News Release

For Immediate Release: March 11, 2007

Headline: Joe Sprague, Jr. Named Executive Director of the Massachusetts Golf Association

Norton, MA – The Massachusetts Golf Association (MGA) today named Joe Sprague, Jr. as its new executive director. Sprague becomes only the sixth executive director to hold that post in the organization's 104-year history. The Bristol, Rhode Island resident takes over for Tom Landry, who resigned earlier this year after 11 years at the MGA helm.

"We are excited to welcome Joe Sprague to our MGA family as he brings a wealth of experience to our organization," said Richard P. Osborn, president of the MGA. "There is no question that Joe will be a perfect fit for the MGA and will help us build an even stronger future for amateur golf here in the Bay State."

For the past seven years, Sprague has served as executive director of the Rhode Island Golf Association (RIGA), a position he assumed in 1999 after his father – a long-time golf administrator – retired. In that position, Sprague has managed all aspects of the operation including handicapping, championships and member club relations.

He also spearheaded the launch of the Rhode Island Golf Hall of Fame and helped introduce two new tournaments – the John P. Burke Memorial Gross & Net – which provided additional competitive opportunities for state players and also raised more than $25,000 annually for the John P. Burke Memorial Fund, a state caddy scholarship fund that was founded by the RIGA in 1946. Prior to serving as executive director, Sprague spent nearly seven years as RIGA tournament director.

"I'm thrilled to be selected by the MGA as its next executive director," said Sprague, a Providence College graduate who prior to his work in golf administration served as a PGA Tour caddy for two years, "There will be some mixed emotions in leaving the RIGA after 15 years, but I'm looking forward to working with the MGA staff and Executive Committee to advance the game in Massachusetts."

In addition to his impressive golf administration résumé, Sprague has been a champion of junior golf in the state of Rhode Island as he played a key role during the developmental stages of the Button Hole Short Course and Teaching Center. He was also instrumental in moving the RIGA headquarters to the Button Hole facility in 2000.

"With the recent launch of our MGA Junior Golf Fund, the MGA is dedicated more than ever to promoting and serving junior golf in this state," said Osborn. "We are confident that Joe's work with Button Hole and his passion and commitment to junior golf will help us bring The First Tee of Massachusetts programming to even more kids across this state."

Sprague will begin his work at the MGA in April.