Ryan and Gowan Announced as 2025 IAGA Distinguished Service Award Recipients
The International Association of Golf Administrators (IAGA) announced today that Tom Ryan and Ed Gowan will be honored as recipients of the 2025 IAGA Distinguished Service Award. The award presentation will take place during the 2025 IAGA Annual Conference scheduled for November 3–6 at Horseshoe Bay Resort near Austin, Texas.
The IAGA is proud to recognize Tom and Ed for their outstanding leadership and lasting contributions to the game, both within the associations they served and across the broader golf industry.
Tom Ryan retired in 2023 after serving 21 years as Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Minnesota Golf Association (MGA). During his tenure, Ryan guided the organization through pivotal decades for the golf industry, leading with resilience, strategic vision, and collaboration.
Under his leadership, the MGA hosted three statewide strategic planning summits, produced two economic impact studies, and implemented innovative solutions to modern challenges—including revamping the club membership model and addressing internet discount programs. Ryan also helped establish the MGA Foundation and advanced one of the nation’s most active player development initiatives, Youth on Course.
His leadership was instrumental during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he worked with state officials to secure golf’s early reopening in Minnesota. Ryan also played a key role in merging the Minnesota’s women’s golf associations with the MGA, fostering a stronger, unified community.
On a national level, Ryan served as President of the International Association of Golf Administrators (IAGA), strengthening collaboration between the IAGA, the USGA, and local golf associations across the country.
Reflecting on his career, Ryan emphasized the power of teamwork: “The unique part was we all grew up in the job together,” he said of the MGA’s long-tenured staff.
Ed Gowan devoted more than four decades to advancing the game of golf, most notably as Executive Director of the Arizona Golf Association (AGA), a position he held for 36 years until his retirement in 2021. When he began, AZ GOLF had just two employees serving 23,000 members. By the end of his tenure, the organization had grown to a staff of 23 serving more than 90,000 members and 600 clubs statewide.
Gowan modernized the AGA by integrating the USGA’s Handicap and Course Rating systems into Arizona, improving access to GHIN services. He also founded the Arizona Golf Foundation and co-founded the Patriot All-America Invitational, a nationally respected collegiate event that honors fallen U.S. military heroes.
His influence extended far beyond Arizona. A two-time President of the IAGA, Gowan also served on the USGA’s Rules of Golf and Regional Affairs committees, where he helped rewrite the Rules of Golf in 1984. Over his career, he officiated at more than 130 USGA championships, including 35 U.S. Opens, and contributed to LPGA rules and operations early in his career.
Gowan’s leadership philosophy was grounded in opportunity and innovation. As he reflected, “Much of what I have done outside of Arizona came from seeing opportunity and acting. The word no is not in my vocabulary.”
In 2024, his lasting legacy was recognized with induction into the Arizona Golf Hall of Fame.
About the IAGA Distinguished Service Award
The IAGA Distinguished Service Award honors individuals who have made a meaningful and lasting impact on their golf community at the local, regional, or national level. Recipients exemplify the highest standards of professionalism and demonstrate outstanding leadership, innovation, mentorship, collaboration, and communication. They are champions of knowledge sharing, dedicated service, and the advancement of the game of golf.
About the IAGA
Founded in 1968, the International Association of Golf Administrators (IAGA) is the industry trade organization representing golf associations across North America. Its mission is to advance the game of golf by supporting and developing those who manage and guide it. The IAGA comprises more than 90 member associations, representing nearly 800 industry professionals and over 3 million golfers. Through education, networking, and resources, the IAGA empowers its members to strengthen their organizations and enhance the overall golf experience.