Category Archives: News

Little Rock Area Native Tees Up At Augusta National

A story from the Arkansas State Golf Association 

Former ASGA Junior match play champion Mackenzie Lee, a Little Rock native and Southern Methodist University golfer, is living her dream at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur. Lee, who won the ASGA Junior Match Play title four times, said the experience of playing at Augusta National was both surreal and inspiring.

“It was good,” Lee said of her practice round, noting that the day felt a bit “off” because the crowd was not yet in attendance. “I do think part of the hype at Augusta is the energy the spectators bring. Even though the crowd wasn’t there yet, the course was in amazing condition; as always,” she added.

Lee recalled going to Augusta a decade ago as a participant in the Drive, Chip, and Putt National Finals. “I only really remember one hole from back then, a downhill tee shot that stood out, but when I stepped onto the property for Monday’s practice round, it all came rushing back,” she explained.

Walking along the fairways with her swing coach, Patrick Sullivan, Lee described the atmosphere as “mysterious” and “spectacular.” Entering through Magnolia Lane, she admitted that her heart warmed with excitement, even as a touch of nerves crept in. “It’s that mix of anticipation and the once-in-a-lifetime feeling of playing here,” she said. “I never thought I’d be here, but here I am.”

‘Up and Down’ the Iowa Golf Scene – Wizard of Fun

A story from the Iowa Golf Association

Allison George is on a dual crusade – a crusade to make the game fun for players of all levels and to elevate the status of women in a game that historically has been dominated by the proverbial “good ‘ole boys.” The owner and general manager of Toad Valley Golf Course in Pleasant Hill, George has achieved significant strides on both fronts.

A multi-generational family-owned business, Toad Valley was once a 200-acre farm plot used by Allison’s grandfather Dale Brady to test his farm implement equipment. More than 50 years later, it has emerged as a well-diversified golf complex featuring an 18-hole championship layout, the “Field of Greens” miniature golf course, two indoor golf simulators and the 6,000 square foot “Flight Zone” top-tracer driving range that features ten heated bays, lounging area, restrooms, snack bar and covered porch. The Topgolf-like facility was added in 2023 as the course celebrated its 50th anniversary.

“I’m a big believer that golf is meant to be fun,” George told Up and Down the Iowa Golf Scene during a recent interview at Toad Valley. “Our philosophy here is to create an environment that produces and sells family memories. When a family looks back to recall its best experiences, we want them to remember Toad Valley.”

Maury Povich Joins MGA Foundation Board of Directors

From the the Metropolitan Golf Association

The MGA Foundation, the charitable arm of the Metropolitan Golf Association, is pleased to announce the appointment of Maury Povich to its Board of Directors. The MGA Foundation is dedicated to growing the game of golf in the Met Area and supports the MGA’s mission to champion, invest in, and advance the game of golf for the future of the Met Area golf community.

Povich has been a longtime supporter of the MGA Foundation, and in his new role, he will help guide the Foundation’s programs, support fundraising initiatives, and work with fellow board members to further enhance the Foundation’s reach and impact.

“We are delighted to welcome Maury Povich to our Foundation Board of Directors. Maury is a tremendous ambassador for the game and our mission to impact lives through golf, and we’re eager to work with him in his new capacity,” says Ned Zachar, President of the MGA and Chair of the MGA Foundation.

“I feel so honored to be selected as a member of the MGA Foundation Board,” said Povich. “I have been a vigorous supporter of the Foundation for the past 20 years and believe strongly in its mission. The MGA is the crown jewel of golf organizations in the United States, and I feel blessed to be a part of its future.”

Q&A with President Abby Black: Getting to know the IGA Board of Directors’ new President

From the the Idaho Golf Assocation

The Idaho Golf Association’s board of directors assembled last month to elect a new executive committee. Serving three year terms, IGA board members act as ambassadors of the IGA’s mission to engage, enhance and grow the Idaho golf community and oversee our vision to enrich the lives of every Idaho golfer. They are all people for whom the continued development of golf in Idaho matters a great deal.

Among those board members is Abby Black, a member of The Club at SpurWing and an accomplished IGA Championship player as a former Tournament of Champions winner and the reigning  Women’s Four-Ball champion. You’ll be sure to see her out at many IGA events this year, but she’ll be competing as the new president of the IGA board of directors for the very first time.

We caught up with her last week to help you get to know our new president.

