News

New NCGA Foundation–Golf with a Purpose

From the Northern California Golf Association

Since its founding 125 years ago, the NCGA has believed in the power of golf to change lives and connect communities.

Today, the NCGA Foundation is carrying those tenets forward and reaching more than ever through four primary pillars, which just happen to spell out: G-O-L-F

• Grow the Game (Junior Development): Supporting youth golfers at every stage of their journey—from first swings, to access through Youth on Course, to competitive play and lifelong engagement.
• Opportunity Through Golf (Scholarships, Careers and Volunteers): Opening doors through education, professional development and support for the people who make the game possible.
• Lives Changed Through Golf (Where Golf Transforms Lives): Supporting programs that use golf to build confidence, connection and opportunity, such as veteran-focused initiatives, PGA HOPE and other life-impact programs.
• Forever Preserve Our History and Traditions (Hall of Fame; Endow Junior Championships): Honoring Northern California’s golf legacy by preserving its history, celebrating greatness and learning from the past to inspire a brighter future.

From Dormant Winters to Year-Round Attraction: The Links at Greystone

From the New York State Golf Association

Greystone: A New York Golf Course that isn’t Hibernating this Winter

New York State is home to more than 800 golf courses spread out across a diverse geographic area. Like many other states in the Northeast, the golf industry here is largely at the mercy of the shifting seasons. When the snow finally hits, many of these public facilities go dormant until spring.

To stay active, many golfers turn to simulator golf (a more recent phenomenon) or traditional winter outdoor activities such as skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and more. In response to this recreational demand, golf clubs groom cross-country ski trails for members or allow casual sledding and snowshoeing on property if their terrain and conditions permit. Most course operators view the snow and seemingly endless winter months as an obstacle. It becomes a time to focus on off-season projects, selling next year’s memberships, or taking a well-deserved vacation.

But one popular public golf course in the Rochester area, The Links at Greystone, sees the snow differently. To the club ownership, it isn’t an obstacle; it’s a product.

Mass Golf Adds Team Scramble Format For Member Day Events At Whitinsville & The Orchards

From Mass Golf

After a record-setting year that brought more than 2,000 golfers to some of Massachusetts’ most sought-after private clubs across the state, Mass Golf Member Days are back this year and giving members another way to take part in a statewide event.

For the first time since the Member Day program was established in 2010, two events will exclusively utilize a two-person scramble format. The doubles-style events will be held June 22 at Whitinsville Golf Club in Northbridge (afternoon shotgun start only), and October 5 at Orchards Golf Club in South Hadley.

While the scramble format adds something new, the heart of Member Days remains the same. The 2026 schedule includes nearly two dozen events where Mass Golf Members play using an 18-hole Stableford format at outstanding private clubs.

Beginning at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 3, golfers can enter the lotteries for their preferred events. In order to participate, you must have an active Mass Golf membership and create a Golf Genius Player Profile if one hasn’t already been created. This system ensures a fair and efficient way for all Mass Golf Members to get their chance to participate.

“We’re thrilled to have another great lineup of courses all around the state this year, as well as a first-time host in The Haven,” said Kyle Sherman, Mass Golf’s Manager of Member Events & Services. “I’m also looking forward to the addition of the two-person scramble format for two of the 2026 Member

2026 GCSAA Rounds 4 Research Auction

From the GCSAA

The 2026 GCSAA Rounds 4 Research auction is coming up – and more than 1,500 rounds are now live for you to preview! Be ready when the auction opens on April 26 and register for your account today.

Explore courses, add rounds to your wish list, and share bucket list spots with your foursome in preparation for the live bidding. Funds from Rounds4Research support valuable programs locally including turfgrass research, education, and advocacy. Items vital to the success of our industry. With rounds in nearly every state across the country, there’s something for everyone.

Register and explore the auction below.

WA Golf Launches New Digital Home

From WA Golf

Washington Golf (WA Golf) recently launched a redesigned website at wagolf.org, creating a modern digital hub for WA Golf members and golfers across Washington and North Idaho.

Built on HubSpot with a mobile-first approach, the new platform features streamlined navigation, enhanced club and course directories, and easier access to member programs and resources.

The site also supports WA Golf’s efforts to grow membership and connect more golfers with playing opportunities, benefits, and information—serving as the hub of golf in Washington and North Idaho.

McKenzie Brothers Maintain Family Legacy with Grandfather Watching on

From the Western Pennsylvania Golf Association

It should come as little surprise that, as a toddler, Connor McKenzie’s first words had to do with golf.

McKenzie, an Upper St. Clair graduate who has thrived on the local junior and amateur scene and is now competing at Robert Morris University, has truly been immersed in the sport since, essentially, his birth.

“My first word was ‘tractor,’” said McKenzie, sitting at a table alongside his brother, Colin, in Robert Morris’ Island Sports Center golf dome outside of Pittsburgh on a frigid mid-February afternoon. “All I saw back then were the lawnmowers around St. Clair Country Club. I guess you could say golf has had a pretty big influence on me.”

