Category Archives: News

Jake Miller, Executive Director of the Utah Golf Association, was recently announced as the new USGA Regional Affairs Director for the Midwest Region, effective Tuesday, May 31st. In his role, he will be responsible for managing the relationship with Allied Golf Associations and Committee Members in the region, ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of USGA core services locally.  Learn a little more about Jake in this week’s IAGA Member Spotlight.

Golf Industry Career: Jake has spent the past nine years with the Utah Golf Association; the first five as the Director of Rules and Competitions and the past four as Executive Director.  During his tenure, the UGA experienced significant growth in membership and association revenues. He was instrumental in the development of the UGA’s Rules education program and the expansion of UGA championships to include qualifying.  Jake has served as a lead member of the Golf Alliance for Utah, a group tasked with championing the economic, environmental, recreational and lifestyle benefits of the game of golf in Utah. Jake has also been an impactful member of the AGA/USGA Strategic Planning working group, where he will continue his role on the core working team.

Background: Jake is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a major in kinesiology and received his master’s degree in sport administration from Belmont University in Nashville, TN. His past work experience includes time with the Tennessee Golf Association as a USGA P.J. Boatwright Jr. Intern and the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour in Florida as a Tournament Director.

Interests: Golf, fishing, hunting, and Green Bay Packers football.

Family: Wife (Heather) and two children (Ari and Brooks)

RENO, Nevada – Steve Rydel, a well-known member of the golf community in Northern Nevada, passed away April 11, 2022 from complications due to cancer. He was 67 years old. An avid golfer, Steve moved to Reno in 2000 from Washington State, where he took early retirement from a career as a Teamster to pursue a second career in the golf industry.

Steve interned with then NNGA executive director Pamela Whalen and was subsequently named assistant executive director. Pam recognized that the future of golf was going to be heavily dependent on computerization. “Steve had his own computer repair business in Washington,” Pam explained, “I saw that he had the computer skills necessary to bring NNGA into the 21st century. I knew that the next executive director must have strong computer skills and be highly computer literate.” Pam retired from NNGA in 2005 to focus full time on Northern Nevada Junior Golf Association as executive director, a position she still holds.

As executive director of NNGA, Steve continued his golf education. He passed the Professional Golfers’ Association of America (PGA) Playing Ability Test, clearing the way for him to complete the necessary requirements to become a Class A PGA Professional. Steve’s close friend and fellow PGA professional Mike Mazzaferri said, “Steve was very proud that he became a PGA member and went on to help countless other professionals achieve the same goal. He gave his time freely to help anyone that needed help in becoming a PGA member. More than a few professionals became PGA members because of Steve’s assistance.”

Steve also made contributions to the game of golf through his work with the United States Golf Association (USGA), serving on many USGA committees. Mike Sweeney, Director of Regional Affairs – West for the USGA said, “On behalf of our USGA staff, we are deeply saddened to learn of Steve’s passing. Steve worked closely with our USGA team for 20 years with hard work and leadership that strengthened and unified the game in Northern Nevada. His contributions to golf were immense, including advancing the game through the development of junior golfers, administering and promoting the World Handicap System, conducting USGA championship qualifiers and providing exceptional golf experiences for all NNGA members. Steve made a difference in the lives of many golfers, young and old. He was a wonderful representative for the USGA at the local level and will be missed immensely.”

As executive director, Steve worked closely with the NNGA executive board comprised of NNGA member representatives. Former NNGA board president Ken Clarke said, “Steve ran the NNGA with the satisfaction of the members as his number one goal. He had a good team in place and strived to make each event as good or better than the last one. I tried to give Steve raises each of the years I was president, but he declined, stating that the money was better served going to the organization.”

Steve mentored many young golfers over the years, from serving as team captain for several Boys’ and Girls’ Junior America Cup Teams, to hiring interns to work for the NNGA through the USGA’S PJ Boatwright Internship Program for individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in golf administration.

A former USGA intern at NNGA, Dean Miller remembers Steve fondly. “My internship at NNGA was supposed to be a quick stop on my journey, but I ended up spending seven years working with Steve,” Dean said. “Looking back, it was the best decision I ever made and some of my fondest memories are of those years. Steve was not only the best mentor I could have ever asked for, but more importantly, I was truly blessed to call him my friend.”

Northern Nevada Golf Association was founded in 1972 and is one of 58 state and regional golf associations recognized as an Allied Golf Association of the USGA. Dependable leadership is one of the hallmarks of NNGA. In the 50-year history of the organization there have been just four executive directors. Founding director John Whalen not only had a vision for the NNGA, but he was also instrumental in the formation of the Sierra Nevada Chapter of the PGA and the Nevada State Golf Association. John passed away in 1998 and his wife Pam continued with NNGA as executive director.