Streamlining Communication and Collaboration: How Mass Golf is Leveraging HubSpot Across AGAs

As more Allied Golf Associations look to streamline communications, manage campaigns more efficiently, and create a more personalized member experience, platforms like HubSpot are becoming increasingly valuable tools. For Mass Golf, the platform has evolved from a single-organization CRM to a shared digital ecosystem that supports and collaborates with other AGAs through separate, customized business units.

While Mass Golf was an early adopter of HubSpot, their recent work with Connecticut and Vermont Golf Association marks a shift toward broader collaboration. By supporting other AGAs through customized business units, they’ve created a model for shared digital infrastructure that maintains each association’s unique identity while enabling greater efficiency and resource-sharing.

The idea to support other Allied Golf Associations through HubSpot began organically, shaped by both internal discussions and external interest. Mass Golf began exploring a shared CRM model after receiving interest from smaller AGAs seeking a more accessible way to experiment with HubSpot’s features. These early conversations centered around limited initial use, with flexibility to scale up over time. “Some smaller associations, maybe ones without the staff capabilities, were looking for an entry point into using HubSpot… so we started thinking about how we could best serve the golf community in New England,” said Mike Wice, Mass Golf’s Senior Manager of GHIN Services.

Riley Blue, Mass Golf’s Manager of Technology, noted that the groundwork was already in motion before she joined the team, allowing her to jump into action. As Mass Golf began formal conversations with the Connecticut State Golf Association and Vermont Golf Association, each seeking to modernize and streamline their communications, she played a key role in customizing the process to each organization’s individual goals and timelines. 

Mass Golf maintains weekly check-ins with both Vermont and Connecticut to assess progress, troubleshoot issues, and offer strategic support. These pulse checks are key to keeping each group aligned without overwhelming them. In addition to monitoring custom dashboards to keep tabs on contact lists, Mass Golf uses a living training document that outlines take-home tasks, notes, and next steps, creating a shared reference point as things progress.

Challenges inevitably arose with two associations onboarded simultaneously. Recognizing that each organization has its own structure, staff capacity, and timelines, Mass Golf emphasized flexibility, avoiding rigid deadlines. “You have to be flexible—and empathetic,” said Riley. “Things come up, life happens, but if everyone’s aligned on the end goal—serving the golfer and their community—that’s what matters. It’s not about hitting every benchmark perfectly. It’s about moving forward together.”

As user confidence increased, Mass Golf gradually expanded access and permissions, shifting from a tightly controlled onboarding to more autonomous use. While Riley brings structure and consistency, Mike jumps in as needed to address issues in real time. The balance allows Mass Golf to offer support that’s both responsive and strategic.”

Technical hurdles also surfaced, particularly around how each association connected to the GHIN database. “We use an outside developer for our integration, while Vermont and Connecticut are on GHIN Connect,” explained Mike. This introduced complexities in partitioning data, managing multi-member profiles, and ensuring golfers only received communications from their home association. There were also the expected growing pains of adopting a new platform. While some users were eager to dive in, it was critical to lay a solid foundation and set clear expectations to ensure everyone was headed down the right path from the start.

Looking ahead, their focus will be on tightening data management and gradually expanding user permissions. “The goal is always to protect everyone’s data and keep things clean,” said Riley.

Future onboarding efforts will benefit from lessons learned in this initial phase. “There are things we’d do differently next time,” said Mike. “What’s exciting is that these associations will start discovering new ways to use the system and we’ll learn from them too. It’s a two-way street.”

For smaller associations considering joining a business unit, the benefits can be significant. With access to an established system like HubSpot and the support of a more experienced organization, new users can build on proven tools and processes instead of starting from scratch. The structure allows them to learn by example, gain confidence using the platform, and eventually tailor it to meet their own needs. It’s a model that empowers smaller AGAs to elevate their operations and better serve their golfers without the burden of building everything independently.

On the flip side, larger associations looking to onboard a new business unit should approach the process with a clear understanding of mutual goals. It’s not about doing everything at once, it’s about setting achievable priorities and growing from there. Just as important is the willingness to collaborate beyond traditional state or regional lines. In a connected golf community, supporting neighboring associations isn’t just good strategy, it strengthens the ecosystem as a whole.

This shared HubSpot approach reflects a larger trend in the AGA community toward greater alignment, cooperation, and digital innovation. As more AGAs express interest in CRM and marketing automation tools, Mass Golf’s experience offers helpful insights. The key takeaway: collaboration doesn’t require sacrificing identity. With the right structure, associations can maintain their own branding, audience segments, and communication strategies, while still benefiting from a collective knowledge base.

