Headline: George Pendergast Bids Farewell to the MGA... Hands Presidency Over to Jack Dezieck for 2009-2010 Season
For Immediate Release: October 21, 2009
Norton, MA — Following two years of service as president of the Massachusetts Golf Association, George Pendergast bid adieu to the organization and took his place among the distinguished group of Past Presidents.
Photo Caption: Jack Dezieck (left) will take over as MGA President from George Pendergast.
The farewell ceremony for Pendergast was held on October 21 as part of the organization's Annual Meeting held this year at The Country Club in Brookline. In front of an audience of more than 75 individuals who represented clubs from across the state, Pendergast handed over the reins of the 106-year organization to Jack Dezieck.
Before he said his final goodbye, however, Pendergast reflected on the past two years. During that time, he took a lead role in approving the construction of a new clubhouse at MGA Links at Mamantapett, the 18-hole, par 3 golf course located in Norton which serves as the home of The First Tee of Massachusetts. The new, modest clubhouse is scheduled to be ready for the start of the 2010 golf season.
"MGA Links has really come a long way since the MGA purchased it back in 2003," said Joe Sprague, MGA Executive Director. "The MGA is very proud to operate such a kid and family friendly golf facility."
Since 2003, MGA Links has annually attracted more than 600 junior members to its nationally recognized junior golf initiative. In addition to serving as the home site of The First Tee of Massachusetts and all of its junior golf operations, MGA Links hosts more than 20 youth groups during its summer-long golf and education program offered through The First Tee. Children from all backgrounds continue to participate in the golf and life skills curriculum that is so vital to the positive youth development aspect of The First Tee.
The organization has also maintained a membership of more than 390 golf facilities which serve nearly 90,000 golfers through its handicapping program. Director of Handicapping Scott Guild provided a report which highlighted the strength of the program and the continued interest of golfers throughout the state.
"Despite the very strong economic headwinds of the last two years, the MGA managed to grow and to productively pursue several challenging objectives," said Pendergast. "The new clubhouse at MGA Links in Norton will be a symbol of the Association's perseverence and purpose. I feel nothing but confidence and trust in turning the reins over to Jack Dezieck, who will keep the momentum going."
Dezieck, a member of Wyantenuck Country Club, will serve as MGA president through the 2011 season. He brings a wealth of business and golf experience to the MGA as he has served as a member of the USGA Golf Museum Committee for more than 25 years.
He will be joined on the MGA board by Paul Burke, Jr. (1st Vice President), Clarence Bennett (2nd Vice President), Jerry Green (Secretary), Steve Dooley (Treasurer) and Peter Caro (Counsel). Also taking over an important role for the MGA is Tom Bagley who will serve as Championship Committee chairman.
Click here for a complete list of the 2009-2010 MGA Executive Committee.