Austin, Texas — November 6, 2026 — The International Association of Golf Administrators (IAGA) successfully concluded its 2025 Annual Conference, sponsored by Golf Genius, held November 3–6 at Horseshoe Bay Resort near Austin, Texas. This year’s event marked the largest gathering in IAGA history, bringing together 284 members from 57 Allied Golf Associations and more than 25 industry partners. Now in its 57th year, the IAGA represents 87 associations serving millions of golfers across North America and internationally.
The conference week began with a full-field Doubles Golf Event, a new addition introduced in 2025 and sponsored by Golf Genius that has quickly become a highly anticipated opener for attendees. The event set a collaborative, energetic tone that carried throughout the week’s education, networking, and industry discussions.
The Awards Dinner on November 4 served as one of the defining highlights of the conference, as the IAGA honored individuals and associations whose leadership and innovation have strengthened the game. IAGA Distinguished Service Award recipients Ed Gowan and Tom Ryan were recognized for their remarkable, decades-long contributions. Gowan, who led the Arizona Golf Association for 36 years, 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 his association through transformative periods for the industry with strategic clarity and collaboration. Both honorees exemplify the leadership, mentorship, and lasting impact the Distinguished Service Award is meant to celebrate.
This year's Awards Dinner also included two new recognitions; the IAGA Impact Award and the Emerging Leader Award. The Impact Award honors a member association that implemented a meaningful, innovative initiative in 2024 or 2025. Finalists included Mass Golf’s “Every Shot” final-round broadcast, the Metropolitan Golf Association Foundation, and the SCGA Junior Golf Foundation’s FORE Youth 2023 U.S. Open Community Legacy Project.
The Southern California Golf Association Junior Golf Foundation, was selected as the 2025 Impact Award recipient for its leadership in the Maggie Hathaway Renewal Project, a transformative effort in South Los Angeles that reimagines access to the game for local youth. Conducted in partnership with The Los Angeles Country Club, the USGA, Los Angeles County, and numerous community partners, the project includes a new clubhouse and a Community & Youth Enrichment Center. Inspired by civil rights advocate Maggie Hathaway, the initiative honors her legacy while advancing equity, mentorship, and opportunity within the game.
The newly introduced Emerging Leader Award recognizes an individual with fewer than five years in the AGA community who has already demonstrated exceptional initiative, leadership, and impact. The IAGA is proud to honor Daniel Shoup, Head of Finance and Administration at AZ GOLF, as the 2025 Emerging Leader Award recipient. Shoup has strengthened AZ GOLF’s internal operations, enhanced transparency, and played a pivotal role in establishing Arizona Golf House, a shared home for several AGAs in the state. Known for his integrity, empathy, and collaborative leadership, he has quickly become an essential contributor to the growth and success of Arizona’s golf community.
The conference concluded on November 6 with the IAGA Annual Meeting, during which the Nominating Committee presented and approved the 2026 slate of officers and directors.
President: Rick Rangel (Oregon Golf Association)Vice President: Cat Carmignani (AZ Golf)Secretary/Treasurer: Jean-Pierre Beaulieu (Golf Québec)Immediate Past President: Rob Jansen (Wisconsin State Golf Association)Directors At Large: Stacy Dennis (Texas Golf Association), Jeff Magaditsch (Florida State Golf Association), Kelly Newland (Maryland State Golf Association), Jeff Ninnemann (Southern California Golf Association), and Matt Smiley (Virginia State Golf Association).
The IAGA extends its sincere gratitude to Past President Rob Jansen, Executive Director of Wisconsin State Golf Association, for his leadership and service throughout 2025.
Looking ahead, the IAGA is thrilled to welcome Rick Rangel, CEO of the Oregon Golf Association, as its 2026 President. Rangel brings more than a decade of leadership experience from the Northern California Golf Association, where he oversaw membership growth, communications, marketing, revenue-driving strategies, and CRM modernization. His data-driven leadership helped the NCGA reverse a 16-year membership decline and strengthen engagement across all departments. His influence also extends nationally as he spearheaded the Association Management System later adopted by the IAGA.
Since stepping into the CEO role in 2022, Rangel has played a key role in advancing the Oregon Golf Association’s statewide initiatives, including an economic-impact study revealing $2.4 billion in annual output and a nearly 19% increase in statewide rounds played. Under his leadership, the OGA also successfully redesigned its logo and launched a complete website overhaul, creating a cohesive brand and digital experience that honors the Association’s legacy while looking ahead. His leadership has strengthened member engagement, expanded partnerships, and positioned the OGA for sustained growth.
Also announced at the Annual Meeting, the 2026 IAGA Annual Conference will be held November 8–11 at the Hyatt Grand Cypress in Orlando, Florida.“We are excited to build on the momentum of 2025 and foster even more collaboration among our members,” shared Bill Walker, IAGA Executive Director. “The year ahead offers a meaningful opportunity to deepen relationships and continue advancing the mission of the IAGA.”