By: Santana Shipley

The Texas Golf Association Joined The Chevron Championship as Official Partner in 2025

A story from the Texas Golf Association 

The Texas Golf Association is proud to announce it has become an official partner for the 2025 edition of The Chevron Championship, one of the five major championships on the LPGA Tour.

To celebrate the partnership, the Texas Golf Association is proud to include a 2025 TGA membership for each Texan who purchases a ticket and attends The Chevron Championship. In addition to posting scores and tracking their Handicap index®, TGA members enjoy a wide range of benefits, including access to the USGA GHIN app, competitive tournaments and exclusive member events, travel opportunities, and members-only equipment, apparel, travel, and entertainment discounts.

“The Chevron Championship is one of the world’s premier women’s golf championships and supports the pursuit of excellence and achievement on and off the course through its iconic event,” said Stacy Dennis, TGA Executive Director. “Their commitment to advancing the women’s game at all levels aligns with our mission to create a welcoming environment that will continue to encourage growth and participation for women and girls at every stage of the game.”.

Journey of a Lifetime: AJ Bridges finds his way from cornfields to golf course architecture

A story from Washington Golf

Now working as a design associate in the competitive golf course architecture industry, Lloyd “AJ” Bridges had grown passionate about golf having never even hit a ball. Raised in rural Western Kentucky, the closest golf course was two hours from home. However, his father gifted him a left-handed set, unaware that AJ was, though left-hand dominant, a righty.

“My dad, who’d been a high school baseball star in his small town, knew absolutely nothing about golf,” Bridges says. “He’d kindly purchased this used set of Mizunos and I tried them for a while. When I told him I was right-handed, he took them back and found me a used right-handed set.”

Bridges had never set foot on an actual golf course. He developed his passion playing EA Tiger Woods on a PlayStation. He followed Tiger through the entire PGA Tour season, from the Plantation Course at Kapalua to Atlanta Country Club.

A gifted math student, Bridges participated in numerous academic enrichment programs. He began dissecting each golf course’s architectural layout from a mathematical perspective, a practice he follows today. He loved how Rae’s Creek’s presence beneath Augusta’s 12th hole could transform a seemingly benign 8-iron off the tee into a diabolical score and, sometimes, a tournament killer.

IAGA at National Golf Day

From the IAGA

The IAGA is proud to be in Washington, D.C. this week representing our member associations and the game we all love at National Golf Day.

We’re looking forward to spending meaningful time with members of Congress, sharing the many ways golf positively impacts lives, communities, and the economy across the country. It’s also a great opportunity to reconnect with many of our fellow associations and industry partners.

We’re honored to stand alongside a historic number of golf leaders — more than 300 professionals — gathering on Capitol Hill to amplify the voice of the game and advocate for its continued growth and accessibility.

Thank you for all your efforts in promoting and growing the game of golf. We look forward to working together to keep making a positive impact.

Darius Rucker Named Ambassador for the Carolinas Golf Foundation

A story from the Carolinas Golf Association

The Carolinas Golf Association (CGA) is proud to announce that three-time Grammy Award-winning musician, philanthropist, and avid golfer Darius Rucker has officially joined the organization as an ambassador for the Carolinas Golf Foundation (CGF), the charitable arm of the CGA. Known worldwide for his music and generosity, Rucker will now lend his voice and platform to help grow the game of golf and amplify the Foundation’s mission throughout North and South Carolina.

“I’m honored to be part of something that’s making a real difference through the game I love,” said Rucker. “Golf has been a huge part of my life—not just because I love to play, but because I’ve seen the way it brings people together and creates opportunities. I’m proud to support the Carolinas Golf Foundation and the incredible work they’re doing across my home region.”

As an ambassador, Rucker will help champion the Foundation’s efforts to promote access and opportunity in golf—particularly among youth, individuals with disabilities, and underserved communities. His involvement will include appearances at select Foundation events, engagement in awareness campaigns, and collaboration with the CGA to drive fundraising and outreach.

MGA Board Member Tom McCutcheon Receives USGA Ike Grainger Award

A story from the Missouri Golf Association

The Missouri Golf Association is proud to announce that board member Tom McCutcheon has been honored with the Ike Grainger Award, one of the highest recognitions given by the United States Golf Association. McCutcheon, in his 25th year as a USGA volunteer committee member, received the award last weekend for his dedicated service to the game.

