Indiana Golf Association (IGA) and Indiana Golf Foundation (IGF) proudly announce the appointment of esteemed golf enthusiasts Skip Runnels and Gina Giacone as Presidents to their respective boards. Additionally, Lynne Damer’s groundbreaking election as the first female IGA officer and subsequent ascension to the role of President heralds a new chapter of inclusivity and progress within the Indiana golfing community.
Richmond’s Skip Runnels takes over the helm of the IGA board with a wealth of experience and a profound commitment to advancing the sport in Indiana. Reflecting on his journey, Skip expressed, “After playing collegiate golf, my competitive days of tournament golf were essentially over for a lengthy period of time! Eventually, the desire to compete became something I wanted to do and the IGA filled that void for me!”
His journey with the IGA has included a successful playing career but also a commitment to give back to the game. The Indiana Golf Hall of Fame member has been on the IGA Board for over 25 years and will serve as IGA President for the next 2 years.
The IGA stands as one of the 59 allied golf associations recognized by the USGA. With a mission to promote the game of golf while upholding its traditions and integrity, the IGA aims to foster involvement, educate players, and ensure fair competitive opportunities for all Indiana amateur golfers. Additionally, the IGA serves as the hub for managing the USGA handicap and course rating system, acting as a central resource for golfing rules, and organizing amateur championships catering to both men and women.
Gina Giacone’s appointment as the first female president of the Indiana Golf Foundation marks a historic moment for the organization. Sharing her thoughts on the opportunity, Gina stated, “It is an honor to be the first female president of the IGF, and a bit of a full-circle moment. Golf is a game that has given to me at every stage of my life. It gave me an outlet for my competitive spirit as a kid, it gave me a job when I worked at my local course, it helped pay for my college when I played on the team at SIU, and it has allowed me to meet so many people when I moved to Indianapolis for my job. I think it is important to give back to the community, and the Indiana Golf Foundation allows me to give back in so many ways – not only with my involvement on the board of directors, but also as an assistant coach in the First Tee program.”
The IGF focuses on junior golf-related programs, including the First Tee-Indiana, which is a national youth development organization. Their junior tour reaches over 1200 kids annually, offering more than 70 competitive events, including the Boys and Girls State Junior Championships. Additionally, the IGF offers several scholarship programs and has awarded over $600,000 in scholarships since 1994.
Lynne Damer’s election as the first female IGA officer and eventual presidency symbolizes a monumental step forward in the organization’s history. Reflecting on her election, Lynne remarked, “Being elected as the first female IGA officer is an extreme honor and responsibility.”
Furthermore, Lynne’s extensive involvement with the Indiana Golf Foundation underscores her commitment to the holistic development of the sport. Her instrumental role in the design of the new golf headquarters, The Pete and Alice Dye Indiana Golf Center, reflects her dedication to showcasing the rich history and promising future of golf in Indiana. Simply put, “The future of golf is bright and I’m eager to expand my role in supporting both organizations.”
As Skip, Gina, and Lynne assume their roles within the boards of the IGA and the IGF, they bring with them a shared commitment to advancing the sport of golf in Indiana. Together with their fellow board members, they will work tirelessly to foster a culture of inclusivity, excellence, and growth within the Indiana golfing community.