Category Archives: Uncategorized

Chevron joins The Nelly Invitational as Presenting Sponsor

A story from the American Junior Golf Association

The American Junior Golf Association is proud to announce Chevron’s historic three-year commitment to The Nelly Invitational, reinforcing its dedication to the next generation of golfers.

As part of this partnership, The Nelly Invitational presented by Chevron will offer players $2,000 travel stipends, for entry fees, flights, hotels and rental cars, the highest in AJGA history for a stroke-play event. Each international player will receive an additional $500 stipend. This initiative underscores a shared commitment to helping reduce barriers for elite girl golfers from across the globe and to begin setting a new standard for competitive excellence.

GAM CHAMPION OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION: The Joanne and Ted Lindsay Foundation Autism Outreach Services at Oakland University

A story from the Golf Association of Michigan

At the end of a busy golf day at the Oakland University Golf & Learning Center, which includes two championship golf courses and a state-of-the-art practice facility and range, Golf Services Manager Ashley Dewling likes to stop for a second before sunset and watch what is happening.

“I’ve been running around all day, I’m tired, had enough of golf, but then I see wonderful kids and adults getting introduced to the game in such a wonderful way and it puts a smile back on my face,” she said. “It’s just something very special.”

The Joanne and Ted Lindsay Foundation Autism Outreach Services at Oakland University has been named the Golf Association of Michigan (GAM) Champion of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for 2025.

The program, commonly referred to as OUCARES, includes the outreach services of the Oakland University Center for Autism. It was nominated for the GAM honor by Dewling, who volunteers and serves the GAM as a Governor and committee member.

Rob Jansen Appointed 2025 President of the International Association of Golf Administrators

A story about the IAGA

The International Association of Golf Administrators (IAGA) is proud to announce Rob Jansen, Executive Director of the Wisconsin State Golf Association (WSGA), as the 2025 IAGA Board President. Jansen’s leadership and deep connection to golf administration make him an exceptional choice to guide the association forward.

Jansen’s journey into golf administration began during college with an internship at the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA). Jansen reflected on this pivotal role highlighting that it set him on a path for a career in golf administration. “After interning with the AJGA for two summers, they hired me for a full-time position in the Player Services department, and I relocated to Georgia. I had great mentors at the AJGA, including Chief Operating Officer Mark Oskarson and Executive Director Stephen Hamblin. They entrusted me with significant responsibilities early on, which prepared me for my role at the WSGA and allowed me to return to the state where I grew up and contribute to its golf community.” said Jansen.

The Oklahoma Golf Association Has Unveiled a Modernized Website as Part of a Comprehensive Rebranding Initiative

A story about the Oklahoma Golf Association

The Oklahoma Golf Association has transitioned away from our old text heavy logo to a logo that reflects more of an identity to our state. Our new logo now includes an oil derrick with a golf flagstick and golf hole underneath. The colors are also updated to reflect the Oklahoma blue used in our state flag.

This rebranding represents our state’s ties to the oil and gas industry. It is also important to modernize our logo, creating an inclusive brand that all golfers in Oklahoma can be proud of, one that is unique to us! Alongside the new logo, OGA has launched a redesigned website to enhance user experience and provide streamlined access to tournament registration, membership services, and association news. The updated site features a fresh, modern look with improved navigation and mobile-friendly functionality, making it easier for members to engage with OGA events and resources.

Rob Jansen Appointed 2025 President of the International Association of Golf Administrators

The International Association of Golf Administrators (IAGA) is proud to announce Rob Jansen, Executive Director of the Wisconsin State Golf Association (WSGA), as the 2025 IAGA Board President. Jansen’s leadership and deep connection to golf administration make him an exceptional choice to guide the association forward.

Jansen’s journey into golf administration began during college with an internship at the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA). Jansen reflected on this pivotal role highlighting that it set him on a path for a career in golf administration. “After interning with the AJGA for two summers, they hired me for a full-time position in the Player Services department, and I relocated to Georgia. I had great mentors at the AJGA, including Chief Operating Officer Mark Oskarson and Executive Director Stephen Hamblin. They entrusted me with significant responsibilities early on, which prepared me for my role at the WSGA and allowed me to return to the state where I grew up and contribute to its golf community.” said Jansen. 