Established in 1995, the Ike Grainger Award recognizes individuals who have dedicated 25 years of volunteer service to the USGA. Named after Isaac B. “Ike” Grainger, a former USGA president, the award honors those who have made a lasting impact on the governance and integrity of the sport.

“It has been my good fortune to work for a number of golf associations, but the crown jewel is the USGA,” McCutcheon said. “My favorite part [of volunteering] was working with great people and truly talented players.”

A Fresh Swing Forward: NH Golf Rebrands with New Vision, ‘For Every Swing’

A story from New Hampshire Golf

A fresh breeze is set to sweep across the fairways of New Hampshire as the New Hampshire Golf Association teed off a bright new chapter. With a modernized name, NH Golf, and a powerful new tagline, “For Every Swing,” the organization signaled more than just a cosmetic change. It marked a renewed commitment to inclusivity, growth, and celebrating the game’s broad impact across the Granite State.

Founded over a century ago, the New Hampshire Golf Association has long been a steward of the sport, supporting amateur competition, course development, and community engagement. But as golf evolves, so too must its leaders.

“‘For Every Swing’ is more than a slogan,” said NH Golf Executive Director Matt Schmidt. “It’s a promise. A promise that whether you’re a first-time player, a seasoned competitor, a junior just picking up a club, or someone who simply loves the game from the sidelines, there’s a place for you in New Hampshire Golf and that we’ll be with you every step of the way.”

The rebrand aims to reflect the diverse makeup of today’s golfing community while preserving the rich heritage of the sport in the state.

Golf Ontario Announces Launch of Adaptive Golf Month This July

A story from Golf Ontario

Golf Ontario is proud to announce the launch of Adaptive Golf Month, a new, province-wide initiative taking place in July 2025 that will spotlight athletes, events, and programs advancing accessibility and inclusion in the sport of golf.

This groundbreaking campaign is made possible thanks to an EnAbling Change program grant from the Ontario Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility.

“Adaptive Golf Month is directly linked to our Vision of Golf For All and our commitment to supporting the adaptive golf community,” says Golf Ontario’s CEO, Kyle McFarlane. “With the support of our incredible partners and the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility, we’re working to reduce barriers, grow awareness, and celebrate the remarkable athletes leading the way in adaptive golf.”

Alabama Golf Association Announces 2025 Board of Directors and Honors Joe H. King and Sadie Roberts Award Recipients

A story from the Alabama Golf Association

On Saturday, March 22, 2025, the Alabama Golf Association (AGA) held its Annual Membership Meeting, Annual Board of Directors Meeting, and Annual Awards Luncheon at the Shoal Creek Club in Shoal Creek, AL.

Larry Kniseley of Daphne has been honored with the 2025 Joe H. King Award, the highest distinction presented by the AGA in amateur golf. Kniseley has been an integral part of the AGA Board of Directors since 2009 and has dedicated decades to the game as a rules official at numerous AGA and USGA events. His commitment to golf was further recognized in 2024 when he received the prestigious Ike Grainger Award from the United States Golf Association (USGA) for 25 years of exemplary volunteer service.

Allen Hasbrouck of Huntsville received the 2024 Sadie Roberts Volunteer of the Year Award. In 2013, combining his love for golf and volunteerism, Allen signed up to be a scoring volunteer at an AGA event at Huntsville Country Club and has been a dedicated volunteer since. Over the years, he has attended multiple Rules Workshops, driven countless miles, and stayed hundreds of nights at hotels around the state to support the Alabama Golf Association’s efforts. His dedication to service extends beyond his military career, making him a true asset to both his community and the Alabama Golf Association.

New York Launches State Team as Part of the USGA’s U.S. National Development Program

A story from the Metropolitan Golf Association

New York is creating a state junior golf team that will expand the pipeline for elite local golfers, ages 13-18, into the U.S. National Development Program (USNDP) – an initiative launched in early 2023 by the United States Golf Association (USGA).

Seven states participated in the initial phase of the state team pilot program in 2024. New York now joins a group of ten new state teams being established in 2025, advancing the USGA’s goal of all 50 states having a team by 2033.

Said Heather Daly-Donafrio, USGA managing director, Player Relations and Development: “The opportunity to represent their home state will incentivize each region’s best junior golfers to play more in-state competitions, ultimately strengthening the junior golf programming across the country.”