Steve Rydel was NNGA’s third executive director, selecting Andrew Workman to succeed him as the fourth. Andrew served as NNGA assistant executive director in the year prior to Steve’s retirement. “Steve gave so much to the NNGA and its members throughout the years,” Andrew said. “His true impact was much larger than many of us could know because he liked to work behind the scenes and keep his name out of the spotlight. All of us at the NNGA owe a lot to Steve and we were very sad to learn of his passing.”

Steve retired from NNGA but not from the game of golf and golf administration. He completed the TM Certification Program for Golf Genius Software in 2021 and was often the man behind the little orange HELP button on the night shift at Golf Genius. Steve divided his time between staying and golfing with friends in Northern Nevada and living in Cabo San Lucas in Mexico, where he enjoyed both working and playing golf at the spectacular oceanfront resort Cabo del Sol.

Northern Nevada Golf Association (NNGA)
775-673-4653
members@nnga.org

SCOTTSDALE– The Executive Committee of the Arizona Golf Association (AGA) has named Joe Foley as Executive Director following an extensive national search. Foley comes to the AGA from the United States Golf Association (USGA), where he served as Director of Regional Affairs for the Midwest Region, and replaces Ed Gowan, who is retiring after 36 years with the AGA.

“It has been an absolute pleasure getting to know the folks from the AGA during this process,” said Foley. “The energy and excitement – if not hysteria – for golf in this state is infectious. I’m so excited to now be a part of it.”

Foley, 33, spent the last eight years with the USGA, rising through the ranks from Manager of Rules and Competitions, to Senior Manager of Corporate Partnerships, to Director of Regional Affairs. Working out of the NYC Metro area, he led the USGA’s business relationships with industry stakeholders in the Midwest, including relationships with state and regional golf associations, USGA committee members and other partners in the region.

“We met many qualified and accomplished candidates in our nationwide search process,” said AGA President Bob McNichols. “Joe Foley fits the experience profile that Ed Gowan brought in 1985 and will have the full support of Arizona golf for years to come. We welcome him and look forward to the success of the Foley Era at Arizona Golf.”

Notably, Foley managed the Rules of Golf Modernization Initiative, culminating with the most comprehensive update to the Rules of Golf in 30 years when released in January 2019. As the USGA’s project manager, he helped direct a cross-functional team of twenty USGA staff members and an external team made up of representatives from The R&A. Foley guided several working groups, including the digital, PR/communications, publications, and education teams, while collaborating with players, influencers, officials, and media over a two-year period by seeking input and building advocates for the initiative. For the first time, golfers and administrators were encouraged to insert their voice into the governance process to help shape the future of the game.

“When it comes to Amateur golf, Joe Foley has as wide a background and experience level, especially with the Rules, Handicapping, Course Rating and Amateur Status as anyone in the industry,” said Gowan, who will continue in a support role for the better part of 2022. “Arizona Golf is blessed to have Joe as its leader.”

“After 36 years of service, Ed has so much to be proud of,” said Foley of his predecessor. “The entire golf community – across the state and beyond – has been influenced and inspired by Ed in some way. It’s now our responsibility to build on his work and legacy in the next chapter of the AGA’s history.”

Prior to the USGA, Foley worked in the Education field, serving as a Finance & Operations Manager for Explore Charter Schools in New York. A 501(c)3 charter management organization, he monitored the fiscal health of four charter schools, reporting to senior administrators and a board of directors. Foley previously volunteered with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in rural Montana after earning his undergraduate degree in Management with an emphasis in Finance from Boston College.

An avid hiker and competitive golfer, Foley carries a 1.5 Index and enjoys playing in regional and national amateur championships. He plans to move to the Scottsdale area by the end of March and begin his tenure as Executive Director of the Arizona Golf Association on April 4.

About The Arizona Golf Association
The Arizona Golf Association has been serving amateur golfers in Arizona since 1923 when it held the first State Amateur Championship. Today, it is licensed by the United States Golf Association to provide handicapping and course rating services to more than 600 member clubs, to provide tournament and rules expertise to more than 90,000 members and to oversee the application of amateur status. For more information please visit azgolf.org, and follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

ABZ Benefits (ABZ), a proven leader specializing in superior member benefit plans for associations, has agreed to a long-term partnership with the International Association of Golf Administrators.  As a Gold Level Corporate Partner, ABZ will provide support of IAGA and their programs, which includes bringing new member benefits to IAGA, their member golf associations and golfers.

“We are super excited to be a Gold Level Partner of the IAGA.  This partnership will help us bring valuable benefits to member golfers including special savings and discounts on products such as car and home insurance.  We look forward to working with IAGA on communicating our partnership and benefits to their many member golf associations.” said Brian Zibuda, President and Founder, ABZ Benefits.