The announcement of Jansen’s presidency came at the IAGA Annual Conference this past November, which brought together over 350 individuals from 67 golf associations and 29 partner companies. 

Since taking the helm at the WSGA, Jansen has continuously driven growth and innovation. Now, as the IAGA President, his focus will be on fostering collaboration and advancing the association’s mission. “It’s an exciting time for golf associations, marked by consecutive years of growth,” he said. “Our greatest successes have come from working together and sharing ideas. I hope we can double down on what’s working, invest in our people, and provide more value to our members.”

Jansen’s time as the 2024 IAGA Vice President has prepared him well for this leadership role. “Serving on the Board and Executive Committee has given me great insight into the association and its strategic planning,” he noted. “I’m excited to build on the great work that’s already been done.”

With his passion for the game and dedication to the golf community, Jansen is ready to lead the IAGA into a successful and impactful 2025.

Below is the complete listing of the IAGA Board of Directors:

• Rob Jansen, President (Wisconsin State Golf Association)
• Brian Mahoney, Secretary/Treasurer (Metropolitan 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.

Golf Means $3.04 Billion to MN Economy

A story from the Minnesota Golf Association

Since the previous economic impact study was released in 2019, and after weathering a global pandemic, Minnesota’s golf industry has experienced a resurgence in golfer participation and rounds played, and corresponding economic growth. The size of Minnesota’s direct golf economy grew accordingly, from $1.555 billion to $1.867 billion, or at a 2.31 percent CAGR* (compound annual growth rate).

When the total economic impact of golf-related activities is considered (core industries such as golf facility operations, construction, capital investment, plus enabled industries like real estate and hospitality/tourism), Minnesota’s golf industry generated approximately $3.04 billion in direct, indirect and induced economic output, $1.207 billion of wage income and 34,829 jobs.

Padgett and Eger to Be Inducted into the Carolinas Golf Hall of Fame Class of 2025

A story from the Carolinas Golf Association

The Carolinas Golf Association is excited to announce that Don Padgett II and David Eger will be inducted into the Carolinas Golf Hall of Fame in 2025.

The Padgett name has long been associated with Pinehurst Resort. For those who have visited Pinehurst Resort, the Padgett Learning Center is a prominent reminder of the family’s impact on the game. David Eger’s induction into the Carolinas Golf Hall of Fame is a testament to his exceptional contributions both as a player and an administrator.

Padgett and Eger’s upcoming induction into the Carolinas Golf Hall of Fame is not only a celebration of their individual achievements, but also of their lifelong dedication to the game of golf and their significant contributions to the Carolinas golf community. Their leadership, passion, and commitment to excellence continue to inspire golfers of all ages and backgrounds. Join us March 22, 2025 at Pinehurst Resort and Country Club to celebrate their induction into the Carolinas Golf Hall of Fame.

Maryland State Golf Association to Assume Championships and Award Scholarship Formerly Administered by Washington Metropolitan Golf Association

A story from the Maryland State Golf Association

Lutherville-Timonium, MD – The Maryland State Golf Association (MSGA) announced today that it will assume responsibility for specific programs of the Washington Metropolitan Golf Association (WMGA) following the WMGA’s recent decision to cease operations.

In 2025, the MSGA will conduct two events that have been mainstays of the WMGA schedule. The first event will be the DC Amateur Championship, originally called the District of Columbia Amateur and most recently the Metropolitan Amateur. It was first held in 1914 and is one of the nation’s oldest amateur golf tournaments. Argyle Country Club will host this year’s championship on August 7, 8, and 9.

Honoring African American Golfers Who Shaped The Game’s History In Massachusetts

A story from Mass Golf

The significance of Black history in golf has helped shape the game in Massachusetts and beyond. Throughout February, Mass Golf will shine a spotlight on the achievements, contributions, and lasting impact of African American golfers in the state’s history.