The program is continuing to expand through close collaboration between the USGA, its Allied Golf Associations – including the three AGAs in New York: Metropolitan Golf Association, New York State Golf Association and the Rochester District Golf Association – as well as the PGA of America and relevant state junior programs.

WA Golf Youth on Course receives 2025 William E. Hammonds Award for Excellence

A story from WA Golf

The WA Golf Youth on Course program was recently honored with the 2025 William E. Hammonds Award for Excellence.

The prestigious award highlights and celebrates the significant growth of the WA Golf Youth on Course program – new courses added, year-over-year membership increases, and an outstanding number of rounds played and subsidized.

The William E. Hammonds Award for Excellence is presented annually by Youth on Course to recognize an outstanding Allied Golf Association (AGA) partner that demonstrates an exceptional commitment to growing and sustaining affordable access to golf for young people.

WA Golf Youth on Course provides youths age 6-18 with access to play for only $5 per round at over 85 participating courses in Washington and Northern Idaho and an opportunity to develop a lifelong love for the game of golf.

Forsyth and McCord Headline SoCal Golf Hall of Fame Class

From the Southern California Golf Association

Watch Charles Barkley and Jim Nantz congratulate Gary

Listen to former players, including Lilia Vu, congratulate Carrie

The Southern California Golf Hall of Fame, a regional program managed by the SCGA and SoCal PGA, recently inducted its 2025 class. Legendary UCLA college coach, Carrie Forsyth and renowned broadcaster, Gary McCord, a SoCal native and UC Riverside alum, headlined a class of five luminaries. The event was hosted by golf course architect, historian and author, Geoff Shackelford.

ESF awards record number of caddie scholarships

A story from Western Golf Association Evans Scholars Foundation

A record 360 students from across the country have been awarded the Evans Scholarship, a prestigious full housing and tuition college grant offered to golf caddies.

This fall, they will begin college as Evans Scholars, attending a leading university nationwide. The Evans Scholarship is valued at more than $125,000 over four years. A full list of winners, including their awarded universities, can be found in the attachment.

In the fall, the first groups of Evans Scholars will attend two new partner universities

the University of Delaware and the University of South Carolina. The Western Golf Association (WGA), headquartered in Glenview, Ill., oversees the Evans Scholars Program. Recently recognized as the Scholarship Provider of the Year by the National Scholarship Providers Association, the Evans Scholars Foundation (ESF) is one of golf’s favorite charities and the nation’s largest scholarship program for caddies.

David Ingram, Mike Nixon to be inducted into the Tennessee Golf Hall of Fame in May

A story from the Tennessee Golf Association

“We are pleased to have two tremendous gentlemen of the game make up the 2025 inductee class of the Tennessee Golf Hall of Fame,” said Whit Turnbow, President of the Tennessee Golf Foundation. “David and Mike have both left, in their own way, an indelible mark on golf in Tennessee, and we look forward to honoring those accomplishments this spring.”

DAVID INGRAM, a Nashville native, has long been a staunch supporter of golf-related initiatives in Tennessee. He is the current president of The Golf Club of Tennessee, which was established in 1989 by his late father E. Bronson Ingram II and Toby Wilt, and is regarded as one of the premier courses in the country. David has continued the family legacy 35 years later with the recent addition of a second golf course at GCTN designed by noteworthy architect Gil Hanse.

MIKE NIXON of Nashville has a long, distinguished career, both as a competitor and as an industry professional. Nixon has the rare distinction of being the first, and currently only one of two, golfers who have competed in the U.S. Junior, the U.S Amateur, the U.S. Mid-Amateur, the U.S. Pub-Links, and the U.S. Senior Amateur. He completed this feat over the span of 52 years, attesting to the longevity of his superb playing ability.

VSGA partners with VT-STEM on 2024-25 online program

A story from the Virginia State Golf Association

The 2024-25 session of the Virginia Tech School of Turfgrass Ecology and Management (VT-STEM)—a 13-week training course in the principles of turfgrass ecology and management through both synchronous and asynchronous learning—was recently completed. The Virginia State Golf Association provided grants to over 30 students, each of whom were employees at VSGA member clubs, allowing for those interested in breaking into or advancing in the turfgrass industry to take the class free of charge.