That may be quite the understatement.

Golf hasn’t just had an influence on McKenzie and his brother, but has almost been an inherent trait, with family roots deeply interwoven in the history of two of Western Pennsylvania’s most notorious golf courses, St. Clair Country Club and Oakmont Country Club. And that family lineage of success is being continued today, in a very strong way, with Connor and Colin.

AZ Golf Sends Two Female Amateurs to Ford Championship Qualifier

From AZ Golf

A dramatic sand shot made on Wednesday afternoon by Ashley Shaw earned her an eagle, a hug from mom, and a ticket punched to the March 23rd Monday qualifier of the LPGA Ford Championship, alongside Cynthia Lang.

For the second year in a row, AZ GOLF and the LPGA held a pre-qualifying event with the top two participants advancing to the Monday qualifier for the Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass. Held at the Cattail Course at Whirlwind Golf Club, 12 of the top female amateurs in Arizona competed on the same course that the championship event will be held for the chance to qualify for a playing spot in one of the LPGA’s top events.

“It’s a really cool opportunity for these players that the LPGA is providing,” said Kylie Shoemake, assistant director of competitions for AZ GOLF.

While Ashley Shaw secured her spot in dramatic fashion in the playoff, Cynthia Lang played flawless golf carding a bogey-free 3-under-par 69 to secure the top spot on the day. About the opportunity provided to her, Lang said “I’m just really excited for Monday, I’ve never experienced anything like this.”

Shaw and Lang will join 46 other players on Monday March 23 vying for two coveted spots into the Ford Championship held March 23-29, and Arizona golf fans are pulling for both of them.

Scotland Run’s Winter Challenge

From the Golf Association of Philadelphia

He tried to ice skate on the first tee. He failed.

He tried to play golf while wearing skis. He failed.

But Brian Hecker succeeded in turning Scotland Run Golf Club into a social media sensation. The club’s head golf professional starred in a pair of Instagram reels that generated 24.4K and 11.4K views, respectively.

“I’m kind of like the office class clown, so the how of it really was like, ‘There’s nothing going on. Let’s come up with funny ideas and do content while we have down time.’ We’re just being goofy,” Hecker, 52, of Williamstown, N.J., said. “I’m not a big social media guy, so I didn’t know it racked up a lot of views. That’s funny.”

Clip No. 1, posted on Feb. 2, shows Hecker ice skating on the golf course. Ten inches of snow, reinforced by subzero temperatures thereafter, provided a seemingly perfect surface. Plus, Hecker played ice hockey during his Washington Township High School days, so why not use the first tee as a makeshift rink?

He glides gingerly at first. Assistant Professional Aidan Caspar and member Josh Jones, spectators in Scotland Run’s pro shop, record. Just as Hecker gets a burst of speed, he stumbles. The cameramen chuckle; “Kids of the Last Days” by The Strike plays as Scotland Run’s kid at heart lies in the snow.

Hecker is at first unaware of the video evidence. Once he watches it, he laughs. Post the footage. You can’t heckle Hecker; his skin is as thick as the snow.

California Assembly Member Chris Ward (D-San Diego) Introduces Legislation to Protect Equitable Access to California’s Publicly Owned Golf Courses

From the Southern California Golf Association

SACRAMENTO, CA – Friday February 13 San Diego lawmaker Chris Ward introduced AB 1954, the “Blocking Illegitimate Reservations and Protecting Equitable Access to California’s Publicly Owned Golf Courses Act,” to give the state’s municipal golf courses a tool they don’t now have and only the state can provide to manage their parkland golf properties for the maximal benefit of the communities they are intended to serve.

The bill’s sponsor is the California Alliance for Golf (CAG), an organization created by the state’s allied associations to speak as the unified voice for golf regarding matters of statewide concern (e.g., legislation, regulation).  It is managed by the Southern California Golf Association with the assistance of an executive director and a legislative consultant.  It is overseen by a Board of Directors composed of representatives from California’s allied associations/organizations.

There are over 220 golf courses in California that are municipally owned by cities, counties, charter cities, and the state.  As part of publicly owned park systems, these courses operate per business models that eschew maximal revenue generation in favor of making them maximally available to local residents, seniors, juniors, school athletes, local clubs and civic organizations.  Because California’s urban areas are among the most golf-starved in the nation, this model creates a demand for tee times second to none.  It has also created opportunities for 3rd party tee time brokers to capture and re-sell tee times at inflated prices and in the process substantially reduce the already strained supply of recreational opportunities available to California residents.

When the ubiquity of 3rd party brokering became a front page story in Los Angeles and other California urban areas in 2024, municipalities adopted various forms of reservation protocols at the expense of the public that mitigated the problem but in the end were not capable of solving it.

A New Look for Championship Logos in 2026

From Golf Ontario

Golf Ontario championships will feature a refreshed logo system in 2026, designed to celebrate tradition while creating a stronger, more unified championship identity across the province.

