About

Making South Dakota Golf Better

The mission of the South Dakota Golf Association is to foster, promote, and conserve the true spirit and the best interest of the game of golf in the state of South Dakota, as embodied in its ancient and honorable traditions. The SDGA conducts 21 Championships, sponsors two regional junior golf tours for junior golfers ages 8 to 18, and oversees several USGA Qualifiers. Over 95 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™.

  • SDGA Junior Golf Foundation

    The SDGA Junior Golf Foundation oversees First Tee — South Dakota and awards scholarships to graduating high school seniors.

  • Growing The Game

    The SDGA, through our efforts and by supporting our member clubs, is continually striving to improve the game of golf in South Dakota. We thank the members of our association for their support which enables us to provide our programs and services.

Volunteer/Serve

There are many ways that you can help the SDGA in our mission to administer quality events, provide services to our member clubs, and help grow the game. If you are looking to give back to the game, click this link: VOLUNTEER/SERVE

SDGA STAFF

Executive Director / CEO
Tom Jansa, PGA

Chief Operating Officer
Joel McCartney 

Course Rating, Handicap Administration, & Member Services                  

Director of Competitions
Dean Zahn, PGA

SDGA Interns

Currently Accepting Applications for 2025 CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

SDGA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

  • President
    Bruce Ashland
    Rapid City
    2nd Term – 2027
  • Vice President
    Karla Cotton
    Sioux Falls
    2nd Term – 2027
  • Secretary
    Ryan Messick
    Sioux Falls
    2nd Term – 2026

Board Members

  • Jackie Witlock
    ABERDEEN
    2nd Term – 2025
  • Morgan Johnson
    Watertown
    1st Term – 2027
  • Royaune Jasinski
    rapid city
    1st Term – 2026
  • Kelly Farrar
    Rapid City
    2nd Term – 2027
  • Ben Irlbeck
    Elk Point
    1st Term – 2025
  • John Hime
    Sioux Falls
    1st Term – 2027
  • Jim Lather
    Sioux Falls
    2nd Term – 2025
  • Ryan Messick
    Rapid City
    2nd Term – 2026
  • Jeff Salter
    Rapid City
    1st Term – 2025
  • Brandon Sigmund
    Mitchell
    2nd Term – 2027
  • Sam Olson
    Sioux Falls
    1st Term – 2027
  • Josh Wendling
    JEFFERSON
    1st TERM – 2026
  • Jason Crisp, PGA
    PGA ADVISOR
    SIOUX FALLS
    2026
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SDGA JUNIOR GOLF FOUNDATION STAFF

CEO
SDGA Jr Golf Foundation &
First Tee — South Dakota
Julie Jansa

Operations Director
First Tee — South Dakota
Kelli Sinksen

SDGA JUNIOR GOLF FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

  • President
    Chris Thornton
    Sioux Falls
  • Vice President
    Kristy Griffin
    Sioux Falls
  • Secretary
    Jordan Anderson
    Sioux Falls
  • Treasurer
    Jay Huizenga
    Sioux Falls

Board Members

  • Christie Aberson
    Sioux Falls
  • Jordan Anderson
    Sioux Falls
  • Karla Murra
    SDGA Vice President
    Rapid City
  • Kelly Farrar
    SDGA
    Sioux Falls
  • Greg Heiberger
    Brookings
  • Glen Herrick
    Sioux Falls
  •  
  • Jack Hieb
    Aberdeen
  • Tommy Johnson
    Sioux Falls
  • Kate Patrick
    Sioux Falls
  • Bruce Ashland
    SDGA President
    Rapid City
  • Rich Wells
    Rapid City
  • Tom Jansa, PGA
    SDGA Executive Director
    Sioux Falls