summer by becoming just the second player in NYSGA history to win both the Girls’ 18U Junior Amateur and the Women’s Amateur Championship in the same year.

Nina Choe continued a dominant summer winning the 96th NYS Women’s Amateur Championship at Pinehaven on Tuesday. Her final round of 67, four-under, meant a two stroke victory over Sophia Li; it was the lowest round of the tournament.

Choe, a member of Pelham Country Club, also won the Girls’ 18U Junior Amateur earlier this month at Cavalry Club in Syracuse. She and NYSGA Hall of Fame member Dottie Pepper are the only two people to have won the Girls’ 18U Junior Amateur and the Women’s Amateur Championship in the same year.

With the win, Choe gained exemption to the U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship at The Honors Course in Ooltewah Tennessee next month. It will be her first U.S. Women’s Am.

“I played a qualifier [for the U.S. Women’s Amateur] earlier this year and I missed by a couple shots so knowing I had a second chance was great,” Choe said.

From The Prep Tour to Indiana Open Champion

From Indiana Golf

There are some victories that mean more than a trophy.

When Brayden Miller rolled in a 15-foot birdie putt on the second playoff hole to win the 111th Indiana Open Championship at Brickyard Crossing Golf Club, he wasn’t just celebrating the biggest victory of his career. He was completing a journey that began nearly a decade earlier as a young golfer teeing it up in an Indiana Golf Prep Tour event.

Like so many junior golfers across the state, Miller’s story with Indiana Golf started with opportunity. Growing up in Goshen, he entered his first Indiana Golf event in 2016, beginning a path that would take him through nearly every level of junior competition the association offers. From the Prep Tour to the Junior Tour, Masters Tour and championship events, Miller developed his game one tournament at a time while competing alongside many of the same players he would eventually face in this year’s Indiana Open.

Along the way, he embraced every opportunity to compete. Miller advanced to the Drive, Chip & Putt sub-regional in both 2018 and 2019, won an Indiana Golf Age Group Championship, captured Boys State Junior Championships in both 2022 and 2024, and recorded multiple top-five and top-10 finishes in the Boys PGA Junior Championship and Hoosier Junior Championship. By the time he graduated from Indiana Golf’s junior programming, he had competed in more than 40 Indiana Golf events.

Now, Miller continues that journey as a member of the University of Cincinnati men’s golf team, where he competes at the Division I level. But despite moving on to college golf, Indiana Golf championships remain an important part of his competitive schedule.

Women’s Golf Day in NorCal

From Northern California Golf Association 

When Women’s Golf Day was founded in 2016, it was a single-day celebration.

What began as a single-day celebration has grown into a week-long global event, and once again Northern California was part of the festivities. On May 30, Women’s Golf Day was celebrated at venues around the region, including Corica Park Golf Complex in Alameda, where the Golden Bay Women’s Golf Club hosted a special event organized in large part by golf influencer and NCGA ambassador Judy Tran. The NCGA was proud to be part of the day, joining golfers in celebrating and growing the women’s game.

Among the highlights from the day were a friendly 9-hole best ball tournament, skills competitions, health and fitness expos and info and goodie booths from some of the event’s sponsors.

What is Women’s Golf Day? Women’s Golf Day is a collaborative effort by a dedicated team, golf management companies, retailers and organizations all working together to engage, empower and support girls and women through golf. The four hour experience allows a simple and accessible platform to build a foundation and creates a network to support the continuation of golf no matter what skill level or interest while engaging them in a charitable cause with global impact from a local level.

What to Do in Your Retirement? Well, You Could Buy a Golf Course, and Kyle Wiggins Did Just That with Tolt Golf Club

From WA Golf

Residents of the Snoqualmie Valley town of Carnation, Wash. have made their love of golf known for nearly 60 years. Their local course – known initially as Carnation Golf Course and later Blue Heron Golf Course – could always count on its tee sheets being full, at least until the place closed in 2024.

Not two years later, Kyle Wiggins, with assistance from Dan Tachell – the son of Bob Tachell, the course’s original designer and owner – have been leading an effort to revitalize the course to the beloved local fixture it had always been.

It is now known as Tolt Golf Club, the first word reflecting the original Lushootseed-derived name of the surrounding town.

