Category Archives: Uncategorized

A New Era Begins: Pete and Alice Dye Indiana Golf Center Officially Opens Its Doors

From Indiana Golf

June 5, 2025, marked a historic day for Indiana Golf and the community it serves.

With over 200 guests in attendance—including donors, supporters, community leaders, family, and friends—Indiana Golf celebrated the grand opening of the Pete and Alice Dye Indiana Golf Center, a 13,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility that will serve as the new home for all of Indiana Golf’s associations and operations.

The event was a celebration of vision, collaboration, and legacy. Emcee Brian Hammons, the voice of Indiana Golf and longtime Golf Channel news anchor, welcomed the crowd and introduced a lineup of distinguished speakers. Steve Starrett, Capital Campaign Manager, shared insights into the dedication and support that brought the project to life. Alan Morrison, Director of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, spoke about the Center’s broader impact on the state’s recreational and cultural landscape. Gina Giacone, Indiana Golf Foundation President, reflected on the Center’s significance in shaping the future of junior golf and community programming.

Beyond Oakmont, many West Penn courses benefit from a U.S. Open

From Western Pennsylvania Golf Association

In days gone by, the arrival of the U.S. Open at a golf course or club near you in mid-June meant a couple things. Golf fans traveled from great distances to witness the best players in the world take on one of best layouts in the country.

And while those fans were in town to watch, they also wanted to play.

As a result, a week-long cottage industry was born, one that has put smiles on the faces of visiting golfers, money into bank accounts of courses and clubs and, hopefully, a down-to-the-wire finish on the 72nd hole at the Open site.

Private clubs at one point would limit — and even close — member play during Open week, opting instead to allow corporations to schedule play for their employees. That came at a cost, of course, and a nice pay day for clubs and public courses. Times have changed over the years in terms of how much golf is being played, and rarely are courses shut down in favor of corporate visitors, regardless if the price reaches $500 per player.

“Our membership categories are filled at every level,” said Chartiers Country Club head professional Joe Klinchock. “We have a lot of demand for tee times. Tuesday will be the only day where members can entertain clients. It won’t be outside play, just members and guests.”

Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall Takes Time to Talk Golf with Industry Leaders at 17th Golf Day at the Capitol

From the Golf Association of Michigan

Speaker of the House Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) made time in his busy schedule to talk golf, specifically about the industry during the 17th Michigan Legislative Golf Day at the Capitol event Wednesday.

Hall met with presidents, executive directors and owners from the Michigan Golf Alliance member organizations in his office, asked questions seeking input from the industry leaders and answered questions, too.

“Speaker Hall listened to our message, talked about specific legislation that pertains to our industry and made it clear he believes in what we do and understands the impact golf has on the state,” Jada Paisley, executive director of the Michigan Golf Course Association, said.

“Our golf leaders had the opportunity to discuss the industry with Speaker Hall and thanked him for all of his efforts. I can’t overstate the importance of this day in delivering the message to our government leaders.”

SNGA Rules Officials Make Difference at National USGA Events Including U.S. Women’s Open

From Southern Nevada Golf Association

Southern Nevada Golf Association rules officials are among the best in America. Proof of this are their presence at some of the top United States Golf Association events and majors in the country. Sue May, Tim Quinn and Rusty Beckel each officiated the recent U.S. Women’s Open at Erin Hills. It was an experience they will cherish, and the beginning of a busy summer for them.

Boatwright Summit – a trip back in time, and forward to the future

From Washington Golf 

Nestled within central New Jersey is a town whose name is (rightly so) synonymous with American golf pedigree. That would be Liberty Corner, home to the United States Golf Association. One look at the grounds gives an indication of the prestige held there – pristine brick buildings, a tall Rolex clock, and grass almost as fluffy as it is green, are just some of what meets the eye.

I was invited there this past week, alongside WA Golf’s Championship Department Intern Luke Roque, as one of over 90 USGA P.J. Boatwright interns from Allied Golf Associations across the country, all attending the annual Boatwright Summit. The program is designed to give individuals experience in golf administration, across a variety of roles, with the summit an opportunity to host them and provide an up-close look at the industry, networking opportunities, playful challenges and more.