VT-STEM is a comprehensive introductory turfgrass training program that works around busy work and family schedules. The program, held entirely online, is intended to primarily serve the educational needs of those without formal training in turfgrass science, but are either employed in or have interest in working in the turfgrass industry.

This was the fifth year that the program was held, but the first year that the VSGA grant allowed free access to staff members at VSGA member clubs. The course ran from November 1, 2024, through January 10, 2025.

NYSGA Brings Back Familiar Faces

Stories from New York State Golf Association

Read More about Jack C.

Read More about Jack M. 

The New York State Golf Association (NYSGA) is excited to announce the appointments of two former USGA P.J. Boatwright Jr. interns, Jack Corcoran and Jack Margaros, into integral roles within the organization

Jack Corcoran has joined the NYSGA as the new Manager of Regional Associations & Junior Golf. A 2024 Boatwright intern, Corcoran began this role in December, where he now oversees tournament operations for Regional Golf Associations (RGA) across the state, including Syracuse, Buffalo, the Capital Region, and the Triple Cities. In addition, Corcoran will provide operational oversight for other NYSGA-supported competitions beyond these regions.

The NYSGA is also excited to welcome Jack Margaros as its new Manager of Media. Effective immediately, Margaros will handle the NYSGA’s communications and media efforts for state championships, qualifiers, member events, the NYSGA Foundation, and supported regional associations. Like Corcoran, Margaros brings valuable experience from his time as a Boatwright intern.

GAO.ca is Now GolfOntario.ca

A story from Golf Ontario

We’re excited to share that Golf Ontario has a new home online! As of this week, our website has officially transitioned from gao.ca to golfontario.ca.

Why the Change?

This update aligns with our brand identity and makes it even easier for golfers, clubs, and partners to find us online. Our commitment to growing the game and serving Ontario’s golf community remains the same—just with a refreshed, more intuitive web address!

What You Need to Know:

✅ Our website has moved – You can now find us at golfontario.ca.

✅ Our emails have changed – All Golf Ontario staff can now be reached at @golfontario.ca. Be sure to update your contacts!

✅ gao.ca will automatically redirect to ensure a seamless transition.

Phillip Frazier Elected LGA President

A story from Louisiana Golf Association

Phillip Frazier of Baton Rouge was elected to serve as President of the Louisiana Golf Association (LGA) at its Annual and Board of Directors meeting at Le Triomphe Golf & Country Club. Frazier will serve a two-year term leading the LGA Executive Committee and the Board of nineteen other volunteers that provide strategic direction and oversight to the Association’s full-time staff.

Frazier has served on the LGA Board of Directors since 2021 and was Vice-President the previous two years.  He officially took the reins from outgoing LGA President Mary Capouch following the adjournment of Saturday’s meeting. “I am thankful for the opportunity to help grow golf in Louisiana and look forward to working with the LGA staff, Board of Directors, and all of our members to ensure a vibrant future for the game in our state,” said Frazier.

WPGA reveals commemorative logo for 125th Amateur Championship

A story from Western Pennsylvania Golf Association

The Western Pennsylvania Golf Association has unveiled a commemorative logo to celebrate the 125th WPGA Amateur Championship this summer. The logo, crafted after the USGA’s standard logos for national championships, features the historic W.C. Fownes Jr. Trophy’s awarded to the champion of the West Penn Amateur.

The 125th WPGA Amateur Championship will be held on July 14-15 at historic Sunnehanna Country Club, just one month after the playing of the 125th U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club.

“Amateur golf is the lifeblood of the game, and the WPGA Amateur Championship has been the marquee amateur event in our region for 125 years,” says Terry Teasdale, Executive Director of the WPGA.

“As we looked at a way to properly honor the history of the competition during this exciting year for golf in our region, we knew that we needed a historical, premier club to host. We achieved that with Sunnehanna Country Club. We also hoped to honor the rich history of the event and golf in Western Pennsylvania with the creation of a commemorative logo that celebrates the W.C. Fownes Jr. Trophy.”

Golf Ontario Announces 2025 Ontario Golf Hall of Fame Inductee

A story from Golf Ontario

Golf Ontario is proud to announce that Alena Sharp, Archie Berube, Grant Fraser, and Charles Blair MacDonald will be inducted into the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2025. Additionally, Doug Ball will be honoured with the prestigious Lorne Rubenstein Media Award for his outstanding contributions to golf photojournalism.

The Ontario Golf Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place on May 7 at its home, Wooden Sticks Golf Course in Uxbridge, Ont.

