“Since November 2015, I have held the privilege of leading the Alabama Golf Association as its Executive Director,” Priest said. “The growth and transformation of the organization has been due to the incredibly hard-working professional staff, unwavering support from the AGA’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors, the generosity of so many volunteers that have given their time and treasure to bettering the association along with our member clubs, and partner organizations. ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ and its wonderful people will always hold a special place in my heart.”
During his tenure, Priest doubled the AGA’s championship program, moved the office to a new headquarters in Hoover, increased membership by 75%, established the Alabama Golf Foundation, introduced a junior golf program, co-founded the Elite Amateur Golf Series, directed the Southern Golf Association day-to-day operations and championships including the Southern Amateur, served as head rules official for the SEC Men’s Golf Championship and officiated several major events including USGA championships, Masters Tournament and Augusta National Women’s Amateur. Priest also served two terms on the 12-member Allied Golf Association (AGA) Council who works closely with the USGA regarding AGA/USGA relations.
“The Executive Committee and I are disappointed to see Andy go,” said AGA President, Walker Grant. “But, we are filled with sincere gratitude for his excellent leadership of the AGA for the past nine years. Andy’s consistent performance and dedication are the pillars of the AGA’s success during his tenure as Executive Director. I would personally like to thank Andy for his relentless efforts and commitment to the organization and wish him the very best in his new endeavor.”
Grant added, “Although Andy will be difficult to replace, the Executive Committee and I are dedicated to finding the next Executive Director to continue the success and future of the AGA.”
The search for the next Alabama Golf Association Executive Director will begin later in July with an anticipated start date this fall.
About the Alabama Golf Association (AGA)
The Alabama Golf Association is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit educational organization founded in 1915 whose mission is to serve and promote amateur golf in Alabama. AGA membership consists of 120 member clubs represented by over 28,000 individuals. The activities and services of the Alabama Golf Association are governed by a Board of Directors consisting of Alabama golfers who wish to serve the game and the association through service. A full-time professional staff of seven individuals handles day-to-day activities.
Based in Hoover, the AGA is the USGA's Allied Golf Association in Alabama conducting national championship qualifying, administering the World Handicap System including the GHIN Handicap service, course & slope rating, and Rules of Golf & Handicapping education. The AGA annually conducts 24 championships; team match competitions for men, women, junior and seniors; AHSAA high school golf championship and the SEC Men's Golf Championship. The AGA manages the Junior Golf Alabama program that is a joint venture between the AGA and Alabama-NW Florida PGA Section.
In addition to competitions, the AGA administers the AGA Scholarship Fund through the Alabama Golf Foundation that is dedicated to assisting young golfers in higher education. Additionally, the Alabama Golf Foundation supports the Youth on Course Alabama program providing facility access to junior golfers and provides funding for the Alabama Turfgrass Research Foundation. In 2016, the AGA earned the Gold Tee Award for “Outstanding Tournament Operations – Small Association” by the International Association of Golf Administrators (IAGA).
Since 1980, the AGA has managed the affairs of the Southern Golf Association which includes conducting the historic Southern Amateur Championship and Southern Junior Championship, in conjunction with the SGA Board of Directors. AGA staff also administers day-to-day operations of the Elite Amateur Golf Series.
For more information about the Alabama Golf Association, visit www.alabamagolf.org.
