at c ( )
Opening Drive
Recognizing National Success in 2023
EVERYONE WANTS TO SEE THEIR HOMETOWN HEROES EXCEL ON THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL STAGE . There ’ s a reason why newspapers will find ways to highlight local athletes when they find national success . Though that athlete may no longer be truly local , their success on larger stages tends to reflect well on the community in which they got their start .
At the VSGA , we have a special place in our hearts for athletes who support our events and then go on to make a name for themselves nationally , or even internationally . It ’ s a big deal when Vinny Giles wins the British Amateur , or when Lauren Greenlief hoists the trophy at the U . S . Women ’ s Mid-Amateur Championship . Both have been instrumental parts of VSGA championships , and we ’ d like to think participating in those events played at least a small role in their later successes .
It was quite a year for VSGA members in USGA championships in 2023 , and I want to give a special shoutout to those who had a chance to represent Virginia on the national stage this past year . Some highlights :
• Two-time VSGA Mid-Amateur champion Evan Beck ( Princess Anne CC ) made a thrilling run to the final of the U . S . Mid-Amateur at Sleepy Hollow , where he fell in the 36-hole final to Stewart Hagestad . No shame in that . Hagestad is a three-time U . S . Mid-Am champion and has participated in multiple major championships and Walker Cups . Losing stings , but making it to a final is a heck of an accomplishment on its own .
• Two VSGA members were among the final eight competitors at the U . S . Senior Amateur . Matt Sughrue ( Trump National Washington DC ) advanced to the quarterfinals , while Roger Newsom ( Princess Anne CC ) fell to eventual champion Todd White in the semifinals . Each player has made an appearance in the Senior Am final in the past .
• Former Virginia Tech standout Jessica Spicer ( Cypress Point CC ) was one of three stroke-play qualifying medalists at the U . S . Women ’ s Mid-Amateur Championship . Additionally , Greenlief ( International CC ) and Alexandra Austin ( Springfield G & CC ) both advanced to the quarterfinals of the event .
• Isaac Simmons ( Mariners Landing GC ) and Michael Brennan ( River Creek Club ) became the first Virginia amateurs to qualify for the U . S . Open in more than two decades . Though neither made the cut at Los Angeles Country Club , both represented the VSGA proudly . Before playing college golf at Liberty and Wake Forest , respectively , each found success playing in VSGA junior championships .
• Sydney Hackett ( 1757 GC ) and Melanie Walker ( Springfield G & CC ) reached the quarterfinals of the U . S . Women ’ s Amateur Four-Ball Championship . Both are Division I golfers who played in VSGA junior championships .
With VSGA champions in select events ( Amateur , Women ’ s Amateur , Junior Amateur , Girls ’ Junior ) earning automatic entry into their respective USGA championships starting in 2024 , there will be even more opportunities to watch homegrown talent excel on a national level . Congratulations to every VSGA member who played in a USGA championship in 2023 . We can ’ t wait to see what 2024 holds .
Chris Lang , Editor clang @ vsga . org by CHRIS LANG
Conkling Earns IAGA Distinguished Service Award
The International Association of Golf Administrators honored former Virginia State Golf Association Executive Director Jamie Conkling with its prestigious Distinguished Service Award at the organization ’ s annual conference in November .
Conkling retired in January 2019 after 13 years as the VSGA ’ s ED . He had an extensive career that included stops at the Metropolitan Golf Association ( greater New York City area ) and Southern California Golf Association . Prior to joining the VSGA staff in 2006 , he
Jamie Conkling
was a Tournament Official on the PGA Tour . Conkling also had a broad influence on the golf administration world and was heavily involved in IAGA initiatives .
The IAGA , which was established in 1968 , has a membership of more than 80 golf associations in the United States and Canada . It provides education , networking and business resources to further its member organizations .
“ The IAGA is thrilled to acknowledge Jamie for his outstanding contributions and impact on the golf industry , the organizations he has served , and the IAGA community ,” said Troy Andrew , immediate past president of the IAGA and leader of the award ’ s nominating committee .
Added Kevin Heaney , retired SCGA executive director who worked with Conkling , “ I valued his insight and found myself constantly bouncing thoughts and ideas off of him to gain insightful feedback .”
Conkling had a wide-ranging impact on the VSGA during his tenure as ED . Under his watch , the VSGA integrated the VSGA Women ’ s Division into its governance structure , helping to diversify the Board of Directors . Conkling also worked with then-VSGA president Gib Palmer on the creation of the Virginia Golf Hall of Fame , and he was key in spearheading efforts for the VSGA to build its own headquarters .
“ Personally , Jamie is a mentor and friend , and anyone who worked with him would likely say the same ,” said Matt Smiley , Conkling ’ s successor as VSGA Executive Director . “ He plays a part in our success as an association even to this day — five years after his retirement .”
LOGAN WHITTON
6 V IRGINIA G OLFER | N OVEMBER / D ECEMBER 2023 vsga . org