“Each of our 2025 inductees has made a profound impact on golf in Ontario, and we look forward to celebrating their incredible achievements on May 7,” said Golf Ontario CEO Kyle McFarlane. “The Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is always a special occasion—bringing together past and present inductees to honour their legacies and celebrate the great game of golf in our province.”

SCGA Partners with Callaway Golf on Adaptive Championship

A story from Southern California Golf Association

The Southern California Golf Association (SCGA) announced a three-year partnership with Callaway Golf, who will serve as title sponsor of the SCGA’s new annual Adaptive Championship. The inaugural event will be contested May 21-22 at Goose Creek Golf Club in Jurupa Valley, Calif.

As the event’s title sponsor, Callaway Golf will be included in all event promotions to the SCGA’s 200,000+ membership and the entire Southland golf community, as well as in pre- and post-event communication with participants. In addition, all onsite event signage will be co-branded with SCGA and Callaway logos. Representatives from both organizations will be onsite to engage with participants and attendees.

“We are proud to partner with the Southern California Golf Association on what’s sure to be an outstanding championship for years to come,” said Callaway Golf President, Glenn Hickey. “Callaway is a longtime supporter of adaptive golf players and events, and we’re excited to watch these exceptional players compete at such a great venue.”

Industry leaders convene at Mid-Atlantic Golf Conference

A story from Virginia State Golf Association

Leaders from across the golf industry gathered at Hermitage Country Club on Tuesday for the Mid-Atlantic Golf Conference to explore the evolving landscape of golf and discuss innovative strategies to propel the golf industry forward.

Emceed by PGA Tour winner Robert Wrenn, the event featured speakers from several prominent national organizations:

• Mike Whan, CEO, United States Golf Association
• Jay Karen, CEO, National Golf Course Owners Association
• Rhett Evans, CEO, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America
• Don Rea, President, PGA of America
• Bill Shonk, Director, Club Management Association of America

More than 170 golf leaders from around the region attended the event.

Each speaker shared insights and strategies while discussing the current state of golf.

New Jersey Golf Announces Apparel Partnership with Tharanco Lifestyles

A story from NJ Golf

New Jersey Golf is proud to announce its partnership with Tharanco Lifestyles as the Official Outfitter of NJ Golf.

“Teaming up with this forward-thinking brand is the ideal way to help introduce the new image of NJ Golf,” said NJ Golf Executive Director, Kevin Purcell. “With 125 years of commitment to New Jersey’s golf community, we’re thrilled to partner with

Tharanco Lifestyles to engage the next generation of golfers.”

Tharanco Lifestyles, which features Dunning, the Greg Norman Collection, and Tourney brands, offers the widest and most appealing breadth of technical golf apparel in the industry. The combination of styling, price points, tiered golf club distribution, and a wide variety of sizes ranging from XS in women’s to select men’s styles in 4XL make the collection truly impressive.

GCSAA Rounds 4 Research Auction is Back!

Golf Course Superintendents Association of America

We’re excited to invite you to participate in the upcoming Rounds 4 Research Auction, where you can bid on exclusive rounds at bucket list courses and hidden gems in your backyard, while supporting vital research initiatives within the golf community.

Rounds 4 Research aims to generate resources to fund research and help ensure the future of the game we all love. And with your help, we can do just that!

Cori Matheson Honored with the Dorothy Pease Champion of Golf Award

A story from AZ Golf

To honor the memory of Dorothy Pease, in recognition of her selfless service to golf, the Champion of Golf Award is given annually to an individual who, by his or her contributions, has advanced the game of golf for women.

During and after her collegiate golf career, Cori Matheson held multiple positions with the Southwest Section PGA, JGAA and First Tee of Phoenix, eventually becoming a Class A LPGA Professional and LPGA Member. In 2013, she started in her current role as Director of LPGA*USGA Girls Golf of Phoenix. A Girls Golf alumna herself, Matheson knows the organization’s impact firsthand. She has worked to continue Girls Golf’s mission of empowering girls through golf. Under her leadership, LPGA*USGA Girls Golf of Phoenix has grown to over 550 sites and serves over 100,000 participants annually. In 2023, Girls Golf reached its one millionth participant since inception.

Course Rating vs. Bogey Rating vs. Slope Rating

A story from Nebraska Golf

Every golfer with a Handicap Index can tell you what their number is and most know how to figure out how many strokes they get on a certain day by calculating their Course Handicap and Playing Handicap.

