2024 Annual Meeting

 

The Maryland State Golf Association held its 104th annual meeting at the Country Club of Maryland in Towson on November 15, 2024. The event featured the installation of new officers and directors, led by Sinclair Eaddy Jr., the incoming president from the Country Club of Maryland. Eaddy becomes the 101st president of the Maryland State Golf Association and the fifth to represent the Country Club of Maryland. Following tradition, the meeting was held at the club of the incoming president.

A Message from Incoming President, Sinclair Eaddy Jr.

“In 2024, the MSGA experienced a great year both on and off the golf course. Our strategic plan, developed in 2023, began with a vision to expand engagement and industry partnerships while building on the strong foundation we’ve established over the past century. Our first goal is to improve the overall member experience, fostering a deeper connection among golfers and member clubs to the game, the courses, and each other. To achieve this, we will focus on increasing participation in women’s events and championships, supporting Adaptive Golf and our partnership with Special Olympics of Maryland, and expanding our roster of volunteers for championships, course ratings, and junior golf initiatives. A key priority for 2025 is investing in the next generation of golfers by enhancing our youth and junior golf programs, including tournaments, Youth on Course access, and scholarships.

We are also committed to ensuring our association remains inclusive and welcoming to golfers of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and has an opportunity to participate in the game, regardless of their experience level. To leverage partnerships, we will expand relationships with local clubs that host our championships and events. We aim to grow the Youth on Course program, targeting 5,000 members, and we are proud that in 2024, over 13,700 rounds were played by young people on Maryland courses for $5 or less. Additionally, we will continue collaborating with neighboring state associations like the VSGA and GAP and pursue strategic initiatives with the USGA and other regional partners.

To manage these initiatives, it is essential to broaden our financial support for the association through programs such as the 100-Hole Hike, our annual auction, and various sponsorship opportunities. We need your support to make golf more accessible for everyone who loves the game. As we look ahead to 2025, our goals are clear. Together, we will enhance the member experience, invest in youth and junior golf, promote inclusivity and diversity, and give back to our communities. These goals represent a shared commitment to the future of our association and the sport of golf.

I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and look forward to working alongside each of you to turn these goals into reality. Let’s tee off into 2025 with passion, purpose, and a commitment to making our association stronger and more impactful than ever. It has been an honor to serve as a volunteer for the MD State Golf Association, and I humbly accept the nomination to become President, grateful for the support and friendship I have received from all of you over the years. Thank you.”

Joining Eaddy as an officer is Mike Hinkey (Rolling Road Golf Club), who will serve as Vice President. Jack Barse (Columbia Country Club) will remain Secretary, and Diane Herndon (Argyle Country Club) will continue as Treasurer.

The previously elected directors will continue in their roles: Jan Miller, Rebecca Krimski, Bob Van Namen, Armando DelToro, Alan Schroeder, Bill Tignanelli, Mike Cumberpatch, and Joan Heiss. Newly elected to three-year terms are David Bannister (Caves Valley Golf Club) and Mark Miller (Woodmont Country Club). Bannister is a long-time volunteer with the Maryland State Golf Association and served as the Middle Atlantic Golf Association President in 2006. Miller recently became a volunteer with the MSGA, and his father, Alvin Miller, served as MSGA President in 1989.

 

Awards

Billy Peel of Columbia Country Club captured the 2024 MSGA Player of the Year with 640 points. He successfully defended his Maryland Mid-Amateur title at The Club at P.B. Dye, capping off the victory with a spectacular hole-in-one on the 17th hole during the final round. This momentous shot was pivotal in securing his win. In addition to his Mid-Am triumph, Peel also finished in a tie for runner-up at the 103rd Maryland Open at Talbot Country Club, further showcasing his consistency and skill on the course. As the 2023 MSGA Player of the Year, Peel was also selected to captain Team MSGA in the inaugural Dolan Cup, where he led the team to a hard-fought 6 ½ to 5 ½ victory over Team MAPGA. With his third Player of the Year title, Peel joins an elite group, tying Denny McCarthy for the most MSGA Player of the Year awards in history.

Mia Zanghetti of the MSGA eClub captured the MSGA Women’s Player of the Year award with 450 points. Her season was marked by exceptional achievements, including a six-shot victory at the Maryland Women’s Mid-Amateur championship held at Winter’s Run Golf Club. She also showcased her skill and determination by advancing to the semi-finals of the 103rd Maryland Women’s Amateur championship. Additionally, Zanghetti qualified for the U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship at Brae Burn Country Club in Connecticut—a remarkable milestone in her career. As a final highlight, she claimed the 2024 National Links Trust Championship title at East Potomac Golf Course.

Tom Winegardner of The Cannon Club finished atop the Senior Player of the Year standings with 375 points. One of the highlights of his year was qualifying for the U.S. Senior Amateur Championship at The Honors Course in Tennessee, a major milestone in any golfer’s career. In addition, Winegardner finished tied for third at the Maryland Senior Amateur and the Middle Atlantic Senior Amateur, demonstrating his consistency and competitive edge. He also earned a spot in the top ten at the Maryland Senior Open, further showcasing his outstanding form. Winegardner’s contributions to the game went beyond individual accolades. He was a member of Team MSGA at the Senior Challenge Matches and played a key role in helping Team MSGA secure victory at the inaugural Dolan Cup.