The new framework introduces a clear visual distinction between our major championships and non-major events, while maintaining consistency across the provincial calendar.

Elevating Our Major Championships

Beginning in 2026, Golf Ontario’s major championships will be represented by a bold trillium-inspired mark — a symbol deeply connected to the province and the traditions of amateur golf in Ontario.

The new major championship design:

• Celebrates Ontario through the trillium silhouette

• Creates a distinctive, premium championship identity

• Delivers strong visual impact across signage, apparel, and digital platforms

• Reflects the prestige and history of our flagship events

This approach ensures major championships stand apart while remaining aligned within the broader Golf Ontario brand system.

“Our goal was to create something that feels unmistakably Ontario while giving each major championship a mark players and host clubs can take pride in,” says Golf Ontario’s manager of brand and communications, Greg Mitchell. “The trillium mark allows us to celebrate tradition while delivering a modern identity that works everywhere our championships show up — from digital platforms to signage and apparel.”

Game On With Grants: Brothers Gage, Ryker, Tanner Blakesley among new Junior Golf Opportunity Grant recipients

From WA Golf

In 2026, the Washington Golf Foundation – which has led dedicated efforts to foster and advance the growth of the game in Washington since 2022 – has offered its inaugural Junior Golf Opportunity Grant to 10 recipients. Each one-time award offers $600 to Washington residents of ages 8-17 who exhibit financial need, passion for golf and strong academic achievement.

Three of the grants have recently been awarded to a single household. Gage, Ryker and Tanner Blakesley, who live in Otis Orchards east of Spokane, comprise a sibling trio that has done plenty over the previous years, whether equipped with golf clubs or No. 2 pencils.

According to their mother, Arreal, each of the boys’ steadfast golfing journeys began some three years ago. Their dad is a casual player, and their grandmother is a competitive one, automatically providing them with family playing partners in addition to each other. Trailhead Golf Course, Liberty Lake and MeadowWood – all of which are located just about next door to each other in Spokane – have served as common destinations for family golf endeavors.

“I think it’s cool that they’re going to be able to have the opportunity to buy new stuff,” Arreal said. “We’ve been using borrowed clubs and things like that, so it’ll be nice to get them something that fits them.”

Torque GC partners with AJGA as Title Sponsor of Torque GC Championship

From the American Junior Golf Association

Torque GC of the LIV Golf League and The American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) today announced a multi-year partnership, establishing the team as title sponsor of the Torque GC Championship. The event will return to Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club for the second consecutive year, reinforcing a shared commitment to developing the next generation of elite golfers.

The partnership reinforces Torque GC’s commitment to creating meaningful pathways for young golfers, while focusing on the global growth of the game. Torque GC’s roster includes AJGA alumni, Joaquin Niemann, Abraham Ancer and Carlos Ortiz, each of whom competed on the AJGA circuit before rising to the professional ranks.

The Torque GC Championship will feature 78 of the world’s top-ranked junior players competing June 9–11, 2026. An AJGA Qualifier will be held Monday, June 8, providing 78 additional players the opportunity to earn a place in the championship field.

Younkman 2025 LPGA Professional of the Year

From the Metropolitan Golf Association

The LPGA Professionals in late 2025 announced its Global Awards selections, recognizing outstanding contributions to the game of golf through teaching, professional service, coaching, and junior golf leadership. Megan Younkman, the chief operating officer and director of instruction at Golf Channel Academy with Kelley Brooke, was named Professional of the Year.

The award, established in 1980, is awarded annually to an LPGA Professionals member primarily engaged in a golf operation, golf association, or industry position, promoting the game through player development, growth of the game initiatives, and other golf-related activities.

Younkman moved to New York in 2019, bringing years of academy experience with her from Florida to work for good friend Kelley Brooke at Bethpage State Park. She now oversees the Golf Channel Academy with Kelley Brooke operations at Bethpage, Montauk Downs Golf Course, Harbor Links Golf Course, Merrick Golf Club, and Lido Golf Club.

“All those years of developing and running my own academies in Florida was teeing me up for something as big as this,” says Younkman, who became a Class A certified instructor in 2007.

How Lake Placid Club Helped Secure the First U.S. Winter Olympic Games

From the New York State Golf Association

The Intersection of Golf, Winter Sports, and the Olympics in New York State.

There are very few places where golf and the Olympic Games are connected by more than coincidence. The Lake Placid Club is one of those sacred grounds.

Here, golf courses don’t just sit near Olympic venues. They provided the foundation that made them possible.

As the 2026 Olympic Winter Games unfold on the global stage in Italy this month, we are reminded how one NYSGA Member Club offers a truly unique story steeped in the early beginnings of these international games. Here, golf and winter sport evolved together, on the same grounds, leaving a legacy that New York State golfers are still reminded of each season.

Byrd Looks Back: The Georgia Win That Sparked His Golf Journey

From the Georgia State Golf Association

For Marcus Byrd, a move to Georgia in the early 2010s helped shape his life and who he is now as a professional golfer chasing his dream.