Already accomplished at the new Tolt has been a remodeling of the clubhouse and driving range, with plenty more upgrades and purchases planned for the coming years. As of May 2026, Tolt is already up and running to some capacity and, even with some scattered damage still visible from winter floods, has attracted hometown hitters in droves.

“Everybody’s super excited it’s back open,” said Wiggins, eagerly. “All these people missed the course and all the history – it’s been around since 1967.”

NOGA to Support Evans Scholarships, Caddies

From Northern Ohio Golf Association

The Northern Ohio Golf Association is pleased to announce a new formal agreement of support for the Western Golf Association’s Evans Scholars Foundation and their mission to help local caddies achieve their collegiate dreams.

There are currently 48 Evans Scholars from Northern Ohio golf clubs for the 2025-26 academic year, and 566 Evans Alumni from the region. Under the agreement, NOGA will assist the Evans Scholars Foundation with its Canterbury Pro-Am and scholar selection meeting when it is held in Northern Ohio.

“The NOGA Board of Directors and I are incredibly proud to partner with and support the Evans Scholars Foundation,” said Robb Schulze, CEO of NOGA. “It’s an organization dedicated to creating brighter futures for caddies by expanding their educational opportunities and enriching their life experiences.”

A first job for many young people, caddying provides the opportunity for students to learn the importance of work ethic, communication, perseverance and financial independence while developing valuable leadership and people skills. Caddying can also provide a path to college through the Evans Scholars Foundation.

Established in 1930 by the Western Golf Association and famed amateur golfer Charles “Chick” Evans Jr., the Evans Scholars Foundation awards full tuition and housing college scholarships to high-achieving students with a strong caddie record, excellent academics, demonstrated financial need and outstanding character. The nation’s largest scholarship program for caddies, the Evans Scholarship is valued at more than $125,000 over four years.

2026 Every Drop Counts Campaign

From AZ Golf

The water issues facing Arizona broadly and the Arizona golf community more specifically are at a critical point. The seven states that make up the Colorado River basin and benefit from the water and power generated from the river and associated reservoirs have failed to meet a Feb. 14, 2026, deadline for an agreement that defines how the water rights are managed. The decision reverted back to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation under the Department of the Interior, who are determining if they are going to decide on or extend the negotiations for the associated states.

With over 325 golf facilities serving over 650K golfers in the state and a tourism industry that relies on these facilities, golf is a vital piece of the fabric of Arizona. The Arizona golf industry is responsible for over $6B in economic impact each year and the game serves as a physical outlet for juniors, seniors and everyone in-between. And while the golf industry invests heavily in research, development and implementation of tools and processes to use water intelligently and mitigate waste, if the valve that supplies water to Arizona is closed, no amount of resourcefulness will keep our golf courses open.

Given the water issues the lower basin states are in the midst of, specifically Arizona, as an Association we felt it was necessary to reinforce the work that the Arizona Alliance for Golf is doing in water education and take the next step to directly message our membership in our trusted voice. As with other advocacy campaigns in the past, our goal is to create the sense of urgency without being alarmist. This Every Drop Counts initiative should help our members recognize that the water issues Arizona is facing are going to affect their ability to play golf and provide them with the information necessary to advocate on behalf of golf.

Nevada Golf Rules Experts Honored With USGA Major Selections

From Nevada Golf

There is no higher honor for an amateur rules official than to be selected by the United States Golf Association to work a professional or amateur major. In 2026, four Nevada Golf rules officials were selected to work a variety of national events including each given the responsibility to oversee a hole at the U.S. Women’s Open at historic Riviera Country Club. Photo: Brand, May, Beckel, Quinn.

Tim Brand, Sue May, Rusty Beckel, and Tim Quinn each were honored and have had a busy summer.

“The first thing that came to my mind was how special it was,” said Brand, Southern Region executive director. “While the rules committee for the U.S. Women’s Open is larger than amateur championships, it is still a relatively small group, so to have four rules officials from Nevada selected was remarkable. The only state with more officials represented was California, since it was hosting the championship. For four of our officials to be invited to work such a prestigious event says a lot, and we all thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I was incredibly honored to be selected, but having four officials from Nevada there made it even more meaningful. It really speaks to the quality of the rules officials we have in our state.”

