2025 MSGA Annual Meeting

Lutherville, Md. – The Maryland State Golf Association (MSGA) held its 105th Annual Meeting at Lakewood Country Club in Rockville, Md., on November 14, 2025. The meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on the past year while also offering a preview of what lies ahead for golf in Maryland and Washington, D.C. in 2026. During the meeting, the MSGA recognized its four honorees for Player of the Year, honored a worthy recipient of the Distinguished Service Award, and celebrated scholarship winners.

MSGA President Sinclair Eaddy Jr., Vice President Mike Hinkey, Secretary Jack Barse, and Treasurer Diane Herndon have each been re-elected for a second term. Additionally, the MSGA welcomed Robert Hoopes as a newly elected director to serve on the board.

MSGA President’s Remarks from Sinclair Eaddy Jr.

“As President of the Maryland State Golf Association, I am proud to be a steward of the rich tradition, community involvement, and youth development that golf inspires throughout our great state. For over a century, the MSGA has championed the growth of the game, hosting countless tournaments and supporting programs that introduce new generations to the values and camaraderie that golf provides.

2025 was an impactful year for the MSGA, made possible by our dedicated staff and our expanding network of programmatic partners. Tonight, I would like to provide you with an update on several of our key strategic priorities and projects. Much of this work has been guided by the strategic plan adopted by our board in 2023.

We are committed to cultivating the next generation of junior players through expanded support for Youth on Course. This program enables junior golfers to play at participating courses for just $5 or less, significantly expanding access and paving the way for young golfers to develop a passion for the game. The Youth on Course program continues to grow with over 6,400 members, a significant increase from the 500 members the program began with in 2018. We will seek to broaden opportunities by adding more partner facilities in the future, including potential partner courses in Montgomery County. These goals, along with the remarkable growth of Youth on Course, make it one of our most impactful programs—yet also one that requires continued financial support to ensure its long-term success.

We are also proud to field Team Maryland through the United States Golf Association’s U.S. National Development Program (USNDP). As part of this exciting effort, young athletes from our state receive valuable resources, training, and opportunities. The MSGA will support Team Maryland by covering costs for gear and attire, training, travel, and participation in events, including competitions against other USNDP state teams. We are pleased to have Heather Daly-Donofrio with us tonight, who has been a strong force in developing our national development program, which includes Team USA and a robust grant program to help talented golfers with financial resources. With Team Maryland, we intend to replicate this model with a team of our best juniors and a grant program to assist players who aspire to that level.

Many thanks to Kelly Newland, our executive director, our State Development Committee members, and Nick Logue on our staff, as we move forward with the implementation of this exciting new program. And in that regard, I am excited about the announcement of our new state team coach, Mr. Bob Dolan. Mr. Dolan is the Professional Emeritus at Columbia Country Club in Chevy Chase, MD, and has been a stalwart in the Middle Atlantic Section as a professional, teacher, and mentor. We are honored to have Mr. Dolan as part of our team and to lead this important initiative on the ground with our juniors.

We continue to expand our other programs, including Adaptive programming for golfers with disabilities, the National Links Trust Championship for public and municipal golfers, and junior initiatives like the First Tee and the Baltimore Golf Academy. To manage all these initiatives, we must continue to expand and broaden financial support for the association. I would like to thank Alan Schroeder, an MSGA board member who has spearheaded our efforts to develop a comprehensive fundraising program. There are many exciting donor opportunities available, and I encourage you to help us advance our goals of making golf more accessible to everyone who shares a passion for the game.

As we look ahead to 2026, our board has a shared vision that will elevate the member experience, empower the next generation of golfers, champion inclusivity, and strengthen our support for grassroots programs. We’re not just shaping the future of our association—we’re shaping the future of the game itself. Thank you for your dedication, your passion, and your partnership as we step onto the first tee together and make 2026 a year to remember.

It has been an honor to serve as a volunteer for the Maryland State Golf Association and as its President for the past year. I am grateful for the support of the nominating committee and our board to continue our impactful and vital work in 2026. Thank you.”

