Category Archives: Insider Digest

Built to Grow: How Indiana Golf’s New Home Embodies a Statewide Mission to Expand the Game

For Mike David, Executive Director of Indiana Golf, the organization’s new headquarters at Fort Benjamin Harrison represents more than just a building. It’s a reflection of purpose, progress, and a deeper commitment to growing the game across the state.

“I’ve been here 35 years,” David said. “And I feel like this project has been in the works for 34 of those.”

The idea of creating a new home for Indiana Golf had been on the table for years. Their former space, located south of Indianapolis, was built for summer camp programming. 

That model eventually changed. When that programming phased out, two-thirds of the building no longer served a purpose. From there, the Indiana Golf Foundation Board began exploring options that would better support the future of the organization and its growing reach.

Eventually, the team selected Fort Benjamin Harrison as their new home. Once a military base and now a public course managed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, The Fort offered a central location, a Pete Dye redesign, and the potential for long-term collaboration with the state.

Following a multi-year process, including site selection, design changes, and a full capital campaign, the project came to life with impressive speed. The headquarters officially opened in spring of 2025, just 365 days after breaking ground.

“That’s pretty much unheard of for a project like this,” David noted.

More than just administrative offices, the new facility houses five golf organizations under the Indiana Golf umbrella. It also features an interactive Indiana Golf Hall of Fame that celebrates past presidents, champions, and award winners. Touchscreen displays allow visitors to explore decades of state golf history in a fresh, engaging way.

The new headquarters is only the beginning. Indiana Golf is now constructing a synthetic short game facility and a 2,200-square-foot indoor academy, with both expected to be complete by the end of 2025. These additions will host First Tee programming, PGA HOPE, and adaptive clinics, providing meaningful access for new and diverse audiences.

“In just the first few weeks, we’ve had more people walk through the building than we’ve had in years,” David said. “This gives us visibility and programming opportunities we didn’t have before.”

And being located near one of the top five public courses in the state adds to the draw, especially as Indiana Golf plans to host several tournaments there each year.

While the campus builds momentum in Indianapolis, Indiana Golf is also reaching beyond its walls.

Another key piece of the capital campaign was the addition of a Dryvebox mobile simulator. In partnership with Republic Airways, Indiana Golf now has a co-branded unit that can be transported to schools, VA events, major camps, and other high-traffic community gatherings.

“It gives us the opportunity to introduce golf in almost any setting,” David explained. “Wherever we can pull the trailer in, we can bring the game to people.”

While usage is still scaling up, excitement is building. The simulator provides a fun, engaging entry point for those who might not otherwise have access to golf.

When asked what advice he’d give to other Allied Golf Associations considering a similar move, David didn’t hesitate.

“Don’t sell yourself short,” he said. “Having a golf association’s headquarters at a facility brings value. That’s something worth emphasizing when you’re building partnerships.”

He also encouraged AGAs to lean into their networks, sharing that Indiana Golf connected with industry peers early in the process and visited several other facilities—including Kentucky, Iowa, and North Texas—to gather ideas.

“We’re all sharing with each other. Headquarters should be no different,” he said.

Looking ahead. Beyond completing construction, Indiana Golf is considering a more active role in the oversight of The Fort’s golf course. While those conversations are still early, David says the organization is always open to ideas that support the game.

“We’re always thinking about what we can do better. What we can do differently. How we can grow the game and reach more people,” he said.

For now, Indiana Golf’s team is settling into their new home, with a renewed focus on strategic planning and long-term impact.

With a strong team, a thoughtful approach, and a campus that reflects their mission, Indiana Golf is more than prepared for the next chapter—and truly built to grow.

 

By: Santana Shipley

Washington Golf Foundation: Purpose First

 

At the heart of Washington Golf Foundation’s remarkable growth is a clear, compelling focus on purpose—what they call “the why.” This purposeful approach is what Director of Development and Donor Engagement Matt Brown believes has helped the foundation not only amplify its impact but also build deeper connections with the golf community and beyond.

“The ‘why’ is the foundation for everything we do,” Matt explains. “It guides our messaging, shapes how we engage donors and partners, and ultimately fuels our ability to grow the game by aligning people with a mission they can believe in.” For the Washington Golf Foundation, this means not just promoting the sport, but using golf as a tool for community development, youth empowerment, and inclusion.

The foundation’s messaging strategy is deeply rooted in this concept of purpose. Rather than focusing solely on programs or events, Washington Golf communicates the values and outcomes behind their work. This helps potential supporters see golf as more than a game—it’s a platform for positive change. By focusing on ‘the why’, they create a compelling story that resonates with diverse audiences, from longtime golfers and industry insiders to newcomers who might not yet understand golf’s broader impact.

Matt shares how this clarity has helped them break through traditional fundraising barriers: “When donors understand the real difference their support makes—not just in rounds played but in lives changed—they become more invested. We’ve found that storytelling grounded in purpose builds trust and long-term relationships.”

Integral to Washington Golf Foundation’s growth journey has been its partnership with Resolute Philanthropy. Chris Baiocchi, Founder and CEO of Resolute Philanthropy, has worked closely with Matt and the foundation team to sharpen their strategy and messaging. “Our role is to help organizations like the Washington Golf Foundation get crystal clear on their mission and how they communicate it,” Chris says. “The toughest part is often asking the right questions—why do you exist, who are you really serving, and why should a donor support you? Once those are clear, everything else flows.”

Chris emphasizes that a purpose-first approach isn’t just a fundraising tactic—it’s a leadership mindset that shapes every aspect of the organization. “Without a strong sense of purpose, even the best programs can struggle to find support or sustain momentum. Purpose fuels passion, aligns teams, and attracts partners who share the vision.”

One key strategy Washington Golf Foundation has implemented is intentionally crafting messaging that speaks to emotions and values, not just facts and figures. This approach includes sharing personal stories from program participants, community partners, and donors—giving a human face to the foundation’s work. Matt explains, “People want to connect with stories that inspire them and that reflect their values. When we highlight real lives impacted by golf, it creates an emotional connection that numbers alone can’t.”

Washington Golf also prioritizes clear, consistent communication across all platforms—from social media and newsletters to events and direct outreach. This consistency ensures that their ‘why’ remains front and center, reinforcing the foundation’s mission at every touchpoint. Matt notes, “We work hard to make sure every message, no matter where it’s delivered, echoes our core purpose. That unified voice helps build a strong, recognizable brand.”

Looking ahead, Washington Golf Foundation plans to build on this momentum by expanding its storytelling capabilities and developing new engagement opportunities that deepen connections with supporters. This includes integrating digital tools for donor interaction, launching targeted campaigns that highlight specific impact areas, and creating forums for community dialogue. Matt shares, “We want to evolve with the times but always stay true to our purpose. That balance is what will keep us growing and making a difference.”

The foundation’s success offers a valuable blueprint for other allied golf associations seeking to amplify their impact. Starting with purpose as the foundation, being intentional and authentic in messaging, and seeking partnerships that challenge and refine your approach can lead to sustainable growth and deeper engagement.

As Matt puts it, “When your foundation is purpose-driven, growth follows naturally, and the impact lasts. It’s about more than just raising funds—it’s about inspiring a community and building a legacy.”

For more information about WA Golf’s Purpose First initiative or to explore ways your association can pursue similar impact-driven work, feel free to reach out:

 

Matt Brown

Director of Development & Donor Engagement, WA Golf

Chris Baiocchi

CEO & Founder, Resolute Philanthropy

 

By: Santana Shipley