The International Association of Golf Administrators (IAGA) announced that long-time CGA Executive Director, Jack Nance, has been named a recipient of the 2026 IAGA Distinguished Service Award. The awards will be presented during the 2026 IAGA Annual Conference, taking place November 8–11 at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando, Florida.

IAGA is proud to recognize Nance's exceptional leadership, dedicated service and lasting contributions to the game of golf. Throughout his distinguished careers, he's made a meaningful impact on the Carolinas Golf Association while helping advance the golf industry as a whole.

Jack Nance served the Carolinas Golf Association for more than four decades, including 33 years as Executive Director, establishing the CGA as one of the most respected and largest golf associations in the United States.

Nance grew up in Clinton, N.C., alongside his twin brother and three sisters. His parents, John and Dot Nance, built a house just off the first fairway at Coharie Country Club in 1960, and golf became a constant in the family's life. Jack went on to play for legendary coach Jesse Haddock at Wake Forest University, helping the Demon Deacons finish 10th at the 1982 NCAA Championships at Pinehurst No. 2. He also qualified for the 1980 U.S. Amateur as a player.

After graduating in 1982, Nance spent a year as an assistant coach under Haddock before joining the Carolinas Golf Association in January 1984. He worked in communications, course rating, rules and competitions before being named Executive Director in January 1992.

Under his leadership, the CGA grew from a small regional office with a handful of staff into a 21-employee organization with a $9.1 million budget, more than 700 member clubs and over 200,000 golfers across the Carolinas. Nance's vision was instrumental in constructing the Carolinas Golf House in Southern Pines, which opened in 2014 and gave the association a permanent, centrally located home in the region it serves.

Beyond his work at the CGA, Nance officiated at more than 30 USGA championships, served on many USGA committees, and served as President of the International Association of Golf Administrators. He supported numerous initiatives to advance women's, junior and adaptive golf throughout his career.

Colleagues and peers consistently point to Nance's steady, even-keeled leadership as his defining trait. He is widely regarded as a mentor and ambassador who elevated everyone and everything he touched, building lasting relationships throughout the golf community and mentoring the staff who now carry the CGA forward, including his successor, Andy Priest.

Nance officially retired from the CGA in April 2025, upon his 65th birthday, leaving as his legacy one of the nation's most visible and healthy regional golf associations. He remains involved with the CGA as a volunteer and consultant on select competitions and projects.

Nance lives in Pinehurst with his wife of 36 years, DeAnn. They have two daughters and four grandchildren. He remains active in his church, assists with the local high school golf team and continues to find ways to give back to the community and the game that has been both his career and lifelong passion.

 

About the IAGA Distinguished Service Award   The IAGA Distinguished Service Award honors individuals who have made a meaningful and lasting impact on their golf community at the local, regional, or national level. Recipients exemplify the highest standards of professionalism and demonstrate outstanding leadership, innovation, mentorship, collaboration, and communication. They are champions of knowledge sharing, dedicated service, and the advancement of the game of golf.   About the IAGA   Founded in 1968, the International Association of Golf Administrators (IAGA) is the industry trade organization representing golf associations across North America. Its mission is to advance the game of golf by supporting and developing those who manage and guide it. The IAGA comprises more than 90 member associations, representing nearly 800 industry professionals and over 3 million golfers. Through education, networking, and resources, the IAGA empowers its members to strengthen their organizations and enhance the overall golf experience.