b'GOLF ALASKACommunity, value, and a renewed visionAGA embarks on new chapter by Sam Olson, AGA Board Member partnered to provide clothing and footwear for AGA members.Its important to showcase the generosity of these A s the 2024 season came to a close, incoming Alaska Golfbusinesses properly, said Membership Director Kyle Reading. Association President Jeff Ranf recognized that it was time for change. Following a series of strategic meetings,We want our events to be something sponsors are proud of the organization introduced two key positionsDirector ofand excited to support.Membership and Director of Marketingand welcomed severalOnce upon a time, the Alaska State Amateur drew more new board members to support a revitalized vision for 2025. than 400 participants each yearso many that multiple golf Tom GandeeVice President courses were needed to manage the foot traffic.Jason KimmelTreasurer Back then, around 1990, I was just a beginner playing with Richard TedersTournament Committee my buddies, recalled longtime board member Richard Teders. Sam OlsonVP & Tournament Committee AGA events were the only outlet for competitive golf. But as Teresa FisherWomens Golf Co-Chair corporate scramble tournaments grew, the need for traditional Mindy StefanskiWomens Golf Co-Chair competitive events declined. We stuck with the status quo too Casey BieberMarketing Commissioner long.Zach PerrySponsorship Director Part of that effort includes a complete rebrand of the AGA. Kyle ReadingMembership Director A new logo, a new website address (akgolf.org), a stronger These roles were created to strengthen participation andpresence on social media, and a commitment to golf-focused open doors for sponsorships, Ranf said. When I becamedigital content are all part of a broader vision to attract a new president, it was my intent to go back to the basics. How canand growing audience of golfers.we get more golfers interested in joining and taking advantagePerhaps most notably, the AGA has officially joined the of what the AGA has to offer? Pacific Northwest Golf Association.In collaboration with Fox Hollow Golf Course & SportsJoining the PNGA opens up new opportunities for Alaska Dome, the AGA launched its first-ever Winter Open House.golfers, Ranf says. Not only can we now participate in PNGA Junior golfers were invited to hit balls and meet local playersevents, but the AGA also gains exposure to other USGA-Jack Carr, Abigail Ante, and Keira DeLand, who all have gone onaffiliated golf associations. For the first time, well have the to collegiate success and were home for winter break. chance to send a team to the PNGA-hosted Lamey Cup, a Ryder When the new board was established last year, weCup-style competition among regional golf associations. Its a agreed it was time to grow, Ranf continued. For the firsttremendous opportunity to put Alaska golf on the map.time, we have individuals whose sole purpose is to build ourTo prepare for this, the AGA is currently developing a membership and sponsorships. To my knowledge, that hasntpoints-based ranking system to help determine team selection. happened in at least 25 years. Members will receive details via email by the end of May.To further support this growth, the AGA launched anWith proactive outreach, strong leadership, and an ambitious fundraising campaign aimed at creating freshenhanced player experience, the AGA is poised for an exciting sponsorship opportunities. The results quickly followed:new chapter. The future of Alaska golf is bright.BMW of Anchorage signed on as the first-ever title sponsor of the Alaska State Amateur; and soon after, TRUE Linkswear 4 GOLF ALASKA| JUN2025'