John & Tate Hadges At The Center Of Titleist Campaign About ‘The Rounds You Remember Most’

From Mass Golf

“How ’bout this, Tate?…Bucket list!”

That is the first thing you hear as John Hadges’ voice begins to settle into the voicemail he left for his daughter Tate, the emotional core of a new Titleist commercial that has aired in recent months.

The message reflects on their trip to Royal St. George’s Golf Club, but it is not really about checking a famous course off a list. It is about how their shared lifelong passion for golf has created moments like this they will remember long after the round is over.

That feeling became the basis for how a father-daughter golf story from Thorny Lea found its way across the Atlantic last fall to the famous English links known for its massive, wind-swept dunes and its legacy of hosting 15 Open Championships.

The instructions given by the production crew were surprisingly simple: Play golf. Talk. Be yourselves.

The finished spot has resonated especially with golf families, though neither John nor Tate anticipated just how personal the project would become.

Boatwright Alumni: Share Your Story

From the United States Golf Association

If you’re one of the many AGA staff members who got your start through the P.J. Boatwright Jr. Internship Program, we’d love to hear from you. With more than 30% of AGA staff counting themselves as Boatwright alumni, we’re gathering updated information on where the program has taken participants and the roles they hold across the golf industry today.

Your responses will help us better understand the program’s long-term impact and strengthen our storytelling efforts as we highlight the many career paths shaped by the Boatwright Internship. The survey takes just a few minutes to complete—we appreciate your participation!

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.

Junior Golf Thrives through Jim Ager Golf Course

From the Nebraska Golf Association

Jim Ager Golf Course, located centrally in Lincoln off Normal Boulevard and South Street, has been a pillar for junior golf in the community for several years. A public golf course run by the city, Jim Ager has welcomed golfers of all skill levels and runs youth programs designed to help get youth involved in the game while learning necessary skills.

Head golf professional Zac Morley runs these Youth Programs along with the help from his staff of collegiate golfers, as well as with students studying Professional Golf Management at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

“Starting young in golf is really important,” Morley said in an interview with NebGolf. “If you can start when you’re young, the correct way, it saves you a lot of time, makes you a lot better, and hopefully you like it from the beginning and you can stick with it.”

Morley grew up playing at Jim Ager, and understands the importance of both junior golf, as well as having a palace for younger players to grow and develop their game. Jim Ager provides that place for kids in the Lincoln area to learn and grow.

Inaugural Amateur Champions Dinner Commemorates 125 Years of Championship History

From NJ Golf

In a room filled with past champions spanning nearly seven decades, the history of the New Jersey Amateur Championship was impossible to miss.

On June 30, New Jersey Golf hosted its Inaugural Amateur Champions Dinner at Baltusrol Golf Club, bringing together past winners to celebrate 125 years of one of the state’s most storied championships.

From champions crowned in the 1950s to the tournament’s most recent winners, the evening served as both a celebration of the championship’s rich history and a tribute to the players who helped shape it.

With the 125th New Jersey Amateur Championship set for July 6-8 at Baltusrol, the gathering carried added significance as past champions returned to one of the state’s most iconic venues. A club synonymous with championship golf, Baltusrol provided the perfect backdrop for an evening centered on tradition, legacy and the enduring prestige of the Amateur Championship.

A cross-section of champions from multiple generations filled the room.

Lloyd Monroe, the oldest champion in attendance, represented the earliest years of the tournament, having captured his first title in 1958 at Montclair Golf Club. He was joined by fellow competitors including six-time winner Robert (Bob) Housen, and Billy Ziobro, the second player to win the New Jersey Amateur and Open Championships in the same year.

“I’m seeing people that I knew a long time ago, and it’s really fun,” Monroe said.

“It just feels good to be remembered,” he added.

The evening also served as a bridge between the championship’s history and its future.

MGA Junior Council Holds Meeting with Inaugural Class

From the Metropolitan Golf Association

On June 14, members of the inaugural Class of 2027 MGA Junior Council gathered at Golf Central to meet each other and learn more about the program.

