Written by IAGA

Wisconsin’s Golfing Showcase: The Dream Loop Unveiled

With Wisconsin boasting some of the nation’s finest courses, it was only a matter of time before they took center stage.

 

In our conversation with Wisconsin State Golf Association, Executive Director, Rob Jansen we dived into their recent collaboration with No Laying up that led to a showcase of the state’s golfing treasures like never before. Curious about the origins of this collaboration? It all started with a spark of imagination from the WSGA. 

“With Wisconsin having 10 courses on America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses list, we thought they could all be played over 2 days if someone was crazy enough to try, and that it could generate some good buzz for the state if it worked” shared WSGA Executive Director, Rob Jansen.

 

He added “Our main goal was to generate as many impressions as possible with the hope that it would lead to more people coming to Wisconsin to golf in the future.”

With No Laying Up’s younger, golf-focused audience and reach, the WSGA knew it would be able to get its brand story across in a new and exciting way. 

After wrangling schedules and coaxing courses to get on board, the WSGA still needed to convince two golfers to join in on this endeavor. Thankfully D.J. Piehowski from No Laying Up was quickly on board and decided to reach out to Stephen Watson with Bally Sports Wisconsin to be his second, who ended up being game for the challenge as well.

With a helping hand from a Travel Wisconsin grant (more on this process in our video!), the project set its sights on maxing out impressions and leveraging No Laying Up’s reach. 

“Having No Laying Up involved helped us reach a much larger audience than we could have on our own, so once they were in, we invested a little more into our video production to try to make sure we were maximizing the opportunity” said Jansen. 

What began as a 10-minute recap video soon turned into a much larger project, fueled by the breathtaking allure of Wisconsin’s courses and an array of captivating footage. The result? A 60-minute documentary titled “The Dream Loop” showcasing the beauty of Wisconsin golf in all its glory. 

The response of this project has been truly remarkable. “We’ve had close to 500K views of the teaser trailer, 75K views of the documentary, and over 3 million total impressions from the project” said Jansen. “The Dream Loop ” has added a great deal to the overall reputation of the WSGA, promoting the association as more than simply tournaments, rules, and handicapping. Jansen highlighted “We’re trying to promote Wisconsin Golf in other creative ways and the ten courses involved were really excited about the final project, so those relationships are another added bonus.”

Jansen expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support from the AGA community. The Texas Golf Association, CDGA, and GAP all shared the completed project with their followers, while other associations reached out to express their enjoyment and commend the endeavor.

​​With the resounding success of this documentary, it comes as no shock that the WSGA and No Laying Up have forged an alliance centered on Wisconsin Golf, paving the way for future collaborations. “For the first time, No Laying Up is hosting a 36-hole stroke play event at Erin Hills, with the final round cut to the low four players, aiming to crown the best golfer at NLU” explained Jansen. Stay tuned for the exciting ways the WSGA will be contributing to this event!

 

By: Santana Shipley

 

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Written by IAGA

Indiana Golf’s Video Renaissance: Collaborative Narratives in the Digital Age

 

In our conversation with Indiana Golf’s Executive Director, Mike David, we discussed their venture into new territory with their dynamic video initiatives. These projects, which encompass biweekly features and a fresh magazine video series led by Brian Hammons, signify a significant leap forward in storytelling. As the proud home of the Indiana Golf Association, the Indiana Section PGA, and the Indiana Golf Foundation, this organization is at the forefront of reshaping narrative in the digital age.

For two years now, Indiana Golf has captivated audiences with their Feature Friday videos, weaving together tales of triumph and inspiration from the world of golf. However, in recognizing the evolving landscape of digital storytelling, the organization has embarked on a fresh endeavor – the Indiana Golf Magazine Video Series.

 

“We’re always on the lookout for innovative ways to connect with our community,” David explains. “Video seems to have an unparalleled ability to engage and resonate with our audience, and Brian’s experience and knowledge of the game brings our stories to life in ways we hadn’t imagined.”

