MSGA Executive Director, Bill Smith, was awarded the USGA’s Ike Grainger Award for his 25 years of service to the Association at the USGA Annual Meeting in Miami Beach, Florida on Saturday, February 3rd. Smith was President of the Maryland State Golf Association in 1994, Secretary from 1997-2000, and Treasurer in 2001 before being hired as the Executive Director in 2002 and has served on the Regional Associations Committee since his Presidency. During his time on the Regional Associations Committee, Bill volunteered for the Rules Committee at a number of USGA Championships, including the 1999 U.S. Open at Pinehurst, 2002 U.S. Open at Bethpage, 2005 U.S. Open at Pinehurst, and 2006 U.S. Open at Winged Foot, to name a few. Bill has also officiated local and regional qualifiers for USGA Opens, Amateurs, and Senior Amateurs over the years.
The award honors the legacy of Isaac B. Grainger, who served as USGA president from 1954-1955 and was one of the leading authorities on the Rules of Golf with the R&A in 1951. Mike Davis, USGA CEO commented that “these extraordinary individuals are committed to leading with impact in their communities. The USGA is proud to recognize them for their achievements and contributions to the game.”