Byrd made the journey from Maryland to the Peach State to help develop against tougher competition and take advantage of better weather throughout the year.

It didn’t take long for Byrd to make his mark in Georgia and open doors for college and gain confidence in his abilities. Byrd took home the 2013 Georgia Junior Championship at The Farm in Rocky Face by one shot with a three-day total of 215 (-1) not too long after moving to the Peach State.

“That was the first week in my life that I really realized I could compete at a really high level,” Byrd said. “There were a lot of really good players in that championship, and the golf course was set up perfect for me. I love that golf course. It was long and I was definitely one of the longer hitters, so it was an amazing place for me.

“Winning that championship opened the floodgates for me when it came to college recruiting. I didn’t really even know too much about playing golf in college or if I would even have the opportunity.”

MSGA Launches Junior Grant Program in Maryland & Washington, D.C.

From the Maryland State Golf Association

The Maryland State Golf Association (MSGA) is proud to launch the MSGA Junior Grant Program – a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to deliver impactful financial support to promising junior golfers throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. The new grant program launches in parallel with MSGA’s Team Maryland initiative, part of the United States Golf Association’s U.S. National Development Program (USNDP).

How the Program Works

The MSGA will oversee all aspects of the grant program, including applications, reviews, and distributions, using a streamlined and accessible system designed to support junior golfers. Applications will be managed through Reviewr, a leading scholarship and grant management platform, while Thru Golf will provide support and collaborate on outreach to maximize impact.

The MSGA will award four grants of up to $5,000 each, with Thru Golf serving as a program sponsor, to help break down financial barriers and expand access to high-level playing and development opportunities through a simple, mission-driven grant process.

Selection Process and Timeline

Applications will be reviewed by the MSGA selection committee to ensure the process is mission-aligned, credible, and athlete-focused. The inaugural application period is open from February 5, 2026, to April 15, 2026, with grants to be awarded in May 2026. Eligibility requirements, detailed criteria, and application instructions can be found here: Junior Grant Program.

January 2026: Nerding Out on the Numbers

From the Oregon Golf Association

Even a modicum of searching the interwebs for “Geek vs. Nerd” will reveal more than a few hotly contested chats regarding the differences between the two. “Are they interchangeable?” “Which one is smarter?” I thought about clicking on “Geek vs. Nerd vs. Dork vs. Dweeb” but that seemed like a slide into a rabbit hole from which recovery is questionable, like shopping on Amazon.

Whether you’re a Geek or a Nerd or neither, I think you already get the point of this article, and you haven’t even read it yet. Here at the OGA, we often dwell squarely, even proudly, in Nerdom and have a fondness for stats. Though sometimes data can be the gift that keeps on giving like a case of the yips, we thought we’d share fascinating findings from 2025.

As always, thank you for your membership! We hope you had a happy, healthy holiday season and that the single New Year’s Resolution you keep consists of a couple of four-letter words: More Golf.

Creative Investment

From Global Golf Post Biz

As membership in Allied Golf Associations across the country has increased, driving substantial revenue growth in the years after COVID-19, finding new and creative ways to serve members has become these associations’ driving focus.

According to the National Golf Foundation, total on-course golf participation rose to 29.1 million in 2025 from 24.3 million in 2019, an increase of nearly 20 percent. By adding off-course participation, the number climbed more than 40 percent to 48.1 million. This post-COVID-19 swell precipitated high-water marks in revenue for Allied Golf Associations, the keepers of the amateur game at the statewide level across the nation. Thanks to the seismic growth spurts in membership numbers and significant increases in competitors in their respective events, the AGAs have enjoyed a head-turning monetary infusion.

The increase in participation also translates to expansion of programs, projects, initiatives, and tournaments beyond the usual scope of AGA core business, which includes handicapping and course rating in addition to staging competitions. “Membership is the engine that drives all that we do,” said Mass Golf executive director Jesse Menachem. “It’s our U.S. Open that supports all of our programs and services at the local level.”

WA Golf Delivers More Value Through Partnership With Local PGA Section

From WA Golf

Like many Allied Golf Associations, WA Golf continues to look for innovative ways to deliver meaningful value to its members. One of the most recent and successful examples is Flipwedge, a modern club exchange platform developed by the Pacific Northwest PGA Section.

Launched in late 2025 and fully white labeled and branded for WA Golf, Flipwedge was built with a simple goal to help members unlock significantly more value when trading in golf equipment. Early results have been encouraging, and as WA Golf heads into the heart of the 2026 golf season, Flipwedge is poised to become one of its most compelling member benefits.

Unlike traditional trade in options, Flipwedge can return up to 40 percent more value for used clubs. Even more exciting, upcoming enhanced member bonus offers are expected to push that advantage to as much as 60 percent more in many cases, depending on the original equipment manufacturer selected, including brands such as Titleist, Callaway, TaylorMade, and Cobra. The result is more flexibility, more buying power, and more opportunities for members to reinvest in their game.