This year’s celebration holds even greater significance as Mass Golf embarks on its 125th anniversary. As part of this commemorative year, we are committed to amplifying the rich history of golf in the Commonwealth, which includes the groups and individuals that not only demonstrated excellence on the course but also broke barriers and paved the way for future generations.

Making History: Utah junior golf superstar

Kihei Akina’s national recognition heightens the expectations of him as a college golfer

A story from the Utah Golf Association

This week, the Lone Peak High School senior became one of 11 boys (along with 11 girls) named to the U.S. National Junior Team. He’s the first Utahn to join what the United States Golf Association labels a “clear pathway to elite competition.”

Launched by the USGA in 2023, the U.S. National Development Program represents America’s effort to model other golf-driven countries and follow the feeder systems of other Olympic sports in this country.

Akina described the selection as “pretty cool to represent the country,” adding he’s “looking forward to learning and getting better with these kids.”

Inaugural Midwest Adaptive Open set for September 2025

A story from the Central Links Golf Association

Central Links Golf, in partnership with other Central Region Golf Associations, is excited to announce the Midwest Adaptive Open to be held September 10-11, 2025. This new Championship will be played at Sand Creek Station in Newton, Kansas, home of the 3rd U.S. Adaptive Open Championship, hosted by the USGA in the summer of 2024. The Midwest Adaptive Open will be open to golfers of various classifications of impairments, such as individuals with arm and leg impairments, amputations, blind golfers and those with neurological and intellectual impairments.

The Central Links Golf community experienced first-hand how inspiring Adaptive Golf is with the U.S. Adaptive Open last summer. Central Links Golf staff and volunteers were able to be on site in various capacities leading up to the Championship and during the event. The USGA provided a great blueprint from which to work and internal discussions of hosting a Midwest Adaptive Open began after the conclusion of the U.S. Adaptive Open.

Alex, Foehl and Komline Selected to New Jersey Golf Hall of Fame

A story from New Jersey Golf

New Jersey Golf has announced the members of the Class of 2025 Hall of Fame which features some of the game’s top players and administrators.

The class is headlined by players Marina Alex and Brian Komline, and former NJ Golf Executive Director, Steve Foehl.

“As we celebrate the 125th anniversary of our organization, it’s only fitting to honor an exceptional class of inductees,” expressed NJ Golf Executive Director, Kevin Purcell. “Steve Foehl’s 25 years of leadership at the organization not only expanded our programs but also strengthened our influence in the golf community. Brian and Marina, widely regarded as the best golfers of their generation, still have much to contribute to the game. Yet, at this milestone moment for NJ Golf their induction into our Hall of Fame feels especially meaningful.”

Ouimet Fund Hosts Inaugural Women’s Networking Event

A story from the Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund

The Ouimet Fund’s first Women’s Networking Event, held at Topgolf in Canton on November 14, was a great success. Attendees gathered to connect, share experiences, and celebrate the growing presence of women in golf.

The event featured an engaging panel discussion with Ouimet Fund Board members Marie Chalmers, Judy Frodigh, and Alison Walshe, who shared their experiences playing golf and discussed the many benefits the game offers.

1st Clubs for Kids Foundation Junior All-Star Invitational receives 2023 Game Changer Award

A story from the AJGA

The 1st Clubs for Kids Foundation Junior All-Star Invitational has been recognized by the American Junior Golf Association with the 2023 Game Changer Award.

Each year, the AJGA honors tournaments that excel in various categories, including hospitality, Junior-Am Fundraising Tournaments, charitable giving, and volunteer support. Additional awards are presented for events with exceptional media and social media engagement. The AJGA also recognizes the year’s most outstanding golf professional, superintendent, and golf course executive, as well as standout tournaments such as the most game-changing event, best new event, best AJGA Preview Series tournament, best Ninja Junior All-Star Series tournament, best Invitational, and overall Tournament of the Year. Tournament awards for the 2023 season will be presented on-site at their respective 2024 tournaments.

