IAGA Quick Hits | 02.02.26
TGA Awards $125,000 in 2025 Project Muni Grants
From Texas Golf Association
Sixteen municipal golf courses across Texas received a total of $125,000 in grants from TGA Project Muni throughout the 2025 calendar year, building upon ongoing efforts to support improvement projects at the grassroots facilities that serve as the backbone of the game and their communities.
The grants helped to fund various betterment plans to elevate the player experience at facilities in diverse regions around the state, from rural towns in the Rio Grande Valley and East Texas to major urban markets that included the Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas-Fort Worth areas.
The TGA Project Muni Grant program was established in 2023 and represents a multi-year financial commitment to investing in municipal golf course facilities, both small and large. The program’s purpose is to grant funds to help municipal facilities overcome budgetary challenges so they can initiate agronomy projects and practices that will help improve course conditions, enhance the playing experience, or make the game more accessible for all backgrounds and abilities.
Since its inception, the program has awarded grants to nearly 50 municipal golf courses, totaling a combined $300,000 in funding. The TGA is committed to a $1 million total investment by 2029 to ensure that municipal golf in Texas continues to grow, thrive, and welcome the next generation of players.
The Most Avid Golfer in Nebraska
From NebGolf
There are a lot of numbers that might sum up the life of Dave Auwerda. 189 miles – the distance he drives on a typical day of golf. 3 hours – the amount of time he spends in his Ford Maverick. 6.43 miles (11,309 yards) – the total distance of the two golf courses he plays on an almost daily basis, from his set of tees. 106,000 miles – the amount of miles he’s put on his truck in two-and-a-half years. 1 – life-saving hobby.
But it really all boils down to one number – 349.
That’s the number of rounds Auwerda has posted to GHIN in 2025. Yes, just this calendar year.
The 69-year-old is one of just two golfers in the state to post more than 300 rounds during the year, and has the most by nearly 50 rounds.
Dave Auwerda is the most avid golfer in Nebraska.
Makris, Mayes Elected To Arkansas State Golf Association Hall of Fame For 2026
From Arkansas State Golf Association
The current success of the PGA Tour Champions’ Simmons Bank Championship at Pleasant Valley Country Club in Little Rock has spread to the Arkansas State Golf Association with the addition of its 2026 hall of fame inductees.
Simmons Bank Chairman and CEO George Makris Jr. and Pleasant Valley Director of Golf Chris Mayes have been elected to the ASGA Hall of Fame and will be inducted at a date and location to be announced later in 2026. Their recognition comes at the conclusion of the PGA Tour Champions season where the Simmons Bank Championship was again recognized as one of the circuit’s premier tournaments in just its second year on its calendar.
ASGA Executive Director Carson Roberts said the addition of Makris and Mayes to its hall of fame further strengthens the organization’s history, which dates to its founding in 1915.
“We’re honored to have two great and deserving individuals who have done so much for golf in Arkansas and advanced golf through their PGA professional career or have the vision to bring events and sponsor and develop golf through other facets,” Roberts said. “The scene and what they have been able to create for golf in Arkansas through the Simmons Bank Championship has been unbelievable.”
NOGA’s Jerry Lemieux Earns USGA’s 2026 Joe Dey Award
From Northern Ohio Golf Association
The USGA recently announced the recipients of its Annual Awards, honoring three individuals for their significant contributions for the good of the game in the areas of volunteerism, turfgrass advancement and golf literature.
One of those awards went to a readily-recognized NOGA and Inverness Club member, rules official, and past president.
The Joe Dey Award, presented annually since 1996, recognizes exemplary volunteer service and leadership within the game. This year, the USGA has chosen Toledo resident Jerry Lemieux for his exemplary volunteer service and leadership in the game.
Lemieux has served as a USGA Committee member for 19 years, exemplifying the highest standards of leadership, volunteerism, integrity and passion. One of the organization’s most respected rules officials, he has worked at premier championships including U.S. Opens and the Walker Cup, while serving as a trusted mentor to new volunteers. Known for his exceptional reliability and responsiveness, Lemieux is always willing to step in when needed and can be counted on to support the USGA and its championships at the highest level.