Donald J. Hendler (2014)

Donald J. Hendler received the 2014 Distinguished Service Award after years of devotion and service to the MGA and LIGA. He served as the MGA President in 2005 – 06 and held positions on both the MGA and LIGA executive committees, tirelessly working to improve financial areas of both associations.

Hendler learned golf from a young age, playing at Cold Spring CC on Long Island and eventually at Franklin and Marshall College, where he earned a spot on the golf team despite not playing competitively in high school. Once he graduated, Hendler served in the New York Air National Guard, as his parents instilled in him a responsibility to serve and give back in whatever ways he could. After serving, Hendler worked his way up and became president of Levitan, North America’s largest manufacturer and supplier of electronic wiring devices.

On top of his successful career, Hendler continued to devote service to the game he loved. He began volunteering at LIGA events in the 80s, eventually joining the LIGA executive committee and involving himself with their Caddie Scholarship Fund- working to rebuild its financial structure, develop new fundraising initiatives and expanding scholarship opportunities.

In 1991, the MGA invited Hendler to serve on the Tournament Committee and within a year he was asked to Join the MGA Executive Committee because of his expertise in all areas of business operations and intense understanding of the game from both the player and administrative side.

In 2005, he was appointed MGA President.  His presidency was one of great activity and growth particularly in the area of the MGA Foundation, which saw the great expansion of The First Tee of Metropolitan New York and the GOLFWORKS student intern program, both key Foundation initiatives that impact the lives of thousands of young people each year, and he moved the MGA’s Capital Campaign forward in its effort to reach its $5 million dollar goal.

Hendler still remains devoted to the MGA, LIGA and on is on the board of the Long Island Caddie Scholarship Fund in the years after his presidency.