Member Services
2003 Keynote Speaker
Alastair Johnston Events - MGA Annual Spring Conference
For many years, the MGA invited nationally recognized speakers to its Spring
Conference. Held in March, this conference provided Member Club officers,
directors, committee chairmen, media and staff an opportunity to discuss pertinent
issues facing the golf community.
In 2002, the MGA introduced a new format to better serve the MGA membership. This new format included four break-out sessions that addressed critical issues facing the golf industry, one keynote speaker and a lunch buffet. Immediately following the keynote address, attendees were given the opportunity to attend a GHIN Handicap seminar hosted by representatives of the USGA/GHIN staff.
Notable speakers have included golfing great Tony Jacklin, USGA Executive Director David Fay, Sports Psychologist Bob Rotella, Chairman & CEO of Acushnet Company Wally Uihlein, Architect Rees Jones, and renowned authors Bradley Klein (GolfWeek) and James Dodson, best known for penning Arnold Palmer's biography.
As part of its year-long Centennial celebration, the MGA welcomed Alastair Johnston, president and COO of International Management Group, to serve as its keynote speaker in 2003. Other headliners at the 2003 MGA Spring Conference included Ruffin Beckwith, former senior vice president of the World Golf Foundation and current executive director of Golf 20/20, a three-year old initiative of the World Golf Foundation focused on aligning the golf industry behind programs that impact the growth of interest and participation in golf.
In lieu of a Spring Conference, the MGA announced that beginning in 2005 the organization would be hosting regional receptions in order to better serve its member club constituency. Representatives from MGA Member Clubs should contact the office directly for more information on the new regional events schedule.