Written by: Caleb Cox, IGA Executive Director
NOTE: This article was originally published in the PNGA’s Golfer Magazine
Each Spring, I can’t help but feel a renewed excitement as the golf season approaches. The energy that comes from seeing the grass begin to green up, the flowers to bloom, and the sun to shine really fills me with anticipation for the season. Spring brings a fresh set of opportunities to finally get that elusive hole in one, shoot that career low round, or even play that golf course that I’ve only dreamed of playing.
We have many reasons to be excited about the opportunities that our Idaho Golf Association staff has worked tirelessly to prepare for the months ahead. The IGA has recently completed our comprehensive Strategic Plan for the next 5 years, and we look forward to implementing many new ideas and plans that are packed with new initiatives for you, the member. There is one in particular that I’m excited to share with you.
While we at the IGA has been known for many years as an organization that hosts championships for high level players, the last few years have encouraged us to become a more all-encompassing association by offering specific events for members of all ability levels. More recently, we’ve seen immense growth in women’s membership events through initiatives like our Ladies’ Play Days. On the docket for 2024, our Ladies’ Play Days are expanding, and every IGA district will be hosting one of the fun and exciting events. Look for updates on dates and locations in the Treasure Valley, as well as Idaho Falls and Twin Falls.
Secondly, we are excited to announce that we will be hosting our very first Women’s Getaway. Nationally, women’s golf trips have begun to soar in popularity in the last few years. The IGA Getaways have become a popular item on our schedule over the last several years, and our female players have been a big part of that. In 2024, our staff will be hosting the first Idaho Women’s Golf Getaway to Walla Walla, Washington, where the trip will pair exciting golf course play with local wine tastings. Event details will be made available soon on the IGA website.
After returning from the IGA Women’s Golf Getaway, you will need a place to post your pictures and reconnect with Women from the trip. That’s why our Manager of Member Services, Lexie VanAntwerp, has endeavored to create the first ever Idaho Women’s Golf Facebook Community! The goal of this community is to connect women across the Gem State who have a love for the game. We hope this new community helps to connect and inspire women to take the next step in their golf journey while enjoying the company and camaraderie of fellow Idahoans who enjoy the competition and beauty of our local courses.
Finally, Women’s golf in the Idaho has had a rich tradition of great events over the years and the Idaho Women’s Amateur has been part of that staple part of the tradition. We are looking to add to that rich tradition by enhancing the event into a time to celebrate the ladies in this sport. Beginning in 2024, we are combining the Idaho Women’s Amateur and the Idaho Women’s Mid-Amateur into one great event with two fields of players and paired with an evening social celebration for all in attendance. We are confident it will be an event to remember!
Cheers to the IGA staff and the amazing players in our women’s fields across the state! We hope this next year provides opportunities for you to invite others to these exciting new events, allows for growth in your personal abilities and bring more of our community together for the love of the game!