Flipwedge is not just about financial upside. Every club exchange also supports the PGA Build a Bag program, which provides free clubs to kids, veterans, and others who want to play golf but may not have access to equipment. Each transaction helps remove barriers to entry and directly contributes to growing the game in local communities.

The Pacific Northwest Section PGA is ready to collaborate with other AGAs that are interested in launching their own white labeled and fully branded Flipwedge platform. The model is adaptable and scalable for associations of all sizes. To learn more or get started, contact Frank Talarico, CEO of Pacific NW Section PGA, or reach out to the Marketing Department at WA Golf.

Taking a look at the numbers behind West Penn Golf in 2025

From the Western Pennsylvania Golf Association

Golf continues to grow in popularity throughout the region and nationally, and the statistics support the trend of golf’s rise.

Both independently and through its alliance with the USGA, the Western Pennsylvania Golf Association tracks a variety of data during the year to fully understand the scope of play and the game’s rising popularity in the western half of the state.

In this article, we look at the numbers behind West Penn Golf in 2025, including Handicap Index information, rounds played details, membership and competition data and more.

Making Moves in Membership

Beginning with membership information, the WPGA saw a sizable rise in membership from the end of the 2024 active scoring season to the end of the 2025 active scoring season, as the Association’s overall membership climbed from 39,667 to 42,784 — an increase of over 3,000 people.

Since 2020, membership in the WPGA has grown a remarkable 47.8 percent, as nearly 14,000 more players have affiliated themselves with the WPGA or one of its member clubs.

The Alabama Golf Association Announces 2025 Alabama Amateur Players of the Year

From the Alabama Golf Association

The Alabama Golf Association (AGA) has announced the 2025 AGA Players of the Year. To honor Alabama amateur golfers who performed exceptionally in the preceding tournament season, the AGA identifies award recipients as the number one golfer based on a season-long ranking system.

In 1994, the Men’s Player of the Year Award was established. Throughout time, the award expanded to include Women (2010), Senior Men and Senior Women (2016), and Junior Boys and Junior Girls (2017).

Notable past men’s award winners include Garrett Osborn (2000), Patton Kizzire (2003), Bobby Wyatt (2011-2012), Michael Johnson (2013), Robby Shelton IV (2015) and Nick Dunlap (2023-2024). Will Swift (2002, 2005, 2006), Steve Hudson (2004, 2009, 2010), and Gordon Sargent (2020-2022) are tied for the most awards with three apiece.

Notable past women’s award winners include Kathy Hartwiger (2010-2012, 2015), Elaine Wood (2016-2017) and Scarlett Schremmer (2024-2025). Kathy Hartwiger (2010-2012, 2015) holds the most awards with four, as well as the overall record for most state tournaments won.

TGA Awards $125,000 in 2025 Project Muni Grants

From Texas Golf Association

Sixteen municipal golf courses across Texas received a total of $125,000 in grants from TGA Project Muni throughout the 2025 calendar year, building upon ongoing efforts to support improvement projects at the grassroots facilities that serve as the backbone of the game and their communities.

The grants helped to fund various betterment plans to elevate the player experience at facilities in diverse regions around the state, from rural towns in the Rio Grande Valley and East Texas to major urban markets that included the Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas-Fort Worth areas.

The TGA Project Muni Grant program was established in 2023 and represents a multi-year financial commitment to investing in municipal golf course facilities, both small and large. The program’s purpose is to grant funds to help municipal facilities overcome budgetary challenges so they can initiate agronomy projects and practices that will help improve course conditions, enhance the playing experience, or make the game more accessible for all backgrounds and abilities.

Since its inception, the program has awarded grants to nearly 50 municipal golf courses, totaling a combined $300,000 in funding. The TGA is committed to a $1 million total investment by 2029 to ensure that municipal golf in Texas continues to grow, thrive, and welcome the next generation of players.

The Most Avid Golfer in Nebraska

From NebGolf

There are a lot of numbers that might sum up the life of Dave Auwerda. 189 miles – the distance he drives on a typical day of golf. 3 hours – the amount of time he spends in his Ford Maverick. 6.43 miles (11,309 yards) – the total distance of the two golf courses he plays on an almost daily basis, from his set of tees. 106,000 miles – the amount of miles he’s put on his truck in two-and-a-half years. 1 – life-saving hobby.

But it really all boils down to one number – 349.

That’s the number of rounds Auwerda has posted to GHIN in 2025. Yes, just this calendar year.

The 69-year-old is one of just two golfers in the state to post more than 300 rounds during the year, and has the most by nearly 50 rounds.

Dave Auwerda is the most avid golfer in Nebraska.

Makris, Mayes Elected To Arkansas State Golf Association Hall of Fame For 2026

From Arkansas State Golf Association

The current success of the PGA Tour Champions’ Simmons Bank Championship at Pleasant Valley Country Club in Little Rock has spread to the Arkansas State Golf Association with the addition of its 2026 hall of fame inductees.

