News

Utah Golf Association Executive Director Bill Walker Appointed to Lead the IAGA

By Megan Huntsman, Programs Administrator

Utah Golf Association Executive Director Bill Walker has been named as the next executive director of the International Association of Golf Administrators (IAGA). He will remain at the UGA until he reports to the IAGA Board of Directors on Monday, December 18th.

“It hardly seems like nearly seven years ago when I accepted the executive director position with the Utah Golf Association. Time has certainly flown by,” stated Walker. “Words cannot express the gratitude I have for the UGA, our allied golf associations and the Utah golf community for their support of myself and my family during my tenure. There are too many people to thank, but I would like to especially recognize the UGA staff, volunteers and board of directors for their friendship and support. One of the many things I learned during the past seven years is that an organization like the UGA is only as strong as the individuals who comprise it. With that being said, the UGA has a fantastic group with an exciting future.”

Walker’s IAGA responsibilities will include driving innovation, leading marketing and communications initiatives, establishing business partnerships and corporate sponsorships, positioning the organization to better represent and advocate for member associations and developing IAGA membership through education and training programs. He will work collaboratively with allied associations such as the United States Golf Association, PGA of America, Club Managers Association of America, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America and the National Golf Course Owners Association.

“I congratulate Bill on his selection to be executive director of the IAGA,” expressed 2017 UGA President Reese Nielsen. “He will do an outstanding job in this position just as he has done for the UGA and its allied organizations, the Utah Golf Foundation and the Golf Alliance for Utah. I wish Bill and his family the best as he moves on to the next step in his career in golf administration.”

The UGA Board of Directors, under newly appointed President Randy Hadfield, has formed a transition team to guide the search for a replacement.

“I wish Bill well and know he will do a wonderful job for the IAGA,” said Hadfield. “Our association has been very fortunate to have Bill as a part of Utah golf, and I am sure we will look back and see his tremendous contribution. He has raised the UGA to new heights and will be missed. We now look forward to finding someone to fill his position and are confident that person will continue strengthening the UGA in the same manner as Bill Walker.”  

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About the UGA

The Utah Golf Association (UGA) is a 501(c)(7) not-for-profit organization whose objective is to promote interest in the game of golf by encouraging, organizing, supporting, sponsoring and administering golfing activities and programs without regard to race, color, or creed, and to engage in educational and good will activities that further the game.

About the IAGA

The IAGA was formed in 1968 to promote and conserve the best interests and the true spirit of the game of golf as embodied in its ancient and honorable traditions. With those pursuits in mind, the IAGA serves as the medium for golf administrators to exchange information, techniques and other data relating to the game of golf and establish channels of communication among all of the world’s golfing fraternities.