MGA NAMES NEW WOMEN’S GOLF MANAGER

EDINA, Minn. (May 29, 2024) - The Minnesota Golf Association (MGA) has announced the hiring of Holly Noble as its Women's Golf Manager, effective May 20. Noble, 37, of Richfield, Minn., will be responsible for the administration of MGA's women's championships, USGA qualifiers, events and special programs. She will liaison with the MGA Women's Committee and will work closely with MGA staff, volunteers and club representatives to promote participation among female golfers.

“Holly's playing, coaching, and non-profit leadership experience make her a great fit for this role. We anticipate her bringing a fresh perspective that will enhance the experience for beginner and championship golfers alike. Most importantly, Holly has demonstrated a passion and enthusiasm for using golf as a vehicle to improve lives,” said Jon Mays, MGA executive director and COO.

Noble, who was recently inducted to the Owatonna High School's Athletics Hall of Fame, was introduced to the game thanks to her father who persuaded the local country club to waive a restriction on access for juniors. Golf and family memories run deep for Noble, but it was hockey that brought her to the University of St. Thomas, where she played in more than 40 games as a freshman and sophomore. As a golfer at St. Thomas, she earned the MIAC Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year honors, and set a conference record for lowest individual score in MIAC tournament history.

Noble earned both an undergraduate degree and a Master of Arts in International Leadership at the University of St. Thomas. Presently, she is the head coach of the Richfield High School Girls' Junior Varsity and the Holy Angels Girls' Varsity golf teams. Although in different sections, the schools share the same Tri-Metro conference and similar schedules. Not coincidently, Noble's combined coaching and team-building approach reflects a conference-wide initiative among athletic directors to create better competitive experiences for all athletes. Holy Angels earned a berth at the State tournament in 2023 for the first time in school history, and was one of the reasons why Noble was named Section 4AA Coach of the Year.

She replaces Kris Oftedahl, who is leaving the MGA to return to teaching at Hill Murray High School in St. Paul, Minn.

About the MGA
Established in 1901, with the formation by seven golf clubs to organize the state's most prestigious and storied golf championship, the MGA Amateur Championship, the Minnesota Golf Association is today the governing body over amateur golf in the state, responsible for administering the Rules of Golf, and committed to upholding and promoting the game of golf and its values for all golfers in Minnesota.

The MGA conducts 23 amateur championships and 14 USGA qualifying events each year. Thanks to the support of its member clubs and associate members and the efforts of its volunteers and staff, the MGA provides a variety of services such as handicapping, course rating and measuring, an online golf news and information resource, www.mngolf.org, and an official publication, Minnesota Golfer magazine, which benefit all golfers throughout Minnesota.