---

MSGA Awards

Men’s Player of the Year
Evan Barbin | Chesapeake Bay Golf Club (645 points)

Evan Barbin, a senior on the Liberty University golf team, earned the 2025 Maryland State Golf Association Men’s Player of the Year honor with a season defined by elite play and consistency against top competition. Barbin showcased his talent on the biggest stages, highlighted by a third-place overall finish at the 104th Maryland Open, where he also claimed Low Amateur honors in a field stacked with professional and collegiate standouts. Adding to his impressive year, Barbin captured the Maryland Father-Son Championship title alongside his father, exemplifying both his competitive drive and deep roots in Maryland golf. Barbin also qualified for the U.S. Amateur Championship, securing his spot in the nation’s most prestigious amateur event. Barbin’s steady success extended through multiple state and national tournaments, where his composure, consistency, and championship mindset consistently placed him among the leaders. His outstanding 2025 campaign cements him as one of Maryland’s premier amateur players and a deserving recipient of the Men’s Player of the Year award.

Senior Men’s Player of the Year
David Nocar Jr. | Chartwell Golf & Country Club (415 points)

David Nocar’s 2025 campaign showcased steady, top-level performance across Maryland’s senior circuit. He delivered a standout performance at the 26th Maryland Senior Open, finishing 4th overall and earning 3rd Low Amateur honors to close out an impressive season. Nocar also recorded a strong 5th-place finish at the 97th Maryland Senior Amateur, further establishing himself among the state’s top senior competitors. His season included successful qualifying efforts at both the U.S. Senior Open Local Qualifier and the 104th Maryland Amateur, reflecting his ability to compete at both state and national levels. Defined by steady performances, competitive resilience, and consistent results throughout the year, Nocar’s 2025 season rightfully earns him his second Senior Player of the Year honor.

Women’s Player of the Year
Sarah Spicer-Baldwin | Argyle Country Club (520 points)

Sarah Spicer-Baldwin’s 2025 campaign was marked by dominance and determination across Maryland’s premier women’s amateur events. She claimed titles at both the Maryland Women’s Mid-Amateur and Maryland Women’s Four-Ball Championships, proving her ability to excel in both individual and team formats. Adding to her strong season, Spicer-Baldwin finished third in the Maryland Mixed Two-Ball Championship and advanced to the second round of the 104th Maryland Women’s Amateur. On the national stage, she earned medalist honors at the U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Qualifier, securing a coveted spot in one of the country’s most competitive amateur events. With a year marked by consistent excellence and clutch performances, Spicer-Baldwin’s accomplishments rightly earn her recognition as the 2025 Women’s Player of the Year, her second time receiving this prestigious award.

Senior Women’s Player of the Year
Mary Leahy | Norbeck Country Club (325 points)

Mary Leahy’s 2025 season showcased her exceptional performance on Maryland’s senior women’s circuit. Her year was highlighted by a commanding victory at the Maryland Women’s Senior Amateur Championship, where her experience and competitive focus set her apart from the field. Leahy’s momentum carried into team play as she captured the Maryland Mixed Two-Ball Championship and earned a third-place finish in the Maryland Women’s Four-Ball, continuing her record of top finishes across formats. Her poise under pressure and consistency throughout the season reflected the qualities of a true champion, culminating in her well-deserved honor as the 2025 Senior Women’s Player of the Year.

MSGA Distinguished Service Award
Melly Tucker | Argyle Country Club

Melly Tucker’s journey with golf began many years ago in high school when she learned the fundamentals from her father, although her initial interests lay more in tennis. In 1976, she and her husband, Guy, joined Argyle Country Club, where her passion for the game truly blossomed, prompting her involvement in the Argyle Women’s Group.

Seeking to give back to the sport, Tucker became active with the MSGA and joined the Executive Committee of the Women’s Division in the fall of 2007. She took on her first official role as Secretary in 2009, and subsequently served as Treasurer from 2010 to 2011, Vice President from 2012 to 2013, and President from 2014 to 2015, after which she continued to lend her wisdom in an advisory capacity as an ex officio member for two years.

