GAM Executive Director David Graham Retiring in 2019

Farmington Hills – Golf Association of Michigan Executive Director David Graham announced he will retire effective June 30 of 2019. Graham will retire having been with GAM for 18 years making him the longest tenured Executive Director in the organization’s history. Graham announced his plans to retire at the GAM Annual Meeting at University of Michigan Golf Course May 8.

“Over 17 years ago when I was hired as the Executive Director I described it as my ‘dream job’ and over all these years, it truly was,” said Graham.

Graham came to the GAM in 2001 when the organization had experienced some financial turmoil. He was able to turn things around despite the 2008 recession and despite a nationwide downturn in golf participation.

“David started with the GAM some 18 years ago when the organization was struggling and deeply in debt,” said GAM President John Barbour. “The search committee then had the good sense to look outside the golf industry for a for a business executive with a strong marketing background. Today, the strength of the GAM is a testament to that decision, and to the leadership capabilities David has demonstrated.”

Barbour served as GAM President from May 2017 to May 8 2018 when he passed the torch to Sara Wold.

During his tenure, Graham has overseen several projects including technology upgrades, the implementation of the USGA GHIN Handicap System and Tournament Management software, and establishment of the 501 c 3 GAM Foundation. The GAM Foundation funds the Youth on Course program that allows young golfers to play for $5 or less at participating courses.

“Our finances are strong, our relationship with our members continues to be strengthened as their numbers continue to grow, and our Foundation is off to a wonderful start particularly with the launch of the Youth on Course program,” said Graham. “The GAM is truly positioned to serve golf in Michigan and take the game to even greater levels of participation.”

For Barbour, Graham’s management of the GAM’s transition to the GHIN Handicap System is the prime example of his excellence as an Executive Director.

“David and the GAM team successfully demonstrated expertise in many areas to the satisfaction of the USGA, and now the new relationship is much more formalized,” said Barbour. “This new status with the USGA will provide dividends to GAM members for years to come.”

Graham thanked the GAM staff and Board of Governors and complemented them on their hard work over the years and said he is proud of the GAM’s ability to reach a broad range of Michigan residents including men, women, juniors and seniors and of course, golfers of all abilities. He stressed the importance of GAM partnerships with groups like PGA Professionals, the Michigan Golf Course Superintendents, Michigan Golf Course Owners Association, and the Western Golf Association.

“From PGA Professionals to caddies to ground crews everyone is involved with the game of golf and I truly appreciate it,” said Graham. “It is hard to believe how quickly the time has passed. We have succeeded on many fronts to place the GAM in a very stable situation. I look forward to working with our search committee to identify and hire the next GAM Executive Director and am committed to be available as necessary to provide ongoing counsel and support. It has truly been a great adventure!”