Bev Lane of Congressional Country Club captured MSGA Senior Women’s Player of the Year award with 200 points. Her season was highlighted by a remarkable victory at the Maryland Senior Women’s Amateur at Winter’s Run Golf Club. Bev also contributed to team successes as a key member of the Congressional Country Club’s Women’s State Team and the WDCGA’s Intercity Championship Team. Beyond Maryland, she advanced to the VSGA Senior Women’s Amateur quarterfinals and secured a top-10 finish at the VSGA Senior Women’s Stroke Play Championship.

 

Scholarships

The Maryland State Golf Association Scholarship was established in 2006 for exclusively charitable and educational purposes, including awarding educational scholarships to individuals employed by MSGA member clubs/courses and/or their children, as well as to students who have completed their junior year of high school with a bona fide connection to the game of golf.

Jupiter Moore, a high school senior with a passion for civil engineering, has consistently been on the Distinguished Honor Roll and is a member of both the National Honor Society and the Science National Honor Society. An active member of his school’s golf team for all four years, Jupiter has qualified for the State Championship twice. He plans to apply to the University of Maryland, Pennsylvania State University, and the University of Delaware.

Seth Lindt, a sophomore at Randolph-Macon College, is an engineering major with aspirations of owning his own firm one day. He discovered his love for golf during his sophomore year of high school through Youth on Course. After starting college, Seth used golf as a way to connect with others while being away from home. He has been on the Dean’s List every semester since starting college.

The following students had their MSGA scholarships renewed: Nicole Butterworth, Davis Kimminau, Marin Moore, and Katherine Seal

The David King Scholarship is awarded annually to a deserving student in the amount of $3,000. The scholarship is funded by Dave King’s generous financial gift to the MSGA. Mr. King achieved remarkable success in golf, winning the Maryland Amateur (1969 and 1971), Mid-Amateur (1987), Senior Amateur (1999), and three Mixed Two-Balls. He was also a member of three Bethesda Country Club State Championship Teams.

This year’s recipient is Kadan Jones, a high school senior with a passion for Professional Golf Management. After facing health issues that ended his baseball career, Kadan discovered a love for golf. His passion for the sport has inspired him to pursue a college education in golf management, with the goal of making the game more inclusive. Kadan plans to apply to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

The Caves Valley Golf Club Foundation Scholarship is awarded annually in the amount of $4,000 to a female student who has completed her junior year of high school and has a bona fide connection to golf.

Sirui Xue, a junior at Columbia University majoring in Computer Science, aspires to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application through innovation. She has completed two summer internships at Amazon’s headquarters in Seattle, where she honed her technical skills and gained valuable insight into teamwork within a large company. Sirui has also earned a Certificate of Excellence from the First Tee Scholars program, which recognizes outstanding commitment in both academics and the golf community.

Salloni Gill, a high school senior, has a passion for engineering and leadership. During high school, she served as President of her Class Government in her freshman year and Vice President during her sophomore, junior, and senior years. Salloni also played varsity junior golf and has received numerous academic awards. She plans to pursue engineering and has applied to Johns Hopkins University, Duke University, the University of Maryland, Carnegie Mellon University, and Towson University.

The Country Club of Maryland Scholarship is awarded annually to one student who has completed their junior year of high school and has a bona fide connection to golf. Funded by the Country Club of Maryland, this scholarship is valued at $2,500.

This year’s recipient is Ben Heidrick, a freshman at Shepherd University studying finance. Ben began playing golf in middle school and joined his high school golf team during his junior year. Now, he is thrilled to have the opportunity to play golf at the college level. He thrives on competition and is excited to get started!

The Hinkey-Benson Scholarship is a STEM scholarship funded by a financial gift from Michael Hinkey and Kathryn Benson. It provides $2,000 in scholarship assistance to students with a bona fide connection to the golf industry in Maryland. The scholarship is awarded to students who are majoring in or plan to major in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields, with a preference for those studying computer science or engineering.

This year’s recipient, Lila Becker, is a high school senior with a passion for aviation. As she begins applying to colleges, she reflects on her active participation in junior golf through the MSGA and her hopes to continue showcasing her talents at the collegiate level. Lila’s interest in aviation stems from five years of volunteering with the Howard County Squadron Civil Air Patrol, where she has achieved the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. She plans to apply to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the University of Maryland, and Lewis University.

 

The Andy Tignanelli Memorial Scholarship was established by Bill Tignanelli, who funds it with the purpose of providing scholarship assistance to students with a bona fide connection to the golf industry in Maryland. Two $2,000 scholarships are awarded annually to one male and one female student. This year’s recipients are Viktoria Dorn and Adam Green.

Viktoria Dorn, a junior at Salisbury University, is studying Marketing and Information Systems. She developed an interest in marketing through her work at Peaceful Petals, a small flower shop. During high school, Viktoria played on the varsity softball team and participated in theater. She is focused on finishing her degree and securing a job, with the goal of one day repaying everything her parents have done to support her success.

Adam Green, a freshman at Towson University, is a Business major who will also compete on the university’s golf team. To prepare for the challenges of being a student-athlete, Adam took four college courses during high school. In high school, he won the county championship three years in a row and placed second in the state championship during his senior year.