The day started with presentations about the MGA and from various department staff. Participants learned more about the MGA Foundation and its offerings such as caddie scholarships and the GOLFWORKS student intern program, plus MGA championships, communications initiatives, and Member Services tasks – from course ratings to engaging new members. Council members then had a chance to discuss their own journey to golf and share ideas on how to improve the game for juniors.

Throughout the year, members will contribute ideas and collaborate on junior programming, membership and marketing initiatives, community engagement opportunities, and other projects designed to grow and strengthen the junior golf experience.

Council members are looking forward to sharing their ideas and taking inspiration from their own experience in golf to apply to the junior council. Nyah Roccamonte-Clark of Iselin, N.J., has been playing junior golf for a long time and loves it. “I want other kids to have the same experience and grow and learn through golf just as I did,” she says.

About the MGA Junior Council

This past spring, the MGA Junior Council was created to provide junior golfers with a voice within the MGA in helping shape the future of junior golf across the region. After receiving over 100 applications and conducting two rounds of interviews, the board selected 10 juniors from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut to represent the council. The Class of 2027 will play an important role in helping define the future direction of the program.

The council aims to inspire leadership, encourage sportsmanship, and foster a more inclusive and connected golf community both on and off the course.

Stan Utley Shares Wisdom with Next Generation at Stan Utley Junior Tour Event

From the Missouri Golf Association

More than 80 junior golfers participating in the Stan Utley Junior Tour event at Tanglewood Golf Course received a unique opportunity on June 17 as Missouri Golf welcomed PGA Tour champion, Stan Utley, for a special instructional clinic prior to tournament play.

The clinic marked the first instructional session held since the Missouri Junior Tour was renamed the Stan Utley Junior Tour, honoring one of Missouri’s most accomplished golfers, instructors and ambassadors for the game.

A former PGA Tour winner and one of the most respected short-game coaches in golf, Utley has worked with players at every level of the game and has earned recognition as one of the nation’s top instructors. During the clinic, he shared lessons with junior golfers on short-game fundamentals, putting, mental approach and the importance of continually working to improve both on and off the golf course.

Utley spent much of the session emphasizing the value of putting and short-game play, areas that have become synonymous with his coaching philosophy throughout his career. He also encouraged participants to embrace the learning process and maintain a growth mindset as they continue their development in the game.

FM Junior Championship presented by John D. Mineck Foundation returns to Chicopee Country Club as FM renews partnership with AJGA

From the American Junior Golf Association

The American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) is set to return to Chicopee Country Club in 2026 for the FM Junior Championship presented by John D. Mineck Foundation, marking the eighth consecutive year the club has hosted the AJGA. The return coincides with a renewed two-year partnership between FM and the AJGA, extending through the 2027 season and expanding FM’s involvement across tournaments, player financial assistance, leadership development and STEM education initiatives.

Chicopee Country Club has been a longtime host of AJGA competition and is widely regarded as one of the premier championship tests in New England. Known for its rolling terrain, tree‑lined fairways and fast, sloping greens, the course has earned accolades from Golf Digest, USA Today and the New England Journal of Golf, and has consistently been ranked among the best public courses in Massachusetts and the New England region.

The event is led locally by Head Golf Professional Mike O’Neill, a past recipient of the AJGA Head Professional of the Year Award, whose longstanding partnership and leadership have played a vital role in the continued success of the championship.

Manifest Destiny: The USGA’s Julia Pine Always Wanted a Career in Sports and She’s Made it a Reality

As originally seen in NCGA Golf Magazine

Back in 2015, Frank Moore held a team off-site meeting where members of his staff at the Southern California Golf Association were asked to draw a picture of their ideal workday.

One of those staffers, Julia Pine, a Bay Area native, imagined herself at U.S. Open Final Qualifying site, sketching TV trucks and reporters that she assisted at “Golf’s Longest Day.”

“We talked about it and she said she loved the energy of the day, the human-interest stories that she helped uncover for Golf Channel and other national golf publications,” recalled Moore, the longtime communications and marketing director for the SCGA. “It’s no surprise that she looked to the USGA for her next opportunity.