Brian Hammons, Indiana Golf’s primary liaison for video initiatives, introduced the concept of the magazine video series. Initially, the idea was to sustain their “Now on the Tee” podcast. However, after careful consideration, Mike David and his team opted to replace the podcast with the video series, fully committing to this new venture. David expressed, “We thought that the video series had more of a reach and interest for our overall membership base than the podcast was having.” He further emphasized, “We’re kind of all in on video right now. We’re shooting it every chance we get and covering as much as we possibly can with the new series and Feature Fridays.” This bold shift displays Indiana Golf’s dedication to leveraging video as a powerful medium for engaging their audience and sharing compelling stories within the community.

Looking ahead, Indiana Golf is eager to explore the depths of this venture, transcending the traditional boundaries of golf coverage. From heralding national champions to illuminating grassroots endeavors like their pioneering First Tee program, each episode of their video series promises to captivate and enlighten viewers.

Mike David elaborates on their multifaceted approach, stating, “The goal is to cover a gamut of things to make it appealing to as many people as possible.” 

Amidst a plethora of thrilling advancements, such as the crowning of a national Drive, Chip, and Putt Champion and the recognition of three PGA of America National Award winners, coupled with the eager anticipation of a new headquarters, Indiana Golf’s ambitions surpass the realm of tournament coverage. 

David added “Covering fun and interesting stories that a lot of people may not be aware are happening is the key for us. We want to go beyond those tournaments even though tournaments are an important part of what we do. So I think we will have a lot to cover.”

For organizations eager to embark on a similar path of innovation, Mike David offers a compelling roadmap to do so. “If you’re in the Midwest, I know Brian Hammons is eager to expand his work, making him an excellent initial point of contact,” David advises. He highlights Brian’s wealth of expertise, comfort in front of the camera, and profound understanding of the game of golf as invaluable assets. 

Even beyond the Midwest, David emphasizes the potential professionals with comparable experience who may be eager to collaborate on similar projects. “Regardless of location, leveraging the expertise and networks of individuals like Brian can unveil opportunities you may not have considered, enriching your membership experience,” David asserts, casting a compelling vision of collaboration and potential across the nation’s storytelling landscape. 

By: Santana Shipley

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Evolving Horizons: Inside AZ Golf’s Innovative Rebrand with Preston McFarland

 

Branding: a term that is often used and misunderstood. We wanted to talk with a member association that had recently completed a rebrand and talk through both the process and implications of undertaking that process. 

In our conversation with AZ Golf’s Senior Brand Advisor, Preston McFarland, we explored a dive into the recent rebranding of AZ Golf. Renowned for its intentional approach and pioneering spirit in the industry, the association began a journey to redefine its identity. With a rich legacy to honor and a vision to embrace a wider spectrum of golfers, regardless of skill level, the rebranding initiative aimed to blend tradition with innovation. In this month’s IAGA Insider Digest, we uncover the behind-the-scenes of this transformative process and gain insights into navigating the waters of rebranding.

With a focus on purpose and a commitment to evolving AZ Golf, McFarland led the association through a meticulous examination of its brand legacy. Their mission was to infuse modernity and versatility into every facet of their visual identity.

“We took a pretty deep dive into our logo and figured out what we could do to potentially revamp it,” McFarland explained. “We wanted to create a little bit more flexibility around horizontal usages, vertical use cases, and stacked logos as well.”

McFarland and his team set off on a journey of exploration, guided by AZ Golf’s values of inclusivity and authenticity.

“We started this very large logo exploration, five rounds in total.” Preston recounted. “We cast the biggest net of potential creative outputs here and had very open and honest conversations on how some of these designs made us feel or what it reminded us of.”

McFarland added “We wanted to create something that we were really proud of and that we thought was cool.” He continued “The second piece was that we wanted to give our community a reason to invest further into us. We wanted to tell a story and this goes back to those easter egg moments, like the two spikes on one arm and three on the other. Storytelling urges them to invest further into us as a brand and it makes it really hard to argue against.”

