IAGA Quick Hits – 5.09.25
Little Rock Area Native Tees Up At Augusta National
A story from the Arkansas State Golf Association
Former ASGA Junior match play champion Mackenzie Lee, a Little Rock native and Southern Methodist University golfer, is living her dream at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur. Lee, who won the ASGA Junior Match Play title four times, said the experience of playing at Augusta National was both surreal and inspiring.
“It was good,” Lee said of her practice round, noting that the day felt a bit “off” because the crowd was not yet in attendance. “I do think part of the hype at Augusta is the energy the spectators bring. Even though the crowd wasn’t there yet, the course was in amazing condition; as always,” she added.
Lee recalled going to Augusta a decade ago as a participant in the Drive, Chip, and Putt National Finals. “I only really remember one hole from back then, a downhill tee shot that stood out, but when I stepped onto the property for Monday’s practice round, it all came rushing back,” she explained.
Walking along the fairways with her swing coach, Patrick Sullivan, Lee described the atmosphere as “mysterious” and “spectacular.” Entering through Magnolia Lane, she admitted that her heart warmed with excitement, even as a touch of nerves crept in. “It’s that mix of anticipation and the once-in-a-lifetime feeling of playing here,” she said. “I never thought I’d be here, but here I am.”
‘Up and Down’ the Iowa Golf Scene – Wizard of Fun
A story from the Iowa Golf Association
Allison George is on a dual crusade – a crusade to make the game fun for players of all levels and to elevate the status of women in a game that historically has been dominated by the proverbial “good ‘ole boys.” The owner and general manager of Toad Valley Golf Course in Pleasant Hill, George has achieved significant strides on both fronts.
A multi-generational family-owned business, Toad Valley was once a 200-acre farm plot used by Allison’s grandfather Dale Brady to test his farm implement equipment. More than 50 years later, it has emerged as a well-diversified golf complex featuring an 18-hole championship layout, the “Field of Greens” miniature golf course, two indoor golf simulators and the 6,000 square foot “Flight Zone” top-tracer driving range that features ten heated bays, lounging area, restrooms, snack bar and covered porch. The Topgolf-like facility was added in 2023 as the course celebrated its 50th anniversary.
“I’m a big believer that golf is meant to be fun,” George told Up and Down the Iowa Golf Scene during a recent interview at Toad Valley. “Our philosophy here is to create an environment that produces and sells family memories. When a family looks back to recall its best experiences, we want them to remember Toad Valley.”
Maury Povich Joins MGA Foundation Board of Directors
From the the Metropolitan Golf Association
The MGA Foundation, the charitable arm of the Metropolitan Golf Association, is pleased to announce the appointment of Maury Povich to its Board of Directors. The MGA Foundation is dedicated to growing the game of golf in the Met Area and supports the MGA’s mission to champion, invest in, and advance the game of golf for the future of the Met Area golf community.
Povich has been a longtime supporter of the MGA Foundation, and in his new role, he will help guide the Foundation’s programs, support fundraising initiatives, and work with fellow board members to further enhance the Foundation’s reach and impact.
“We are delighted to welcome Maury Povich to our Foundation Board of Directors. Maury is a tremendous ambassador for the game and our mission to impact lives through golf, and we’re eager to work with him in his new capacity,” says Ned Zachar, President of the MGA and Chair of the MGA Foundation.
“I feel so honored to be selected as a member of the MGA Foundation Board,” said Povich. “I have been a vigorous supporter of the Foundation for the past 20 years and believe strongly in its mission. The MGA is the crown jewel of golf organizations in the United States, and I feel blessed to be a part of its future.”
Q&A with President Abby Black: Getting to know the IGA Board of Directors’ new President
From the the Idaho Golf Assocation
The Idaho Golf Association’s board of directors assembled last month to elect a new executive committee. Serving three year terms, IGA board members act as ambassadors of the IGA’s mission to engage, enhance and grow the Idaho golf community and oversee our vision to enrich the lives of every Idaho golfer. They are all people for whom the continued development of golf in Idaho matters a great deal.
Among those board members is Abby Black, a member of The Club at SpurWing and an accomplished IGA Championship player as a former Tournament of Champions winner and the reigning Women’s Four-Ball champion. You’ll be sure to see her out at many IGA events this year, but she’ll be competing as the new president of the IGA board of directors for the very first time.
We caught up with her last week to help you get to know our new president.