MSGA, VSGA announce partnership to benefit D.C. Golf

From Maryland State Golf Association

The Maryland State Golf Association (MSGA) and the Virginia State Golf Association (VSGA) are excited to announce a partnership to enhance golf initiatives in Washington, D.C. The MSGA and VSGA have a long-standing history of supporting competitive golf, and this partnership aims to formalize a structured and recurring investment in the D.C. golf landscape.

As part of this partnership, the DC Amateur Championship’s hosting structure will alternate between the MSGA and VSGA. The MSGA will manage the event in 2025 and 2027, while the VSGA will take the lead in 2026. This collaborative hosting arrangement ensures that both organizations play an integral role in the championship, with all proceeds directed toward the D.C. Golf Initiative. The 2025 DC Amateur Championship is slated to take place at Argyle Country Club in Silver Spring, Maryland from August 7-9.

Additionally, clubs from Maryland and Virginia will be invited to join the Summer Team Matches as part of this partnership. The MSGA and VSGA will jointly coordinate outreach efforts to their respective clubs, with clubs that have participated in the event over the last three years receiving initial invites. A representative from each organization will be present at the Summer Team Finals to ensure joint oversight and engagement. Round one for the Summer Team Matches will take place on Saturday, July 5, at various locations.

Endless Inspiration at Inaugural SCGA Adaptive Championship

From Southern California Golf Association

The SCGA is proud to celebrate its successful completion of the Inaugural Adaptive Championship presented by Callaway Golf. While the first-time event served a 32-player field representing 12 different impairment categories, the SCGA focused its coverage on the spirit of the event—highlighting community, connection and camaraderie.

49 Scholars Earn Awards at 2025 VSGA Scholarship Day

From Virginia State Golf Association

Forty-five high-school seniors and four graduate students in the turfgrass research program at Virginia Tech were among 49 scholars honored as the VSGA-VIP Scholarship Foundation announced its 2025 award recipients on VSGA Scholarship Day at Hermitage Country Club.

The Foundation provides grants and gifts for scholarships, scientific and educational research, and other charitable purposes. This year’s grants total $196,500 and since being launched, the program has distributed nearly $3.2 million to 1,252 students.

Included in the 2025 total are a pair of $10,000 awards, matching the largest gifts the Foundation has ever rewarded.

“The VSGA-VIP Scholarship Foundation was overwhelmed this year with high quality applications,” VSGA-VIP Scholarship Foundation President Joan Gardner said. “We’re more than pleased to award a record number of scholarships, especially to many scholars who had a special connection with our VSGA member clubs.”

GAM has launched an exciting new digital publication, Michigan Links Digital, as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance communication and engagement with its members

From the Golf Association of Michigan 

The Golf Association of Michigan (GAM) has launched an exciting new digital publication, Michigan Links Digital, as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance communication and engagement with its members. Designed to be published three times a year, this digital magazine offers a dynamic platform to share compelling stories, updates, and insights from across Michigan’s vibrant golf community. With an emphasis on storytelling and member connection, the magazine aims to bring the GAM’s mission and activities closer to its audience. The inaugural issue was released on Tuesday, May 13, and is now available for viewing online.

Massachusetts Golf Hall of Fame To Induct Its Largest Class in History

A story from Mass Golf

In celebration of Mass Golf’s 125th anniversary, the Massachusetts Golf Hall of Fame is inducting its largest class to date, including seven individuals recognized for their outstanding contributions to the game.

For the first time, the Hall of Fame will introduce 10 inductees as “Pioneers”, a newly established category recognizing early trailblazers who helped shape the foundation of golf in Massachusetts. These Pioneers include the founders of both the Women’s Golf Association of Boston/Women’s Golf Association of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Golf Association.