McFarland noted that AZ Golf wanted its members to feel a sense of ownership of the redesign and rebranding process. To make sure that was the case, AZ Golf made sure to share the entire process with its members via social media to create a shared sense of ownership. This led to easier adoption of the changes by the broader membership. 

Golf has undergone significant transformations over the past three years, especially in the wake of COVID. Despite potential fatigue from pandemic discussions, its undeniable impact revitalized the golf industry.

“Among these changes, it’s essential to recognize that the recent rebranding effort by AZ Golf isn’t necessarily groundbreaking within the industry. Rather, it reflects a broader trend of innovation that has been steadily building momentum in golf circles over the past few years. This evolution is driven by a shift in focus towards a more diverse and inclusive audience. The sport is now attracting individuals from varied backgrounds who may not have grown up playing golf traditionally.” said McFarland. 

The rebranding initiative aimed to speak to this broader demographic of golf enthusiasts, accommodating different styles of play and catering to those seeking a more accessible and enjoyable golfing experience.

AZ Golf’s thought-out approach extended beyond the creative process, encompassing a comprehensive strategy for the rebrand’s unveiling. Through a deliberate plan, they ensured the new identity resonated across all platforms. This included disseminating a detailed press release, leveraging social media channels, integrating it within member and non-member newsletters, and positioning their new identity on the forefront of their website.

McFarland underscored the significance of aligning content with communication efforts, emphasizing the need for cohesion in messaging. “I just want to speak about sharing your doings with the community. Just take some time to do it right. Plan ahead, come up with a very structured content calendar, and work back with your communications department to make sure that everybody is on the same page with rollout, because you can do a really, really good rebrand and then miss on the rollout. So in many ways, that’s just as important as all the backend work that you’re doing to actually create the new brand look and feel,” remarked McFarland. His advice serves as an important reminder that a synchronized rollout strategy is just as essential as the creative groundwork, ensuring the brand’s transformation is effectively communicated and embraced by stakeholders.

By: Santana Shipley

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Written by IAGA

IAGA Welcomes Santana Shipley as Community Operations Manager

 

 

The International Association of Golf Administrators (IAGA) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Santana Shipley as the new Community Operations Manager, a pivotal role aimed at enhancing the association’s effectiveness and its support for Allied Golf Associations. With a rich background in golf administration, Shipley comes from Indiana Golf, where she excelled as the Communications and Marketing Manager. Her tenure at Indiana Golf endowed her with a robust skill set and deep insights into the golf community, making her an ideal fit for this innovative position within the IAGA.

Enhancing IAGA’s Impact

Shipley emphasizes the importance of this role in elevating the IAGA’s support for its members and advancing golf.

“This role will substantially enhance the IAGA’s effectiveness and impact in serving our members and advancing the sport of golf on a global scale,” Shipley remarked, underlining her commitment to the association’s mission. “I’m excited to bring my experience from Indiana Golf to the IAGA, where I can contribute to enriching opportunities for our allied golf associations, thereby enhancing the overall experience for all IAGA members.”

 

A Foundation Built on Experience

Shipley’s journey in golf administration began at Indiana Golf, where she was instrumental in managing communications, marketing, and membership engagement for various entities under the Indiana Golf umbrella. Her experience in creating newsletters, managing social media and websites, and leading advertising efforts has equipped her with the necessary skills to foster community engagement and collaboration within the IAGA.

Vision for the Future

Upon stepping into her new role, Shipley’s initial goals include establishing strong relationships within the IAGA community and identifying specific needs to serve as an effective resource for all members. “Some of my initial goals for the first few months will include establishing my relationship with the entire IAGA community, identifying their specific needs, and formulating the best strategy to effectively serve as a resource for all our members,” Shipley shared.

“We are delighted to welcome Santana to the IAGA team,” Bill Walker, Executive Director of the IAGA, said. “Her extensive experience and innovative approach to golf administration will be instrumental in driving our mission forward. Santana’s dedication to enhancing community engagement and her strategic vision for the future align perfectly with our goals at the IAGA.”

