IAGA Quick Hits | 11.18.25
Leighann LaRocca Makes History as First Female President of the Iowa Golf Association
From Iowa Golf Association
The Iowa Golf Association (IGA) is proud to announce that Leighann LaRocca (above) has been elected as the first female President in the organization’s long and storied history. LaRocca’s election marks a historic milestone for the IGA and a powerful reflection of the growing inclusivity and leadership of women in golf throughout the state of Iowa.
LaRocca, who will serve a two-year term as president, has been a passionate and active member of the Iowa golf community for decades. Joining her on the IGA Executive Committee are Vaughn Halyard, Vice President, Matt Arenholz, Secretary, and Jon Brown, Treasurer (continuing in his role).
For LaRocca, the game of golf has been a lifelong source of friendship, personal growth, and joy — a journey that began humbly and has led to one of the most respected leadership roles in Iowa golf.
“I grew up on a farm in northwest Iowa, so summers were spent working outside,” LaRocca said. “My parents didn’t golf, so it didn’t even come onto my radar until my junior summer at UNI. I needed a class to graduate, so I took golf too. I learned the basics and we could play at the UNI course — which is now Highway 218.”
Golf Ontario Backs National Off-Course Golf Strategy to Grow the Game Year-Round
From Golf Ontario
In collaboration with Golf Canada’s newly launched national Off-Course Strategy and Just Swing campaign, Golf Ontario is proud to support and engage with the growing off-course golf market across Ontario.
“Off-course golf is expanding how and where people connect with the sport,” said Kyle McFarlane, Golf Ontario CEO. “All golf is golf. Whether it’s played indoors or outdoors, on a simulator or at a course, it all connects people to the game we love. Through the Just Swing campaign, and in partnership with Golf Canada, we’re committed to supporting facilities and golfers year-round. Golf in Ontario is a 365-day sport, and together we’re ensuring there are more ways than ever for people to play, belong, and stay engaged.”
As part of this strategy, Golf Ontario and Golf Canada are introducing a new Facility Membership Program designed specifically for off-course operators. This initiative allows simulators, indoor centres and golf entertainment venues to become official member facilities of Golf Ontario and Golf Canada—connecting their businesses with the province’s largest and most engaged golf community. The program provides facility owners with new ways to grow participation, strengthen engagement, and access valuable year-round member benefits.
Golf’s Economic Impact in Oregon Surges to $2.4 Billion
From Oregon Golf Association
Golf’s economic footprint in Oregon is showing serious muscle, according to the latest 2025 statewide report. The industry generated a $2.4 billion total economic impact in 2024, thanks to $1.6 billion in direct activity across facilities, tourism, retail, real estate and related businesses.
More than 18,000 jobs were supported and over $252 million in state and local tax revenue recorded, underscoring how golf has emerged not only as a sport and pastime but as a significant driver of Oregon’s outdoor-economy ecosystem.
What’s particularly noteworthy is where the growth is coming from. Tourism alone accounts for 36% of the activity — roughly $838 million — while golf-related real estate values more than tripled from $58 million in 2019 to $184 million in 2024.
With participation up to about 390,000 golfers statewide and some 5.3 million rounds played — nearly a 19% increase since 2019 — the ripple effect stretches far beyond the fairways.
By partnering with the Oregon Golf Association, this project is helping to shed light on how golf supports jobs, boosts tourism, and builds community value all across the state.
LGA Member Niel Phillips Records Two Holes-in-One on the Same Hole, Same Day
From Louisiana Golf Association
In a moment that the golf world won’t stop talking about anytime soon, Niel Phillips, a sophomore at Sewanee: The University of the South, did something most players will never experience once, let alone twice. On Monday, October 20, 2025, during the Chick-fil-A Invitational at Stonebridge Golf Club in Rome, Georgia, the New Orleans native made two holes-in-one on the same hole in the same day.
Yes, you read that right. Two aces. Same hole. Same day.
Phillips, a longtime Louisiana Golf Association and former Louisiana Junior Golf Tour member, started his morning round by knocking in a 6-iron on the par-3 eighth hole. Hours later, he returned to that same tee box in his afternoon round, this time pulling a 7-iron, and did it again.
“It was something else, that’s for sure,” Phillips told Golf Channel after the round. “Two good swings and some good luck.”
The odds of an amateur making a single ace sit somewhere around 12,000 to 1. Pulling off two on the same hole within a few hours pushes those odds into the tens of millions to one. It’s the kind of thing you have to say out loud twice just to believe it happened.