Simmons Bank Chairman and CEO George Makris Jr. and Pleasant Valley Director of Golf Chris Mayes have been elected to the ASGA Hall of Fame and will be inducted at a date and location to be announced later in 2026. Their recognition comes at the conclusion of the PGA Tour Champions season where the Simmons Bank Championship was again recognized as one of the circuit’s premier tournaments in just its second year on its calendar.

ASGA Executive Director Carson Roberts said the addition of Makris and Mayes to its hall of fame further strengthens the organization’s history, which dates to its founding in 1915.

“We’re honored to have two great and deserving individuals who have done so much for golf in Arkansas and advanced golf through their PGA professional career or have the vision to bring events and sponsor and develop golf through other facets,” Roberts said. “The scene and what they have been able to create for golf in Arkansas through the Simmons Bank Championship has been unbelievable.”

NOGA’s Jerry Lemieux Earns USGA’s 2026 Joe Dey Award

From Northern Ohio Golf Association

The USGA recently announced the recipients of its Annual Awards, honoring three individuals for their significant contributions for the good of the game in the areas of volunteerism, turfgrass advancement and golf literature.

One of those awards went to a readily-recognized NOGA and Inverness Club member, rules official, and past president.

The Joe Dey Award, presented annually since 1996, recognizes exemplary volunteer service and leadership within the game. This year, the USGA has chosen Toledo resident Jerry Lemieux for his exemplary volunteer service and leadership in the game.

Lemieux has served as a USGA Committee member for 19 years, exemplifying the highest standards of leadership, volunteerism, integrity and passion. One of the organization’s most respected rules officials, he has worked at premier championships including U.S. Opens and the Walker Cup, while serving as a trusted mentor to new volunteers. Known for his exceptional reliability and responsiveness, Lemieux is always willing to step in when needed and can be counted on to support the USGA and its championships at the highest level.

Crimp family’s home-grown love affair with golf

From WA Golf

Well-versed golfers, particularly those just east of the Cascades, might be familiar with a single-syllable last name that’s wholly indicative of pure golf passion.

That name is Crimp, and that reputation is well-earned. Leading operations at Ellensburg (Wash.) Golf and Country Club in that town are 75-year-old twin brothers Keith and Frank Crimp, who have done so since 1985. In those four decades, the golf course blossomed into a family business in the most traditional sense.

Frank maintains his longtime role as the club’s PGA Head Professional, alongside his daughter Kathryn, who just entered the PGA Professional program and is now the club’s assistant pro. Keith’s son Matthew is head superintendent, who is assisted by Frank’s son, Robert. Any of those family staffers can give a firm indication of what the place has meant to them throughout their lives.

“I was constantly surrounded by golf,” said Kathryn, 24, of her upbringing in and around the local course. “My earliest memories are of going out to the golf course with my parents.”

Welcome to Nevada Golf

From Nevada Golf

Dear Members,

On behalf of the Board of Directors, it is my honor to welcome you to Nevada Golf, the newly formed USGA Allied Golf Association created through the unification of the Northern Nevada Golf Association and the Southern Nevada Golf Association. This has been several months in the making, and I want to thank everyone who has been involved in this process.

This historic step reflects our shared commitment to strengthening the game of golf across the entire state of Nevada. By coming together as one organization, we are better positioned to serve our members, support our facilities, and elevate golf at every level—while preserving the traditions and values that have long defined our associations.

As a member, you should experience minimal changes in your day-to-day engagement. However, behind the scenes, Nevada Golf represents a more robust and efficient business operation. Our expanded structure allows for increased opportunities in partnerships and sponsorships, enhanced operational support, and a staff equipped to take on broader roles in service of our membership.

MGA Foundation Announces the Mahoney Family Scholarship

From the Metropolitan Golf Association

The MGA Foundation is pleased to introduce the Mahoney Family Scholarship, the newest addition to its scholarship offerings. Established by Brian Mahoney, MGA Executive Director/CEO, and his family in honor of his grandparents and father, this new scholarship will support MGA employees, their children, and the children of Met Area club staff in pursuing higher education.

“When our father Hawk passed last year, we wanted to do something that celebrated him, our grandparents, and the values they lived by,” said Brian Mahoney. “This scholarship does exactly that – it provides opportunities for the next generation, just as the game of golf provided for all of us. Helping others pursue their dreams through higher education feels like the perfect tribute.”

The scholarship honors Jerry, Peggy, and Hawk Mahoney, whose lives were each impacted by golf. Jerry Mahoney served as the executive director of the MGA from 1980-81 before transitioning to become the Director of Golf Programs, a role he held from 1981 to 2001. Through his work with the MGA, Jerry built meaningful relationships with golfers throughout the Met Area and played a key role in expanding the Association’s footprint. He received the MGA’s Distinguished Service Award in 2001. While not a golfer herself, Peggy supported and championed the values that the game instills – integrity, respect, sportsmanship, and camaraderie. They passed down their love for the game to Hawk, who enjoyed the game recreationally with his family. Education was important to all, a notion that Jerry and Peggy instilled within the generations of the Mahoney family.