Indeed, just a few years later, Pine manifested her dream day into her full-time job, including overseeing the communications strategy for U.S. Open Final Qualifying, not to mention the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open, among the 15 championships the association oversees. In October, she was promoted to the USGA’s senior director of communications and content, adding responsibilities for the brand side, including handicapping and Green Section. She’ll attend upwards of six championships in person, highlighted by a three-week stretch in June that will take her from coast to coast: the U.S. Women’s Open and Curtis Cup in Los Angeles and the U.S. Open on Long Island.

Mass Golf New Member Referral Program

From Mass Golf

The Mass Golf New Member Referral Program rewards current Mass Golf members who refer eligible new individuals to join Mass Golf as full members. Referring members may earn tier award prizes and entries into an Annual Grand Prize Drawing based on the number of qualifying referrals they generate during the Program period. The Program runs from June 15th, 2026 through July 30th, 2026.

Grand Prize Drawing:

In addition to tier award prizes, each qualifying referral earns the Referring Member drawing entries into the Grand Prize Drawing

• Grand Prize (1 winner) – Delta Air Lines Gift Card valued at $1000
• Second Prize (multiple winners) – One (1) Delta Air Lines Gift Card valued at $500
• Third Prize (multiple winners) – Free Foursome entry to a 2027 Mass Golf Member Day Tournament
• Fourth Prize (multiple winners) – One (1) dozen Titleist Pro V1 golf balls.

Tier Award Prizes:

Tier award prizes are awarded on a cumulative basis once the Referring Member’s qualifying referrals reach each tier threshold during the Program Period.

• Tier 1 (1-2 New Members) – 1 entry into the Annual Grand Prize Drawing per referral
• Tier 2 (3-4 New Members) – Mass Golf Hat + 3 entries into Annual Grand Prize Drawing per referral
• Tier 3 (5+ New Members) – Titleist Vokey SM11 Wedge + 5 entries into the Annual Grand Prize Drawing per referral

Team Georgia

From the Georgia State Golf Association

As part of its U.S. National Development Program (USNDP), the USGA created a State Junior Team program to expand, strengthen, and diversify the junior golf pipeline by creating critical development, competitive and talent identification opportunities within each state for elite athletes ages 13-18. This program launched in 2024 with seven states participating, including Team Georgia.

The USNDP is the United States’ first national development program to provide a clear and unified pathway for the country’s top players, beginning with competitive junior golf through to the pinnacles of the sport. The USNDP will identify, train, develop, fund, and support the nation’s most talented junior players – regardless of cultural, geographical, or financial background by focusing on six key pillars: talent identification, access to competition, national teams, athlete resources, player development and relations and athlete financial support.

Team Georgia – 2026

Team Georgia is made up of 24 players (12 boys, 12 girls) that were selected based on various criteria, including their performance in select events in 2025.

Eligible players must earn their way to Team Georgia each year. Once selected, athletes are part of the USNDP for the following calendar year and will receive various benefits and recognition for being part of Team Georgia.

Final selections for the 2027 team will be made in early 2027, with the primary focus on outstanding competitive performances by eligible junior golfers during the 2026 season in eligible events in Georgia and nationally.

AJGA and USGA Extend Strategic Partnership Through 2031

From the American Junior Golf Association

The American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) and the United States National Development Program (USNDP) have announced a five‑year extension of their strategic partnership, continuing a long‑standing partnership that supports junior golf development and the advancement of future American players. The renewed agreement runs through 2031.

The partnership aligns the AJGA with the USGA’s flagship development program, reinforcing a shared mission to foster future generations of golfers through competitive opportunities, education and long‑term athlete development. Together, the organizations will continue to collaborate on initiatives that support junior players, families and the broader golf community.

“For many years, our partnership with the USGA has played a meaningful role in shaping the competitive and developmental landscape of junior golf in the United States,” said Stephen Hamblin, Executive Director of the AJGA. “Extending this partnership allows us to build on a proven foundation, strengthen the pathway for young players and continue delivering opportunities that help prepare them for the highest levels of the game.”

Since the inception of the relationship, the AJGA and USNDP have worked closely to identify emerging talent, provide educational resources and promote a healthy, progressive pathway for junior golfers. The extension affirms a shared commitment to developing players both on and off the course while strengthening the future of the game.