Tom Ryan and Ed Gowan Honored as IAGA Distinguished Service Award Recipients

The International Association of Golf Administrators (IAGA), a trade organization representing golf associations across North America, announced September 16 that Tom Ryan and Ed Gowan will be honored as recipients of the 2025 IAGA Distinguished Service Award, during the IAGA Annual Conference scheduled for November 3–6 at Horseshoe Bay Resort near Austin, Texas. The DSA recognizes individuals who have made a meaningful and lasting impact on their golf community, and who exemplify the highest standards of professionalism, leadership, innovation, mentorship, collaboration, and communication. 

"I couldn't be more proud and humbled to receive the IAGA Distinguished Service Award. Being nominated by the MGA staff and volunteer leadership and being supported by my colleagues across the country is very special. It's a high honor and I'm very grateful," Ryan said.  

Ryan retired in October 2023 after serving 21 years as the MGA’s executive director and chief operating officer. During his tenure, he guided the organization through pivotal decades for the golf industry, leading with resilience, strategic vision, and collaboration. Under his watch, the MGA hosted three statewide strategic planning summits, produced two economic impact studies, and implemented innovative solutions to modern challenges—including revamping the club membership model and addressing internet discount programs. With his guidance, the MGA established a foundation and launched one of the nation’s most active player development initiatives in Youth on Course MN. His leadership was instrumental during the COVID-19 pandemic and working hand-in-hand with state officials and golf industry stakeholders to secure golf’s early reopening in Minnesota. He also played a pivotal role in the merging of the Minnesota’s women’s golf associations with the MGA, fostering a stronger, more unified golf community. On a national level, Ryan served as president of the IAGA strengthening collaboration between the organization, the USGA and state and regional golf associations across the country.

Ed Gowan, a former executive director of the Arizona Golf Association (AGA) who was elected to the Arizona Golf Hall of Fame in 2024, served the amateur game for more 36 years until his retirement in 2021. Gowan modernized the AGA by integrating the USGA’s Handicap and Course Rating systems into Arizona, improving access to GHIN services. He also founded the Arizona Golf Foundation and co-founded the Patriot All-America Invitational, a nationally respected collegiate event that honors fallen U.S. military heroes.

His influence extended far beyond Arizona. A two-time President of the IAGA, Gowan also served on the USGA’s Rules of Golf and Regional Affairs committees, where he helped rewrite the Rules of Golf in 1984 and officiated at more than 130 USGA championships, including 35 U.S. Opens.