“The IAGA is thrilled to partner with ABZ Benefits.  We were introduced to Brian Zibuda and ABZ via one of our member associations (Mass Golf).  It is exciting to see the value that ABZ has brought to Mass Golf and we look forward to introducing ABZ to the entire IAGA community.” said Bill Walker, Executive Director, IAGA.

“Brian Zibuda and ABZ have been a tremendous partner for our organization and our membership. Instantaneously, through Brian’s network, we were able to solidify a local insurance partner to provide significant value and savings to build out our membership offering. What made us most comfortable in launching our partnership was Brian’s familiarity and connections throughout the industry.” said Jesse Menachem, Executive Director of Mass Golf.

About ABZ Benefits

ABZ Benefits and their founder Brian Zibuda have helped hundreds of organizations offer valuable benefits and discount programs to reward members and enhance the value these groups are able to bring to their members.  A long history of success has been achieved by being adept at developing and delivering insurance and benefit plans to maximize customer engagement.  This experience includes a consistent track record of establishing strong and enduring client and benefit provider relationships. To learn more, visit www.abzbenefits.com

The Arizona Golf Association (AGA) today announced the retirement of longtime Executive Director, Ed Gowan, effective February 2022. After 36 years at the helm of the AGA, he has decided the time is right to pass along the reigns to one of the premier amateur golf associations in the country.

“I’ve spent exactly one half of my life in this position,” said Gowan. “I’m very proud of what Arizona Golf has become thanks to many, many outstanding employees and board members.   Someone in this position is only as good as those supporting him, and I thank the members of Arizona Golf for the privilege.”

Gowan has served in his current role since June 1985, when the AGA had a staff of two people serving 120 clubs and 23,000 members throughout the Grand Canyon State. Fast forward to the present, and Gowan is set to leave his post having increased staffing to 23 employees serving more than 600 clubs and more than 90,000 members.

In addition to adding dozens of events to the AGA’s annual calendar, Gowan brought the USGA’s GHIN Handicap and Course Rating Systems to Arizona’s golfers. A noted Rules of Golf expert, he has officiated at 35 US Opens, 119 USGA Championships, the Masters and dozens of other international events, both professional and amateur. He is also a Founder of the Arizona Golf Foundation, the charitable arm of the AGA, and is the Co-Founder of the Patriot All-America Invitational collegiate golf showcase.

“The Arizona Golf Association would not be what it is today without the leadership, expertise, and guidance by Ed Gowan over the past 36 years, more than one third of its existence,” said Bob McNichols, AGA Executive Committee President. “Ed’s accomplishments, and dedication to the game of golf in ‘The State of Golf’ is unparalleled elsewhere.”

Prior to his arrival in Arizona, Gowan spent eight years with the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), where he oversaw operations of more than 30 tournaments worldwide for his final four years, including championships in Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Ireland and England.

Gowan’s golf life includes two terms as president of the International Association of Golf Administrators (IAGA), golf course renovation consulting and project management around the world, and group golf-travel management. He is a member of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, a member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), a member of numerous USGA Committees and as a published golf writer, a member of the Golf Writers Association of America since 1973. An accomplished player, Gowan has also won numerous regional golf tournaments.

“Speaking on behalf of the many thousand members who have served with Ed on standing committees, the Executive Committee, as officers and promoters of ‘golf for all’ over the past 36 years, we owe our success as a state association to the CEO who made it all happen: Ed Gowan,” added McNichols. “It has been a privilege and pleasure to work with this ultimate professional who will be missed by all in the AGA and always revered in the annals of its’ history.”

A national search is underway for Gowan’s replacement, with an announcement forthcoming when a selection is made. Inquiries may be directed to AGA Executive Committee Vice President Michelle Cross via email at mmcross111@gmail.com, with the subject line reading “AGA Executive Director – Candidate.”

About Arizona Golf Association

The Arizona Golf Association has been serving amateur golfers in Arizona since 1923 when it held the first State Amateur Championship. Today, it is licensed by the United States Golf Association to provide handicapping and course rating services to member clubs, to provide tournament and rules expertise and to oversee the application of amateur status. For more information please visit azgolf.org.

Golf Genius will be the Title Sponsor and
Official Tournament Management Solution of the IAGA

Golf Genius Software, Inc. (GGS), the leading worldwide provider of tournament management solutions, today announced a five-year partnership and sponsorship commitment to the International Association of Golf Administrators (IAGA).  Under this partnership, Golf Genius is the Title Sponsor of the IAGA Annual Conference and the Official Tournament Management System of the IAGA.

