Carolinas Golf Association Announces Andy Priest as New Executive Director

 

SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. (July 2, 2024) – The Carolinas Golf Association (CGA) announced today that Andy Priest will join the organization in January of 2025 as Executive Director.

 

“We are thrilled that Andy will be returning to his roots in the Carolinas to lead our association into a bright future,” said Rick Riddle, CGA President. “During the process it became clear that Andy’s vast experience with the CGA in his prior 16 years with us, his highly successful run as Executive Director of the Alabama and the Southern Golf Associations, his strong relationship with the USGA and his leadership of the Elite Amateur Golf Series made him the best choice to be our next Executive Director.”

 

Priest started his golf administration career in 1997 as a summer tournament intern for the Carolinas Golf Association after graduating with an MBA from Campbell University. Upon completing the internship, he landed a position with the International Junior Golf Tour based in Hilton Head as its Tournament and Tour Director. In January 2000, he returned to the Carolinas Golf Association where he held four positions over a nearly 16-year stint in tournaments. In July 2015, Priest was named Executive Director of the Alabama Golf Association. While at Alabama, Priest doubled its championship program, increased membership by 75%, established the Alabama Golf Foundation, introduced a junior golf program, co-founded the Elite Amateur Golf Series, directed the Southern Golf Association day-to-day operations, served as head rules official for the SEC Men’s Golf Championship and officiated several major events including USGA championships, the Masters Tournament and Augusta National Women’s Amateur. Priest also served two terms on the 12-member Allied Golf Association (AGA) Council who works closely with the USGA regarding AGA/USGA relations.

 

“I would not be in this position without the incredible support that the Alabama golf community, staff and board provided me over the past 8 1⁄2 years,” said Priest. “To now follow in the footsteps of some of the titans in golf administration that previously led the CGA such as P.J. Boatwright, Clyde Mangum, Hale Van Hoy and one of my closest mentors - Jack Nance - is a remarkable honor and privilege. Having the opportunity to return home to the Carolinas to work with such a talented staff, devoted Executive Committee, dedicated volunteers, and industry partners is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I appreciate the CGA’s leadership for entrusting me with this responsibility.”

 

Current Executive Director Jack Nance, who joined the CGA in 1984 as an assistant and then promoted to Executive Director in 1992, will leave his post at the end of this year.

 

“I have known Andy since his internship with us in 1997," said Nance. "He has been a great leader and innovator in each of his jobs. He knows the CGA well and now will be able to lean on his experience from other golf associations to make the CGA even better. The CGA will be in good hands, and I look forward to making this transition a good one."

 

Priest and his wife, Tiffany, also a former CGA staff member, will move to the Pinehurst area later in the year.