Most know there are ratings for each tee set on a golf course, but do you know what each number means? Well, they are the foundation of the World Handicap System, and without them, you wouldn’t be able to compare yourself to other golfers and use your Handicap Index equitably at courses around the world.

Golf courses often display two numbers on their scorecards, but there is a third that is important as well, and a good measuring stick for most golfers. The Course Rating™ and Slope Rating® are the first two numbers, and the third is the Bogey Rating™.

These numbers are established through the Course Rating System, which allows NebGolf staff and volunteers to evaluate courses around the state. The ratings are determined by assessing the effective length of the golf course and the obstacles and challenges that face scratch and bogey players in their respective landing zones around the course.

Breaking Barriers: How British Columbia Golf and WA Golf Are Revolutionizing Women’s Golf

Women’s golf has seen an exciting transformation in recent years, with new initiatives redefining accessibility and engagement. Two standout programs leading this shift are British Columbia Golf’s Cloud Series and WA Golf’s Ladies Link League. Designed to foster participation, these innovative formats offer a fresh take on competitive and social golf, making the game more inclusive for women of all skill levels.

The Cloud Series emerged in 2020 when British Columbia Golf sought a way to participate in Women’s Golf Day despite COVID-19 restrictions. With in-person events off the table, they developed a virtual scramble where women could play at their home courses, submit their scores, and compete remotely. What started as a one-time event quickly gained traction. “We had nearly 300 women participate in our first year, and it just kept growing,” shared Tyler McKay, Manager of Competitions & Member Events at British Columbia Golf. By 2024, the series had expanded to six monthly tournaments with an average of 604 golfers per event.

Meanwhile, WA Golf was facing a different challenge. Their existing four-ball match play event for women was seeing dwindling participation, with fewer than half the expected players signing up in 2023. After learning about the Cloud Series, they decided to reimagine their own offering. “We wanted to create something that was more inclusive, something that could bring in new golfers while still appealing to competitive players,” explained Audrey Orem, WA Golf’s Manager of Membership & Handicapping. The result was the Ladies Link League, a six-month-long event featuring different formats each month, a low entry fee, and a strong emphasis on community-building. The changes worked—participation surged to an average of 197 players per month in its first year.

One of the key elements that make these programs so successful is their format variety. The Cloud Series cycles through different team-based formats to keep the experience fresh, incorporating styles like shamble, best ball, and modified scramble. WA Golf’s Ladies Link League adopted a similar approach, alternating scramble formats to cater to different skill levels. “The scrambles have been fantastic for beginners,” noted Sam Crader, WA Golf’s Manager of Golf Operations. “They make the game feel more approachable and fun, which is exactly what we wanted.”

Beyond participation numbers, these programs are driving real change within the golf community. Clubs across British Columbia and Washington have started adopting the formats for their own women’s leagues, further extending the reach of these initiatives. Both organizations credit player feedback as a crucial component of their growth. “Listening to our players has been the key,” McKay emphasized. “We constantly refine the event based on what they tell us, which has helped us create an experience they truly enjoy.”

Technology has also played a vital role in their success. Both programs utilize Golf Genius for scoring, leaderboards, and event management, making remote play possible. Social media and digital surveys help drive engagement, while instructional guides ensure that players, regardless of tech-savviness, can easily participate. Looking ahead, both organizations have ambitious plans. British Columbia Golf is launching a Men’s Cloud Series and exploring a cloud-based simulator competition for the off-season. WA Golf is expanding its social engagement efforts, introducing chat forums and hosting official meetup days for participants to connect in person.

With the success of these programs, British Columbia Golf and WA Golf are setting a new standard for accessibility in the sport. By embracing innovation and prioritizing community, they are not just increasing participation—they are reshaping the way women experience golf. Their willingness to share insights and help other organizations adopt similar models speaks to the broader movement of growing the game in a meaningful, lasting way. As these initiatives continue to evolve, they serve as an inspiring blueprint for the future of women’s golf.

Tyler McKay, Manager of Competitions & Member Events at British Columbia Golf, can be reached via email at tyler@britishcolumbiagolf.org.

Audrey Orem, Manager of Membership & Handicapping at WA Golf, is available at aorem@wagolf.org.

Sam Crader, Manager of Golf Operations at WA Golf, can be contacted at scrader@wagolf.org.

By: Santana Shipley