“This is a truly special moment for Mass Golf,” said Thomas F. Bagley III, Committee Chairman of the Massachusetts Golf Hall of Fame. “As we celebrate 125 years of our organization’s history, it’s only fitting that we honor a class this expansive and diverse. Their contributions have helped shape the wide-reaching legacy of golf in Massachusetts, and each of them has rightfully earned their place among the legends enshrined in the Hall of Fame.”

The official induction ceremony will take place as part of the Mass Golf Annual Meeting, with an early afternoon ceremony and luncheon on October 16, 2025, at Thorny Lea Golf Club in Brockton. More details will be released at a later date.

CSGA Wins Eighth Straight Julius Boros Challenge Cup

From the the Connecticut State Golf Association

For the eighth consecutive year the Connecticut State Golf Association has captured the Julius Boros Challenge Cup.

On an unseasonably chilly and overcast day at New Haven Country Club the CSGA battled their way to a 42.5-29.5 victory over the Connecticut Section PGA in the 54th playing of the annual matches. The CSGA has won all but one of the matches during its eight-year winning streak by double digits. The lone exception came in 2022.

“The Challenge Cup is always a great event that all the players look forward to,” ninth-year team captain Roger Everin said. “You never know what the outcome is going to be each year. I told the players that they can’t be thinking about winning or any streaks or anything like that. I asked them to compete at the level that I knew they were capable of and they responded.”

Mass Golf Adds PGA Professionals Grace McKinnon & Sean Morahan To Championships Staff

A story from Mass Golf 

Mass Golf, the state golf association for Massachusetts, has announced that PGA Professionals Grace McKinnon and Sean Morahan have joined its Championships staff. McKinnon has been hired as the Manager of Championship Administration, while Morahan will assume the role of Championship Coordinator.

McKinnon was a USGA Boatwright intern with Mass Golf in 2023 and spent the past year as a USGA Long Term Amateur Championship Intern. Morahan most recently served as Assistant Golf Professional at Charles River Country Club.

“We’re thrilled to welcome both Grace and Sean to the Championships team,” said Kevin Eldridge, Mass Golf’s Senior Director of Rules & Competitions. “Grace’s familiarity with our operations and her experience with national events make her a tremendous asset as we continue to elevate our championship offerings. Sean’s diverse background and leadership at top-tier clubs bring a new level of operational strength and professionalism that will enhance the experience for our players and member clubs.”

The Anticipated Return of Quarry Oaks

A story from the Nebraska Golf Association

After more than two years without a tee piercing the ground. Without a divot. Without a ball mark. Quarry Oaks is back. Quarry Oaks Golf Club in Ashland shut down for two full seasons to renovate a golf course that needed a little facelift and a few significant changes. It reopens today, May 1, to the public and a new era will begin for the club.

The course originally opened in 1997 and has been one of the most scenic courses in Nebraska since, with significant elevation changes across the entire property, and views of the Platte River for much of the back nine.

Tree management had always been an issue, as the property was dense with several different species of trees. The bunkers needed work, and a few holes needed a new look. The Abel family has owned the course since its inception, and went all in to assert Quarry Oaks as one of the best public facilities in the state.

NYSGA Appoints Joseph Mancuso as General Counsel

From the the New York State Golf Association

The New York State Golf Association (NYSGA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Joseph Mancuso as General Counsel, effective immediately. Mancuso will serve as an officer on the NYSGA’s Executive Committee, offering legal guidance and oversight to support the NYSGA’s mission to engage, embrace and enhance the New York State Golf community.

Mancuso is a partner and member of the Executive Committee at Hancock Estabrook, LLP, where he practices in the Banking & Finance and Corporate sectors. He brings a wealth of legal and organizational expertise to the NYSGA, having been selected Syracuse’s 2024 “Lawyer of the Year” for Corporate Law. Mancuso has also appeared on the Best Lawyers in America list for five consecutive years.

“As a lifelong player and supporter of the game of golf, I am excited and honored by the opportunity to serve as General Counsel and an officer on the Executive Committee of the NYSGA,” said Mancuso. “I look forward to furthering the organization’s mission of promoting and conserving the traditions of golf throughout the State, and I am eager to apply my years of legal experience and club management to the benefit of the NYSGA.”

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.