About Santana

Santana Shipley, originally from Upland, Indiana, holds both an undergraduate and masters degree from Ball State University, focusing on Marketing and Sport Administration. Her passion for golf began in high school, eventually shaping her professional path in golf administration. Shipley’s dedication to the sport and her extensive experience in communication and marketing within the golf sector positions her as a key asset to the IAGA team.

About the IAGA

The IAGA, established in 1968, serves as a medium for golf administrators to exchange information and establish communication channels among the world’s golfing organizations. Its mission is to advance the game of golf and support those who play it, through a membership comprising golf administrators from various golf associations across North America and beyond.

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Written by IAGA

Mahoney Elected as the 53rd President of the International Association of Golf Administrators

The International Association of Golf Administrators (IAGA) welcomed 67 golf associations, 29 partner companies, and over 350 individuals who participated in its annual Conference, sponsored by Golf Genius. The event unfolded at The Westin Stonebriar Dallas Golf Resort and Spa from November 5-8, offering a dynamic blend of education and networking opportunities.

Throughout the four-day conference, attendees engaged in peer-to-peer exchanges and shared industry best practices. “Collaboration and learning from others is more important now than ever in the golf industry, and we were thrilled to provide a platform for our members to network and engage. A special thank you goes out to our attendees, speakers, and sponsors who made this our biggest and best event to date,” expressed IAGA Executive Director Bill Walker.

At the Annual Business Meeting, Brian Mahoney, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Golf Association, was announced as the association’s president.

 

Mahoney has served on the IAGA Board of Directors since 2019. He began his career in golf administration as a USGA P.J. Boatwright Intern with the MGA in 2001 and joined the IAGA in 2005. He’s held the role of executive director since 2017; previously he was the managing director of Rules, competitions, and GHIN services. Mahoney is a member of the AGA/USGA Strategic Planning Committee, and helped launch the IAGA Partnership Committee, which he led as chair until 2022. His passion for serving the game is evident and has been a part the Mahoney family culture for more than 40 years as his grandfather, Jerry Mahoney, was the MGA’s executive director from 1980-1981 and later served as the MGA’s director of golf programs.

“It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I accept the nomination to become the 53rd president of the IAGA. I am humbled by the confidence that the Board, the Nominating Committee, and all of the IAGA has placed in me. I’m proud to follow in the footsteps of two of my mentors and former IAGA presidents from the MGA, Gene Westmoreland and Jay Mottola, and I look forward to continuing to work with colleagues from throughout the world on growing the IAGA community, our services, and strengthening relationships throughout our industry.”

Joining Mahoney on the Executive Committee of the IAGA in 2024 are Rob Jansen, Executive Director of the Wisconsin State Golf Association (Vice President), Stacy Dennis, Executive Director of the Texas Golf Association (Secretary/Treasurer), and Matt Vanderpool, CEO of the Georgia State Golf Association.

The IAGA is delighted to welcome Cat Carmignani, Jeff Magaditsch, and Rick Rangel as at-large members of the IAGA Board of Directors. Click HERE to learn more about Cat, Jeff, and Rick.

Below is the complete listing of the IAGA Board of Directors:
● Brian Mahoney, President (Metropolitan Golf Association)
● Rob Jansen, Vice President (Wisconsin State Golf Association)
● Stacy Dennis, Secretary/Treasurer (Texas Golf Association)
● Matt Vanderpool, Immediate Past President (Georgia State Golf Association)
● Jean-Pierre Beaulieu, Director At Large (Golf Quebec)
● Cat Carmignani, Director At Large (Mass Golf)
● Jeff Magaditsch, Director At Large (Florida State Golf Association)
● Kevin O’Connor, Director At Large (Southern California Golf Association)
● Rick Rangel, Director At Large (Oregon Golf Association)

About the IAGA
The International Association of Golf Administrators (IAGA), established in 1968, is the industry trade organization committed to advancing the game of golf and serving those who play it by representing and developing golf’s leaders. With a membership of over 80 golf associations, representing more than 800 industry professionals and serving nearly 3 million golfers across North America, the IAGA provides educational, networking, and business resources to further its member organizations.

