- As 2024 draws to a close, Miami Valley Golf reflects on a year of progress, innovation, and impactful investments that have strengthened the game of golf in our community and beyond. Building on golf’s unprecedented growth and momentum, we have taken significant strides to promote sustainability, accessibility, and inclusivity in the game we love.

This year has been truly remarkable for our golf community, both nationally and locally, we continue to see renewed energy around the game, with more people playing and engaging than ever before. From cultivating future leaders to prioritizing sustainability and broadening access to the game, our collective efforts this year have laid a strong foundation for an even brighter future.

2024 Highlights and Exciting Developments

Driving Junior Golf Development and Accessibility

• Partnered with national programs like Youth on Course and Golf, My Future, My Game to introduce young players to the sport, creating meaningful pathways for growth and reaffirming our commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent.
• Collaborated with the Southwest District of the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) to successfully organize District Championships and multiple Sectionals.
• Worked with Ohio’s primary Golf Associations to help Ohio become one of only seven states piloting the State Team Concept, a key initiative of the National Development Program. This month, the inaugural Ohio Team was named, marking an exciting milestone for this initiative.
• Engaged over 1,500 junior golfers in local initiatives, fostering a love for the game and breaking down barriers to entry, ensuring golf remains accessible to all aspiring players.

Providing Foundational Support to the Game

• Course Rating and Measurement: Rated and measured 9% of our member clubs in collaboration with the USGA Course Rating System.
• Membership Services: Expanded services for over 11,000 members in the Miami Valley, including access to the GHIN Handicap Network and Mobile Apps, while partnering with organizations to uphold the system’s integrity, founded on golfers’ personal honesty.
• Growth in Participation: Recorded substantial growth in scores posted and tournament rounds played, reflecting increased community engagement.
• Volunteer Contributions: Celebrated 139 volunteers who dedicated over 590 days of service to course rating, tournaments, and governance.
• Western Amateur at Moraine Country Club: Supported Moraine Country Club in hosting the 122nd Western Amateur, won by Ian Gilligan after the longest match in its history. Local standouts Tyler Goecke, our Player of the Year, and Mikkel Mathiesen, who reached the quarterfinals, also shined.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we look forward to 2025, Miami Valley Golf remains steadfast in our mission to unite the community through golf. Key initiatives include:

• Opening the Golf Next Studio Project at the Premier Health YMCA on Salem Avenue to inspire and engage golfers of all ages.
• Expanding junior golf participation through partnerships and targeted grants via the Golf Next Studio.
• Introducing Doubles Golf to a broader audience, and hosting the inaugural Miami Valley Golf Doubles Championship on Monday, July 28th, at Miami Valley Golf Club.
• Welcoming our 29th Class of Fellows and Interns, which for the first time will including a Youth on Course Fellow to better advance the YOC mission.
• Launching the Best Tee Program in collaboration with the USGA, integrating it into participating facilities and select 2025 events.
• Introducing an Ambassador Program to celebrate individuals making a significant impact on golf in the Miami Valley.
• Collaborating with other Golf Associations in Ohio to leverage resources, strengthen partnerships, and position the game for sustainable growth across the state.

A Heartfelt Farewell and Welcome

As we bid farewell to 2024, we are overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible support of our Volunteer Leadership, whose unwavering dedication makes our mission possible.

We extend a heartfelt thank you to Doug Miller, whose over 20 years of service to golf in the Miami Valley has left an enduring legacy. Doug’s leadership, vision, and passion have elevated Miami Valley Golf and united our community through the game. Doug, your contributions will never be forgotten. From the bottom of our hearts—thank you.

As we honor Doug’s extraordinary tenure, we are thrilled to welcome Dan Sutherly as our new President. Dan’s leadership will carry forward our proud tradition of over 30 years of foundational support for the Miami Valley golf community. Dan, your commitment and vision inspire us, and we look forward to the journey ahead under your guidance.

To all our volunteers, members, member facilities and partners—thank you for being the lifeblood of Miami Valley Golf. Your passion fuels our mission, your efforts make a difference, and your love for the game ensures a vibrant, inclusive future for golf in the Miami Valley.

Here’s to the game we cherish, the community we love, and the bright future we’re shaping together.

With deepest gratitude,

Steve Jurick, PGA
Executive Director/CEO

Miami Valley Golf is a mission-driven organization dedicated to uniting the golf community through foundational programs and initiatives. We support the game by providing handicapping services, course rating, and meaningful playing opportunities while championing philanthropic efforts like Youth on Course, High School Tournament Support, and Golf, My Future, My Game. Our work focuses on advancing the game’s sustainability, accessibility, and inclusivity, fostering wellness and community connection. We are committed to ensuring golf’s enduring impact for current and future generations.