consistency with management, a better financial situation, and an overall stronger organization. And there became a general understanding among both organizations, and an appreciation among amateurs and professionals that wasn’t there before.” Fifty years later, the model is stronger than ever. Indiana Golf not only includes the IGA and PGA but also the Indiana Golf Foundation including the First Tee – Indiana, the Indiana Women’s Golf Association, and the Indiana Golf Course Superintendents Association. While there are 59 Allied (amateur) golf associations who are licensed by the USGA, and 41 PGA Sections that serve as “branch” offices for the PGA of America, only the three mentioned earlier have a formal working relationship. “In other states, the pro and amateur bodies often compete for sponsorships, publicity and preferred tournament dates and sites; that has not been the case here”, said IGA Past President and Indiana Golf Hall of Famer, Kent Frandsen. Former PGA of America President, Ted Bishop, agrees that the relationship of golf organizations in Indiana has served the golfing population well. “The result of this marriage between the Indiana amateurs and professionals has benefitted anyone who ever picked up a club”, said Bishop. “There have been more playing opportunities for everyone, particularly our juniors who now have multiple tours to choose from based on their skill level. Hundreds of Indiana kids have been able to play college golf because of the junior golf opportunities they were afforded.” The junior golf opportunities Bishop alludes to include not only the competitive Indiana Junior Golf Program, which has been in existence since 1987, but also one of the largest and most respected First Tee Chapters in the country. “There are now so many programs geared at young people,” said Hovde. “And we are creating great golfers. Back when Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer were playing golf, there were only 12 guys that could win. Now there are 50. And that’s because we are succeeding in the area of junior golf.” Indiana is not only succeeding but flourishing when it comes to junior golf. In 1987, the Junior Golf Program began with 200 participants and 10 statewide events. Today, it consists of three tours, nearly 1,300 participants and over 75 annual events. Additionally, over 350 program alums are currently on collegiate golf rosters; over 25 alums have advanced to the Korn Ferry Tour, PGA Tour, Epson Tour or LPGA Tour; and three alums are USGA Champions. “There is no doubt that our junior golf programs have benefited tremendously from the cohesive working relationship we have here in Indiana’’,
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