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Written by IAGA

Donald Ross Sportswear Becomes a Corporate Partner of the IAGA

 

Donald Ross Sportswear, a leading golf apparel company founded in 2008 and the International Association of Golf Administrators (IAGA), announced an official partnership today. Under the agreement, Donald Ross will provide attire for all competitors in IAGA Championship as part of the IAGA Annual Conference Sponsored by Golf Genius in Frisco, TX, on Nov. 5-8.

 

We are looking forward to our partnership with the IAGA, and engaging with golfers everywhere who love the game as much as we do.”  

 

Donald Ross’ apparel embodies the country club lifestyle, yet has versatility to fit your everyday needs and is crafted for golfers who desire comfort, quality and timeless performance apparel. Their fabrics are sourced to make golf more enjoyable in a variety of climates with wind protection, water protection, wicking power and warmth retention built into their clothing.

 

“We are excited to partner with Donald Ross Sportswear.  They have fantastic apparel lines for both men and women and they are already working with a number of our member associations throughout North America. We look forward to having the Donald Ross team onsite for our conference in November to network with our members.”

 

About Donald Ross Sportswear

 

Experience the perfect blend of style and functionality with best in class product offering from Donald Ross Sportswear. Crafted for the perfect game our apparel uses carefully selected luxury performance yarns that are suitable for golf and beyond. Choose between contemporary takes on traditional styles with our Classic line, or an updated athletic fit in our SPORT designs. With our handsome offering of styles in unique prints and colorways, Donald Ross has something that you are sure to love. 

 

About the International Association of Golf Administrators

 

The International Association of Golf Administrators (IAGA) is a non-profit organization that represents golf administrators from around the world. The organization is dedicated to promoting the game of golf and increasing participation at all levels.

 

For more information, please contact:

 

Bill Walker

IAGA Executive Director

Email: bwalker@iaga.org

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Carmignani, Magaditsch, and Rangel join the IAGA Board of Directors

 

 

Cat Carmignani (Mass Golf, Assistant Executive Director)

Below is a story from massgolf.org published on October 14, 2022

Carmignani, a native of Dudley, has been with Mass Golf since 2019 serving as Director of Communications & Marketing. In this new role, Carmignani will collaborate with Menachem in Mass Golf’s administration, external relations and strategic plan. In addition to overseeing the operation of First Tee Massachusetts and the Marketing & Communications Department, she will also focus on external relations and development and fundraising activities to support the organization’s charitable efforts.

“This is a natural progression of growth since our merger in 2018,” Menachem said. “Our staff has grown, and our programs and services have grown. For this role, Catherine and I will be able to split up some of the responsibilities, as she’ll be able to be focus on our philanthropic endeavors and junior golf development, tying our brands together and making our community aware of the significance of Mass Golf. I’m excited for her to help champion all of these things.”

As Director of Communications & Marketing, Carmignani has been a leader in transforming the Mass Golf brand with a focus on community engagement. She helped craft the organization’s mission statement: “Advancing the game of golf in Massachusetts by building an engaged community around the sport.”

Carmignani has also expanded longstanding partnerships with Titleist and FootJoy — both Patrons of Mass Golf — and introduced member benefits through new partnerships with Sponsors of Mass Golf, such as Delta Air Lines, KOHR Golf, Arbella Insurance Group, and Golfzon.

As part of the creation of Mass Golf’s strategic plan initiative, Carmignani has also played a key role in promoting the game for women, creating content pieces designed specifically with female golfers in mind, and producing a monthly digital newsletter — The Up & Down — that is sent to all female members of Mass Golf. She has also taken a leading role in the organization’s Equity Change Team to build a stronger culture within the association in collaboration with the organization’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee.

“It means the world to me to have the support of Jesse and the Board of Directors, along with our staff, as I transition into this new role,” Carmignani said. “Their confidence and shared vision in this next chapter at Mass Golf positions us for even greater success long-term. We’ve done something very special here with the brand these last few years, and I am humbled to serve alongside Jesse in our further pursuit of growth, expansion and development of Mass Golf.”

