ILLUSTRATION BY JAMES KLOIBER

AS I REACH THE END OF MY FIRST YEAR AS VSGA PRESIDENT and look ahead to my second , I want to highlight some of the highs of 2024 while peeking at what the future of golf in Virginia might bring in 2025 .

Before I begin , I want to express my gratitude for being elected to the VSGA Board of Directors in 2011 , starting me on the path to being inaugurated as President of the organization in January 2024 . People have always said , “ Do what you love , and you will never work a day in your life .” Having selected a career in club management , I can tell you that statement is true , at least most of the time .

Since my retirement in 2018 , I have stayed active volunteering as a Rules official . In that role , I have had the opportunity to meet many members of the VSGA community . It has truly been a rewarding experience for me , and I encourage others to consider volunteering to stay active in the game . There are many ways to give back to golf through volunteerism .

In 2022 , the Board approved an updated strategic plan . Our mission is to promote and serve golf in Virginia . One of the initiatives was to reach out to Virginia ’ s seven military bases and ask what we could do to support their golf needs . Military dependents now receive a complimentary Youth on Course membership as part of the Stars and Stripes Club . The bases host Military Appreciation Days , casual golf events that support a designated military scholarship . In 2024 , the first military scholarship was awarded to Lilly Hall , who is attending Randolph-Macon College and playing on the golf team . We look forward to awarding another military scholarship this spring .

The VSGA-VIP Scholarship Foundation celebrated its 40th year in 2024 . Mostly funded by the sale of the VIP card , over $ 3 million in scholarships have been awarded since its inception . The Foundation selection categories were updated in 2023 to specifically support high school seniors that have either worked in our member facilities ( or are a dependent of an employee ), have extensive golf involvement with the VSGA , or are participating in a turfgrass research program . These awards are in addition to

the dedicated scholarships funded by individual donors .

I want to mention two VSGA programs that support junior golf . The Fleming Fund selects two girls from each of the eight First Tee chapters to go to a three-day golf camp in the summer , free of charge . This camp helps them improve their game while creating a memorable experience , and some of the participants move on to play in college . Youth on Course subsidizes green fees for juniors at participating courses . In 2024 , YOC rounds have tripled from previous years , and over 4,000 golfers have been impacted , a positive grow-the-game initiative . Thanks to the donors and hikers who make both programs a success .

“ We are happy to do our part to promote , serve and grow the game in Virgina .”

The VSGA was excited to launch two new initiatives in 2024 : turfgrass education for employees in our member clubs and the development of programs to serve the adaptive golfers in Virginia .

The turfgrass education program was initiated in November through our partnership with Virginia Tech . The class is a 14-week online program that teaches students the science of turfgrass management . The program is designed to enhance the knowledge of employees who work in golf course maintenance , enabling them to better assist golf course superintendents . Dr . Mike Goatley of Virginia Tech and his team provide the instruction , and the VSGA funded the participation of 34 students who work for golf courses in Virginia . The initial feedback has been very positive .

Our newest and most challenging initiative is a commitment to develop a program for adaptive golfers in Virginia . In 2024 , a committee was formed with a mandate to have our first adaptive programming in 2025 . We look forward to helping the adaptive golfer in Virginia enjoy the game .

2024 was an exciting year for golf in Virginia . In the national spotlight , Robert Trent Jones Golf Club hosted the Solheim Cup . Virginian Lauren Coughlin had an amazing year to qualify , and she excelled with a record of 3-0-1 . At Kinloch Golf Club , Evan Beck , a Virginia Beach native , won the U . S . Mid-Amateur Championship and a spot in next year ’ s Masters Tournament and U . S . Open . Additionally , Army Navy CC hosted the PING Junior Solheim Cup with the USA winning convincingly .

It was also an exciting year for VSGA events . This was the first year that the winners of the top two VSGA junior championships and the women ’ s and men ’ s Amateurs received the “ Golden Ticket ,” an exemption to the corresponding USGA national championship .

Looking forward to 2025 , we will be celebrating the 100th VSGA Women ’ s Amateur at Keswick Club in July and have a special celebration in store for past champions . In June , Farmington Country Club will host the 3rd Women ’ s Open of Virginia . As part of the event , the permanent trophy will be named after Robbye King Unger , a Virginia Golf Hall of Fame member , by way of the support of Farmington and its members . Finally , The Omni Homestead Resort ’ s Cascades Course will be the host club for the 2025 U . S . Senior Women ’ s Amateur Championship in September .

We continue to experience growth in many of our programs , particularly in membership , net events and junior events . We also have a great army of volunteers who assist with everything from officiating championships , rating courses or helping at Junior Golf Circuit events . We are happy to do our part to promote , serve and grow the game in Virginia .

In closing , I want to take the opportunity to recognize the efforts of the VSGA staff . Whether it ’ s tournament management , rules and handicapping education , or any other service , they deliver exceptional support in a professional and friendly manner .

Thank you for being supportive of the VSGA and golf in Virginia .

Brian Maloney , VSGA President