Category Archives: News

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.

Scotland Golf Tours and the IAGA announce a three-year corporate partnership beginning in August 2020.

Formed in 1997, Scotland Tours provides the ultimate vacation planning service dedicated to creating memorable vacations. The company offers a variety of services for visitors to Scotland, Ireland & London, whether on business or leisure.

“We aim is to supply clients with the vacation of a lifetime, supported by professional levels of service and expert local knowledge. We believe in providing value for money and that the process of reserving your vacation should be as easy and efficient as possible.  Whether you are four golfers intending to travel here and play the big-name courses or you are an IAGA member association seeking a first-class experience for your members, e will design and deliver a great trip for you all.” said Ronnie Pook, Managing Director of Scotland Golf Tours.

“The IAGA is excited about our partnership with Scotland Golf Tours.  As associations continue to seek unique, experienced-based member benefits and Scotland Golf Tours certainly provides these opportunities.  It is great to partner with a company that was highly recommended from current members such as the Georgia State Golf Association and the Tennessee Golf Association.” said Bill Walker, Executive Director, IAGA.

Click HERE to access the welcome letter from Scotland Golf Tours.

About Scotland Golf Tours: Click HERE