Bergin, ASGCA, to renovate The Golf Club at Crown Colony in Florida

A story from the ASGCA

Bergin’s master plan does not alter the course’s routing, but the architect says, “everything else will be changed”. The project includes upgrades to irrigation and drainage, rebunkering, regrassing and adding new or relocating tees to allow the course to play from 4,300 to nearly 7,000 yards.

“Crown Colony is under the radar especially as a place to play golf in a beautiful environment,” said Bergin. “I want to expose all that while creating a course where you’ll have to use your head. We realise people don’t always execute perfectly, but we’ll give them the room to play less than perfect golf and still have fun.”

The most visible changes will be to the grass-faced bunkers. “Typical Florida bunkers are flashed sand and that’s all you see,” said Bergin. “I feel there are three forms of art to a bunker – the crest line; the sand line; and the bunker face itself – and how those lines complement one another, their shapes and movement, where there’s grass. These bunkers will stand out.”

Names Family Foundation lends its support to WA Golf Foundation

A story from WA Golf

The Names Family Foundation, one of the quintessential benefactors of youth sports in the Puget Sound region, is lending its support to the Washington Golf Foundation by granting funds to be used directly for the WA Golf Youth on Course program, which provides access to affordable rounds of golf to youth aged 6-18.

The Youth on Course program is made possible through subsidies from WA Golf and donations to the WA Golf Foundation.

The Names Family Foundation is a founding partner with the Aspen Institute’s Project Play Communities Council in championing the federal “63 X 30” initiative, the goal of which is to help 63 percent of the nation’s youth become more physically active by the year 2030. Members of this council commit to taking action that can get and keep more young people playing sports, recognizing that it is at the local level that public policy is shaped, and true and sustainable change happens.

GGP’s Lewine Mair a golf writing trailblazer

A story from the Global Golf Post

It may not be appreciated quite how strong the tradition of women writing about golf in national newspapers has been in the United Kingdom.

Liz Kahn was the forerunner on the The Daily Telegraph in the 1960s, when she covered men’s professional golf because there was no women’s professional golf. Enid Wilson, who won the British Women’s Amateur championship three times in a row from 1931, wrote about women’s golf on the same paper. Patricia Davies, who was married to the late Dai Davies of The Guardian, wrote for The Times, mainly about women’s golf. Elspeth Burnside was an ever-present freelance contributor at golf events in the days when newspapers printed more golf than they do now. Lauren St John, now an author of popular children’s books, covered golf for The Sunday Times for a decade towards the end of the last millennium.

But the most eminent name and female voice on golf matters in the United Kingdom for years has been that of Lewine Mair, my Global Golf Post colleague who has just been named the 2025 recipient of the PGA of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award in Journalism, the third GGP contributor to be so honoured after this writer in 2013 and Ron Green Jr. in 2023. Mair is the only woman to have been appointed golf correspondent – not women’s golf correspondent – of a British national newspaper, The Daily Telegraph.

iGolf A Lot: What Simulator Golf Has Taught Us About Time

A story from the Idaho Golf Association

When Kyle Weeks and Nicole Rutledge left the IGA office for lunch last Thursday, they had a big trip planned. First, they stopped for nine holes at Barnbougle Dunes — Tom Doak and Mike Clayton’s Tasmanian masterpiece — where the weather was much kinder than the early-winter inversion that hung over Boise. Then, with a hop, skip and a click, Weeks and Rutledge hustled north for nine more holes at Lofoten Links, the widely photographed but seldom played gem of the Norwegian archipelago.

I was feeling blessed to join them for lunch that day — and even more delighted to be back in the office before 2 p.m. — but part of me was disappointed by TrackMan’s presentation of the famous par-3 second hole at Lofoten. It was a bland Scandinavian summer’s day. Blue sky. Sunshine. The corner of the screen indicated a gentle breeze. But there was no sign of the northern lights that Instagram had promised me.

Still, the afternoon was a welcome reprieve from the encroaching frigidness of Southern Idaho’s non-golf season. And that’s precisely why Weeks and Rutledge are competing in a simulator league this winter. For two long-established green-grass golfers — whose love of the game morphed into a career — the simulator experience is a way to welcome winter without bowing to springtime rust. And it’s a growing part of the industry that may come to inform the future of more traditional outdoor golf options.