Jeff Magaditsch

Below is a story from fsga.org published on November 20, 2020

The Florida State Golf Association has named Jeff Magaditsch as the Association’s new Executive Director, beginning January. Magaditsch will become the fourth executive director in the 107-year history of the organization, after serving as the Assistant Executive Director for the last year.

The Executive Director is the senior staff member of the FSGA, responsible for managing all aspects of the Association’s day-to-day operations. In this role, the Executive Director oversees the core functions, essential programs, and human and financial resources of the Association to further its stated mission.

“I am honored and humbled for the opportunity to serve as the next Executive Director of the Florida State Golf Association,” Magaditsch said. “I have been fortunate to have some unbelievable mentors during my time with the FSGA and I am excited to start this next chapter in my life.”

Magaditsch succeeds Jim Demick, who will be retiring after 24 years with the FSGA. A native Floridian, Demick joined the FSGA as the Executive Director in 1997. During his tenure, the organization grew into the largest and most active golf association in the country.

Demick will remain a part of the FSGA family, serving as an adviser to the Association and as President of the FSGA Foundation.

“It has been the honor of a lifetime to be part of the FSGA,” Demick said. “I’ve been fortunate to work with incredible members of our staff and hundreds of wonderful volunteers. It’s also been great to watch our junior golfers grow up and become successful on and off the golf course. I look forward to watching the FSGA’s continued success and Jeff and the team will do a fantastic job.”

Magaditsch, 38, joined the FSGA in July 2007 as a Tournament Director. He was promoted to the Director of Tournament Operations in 2017 and served in that capacity until his promotion to Assistant Executive Director in 2019.

Born and raised in Florida, golf became a part of Magaditsch’s life when he was 14 years old, as he watched Tiger Woods emerge on the scene. He has worked in the golf business since he was 15 years old and been involved with the FSGA since he was a teenager.

He graduated from the University of South Florida with a Business Administration degree in Marketing. Magaditsch and his wife, Jasmine, have two sons.

The FSGA’s Executive Committee was re-elected to a second term, with Kevin Hammer continuing to serve as the President. Tony Capano was re-elected as Vice President, with Moe Gallant as Secretary/Treasurer. Tara Joy-Connelly and Mike Miller were all re-elected as Directors-at-Large, while Brian Keenan was elected to his first term. Steve Carter will continue to serve as the Immediate Past President.

Members elected to the Board of Directors include: Steve Albright, Jeronimo Esteve, Meghan Stasi, Will Sprague, Randy Briggs, Sisi Hedges, Jan Phillips and Joe Small.

The election of Officers and the Board of Directors occurred on November 19 during the Association’s Annual Meeting via a virtual conference call.

During this unprecedented year, the FSGA conducted over 450 days of competitions and continued services to its member clubs around the state and the golfers of Florida.

The FSGA is a non-profit organization formed in 1913 to promote, protect and preserve the game of golf.

Rick Rangel

Below is a story from thepnga.org published on June 15, 2022

 

Rick Rangel will serve as the Oregon Golf Association’s Chief Executive Officer, the OGA’s Executive Committee recently announced. Rangel, 41, replaces outgoing CEO Barb Trammell, who retired after serving in the role since 2007.

Rick Rangel
Rangel spent the last 11 years at the Northern California Golf Association in roles of increasing responsibility overseeing the organization’s membership and growth initiatives.

“Barb Trammell has left a foundation of sustainable success, and I am honored to follow in her footsteps,” Rangel said. “I would like to thank the executive committee for the opportunity to embark on carrying on the rich history of the OGA. I look forward to growing the game and supporting the OGA vision of enriching lifestyles through golf within the communities we serve.”

Rangel most recently served as the NCGA’s Director of Growth, where he comprehensively managed member engagement, acquisition, and retention programs. Additionally, he oversaw all forward-facing communications, revenue-generating marketing, advertising, sales, and membership growth.