Throughout her tenure, Tucker built relationships within the Women’s Division and displayed a genuine passion for the Maryland State Team Matches, both as a player and in an official role, expressing her thrill when Argyle Country Club regained the Women’s State Team title this year. For the past eight years, Tucker has worked at both Men’s and Women’s Championships in various capacities, including as a scorer, greeting all players, a hole official assisting at specific holes, a group official guiding multiple groups during their rounds, and as a match referee helping opponents as needed. Notably, one of her favorite volunteer roles is as a starter, where she excels alongside esteemed starters like MSGA Board Members and volunteers Jack Barse and Rebecca Krimski.

Tucker’s exceptional contributions to amateur golf in Maryland, coupled with a steadfast commitment to promoting the game, make her truly deserving of this award. Her unwavering dedication and countless hours spent supporting this beloved sport are commendable and worthy of the Distinguished Service Award recognition.

---

Scholarship Honorees

The Maryland State Golf Association Scholarship was established in 2006 for exclusively charitable and educational purposes, including the award of 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.

Sady Shafie, a senior at Damascus High School, has a passion for both golf and academics. Having started playing golf at the age of six, she plans to continue her athletic journey by competing at the collegiate level while pursuing a degree in a STEM field, with interests in chemistry, engineering, or environmental science.

Jack Gladfelter, a freshman at the University of Maryland, is pursuing a degree in electrical engineering. Having started playing golf at a young age, he has developed valuable life skills, including patience and perseverance, which have shaped both his athletic and academic pursuits. With a deep commitment to his studies, he plans to gain hands-on experience through internships that allow him to stay local and make a difference in his community.

Nicole Chovanec, a senior at Severna Park High School, has a strong commitment to both academics and athletics. Raised with a deep appreciation for hard work and discipline, she has always prioritized her education while excelling on the golf course. As she transitions to college, she plans to pursue a career in physical therapy, continuing to compete in golf while gaining hands-on experience in her field.

The following students had their MSGA scholarships renewed: Kaden Jones and Seth Lindt

---

The David King Scholarship is awarded annually to a deserving student in the amount of $3,000. The scholarship is funded by a financial gift from Dave King to the MSGA. Mr. King won the Maryland Amateur (1969 & 1971), Mid-Amateur (1987), Senior Amateur (1999), three Mixed Two-Balls, and was a member of three Bethesda CC State Championship Teams.

Skyler Xue, a senior at Montgomery Blair High School, was introduced to golf at age seven through the First Tee, an experience that fostered both personal and academic growth. Combining his interests in golf and technology, he developed an award-winning AI-powered golf caddie. He has contributed over 600 hours of community service through the First Tee and safety initiatives. He aspires to a career in sports analysis, integrating his expertise in STEM and athletics to drive a meaningful impact.

---

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 majoring in or intending to major in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields, with a preference for those studying computer science and engineering.

Lila Becker, a freshman at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, is currently on the golf team. She has been an active participant throughout her junior golf days with the MSGA and hopes to continue showcasing her talents in college. Lila’s interest in aviation stems from her five years of volunteering with the Howard County Squadron Civil Air Patrol, where she has earned the rank of Chief Master Sergeant.

---

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

John Mallinowski, a senior at Leonardtown High School, aims to earn a degree in mechanical engineering or physics while competing in college golf. A recent Eagle Scout, he combines his passion for golf, inspired in part by his father’s career as a PGA professional. He hopes to one day design and manufacture golf clubs, blending his interests in science and the sport. Through his work at Ocean Pines Golf Club and involvement in MSGA events, he’s committed to upholding the values of the game and positively representing the MSGA at the next level.

---

The Emmet Gary Scholarship is sponsored by the MSGA in the amount of $12,000, in addition to the MSGA Scholarships, which are presented annually to agronomy students at the University of Maryland. Many of the students have become golf course superintendents in Maryland and across the country.

Owen Scott, a sophomore Plant Science student at the University of Maryland from Mount Airy, MD. He is interning this summer at Whiskey Creek Golf Club.

---

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

Makenna Hill, a senior at Poolesville High School, has a passion for golf that began when she first picked up a club as a child. Over the years, golf has taught her how to stay calm under pressure, set goals, and push through challenges. As she prepares for college, the lessons from her golf journey continue to shape her mindset, instilling a strong sense of determination that will guide her in her academic and future career aspirations.

