By Mike David
The Vision Statement for Indiana Golf is to provide a hub for golf in Indiana by positively influencing the golfers of today and tomorrow. That influence recently expanded when the Indiana Golf Course Superintendents Association (IGCSA) joined the list of organizations headquartered under the Indiana Golf umbrella.
In August, the IGCSA and its 50 members are now part of the Indiana Golf family that includes four other golf-related not-for-profits. 
The IGCSA has never had a full-time staff and has had to rely on a volunteer board to administer all aspects of the organization. The goal will be to increase the overall visibility of the organization and grow its membership. Early changes will be a revised website, updated member newsletter, and an effort to reach out to potential new members.
Golf course superintendents are, obviously, a vital part of the golf industry and bringing them into our organization makes sense from the standpoint of continuing to work toward a unified voice and cooperative working relationship for as many golf-related organizations as possible.
That cooperative effort has had a long history in the state. Indiana Golf also houses the Indiana Golf Association, Indiana Section PGA, Indiana Women’s Golf Association, Indiana Golf Foundation, plus the IGCSA.
In 1972, Indiana’s golf leaders had the vision of establishing the IGA-PGA. The IGA-PGA is a separate organization that was formed by the Indiana Golf Association and the Indiana Section PGA. The joint organization was designed to serve as the administrative body of Indiana Golf.
For the last 50 years, the IGA-PGA has administered the state’s handicapping program and provided financial coverage for all Indiana Golf staffing and other administrative expenses. This has allowed the IGA and Indiana PGA to be free of any administrative expenses and to concentrate their resources on serving their respective association members.
Over time, that administrative coverage has expanded to include even more golf- related entities, but the overall concept remains to provide a “one-stop shop” for golf in Indiana and to have a unified voice on the game and its programs and services.
In most other areas of the country, these various organizations frequently compete for sponsorship money, tournament sites and handicapping revenues. In addition, many of the services they offer overlap with their counterparts.
IGCSA President Jim Loupee, based at The Bridgewater Club in Carmel, is delighted to see the merger take place.
“On behalf of the Indiana Golf Course Superintendents Association, we are pleased to partner with the Indiana Golf Association to better serve our members and further grow the game of golf,” said Loupee. “With their vision and
passion for the game, it only makes sense to team up to have both
associations moving forward to achieve our goals.”
These partnerships remain the cornerstone of Indiana Golf and will allow us to continue to serve as the vital hub for golf, and golfers, in Indiana.
Mike David has served as the Executive Director of Indiana Golf for over 30 years and is one of the most respected golf administrators in the country.
