USGA Comes To Aid Of Golf Associations Affected By Hurricanes Katrina, Rita


December 7, 2005

By , USGA

Far Hills, N.J. - The devastation created by Hurricanes Katrina and this past August and September was of monumental proportions. The images from New Orleans and other Mississippi and Louisiana Gulf Coast towns of the destruction remain indelible. Thousands of individuals have been displaced and many will never return to their homes or businesses.

But the generosity of millions of people is helping to get the region back on its feet, and the golf world is no exception.

The Mississippi Golf Association was forced to cancel a state championship that was scheduled Sept. 10-11 at Windance Country Club on the Gulf Coast. Another major event, the Bill Cass Senior Four-Ball held Sept. 16-18 in northern Mississippi, saw its participation numbers severely decline. Some courses in the state haven't even reopened, and a few more lost valuable handicapping computer hardware. Rounds and memberships have declined due to lack of disposable income.

The USGA recognized this financial hardship and agreed to assist the MGA, which derives its annual income from member clubs and tournaments, along with the Louisiana Golf Association during this time of need.

"We are so appreciative of the USGA's willingness to support us in this manner," said Carr McCalla, the executive director of the Louisiana Golf Association and the president of the International Association of Golf Administrators, in an e-mail. "Thanks so much for the USGA's support, most assuredly in this instance, but for all the organization does on behalf of the game."