2024 IGA Yearbook

8 FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR G olf continues to surge. According to the National Golf Foundation, there were 45 million people (up 9% from ‘22 and up 32% from ‘18) who played golf in some form or fashion in 2023. Nearly 40% of Americans (~123 million) engaged with golf in 2023, which includes playing, watching, reading, or following. So it should come as no surprise that 2024 was yet another record-breaking year for the Iowa Golf Association. Our membership has now grown nearly 50% since 2019. Our championships are filling up faster than ever. We have added events and staff. It’s truly busier than ever. With all of that said the highlight of the year was undoubtedly the opening of Golf House Iowa. The decades-long dream finally came true thanks to the help and generosity of hundreds. We moved in as a staff in late February, completed all of the final touches in early spring, and opened the doors to all in late May. It has been exciting and rewarding. We have had hundreds of visitors come and enjoy the facility. We hosted outstanding events, such as the Grand Opening Celebration, Women’s Golf Summit, Scholarship Banquet, and Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. As the weather has turned toward winter, we have more and more kids coming through the doors to both learn the game and improve on our indoor putting green and golf simulators. Our upstairs honors the history of the game with the Iowa Golf Hall of Fame and Museum. And with the first phase completed, we are now focusing on what new items we can add and highlight. These successes didn’t happen by accident and there are many who deserve credit. But overall, I would like to thank a few groups who continue to mold the CHAD PITTS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/CEO, IGA & IGAF Elmwood Country Club, Marshalltown, hosted both the IGA Four-Ball and Senior Four-Ball. 2024 Women's Golf Summit