Katie Barrett, a senior at Sherwood High School and a dual-enrollment student at Montgomery College. Balancing this has taught her to manage her time effectively, stay focused, and push herself to her full potential. After reconnecting with golf through her dad’s work, she earned a spot on the High School Varsity team and committed herself fully to the sport.

Sarah Song, a senior at Eastern Technical High School, has a passion for golf, which has taught her valuable life lessons in patience, diligence, and integrity. These qualities drive his goal of pursuing a career in healthcare, where she hopes to combine her love for science with helping others. She believes that a college education will not only provide knowledge but also critical skills like adaptability and resilience.

---

The Andy Tignanelli Memorial Scholarship is funded by Bill Tignanelli 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 to one male and one female student.

Viktoria Dorn, a senior at Salisbury University, is studying Marketing and Information Systems. She developed an interest in marketing through her time working at Peaceful Petals, a small flower shop. During high school, Viktoria played on the varsity softball team and participated in theater. Viktoria is focused on completing her degree and securing a job to one day repay everything her parents have done to help her reach her current position.

Adam Green, a sophomore at Towson University, is a Business major who will also be playing on the university’s golf team. He took it upon himself to prepare for his future by taking four college courses in high school to help manage the student-athlete workload he was anticipating. In high school, Adam won the county championship three years in a row and placed second in the state championship during his senior year.

---

2025 MSGA Champions

The MSGA would also like to recognize each of its 2025 champions.

Men’s Championships:

• 2025 Maryland Men’s State Team Championship: Baltimore Country Club
• 30th Maryland Senior Four-Ball: Marc Ehudin and Walter Jew (Norbeck Country Club)
• 104th Maryland Amateur: Bennett Espenshade (Elkridge Club)
• 101st Maryland Junior Amateur: Will Gregware (Crofton Country Club)
• 84th Maryland Father-Son: Andrew and Evan Barbin (Chesapeake Bay Golf Club)
• 104th Maryland Open: Benton Weinberg (p) (TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm)
• 104th Maryland Open – Harry Pitt Low Amateur: Evan Barbin (Chesapeake Bay Golf Club)
• 39th Maryland Mid-Amateur: Kevin Grady (Rolling Road Golf Club)
• 66th Maryland Four-Ball: Bart Mease and Benjamin Warnquist (Manor Country Club)
• 107th DC Amateur: Jake Griffin (Argyle Country Club)
• 97th Maryland Senior Amateur: Todd Williams (Montgomery Country Club)
• 2025 Maryland Senior State Team Championship: Hayfields Country Club
• 26th Maryland Senior Open: Kenny Smith (a) (Beaver Creek Country Club)

Women’s Championships:

• 29th Maryland Women’s State Team Championship: Argyle Country Club
• 48th Maryland Girls’ Junior Amateur: Zoe Cusack (Congressional Country Club)
• 104th Maryland Women’s Amateur: Cameron Freund (Congressional Country Club)
• 57th Maryland Women’s Senior Amateur: Mary Leahy (Norbeck Country Club)
• 18th Maryland Women’s Mid-Amateur: Sarah Spicer-Baldwin (Argyle Country Club)
• 2025 Maryland Mixed Two-Ball: Mary Leahy and Andrew Mlynarski (Norbeck Country Club/MSGA eClub)
• 32nd Maryland Two-Women Championship: Sarah Spicer-Baldwin and Jessica Spicer (Argyle Country Club/USGA-Maryland DC GC)
• 26th Maryland Women’s Open: Hailey Katona (a) (Green Mountain National Golf Course, Rutland, Vt.)

Team Championships:

• Poindexter Cup: Virginia
• Mid-Atlantic Challenge: The Carolinas
• Mid-Atlantic Junior Invitational: West Virginia Golf Association
• Senior Challenge: Golf Association of Philadelphia

The MSGA would like to thank the staff and membership at Lakewood Country Club for their hospitality and for allowing us to host the 2025 MSGA Annual Meeting at their club.

MSGA Mission

To serve, grow, and advance the game of golf in Maryland and the District of Columbia.