Fun in the Sunshine 25 Years Later

A story from the Chicago District Golf Association

Every time Gus Deguilio brings up golf at home, his son David is already halfway out the door. “He’s loading up the trunk and ready to go,” Gus said. In that way, David is like most golfers who are obsessed with the sport. His 50th birthday was Nov. 26, and he’s played the game since he was a teenager.

“When he was younger, I took him to the range,” said Gus, who introduced David to golf. “I had to slow him down because he was so excited to hit balls. He absolutely loves the game.” In other ways, David is different. He’s intellectually disabled (ID), a term used to describe a person with limitations in cognitive functioning, according to the Special Olympics.

In every way, David represents the resounding success of the Chicago District Golf Association’s Sunshine Through Golf (STG) Camp Program. Created in 1999 by the CDGA Foundation in collaboration with Special Recreation Associations (SRA) and PGA professionals, STG just celebrated its 25th anniversary and has operated at nearly 100 courses while serving nearly 1,000 golfers annually.

Mass Golf to Honor 125th Anniversary with Year-Long Celebration

A story from Mass Golf

The start of 2025 marks a distinct milestone for Mass Golf, as the association will officially begin the celebration of its 125th anniversary. With a commemorative logo, a full calendar of events, a special edition of its publication, and a robust collection of multimedia components, Mass Golf plans to honor its 125-year history throughout the 2025 calendar year.

In 2023, Mass Golf’s Board of Directors officially passed a motion recognizing the association’s founding year as 1900, coinciding with the establishment of the Women’s Golf Association of Boston (WGAB). As the organization grew and expanded its reach, it adopted a new name: the Women’s Golf Association of Massachusetts (WGAM).

Previously, Mass Golf had recognized 1903, the year in which the Massachusetts Golf Association (MGA) was established. These two historic organizations (WGAM & MGA) were officially united on January 1, 2018, forming what is now known as Mass Golf.

Arkansas Golf Hall Of Fame Class Of 2025

A story from the Arkansas State Golf Association

The Arkansas State Golf Association is proud to announce and introduce the Class of 2025, four extraordinary individuals whose remarkable achievements—spanning competitive excellence, professional leadership, and groundbreaking contributions—have earned them a rightful place in the Arkansas Golf Hall of Fame.

Bridging the Gap: A Look Into the New England Public Golf Forum

In the ever-evolving world of golf, public courses often find themselves navigating a unique set of challenges. From limited resources and competing priorities to staying relevant in a crowded market, municipal and public-access courses can sometimes feel isolated from the broader golfing community. However, an exciting new initiative led by Mass Golf, in partnership with the National Links Trust (NLT), is breaking down these barriers. The inaugural New England Public Golf Forum, held in October 2023, aimed to bridge the gap between public and private golf courses, offering a platform for education, networking, and collaboration.

The New England Public Golf Forum was designed to create a space for public golf professionals, course managers, and key decision-makers from municipal courses to connect, learn, and share ideas. The event drew over 125 attendees from across New England, including municipal course managers, Parks and Recreation departments, golf advisory committees, and partners such as the New England PGA, the New England Golf Course Owners Association, and regional golf associations. The event also drew strong support from the USGA, with Erin Groeneveld and the Green Section team contributing to the educational program.

Mass Golf’s Senior Director of Member Services, Mark Gagne, noted that the Forum was built on years of experience and a deep understanding of the golf industry. “While private clubs had benefited from similar forums we conducted in the past, public courses weren’t seeing the same value,” Gagne explained. “Public courses make up 60% of our member clubs, so we wanted to create a space where they could connect, learn, and grow.”

The Forum’s concept gained traction after Gagne attended one of NLT’s renowned symposiums, where he recognized a natural synergy between Mass Golf’s goals and NLT’s expertise in supporting public-access golf. This collaboration, along with Gagne’s 30 years of experience in private club leadership, allowed them to bring together a diverse group of panelists and speakers, covering a range of topics critical to the public golf sector.