Historic Milestones for Colorado Golf

From Colorado Golf Association

Depending somewhat on how one might formally define “golf” and its origins, many people believe that in Colorado specifically, the game dates back 130-140 years.

Obviously much has happened in Colorado golf since the beginning in the late 1800s.

Here at ColoradoGolf.org, we try to highlight that history on an ongoing basis. But it’s become somewhat traditional shortly after New Year’s to make note of some of the milestone anniversaries that will be celebrated in Colorado golf in that given year.

For our purposes here, each year we focus on significant Colorado golf happenings from 5, 10, 20, 25, 30, 40 50, 100 years ago, etc. With that in mind, off we go for our 2026 edition …

IAGA honors Gowan, Ryan, and Shoup

From the Global Golf Biz

Ed Gowan is surrounded by his family after being honored with the IAGA Distinguished Service Award.

The International Association of Golf Administrators honored three individuals and one foundation with awards at its 2025 annual conference at Horseshoe Bay Resort near Austin, Texas.

Ed Gowan, former executive director of the Arizona Golf Association, and Tom Ryan, former executive director and chief operating officer of the Minnesota Golf Association, received IAGA Distinguished Service Awards for their decades-long contributions.

Gowan, who led the Arizona Golf Association for 36 years before retiring in 2022, helped grow the organization from two employees serving 23,000 members to a statewide staff serving more than 90,000 golfers. Ryan, who retired in 2023 after 21 years at the helm of the Minnesota Golf Association, guided the association through transformative periods for the industry.

Golf Drives $2 Billion Economic Impact Across Missouri

From the Missouri Golf Alliance

The game of golf isn’t just thriving in Missouri — it’s driving billions into the state’s economy.

According to a new Missouri Golf Economic Impact Report, developed by the Missouri Golf Alliance—a collaborative partnership comprised of the Missouri Golf Association, Central Links Golf, and the Metropolitan Amateur Golf Association—and conducted by Buffalo Groupe, golf generated an astounding $2.1 billion economic impact in 2023, the most recent year with complete data. This total reflects the sport’s wide-ranging influence, encompassing course operations, tourism, real estate, retail, and charitable giving.

At the heart of this impact is nearly $1.4 billion in direct economic output, supporting over 21,700 jobs and contributing approximately $250 million in state and local tax revenues.

“The golf industry plays a meaningful role in Missouri’s economy, from supporting small businesses to welcoming visitors from across the country and world,” said Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe. “From our rural communities to our largest metro areas, golf supports jobs, drives tourism, and contributes to the strong, growing economy we’re building for Missouri’s future.”

The findings underscore golf’s growing footprint in the Show-Me State. When the last industry study was completed in 2010, the total impact stood at $1.7 billion, meaning the game’s contribution has grown by nearly 25% in just over a decade.

Maryland State Golf Association Names Bob Dolan, PGA, as Inaugural Coach for Team Maryland

From the Maryland State Golf Association

The Maryland State Golf Association (MSGA) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Bob Dolan, PGA, as the inaugural coach of Team Maryland. This announcement comes on the heels of the official launch of Team Maryland, a new initiative through the United States Golf Association’s (USGA) U.S. National Development Program (USNDP) to foster junior golf excellence throughout the state and the District of Columbia.

“Bob Dolan has long been a trusted friend and steadfast supporter of the MSGA. He has distinguished himself as a professional, a player, and a mentor to generations of golfers,” said Sinclair Eaddy, MSGA president. “After a remarkable career at Columbia Country Club, we are excited to see him begin his next chapter guiding the state’s top junior players. His leadership and insight will be invaluable as we build Team Maryland and advance our statewide player development program. We are truly fortunate to have someone so widely respected for both his integrity and his lasting contributions to the game.”

Team Maryland aims to identify, develop, and support the state’s brightest young golf talent by offering them elite training, coaching, and competitive experiences. The team, which will be named in late 2026, will comprise five boys and five girls. A selection committee will oversee the team selection criteria and the operation of Team Maryland, in accordance with guidelines provided by the USNDP.

Arizona Adaptive Open Pulls Top Talent For Second Annual Event

From AZ Golf

The world’s top adaptive golfers returned to Arizona for the second annual Arizona Adaptive Open Championship, held December 8–10 at Papago Golf Club in Phoenix. The 36-hole stroke-play event showcased 60 WR4GD-certified competitors vying for the overall Men’s and Women’s championships, along with titles within their individual impairment categories.

The championship reflects AZ GOLF’s commitment to creating meaningful playing opportunities for golfers of all backgrounds, skill levels, and abilities. Through extensive research and collaboration within the adaptive golf community, AZ GOLF has worked to deliver an authentic championship environment while reducing barriers to participation.

