President’s Welcome

Sinclair Eaddy, President of the MSGA

A Message from Sinclair Eaddy

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.