News

Adamson, a native of Pimento, Indiana and an Indiana State University alumnus, served in the public education systems of Indiana and Tennessee for 12 years before joining the USGA as Director of Championship Administration in 1979. As entry gatekeeper for the USGA, Adamson was responsible for processing nearly 700,000 entries to events around the country. After retiring from the USGA in 2002, Adamson worked with the Tennessee Golf Association as the Special Olympic P.J. Boatwright, Jr. intern.

Davenport is recognized as among the most respected administrators in amateur golf. His career began with the Chicago District Golf Association as an Assistant Executive Director and was promoted to Executive Director of the CDGA in 1977. From 1996-2004, Davenport served as Executive Director of the Northern California Golf Association. His involvement extends beyond state and regional association administration as he served on the IAGA Board of Directors for five years and was elected President in 1984. Moreover, Davenport served on the IAGA Green Committee and four major USGA committees. During this time he was presented with a Meritorious Service Award as a member of the Turf Research Advisory Board for the Chicago District Golf Foundation in 1996.

Zirpoli began his career at the USGA as the Manager of Amateur Status and Implements and Ball Administration before his promotion to Senior Director of Regional Affairs and Amateur Status. Zirpoli is also the man accountable for coining the phrase “for the good of the game,” which became the recognizable slogan of the USGA. Zirpoli is a long-time member of the IAGA. His support and involvement in the association has been more than generous. IAGA members receive many benefits through Zirpoli’s hard work at the USGA, including numerous opportunities through the USGA Foundation. Outside of Zirpoli’s USGA career, he worked as a teacher and social studies coordinator for the New York City Board of Education. Zirpoli received his undergraduate degree from the University of Dayton and attended St. John’s and Lehman College for his master’s work.

Simmons, former Colorado Golf Association President and Colorado Golf Association Executive Director, was instrumental in the United States Golf Association (USGA) Course Rating process. As a member of the USGA Handicap Procedure Committee and Handicap Research Team, Simmons helped test the USGA Slope handicapping system in Colorado. Subsequently, Slope was implemented nationally and internationally. Simmons graduated from Syracuse University, after being named a first-team All-American in 1959 for golf. Serving as the United States Air Force Academy Cadet Golf Coach from 1964 to 1970, Simmons also was appointed to Dean of Faculty’s staff to teach physics. As Executive Director of the Colorado Golf Association, Simmons was also a member of the International Association of Golf Administrators (IAGA). He was elected to the IAGA Board of Directors and later served as President in 1993.

Bob Hanna, the second employee of the NCGA, served the association for over twenty-five years. From his beginnings, in 1956 he saw the organization grow from less than 90 member clubs to more than 280 encompassing some 67,000 individual members. Hanna was instrumental in the building of Spyglass Hill GC and Poppy Hills. Hanna served as President of the IAGA in 1975 holding its annual meeting in El Cajon, California.

Hale served as IAGA President in 1989. He was the executive director of the Carolinas Golf Association for twenty-seven years, succeeding Clyde Mangum and P.J. Boatwright. He was elected to the Carolinas Golf Reporters Hall of Fame in 1993.

Richard was one of the founding members of the IAGA back in 1968 and was very influential in the early development of the Association. He served as President in 1981 and 1982. He retired in 1997 from the Massachusetts Golf Association after serving as its executive director for 28 years.

Judy was President of the United States Golf Association for 1996 and 1997. During her tenure as President she was instrumental in developing and furthering numerous programs to assist state and regional golf associations. She was also the first woman to hold the senior office in golf.

McCue was one of the founders of the IAGA and served as its first president in 1968. She was the Executive Director of the Chicago District Golf Association (CDGA) for over 40 years beginning in the early 1940s and was responsible for creating the CDGA Foundation in the 1940s. In addition, she was instrumental in paving the way for the CDGA to move toward the concept of electronic handicapping in the 1960s.

Marshall Dann was the Western Golf Association’s executive director for 28 years. Dann took over as executive director in 1960 and held the post until 1988. During that time, the Western Open permanently moved to Chicago and the tournament grew. Dann also oversaw the growth of the Western’s chief charity, the Evans Scholars, a college-scholarship program for caddies. Dann was a founding member of the IAGA and was inducted into the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame in 1991.