Rangel’s expertise with consumer insights and application of data-driven key performance indicators across various channels helped the NCGA reverse a 16-year membership decline. He is well-versed in brand and agency management, spanning business-to-consumer, business-to-business, e-commerce, and Software as a Service industries within the golf landscape and allied golf association community.

“We were fortunate to have a deep pool of very qualified candidates interested in this position,” said Jeff Allen, President of the OGA Executive Committee. “We are thrilled to name Rick as our next CEO. The search committee was very impressed with his industry knowledge, business background, leadership style and enthusiasm for the job.”

A seasoned team leader, Rangel fostered cross-departmental relationships to help maximize engagement and participation across the NCGA’s rules and competition, handicap, membership, and customer service teams.

Skilled in database system management and integrations, Rangel has enhanced the association’s efficiency by sourcing and implementing a new CRM platform that unifies customer service, communications, marketing, and sales functions.

Rangel’s impact on the industry goes beyond his work with the NCGA. He spearheaded the implementation of an Association Management System for the NCGA that the International Association of Golf Administrators (IAGA) later adopted. In addition, Rangel is also a key member of the USGA-AGA Club Task Force.

Prior to his time with the NCGA, he worked in the banking industry at JP Morgan Chase, where he held both banking and financial advisor roles.

Rangel, who graduated from Purdue University in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in political science, will begin his new role on July 11. He and his wife, Jenna, are parents to twins, Sienna Marie and Sofia Raquel.

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Jamie Conkling Honored with Prestigious IAGA Distinguished Service Award

(Broomall, PA – September 19, 2023) The International Association of Golf Administrators (IAGA) is delighted to announce that Jamie Conkling will receive the esteemed IAGA Distinguished Service Award. The award presentation will be a highlight of the IAGA Annual Conference, sponsored by Golf Genius, taking place on Tuesday, November 7, at The Westin Dallas Stonebriar Golf Resort and Spa in Frisco, Texas.

Jamie Conkling, who served as the Executive Director of the Virginia State Golf Association (VSGA) from 2006 until his retirement in January 2019, is being recognized for his remarkable contributions to the golf industry, the organizations he served, and the broader IAGA community.

Troy Andrew, Immediate Past President of the IAGA and CEO/Executive Director of Washington Golf, who led the Nominating Committee, expressed the association’s excitement, stating, “The IAGA is thrilled to acknowledge Jamie for his outstanding contributions and impact on the golf industry, the organizations he has served, and the IAGA community. Each year, our committee faces the rewarding challenge of recommending the recipient of this award from among numerous deserving candidates within the IAGA community.”

During his tenure with the VSGA, Jamie Conkling achieved significant milestones, including expanding membership options, launching programs such as eClubs and the Junior Golf Circuit, and increasing the number of competitions for men, women, and juniors. He also made outreach efforts to golf clubs and enthusiasts across the state, worked with then-VSGA President Gib Palmer to establish the Virginia Golf Hall of Fame, and contributed to the growth of the VSGA VIP Golf card, benefiting the VSGA-VIP Scholarship Foundation. The VSGA also integrated the former VSGA Women’s Division into its governance structure and added several female members to its Board of Directors. Additionally, Conkling was instrumental in finding a home for the VSGA and worked with his staff and executive committee to locate a lot and build a 6,000-square-foot headquarters, which it has proudly owned since 2015.

Gib Palmer, past VSGA President and Joe Dey Award Recipient, emphasized Conkling’s impact on the VSGA: “Perhaps Jamie’s most important and lasting legacy is the staff he built during his tenure. He did a fantastic job of recruiting and hiring the right people and then creating and fostering a culture to support all the stakeholders in Virginia Golf.”

Matt Smiley, VSGA Executive Director, added a personal touch to the accolades: “Personally, Jamie is a mentor and friend, and anyone who worked with him would likely say the same. He instilled a culture of professionalism and a mentality to not be afraid to try new things—even if you failed. He plays a part in our success as an association even to this day—five years after his retirement.”

