November 9, 2016

The Georgia State Golf Association announces that Matt Vanderpool has been named its new Executive Director. Vanderpool will begin his duties with the Association on December 1, 2016.

In his new role, Vanderpool will oversee the Association's staff of 14, which carries out various services that benefit GSGA member golf clubs and individual golfers across the state. As Executive Director, he will be charged with developing a strategic plan that adapts to golf's changing industry, identifying creative ways to grow the game in Georgia, and leading collaborative efforts among Georgia's golf organizations.

"We are thrilled about Matt becoming our new Executive Director," said GSGA president Dave Ballard. "Matt is highly regarded in the golf industry for his leadership, and we know the GSGA and golfers across the state will benefit from his passion for the game to lead us into the future."

Vanderpool comes to the GSGA from the Tennessee Golf Association, where he has served as Executive Director since 2008.

A native of Middle Tennessee, Vanderpool began working at Golf House Tennessee in 1997. He has held multiple positions within the Tennessee Golf Association and the Tennessee Golf Foundation, including USGA Boatwright Intern, Manager of Administration and Website Development and Assistant Executive Director. Vanderpool graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Middle Tennessee State University.

"The GSGA is one of the strongest and most well-respected golf associations in the country, and I am extremely excited for this opportunity to lead such an incredible organization," said Vanderpool. "I look forward to working with the GSGA staff and board of directors to further build upon the many accomplishments that have occurred over the last century to ensure that the game of golf in Georgia remains strong and healthy for future generations."

About the Georgia State Golf Association 
Founded in 1916, the Georgia State Golf Association (GSGA) received its official charter on June 24, 1924.  Since that date, the GSGA has grown to one of the largest state amateur golf associations in the country, with nearly 340 member clubs and 75,000 individual members.  With a mission to promote and preserve amateur golf in the state of Georgia, GSGA offers a computerized handicapping service, course rating and measuring, and annually conducts a full schedule of statewide competitions for men and women of all age groups.  Other services include a summer-long junior sectional program, award-winning Golf Georgia magazine, membership recognition and rewards programs, management of the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame and a charitable foundation administering two college scholarship programs.