“The National Links Trust was a perfect fit,” Gagne explained. “They specialize in municipal golf, and their vision for expanding educational outreach in New England aligned perfectly with ours.”

Over the course of the day, attendees participated in sessions on topics ranging from “The State of Public Golf” to “Golf Course Architecture Trends” and “Sustainability in Public Golf.” A standout session focused on a Cape Cod municipal golf course’s successful $6 million renovation, showing how community support can transform a public facility. Another explored how emerging technologies—such as AI and autonomous mowing equipment—are shaping the future of golf course management.

Networking opportunities were also a key component of the event. “There was a real sense of community throughout the day,” Gagne said. “People weren’t just learning from the sessions—they were having conversations that will continue after the Forum.”

The road to organizing such a large-scale event wasn’t without its challenges, particularly with the coordination of 30+ panelists and a packed schedule. “It was an ambitious program, and I didn’t fully anticipate how much time and resources it would take to pull it all together,” Gagne admitted. Despite these challenges, the Mass Golf team—Gagne, Jenna Walkiewicz, and Jared Winiarz—along with Andrew Szunyog and Jeff Arnold from NLT, worked tirelessly to ensure everything ran smoothly.

The impact of the event exceeded expectations, with positive feedback from attendees and a renewed sense of community among municipal and private course professionals alike. “The turnout and feedback were fantastic,” said Gagne. “But what was most rewarding was seeing how the event brought together so many diverse stakeholders. This is just the beginning.”

Looking ahead, Gagne sees the New England Public Golf Forum as a model that could be replicated across the country. “This type of event could really help golf associations nationwide support their public courses,” he said. “We’re already planning how to build on this momentum—next year, we might scale it down to a more regular format, but the goal is to keep the conversation going.”

As Mass Golf looks to the future, the Forum’s lasting impact is clear: by creating a space for education, networking, and collaboration, the event has set a new standard for supporting public golf in New England. “The energy, knowledge, and relationships formed at this Forum will have a lasting effect,” Gagne said. “This is just the beginning of something transformative for public golf.”

By: Santana Shipley

An Instrument of Redemption – Launching a Golf Program at a Minimum-Security Facility

A story from WA Golf

Tim Thrasher knows what some people say when the conversation turns to preparing incarcerated individuals for a productive return to society.

He hears, “Aren’t they there to be punished?” or “They certainly aren’t there to play golf.” Thrasher, superintendent at Cedar Creek Corrections Center, a minimum-security facility in rural Thurston County, Wash., hears the noise, but doesn’t much engage in the conversation.

He does listens to his heart, and it tells him that all the things he appreciates about golf in his own life can be just as good for the men at Cedar Creek who are in his charge. Cedar Creek is the final step in a long process for these men, who are nearing the end of their sentences.

GAM Foundation Surpasses $1 Million in Subsidies Via Youth on Course

A story from the Golf Association of Michigan

The Michigan golf season enjoyed an extension with good fall weather, golfers flocked to courses and the Golf Association of Michigan Foundation’s Youth on Course program reached a major milestone.

“I have big news to share,” said Foundation Director Laura Bavaird in a recent note to foundation board members and staff. “After October’s incredible weather the GAM Foundation has surpassed the $1 million in subsidies mark. This is truly an unbelievable moment for our grassroots foundation, and I am beyond proud to be here for it.”

2024 MGA Awards and Special Presentations

A story from the Metropolitan Golf Association

The Metropolitan Golf Association held its 127th Annual Meeting and Dinner on December 3 and celebrated its 2024 award winners:

Ina Kim-Schaad, MGA Women’s Player of the Year

Matt Lowe, MGA Jerry Courville Player of the Year

Jack Chung, MGA Junior Player of the Year Award, Presented by Callaway

Jeff Holzschuh, 2024 Distinguished Service Award Winner

Additionally, the MGA Honors Hall of Merit welcomed two new inductees, Sherwood Moore, a pioneer in the golf course superintendent community, and the founders of the Women’s Metropolitan Golf Association (WMGA).

We are grateful for the continued support of our member clubs, individuals, neighboring associations, and all friends of the MGA as we close out another successful year of golf in the Met Area.