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David B. Fay began his 32-year career with the United States Golf Association (USGA) in 1978, serving first as Tournament Relations Manager and then becoming Director of Program Management in 1981. He became Assistant Executive Director in 1987 and was appointed as the sixth Executive Director of the USGA in 1989. Fay held this position for 21 years until his retirement in 2010. Fay also served as Joint Secretary of the International Golf Federation, the official international body for the sport of golf. In addition, Fay served as Chairman of the World Golf Foundation (a one-year rotating position) in 2008.

Growing up in Hamilton, New York, Horton graduated cum laude from Wake Forest University in 1971. In 1974, Horton took the role of executive director at the TGA where in 35 years he would not only make an impact on golf in Tennessee but on golf in the United States as well. Horton’s accomplishments include overseeing the growth of the Tennessee PGA membership from 150 to 500+ members and apprentices, initiating a Special Olympics golf program that now conducts a national invitational run by the PGA of America, and establishing the Tennessee PGA Junior Golf Academy and 1,500-member TGA Junior Tour. Since 1991, Horton has presided over the Tennessee Golf Foundation as President. Additionally, Horton oversaw the merger of the TGA and Women’s TGA in 2000 and served on the board of directors of the Arnold Palmer Golf Company. He has also served as First Chairman of the PGA Executive Director’s organization, and is a member of the United States Golf Association Regional Affairs Committee and the Vince Gill Pro-Celebrity Advisory Board. Horton was the recipient of the USGA Ike Grainger Award and the 1994 Tennessee Turfgrass Association Professional of the Year. He served as IAGA President in 1991.

Morgan retired in 2006 after 13 years as the SCGA executive director, concluding a 33-year career in the golf industry. A graduate of UC Santa Barbara, Morgan was assistant athletic director and business manager there and assistant commissioner of athletics for the California Interscholastic Federation prior to joining the SCGA. Morgan began as an assistant executive director at the SCGA in 1972. He then spent 10 years as the executive director of the Century Club of San Diego, which presents the PGA Tour event now known as the Buick Invitational, before returning to the SCGA to assume the executive director position in 1993. Morgan extended his impact on the golf community serving as IAGA president in 2006 and has been actively involved in national and regional organizations including the United States Golf Association’s Regional Associations and Joe Dey Award Committees, golf advisory committees for the City and County of Los Angeles, the Southern California Section of the PGA and the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission.

Mona, a New York native, took up golf when he was 12 years old and spent his summer days polishing his golf game. From here, Mona’s interest in golf began and evolved into a respected career in the golf industry. He initially served as tournament director for the Northern California Golf Association from 1980 to 1982. Next, he became Assistant Manager of press relations for the United States Golf Association. He left this position in 1983 to become the executive director of the Georgia State Golf Association. In 1993 he was named the CEO of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. In March 2008, Mona became the CEO of the World Golf Foundation, after a successful 14 years with the GCSAA. At the World Golf Foundation, Mona oversees the World Golf Hall of Fame, The First Tee and Golf 20/20, among other areas including anti-doping and global initiatives for the industry. Mona continues to be an active member and supporter of the IAGA.

Fraser retired from the RCGA in January 2006, after 26 years of service, including 14 years as an RCGA governor and 12 years of dedicated employment. The native of Pointe Claire, Que. served in many positions during his illustrious RCGA career including Managing Director Rules and Amateur Status, Managing Director Member Services and Managing Director Rules and Amateur Competitions. Other accomplishments include implementing the SLOPE system in Canada, aiding in the creation of the CN Future Links Program and RCGA Player Development Program as well as spearheading the development of the Canadian University/College Championship and the Canadian University/College Support Program.

Adamson, a native of Pimento, Indiana and an Indiana State University alumnus, served in the public education systems of Indiana and Tennessee for 12 years before joining the USGA as Director of Championship Administration in 1979. As entry gatekeeper for the USGA, Adamson was responsible for processing nearly 700,000 entries to events around the country. After retiring from the USGA in 2002, Adamson worked with the Tennessee Golf Association as the Special Olympic P.J. Boatwright, Jr. intern.

Davenport is recognized as among the most respected administrators in amateur golf. His career began with the Chicago District Golf Association as an Assistant Executive Director and was promoted to Executive Director of the CDGA in 1977. From 1996-2004, Davenport served as Executive Director of the Northern California Golf Association. His involvement extends beyond state and regional association administration as he served on the IAGA Board of Directors for five years and was elected President in 1984. Moreover, Davenport served on the IAGA Green Committee and four major USGA committees. During this time he was presented with a Meritorious Service Award as a member of the Turf Research Advisory Board for the Chicago District Golf Foundation in 1996.

Zirpoli began his career at the USGA as the Manager of Amateur Status and Implements and Ball Administration before his promotion to Senior Director of Regional Affairs and Amateur Status. Zirpoli is also the man accountable for coining the phrase “for the good of the game,” which became the recognizable slogan of the USGA. Zirpoli is a long-time member of the IAGA. His support and involvement in the association has been more than generous. IAGA members receive many benefits through Zirpoli’s hard work at the USGA, including numerous opportunities through the USGA Foundation. Outside of Zirpoli’s USGA career, he worked as a teacher and social studies coordinator for the New York City Board of Education. Zirpoli received his undergraduate degree from the University of Dayton and attended St. John’s and Lehman College for his master’s work.

Simmons, former Colorado Golf Association President and Colorado Golf Association Executive Director, was instrumental in the United States Golf Association (USGA) Course Rating process. As a member of the USGA Handicap Procedure Committee and Handicap Research Team, Simmons helped test the USGA Slope handicapping system in Colorado. Subsequently, Slope was implemented nationally and internationally. Simmons graduated from Syracuse University, after being named a first-team All-American in 1959 for golf. Serving as the United States Air Force Academy Cadet Golf Coach from 1964 to 1970, Simmons also was appointed to Dean of Faculty’s staff to teach physics. As Executive Director of the Colorado Golf Association, Simmons was also a member of the International Association of Golf Administrators (IAGA). He was elected to the IAGA Board of Directors and later served as President in 1993.

Bob Hanna, the second employee of the NCGA, served the association for over twenty-five years. From his beginnings, in 1956 he saw the organization grow from less than 90 member clubs to more than 280 encompassing some 67,000 individual members. Hanna was instrumental in the building of Spyglass Hill GC and Poppy Hills. Hanna served as President of the IAGA in 1975 holding its annual meeting in El Cajon, California.