The Arizona Adaptive Open debuted in 2024 at Papago Golf Club. In the maiden event, Tennessee’s Ford Martin and Virginia’s Cassie Sengul went wire-to-wire to capture the Open in the men’s and women’s divisions, respectively. While several East Coast Allied Golf Associations had already introduced adaptive golf championships, AZ GOLF was the first to bring such an event to the western region.

Pacific Coast Amateur to be held on the new 18-hole course at Poppy Ridge 

From the Northern California Golf Association

The Pacific Coast Golf Association (PCGA) has announced that the 59th Pacific Coast Amateur Championship will take place July 21-24, 2026, at Poppy Ridge Golf Course in Livermore, Calif.

This marks the first time Poppy Ridge – owned and operated by the Northern California Golf Association – will host the Pacific Coast Amateur. Its sister course, Poppy Hills in Pebble Beach, previously hosted the championship in 1996.

It was that year – 1996 – when what is now Poppy Ridge originally opened as a 27-hole facility with three 9-hole layouts. In May 2025, a 13-month total redesign and rebuilding of the course was completed, under the design of Jay Blasi, who had worked right beside Robert Trent Jones II to design Chambers Bay in Washington, which itself has hosted the Pacific Coast Amateur on three occasions (2017, 2021, 2024).

The new Poppy Ridge course offers playability, variety, and flexibility throughout its wide, undulating fairways, making it a prime location to host the top amateur golfers of the world. It also makes use of new Santa Ana Bermuda fairways and Prestige Bentgrass putting greens, combining to form an exceptional, water-efficient playing surface any golfer is meant to enjoy.

MGA Celebrates 2025 Season, Award Winners

From the Metropolitan Golf Association

The Metropolitan Golf Association honored year-end award winners on Dec. 3, hosting its annual Awards Celebration at Westchester Country Club in Rye, N.Y.

The 2025 player of the year recipients, Christian Cavaliere, Megha Ganne, and Lucas Rizo-Patron were all recognized, as was Distinguished Service Award honoree, Rich Lerner.

Golf Channel host and essayist Lerner was presented with the MGA’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award. Brandel Chamblee provided an eloquent introduction of Lerner, reflecting on his on-air partner’s unmatched story-telling abilities.

“Think how the game of golf has made all our lives better,” Lerner said in his remarks. “The friends we have made. The places we have gone. The laughs we’ve had. The trophies you’ve won. The bonds you’ve forged. The memories we’ve created. From my dad’s driving range to the Golf Channel to right here tonight, my life better, thanks to this association, thanks to all of you.”

Created in 1973, the MGA Distinguished Service Award is presented annually to a candidate who has contributed “distinguished service to golf and its related activities, consistent with the valued standards and honorable traditions of the game.”

Lynne Haraway Named 2025-2026 SCGA President

From the Southern California Golf Association

Lynne Haraway, an SCGA member through Wood Ranch GC, was selected President of the Association at its Annual Meeting, in October at Brookside GC. She succeeds Zack Moran.

Haraway joined the SCGA Board in 2017 following the unification between the Women’s Southern California Golf Association (WSCGA) and the SCGA. A former WSCGA board member, she played a crucial role in the unification process, which brought over 21,000 female golfers and expanded competitive opportunities for women across Southern California.

“I am so looking forward to a busy and fun year, serving the SCGA and our Southern California golf community,” Haraway said. “This organization is extremely professional, respected and ready to meet any challenge or opportunity. We are ready for 2026 and beyond.”

Joining Haraway as 2025-26 SCGA Officers are Vice President Tom Reul, Briarwood GC, Secretary John Fischer, The Los Angeles CC and Treasurer Laurence Stein, Brentwood CC. Haraway will lead a diverse board representing a cross-section of clubs, backgrounds, skills and geography.

Mass Golf’s Club Partner Program Will Now Provide Matching Grants To Supplement Municipal Course Renovations

From Mass Golf

“Let’s go check out a green,” suggested Elliott Dowling wanting to keep things moving on a sun-splashed but bone-chilling Thursday morning earlier this month.

Climbing from a stretch spongey fairway under repair for the remainder of the season, he made his way toward the elevated 4th green at Brookline Golf Course. There, three bundled-up figures stood over a patchwork of scattered leaves and weather-hardened grass, the wind cutting sideways through the trees.

In the center, Dowling, Regional Director for the USGA Green Section’s Course Consulting Service, knelt with a soil profiler in hand, extracting a plug from green layered with almost a century of history. On either side stood head golf course superintendent Michael Murphy and assistant superintendent Dean, who shifted their weight around while sharing their observations of the landscape over the years.

From a distance, the scene could’ve been mistaken for an official USGA site visit, the kind reserved for championship contenders. But Brookline, more often called ‘Putterham’ after its surrounding neighborhood, wasn’t prepping for elite tournament scrutiny.” That’s a task more fitting for its neighbor, the one with the squirrel crest and U.S. Open legacy.