“After several years as Title Sponsor of the IAGA Annual Conference, we are delighted to extend and expand our relationship with the IAGA,” said Golf Genius co-CEO Chris Kallmeyer.  “IAGA brings golf administrators together, including Allied Golf Associations (AGAs) in the United States, provinces in Canada, and leading tournament operators like the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA), to share best practices, cultivate professional relationships, and celebrate the lifetime achievements of IAGA members.  As a provider of tournament management solutions to this community of golf leaders, our ongoing partnership with IAGA gives us a unique and powerful opportunity to engage directly with our customers, build relationships, and drive innovation.”

“Tournament administration is a major focus of all IAGA member organizations and Golf Genius is the world’s leading supplier of tournament management solutions,” said IAGA Executive Director Bill Walker.  “They continue to set the standard and raise the bar, so we are thrilled expand our close relationship with Golf Genius and align our brand with an innovative leader in the golf industry.”

About Golf Genius

Golf Genius Software powers tournament management at over 10,000 private clubs, public courses, resorts, golf associations, and tours in over 60 countries.  GGS has more than 130 employees, including 40+ PGA professionals, with sales and support operations in the United States, Canada, the UK, Europe and Australia.  For more information, visit www.golfgenius.com.

The International Association of Golf Administrators (IAGA) will honor former Western Pennsylvania Golf Association (WPGA), Golf Association of Michigan (GAM), and Sun Country Amateur Golf Association (SCAGA) Executive Director Jeff Rivard at The Westin Dallas Stonebriar Golf Resort and Spa on Nov. 9 during the IAGA Annual Conference (Click HERE to learn more).

Rivard, 77, of Las Cruces, N.M., retired from a storied career in golf administration in 2015. He is only one of two individuals to have served as executive director for three state golf associations. In addition to these roles, he worked for both the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the LPGA Tour.

Rivard began his golf administration career in 1977, serving as the executive director and first full-time employee of the SCAGA near Albuquerque, N.M.  During his time at the SCAGA, the organization grew from 3,000 to 16,000 members. Following his tenure at the SCAGA, Rivard served as a Rules Official on the LPGA Tour and followed this post as Director, Regional Affairs with the USGA. In 1984, Rivard returned to his home state as the executive director of the GAM and concluded his golf administration career with a 22-year post as the WPGA executive director.

In between, Rivard, a firm believer in volunteerism, served as a USGA Rules Official for 33 years.  He had a significant impact on the IAGA, leading numerous committees, which led to his appointment as the association president in 1992.

Rivard’s influence on the golf industry has been far and wide, and felt by many peers within the IAGA community. Below are just a few thoughts from fellow IAGA members:

Jamie Conkling (Virginia State Golf Association, Executive Director – Retired)

“In his many decades of employment in the golf industry, Jeff has exhibited excellent administrative abilities, displayed superior administrative knowledge, and has certainly excelled in promoting dialogue between golf administrators and golf organizations without pretense or expectation.”

Terry Teasdale (Western Pennsylvania Golf Association, Executive Director)

“Throughout his lengthy 40 years of service, Jeff has been a dedicated and committed steward of the game.  He has also been a vocal advocate for the game, its history, and traditions on local and national levels.”

Bill Dickens (Iowa Golf Association, Executive Director – Retired)

“Jeff Rivard is a legend in the world of golf administration.  He has been a leader in advocacy for the profession.  He is probably the most quoted person in our community – “Rivardisms” has become a common reference when quoting any dozens of pearls of wisdom that he has given our community.”

Today, Rivard remains actively engaged in the golf association world, whether assisting the SCAGA with its championships to most recently working the U.S. Senior Amateur Championship.  Rivard was inducted into the Western Pennsylvania Golf Hall of Fame in 2019.

“We are excited to have our community celebrate and honor Jeff and this well-deserved recognition at our Annual Conference in November.” said Jesse Menachem, IAGA president. “He has been a loyal ambassador to our community for decades, and his work has left an indelible mark on our industry.”

The IAGA Distinguished Service Award was established to recognize individuals or groups whose actions have fostered the IAGA objectives as stated in its bylaws: “To promote and conserve the best interests and the true spirit of the game of golf as embodied in its ancient and honorable traditions.” It is the organization’s highest honor. The selection criteria includes the demonstration of superior or innovative administrative abilities, excellence in information exchange and dialogue between golf administrators and golf organizations.

The IAGA was saddened to hear that former Golf Ontario Executive Director and 2018 IAGA Distinguished Service Award recipient Dave Mills passed away after a short battle with cancer.  Our condolences go out to Dave’s family, friends and the Golf Ontario team.

Click HERE to read more about Dave and the positive impact he had on golf in Ontario.