Kevin Heaney, retired Executive Director of the Southern California Golf Association and Past President of the IAGA, praised Conkling’s influence: “I valued his insight and found myself constantly bouncing thoughts and ideas off of him to gain insightful feedback. I was not alone in that regard, as many others in the IAGA membership looked to Jamie for his input.”

Jamie Conkling’s journey in golf administration began in 1991 as an intern with the Metropolitan Golf Association (MGA) after approximately five years working on Wall Street. He later served in various roles, including Assistant Director of Rules and Competitions and Director of Rules and Competitions at the Southern California Golf Association. In 1999, Conkling joined the PGA TOUR as a Tournament Official before assuming the position of Executive Director of the VSGA in 2006.

About the IAGA Distinguished Service Award

The IAGA Distinguished Service Award recognizes individuals who have made a significant positive impact on their golf community, locally, regionally, and nationally. Awardees exemplify professionalism, demonstrating leadership, innovation, mentorship, and dedicated service to the industry. They also excel in communication and collaborative efforts for the betterment of the game.

To view past recipients of the IAGA Distinguished Service Award, click HERE.

About the IAGA

The International Association of Golf Administrators (IAGA), established in 1968, is the industry trade organization committed to advancing the game of golf and serving those who play it by representing and developing golf’s leaders. With a membership of over 80 golf associations, representing nearly 800 industry professionals and serving nearly 3 million golfers across North America, the IAGA provides educational, networking, and business resources to further its member organizations.

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SCGA – FORE Youth

The FORE Youth 2023 U.S. Open Community Legacy campaign (https://foreyouth.org/) was the primary focus of marketing efforts in and around the U.S. Open. The SCGA, in collaboration with the USGA and The Los Angeles Country Club, launched a campaign to create a community legacy for underserved and underrepresented youth in the SoCal region. PGA Tour Pro Collin Morikawa serves as the honorary chair in the hopes of increasing access to youth programs resulting in a long-lasting impact on his hometown region. The campaign was announced via a press release on March 30, 2023.

The integrated plan supporting the FORE Youth campaign focused on owned and earned media to get the word out about the campaign and shine a light on the efforts the SCGA and SCGA Junior Golf Foundation continue to make in support of junior golf in the region. Below is a brief overview of the various executions in support of the campaign. A library of all the below activity can be found on the campaign media page (foreyouth.org/media)

OWNED
FORE Magazine – Editorial features and full-page advertising placement
Digital Media – Content and advertising placements in SCGA News, FORE Her, and eRevision
Social Media – Video storytelling highlighting JCGA Junior programming and how it will be benefitted from support from this campaign

EARNED
Radio – Interviews with SCGA Junior Golf Foundation Executive Director on three SoCal sports radio stations, including the two largest in the Los Angeles market
Legislative Statements – Program announcement from LA County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell
Television – Story coverage on four local news stations and the Golf Channel
Print – Story coverage in local newspapers and national golf publications

For more information on any of the programs executed as part of this campaign, feel free to reach out to Jason Knybel (jknybel@scga.org).

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Written by IAGA

US Open – Social Best Practices from the USGA

Our friends at the USGA had a fantastic US Open a couple of weeks ago at Los Angeles Country Club, so we wanted to check in with them to share some best practices around their social media coverage for this year’s event.

Julia Pine, Senior Director of Championship Communications shared some notes from this year’s strategy:

  • We tried to prioritize quality over quantity for social posting. We posted 11% less than in 2022 but saw 150% more engagement
  • We leaned heavily on collab posting on Instagram, collabing with the PGA TOUR, specific players, DP World Tour… really whatever made sense. Engagement on collab posts heavily outpaced non-collab posts.
  • Once balls were in the air (Thurs-Sun), we decreased storytelling, and focused on the action, heavily prioritizing highlights and press conference footage
  • We increased our ASMR efforts, seeing high engagement with posts focused on natural sounds.

These tips are great ideas for IAGA member associations to implement in their championships this summer.

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