Making South Dakota golf better
Since 1921 the SDGA has been dedicated to serving golfers and advancing the game by promoting fair competition, preserving its traditions, and providing opportunities that strengthen golf across the state.
The SDGA conducts 30 Championships, hosts the statewide SDGA Junior Tour for junior golfers ages 8 to 18, and oversees several USGA Qualifiers. The SDGA administers the GHIN handicap system and conducts course ratings for member clubs. The SDGA Junior Golf Foundation awards college scholarships, supports Team SD as part of the US National Development Program, and impacts 30,000 young people through First Tee — South Dakota.
Over 90 clubs and more than 15,000 individuals are members of the SDGA.
Handicapping
The SDGA is authorized by the USGA to administer the World Handicap System™ and to issue Course Ratings™.
Learn more →
SDGA Junior Golf Foundation
The Foundation oversees First Tee — South Dakota and awards scholarships to graduating high school seniors.
Learn more →
Growing the game
Through our efforts and by supporting our member clubs, the SDGA continually strives to improve the game of golf in South Dakota.
Volunteer / Serve
There are many ways to help the SDGA administer quality events, serve member clubs, and grow the game.
SDGA staff
Chief Operating Officer
Joel McCartney
Course Rating, Handicap Administration & Member Services · joel@sdga.org
SDGA interns
Metro / Southeast
Will Suing, Justin Payer, Brock Henning, Camden Elliott, Logan Collette, Sophie Jansa
Northeast
Hayley Wirebaugh, Chloe Vikander, Addison Gage
West
Tanna Phares, Rylan Horning, Hayden Heig, Quinn Lewison, Leo Daiss
SDGA Board of Directors
President
Karla Cotton
Sioux Falls · 2nd term – 2027
Vice President
Ryan Messick
Rapid City · 2nd term – 2028
Secretary
Ben Irlbeck
Elk Point · 2nd term – 2028
Past President
Bruce Ashland
Rapid City
Board Member
Morgan Johnson
Watertown · 1st term – 2027
Board Member
Royaune Jasinski
Rapid City · 1st term – 2026
Board Member
Kelly Farrar
Rapid City · 2nd term – 2027
Board Member
Chris Long
Presho · 1st term – 2028
Board Member
John Hime
Sioux Falls · 1st term – 2027
Board Member
Natalie Young
Pierre · 1st term – 2028
Board Member
Jeff Salter
Rapid City · 2nd term – 2028
Board Member
Brandon Sigmund
Mitchell · 2nd term – 2027
Board Member
Sam Olson
Sioux Falls · 1st term – 2027
Board Member
Josh Wendling
Jefferson · 1st term – 2026
Board Member
Ryan Trasamar
Sioux Falls · 2nd term – 2028
PGA Advisor
Jason Crisp, PGA
Sioux Falls · 2nd term – 2027
SDGA Junior Golf Foundation staff
Junior Golf Foundation Board of Directors
President
Kristy Griffin
Sioux Falls
Vice President
Jordan Anderson
Sioux Falls
Secretary
Glen Herrick
Sioux Falls
Treasurer
Jay Huizenga
Sioux Falls
Board Member
Christie Aberson
Sioux Falls
Board Member
Jared Schnabel
Aberdeen
Board Member
Sam Olson
Sioux Falls
Board Member
Greg Heiberger
Brookings
Board Member
Ryan Messick
Sioux Falls
Board Member
Jack Hieb
Aberdeen
Board Member
Tommy Johnson
Sioux Falls
Board Member
Kate Patrick
Sioux Falls
SDGA President
Karla Cotton
Sioux Falls
Board Member
Rich Wells
Rapid City
SDGA Executive Director
Tom Jansa, PGA
Sioux Falls
