IAGA Quick Hits – 2.14.25
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.”