Ron Van Buskirk will be honored with the Iowa Golf Association's George Turner Distinguished Service Award on Friday, April 5th. The Turner award recognizes outstanding contributions to golf in Iowa by volunteers.
For many years there was often only one contestant on IGA Championship scoreboards with the town “Sioux City” behind the name. That name was Ron Van Buskirk. When the new IGA office opened in the Des Moines area in 2002 Ron had just been elected Secretary. We could always count on him to be at every meeting and most events.
Ron’s dedication and loyalty to the IGA was key component that led to greater participation and inclusion for golfers and clubs on the “West Coast” of Iowa. Ron’s six years as an IGA officer were filled with change and some volatility. His steadfast leadership and belief in the mission helped to make the association better and stronger.
Ron served as IGA President for almost three years from 2004 to 2006. During that tenure the IGA Board moved to change the bylaws in order to strengthen the membership and provide broader and better services to the golf clubs and golfers of Iowa. Ron’s influence led the IGA to taking the Iowa Amateur to Sioux City in 2006, the first IGA Championship held there in three decades! Because of his commitment to the IGA we now see many more names with western Iowa towns on our scoreboards. |
