Gene Westmoreland (2008)

In 2008, Gene Westmoreland retired from his full-time position at the MGA after years of serving in the tournament department and as Senior Director of Rules & Competitions. Before his retirement, he was most fittingly presented with that year’s Distinguished Service Award.

Gene Westmoreland is arguably the person primarily responsible for cultivating the MGA’s reputation as one of the nation’s premier tournament organizations.  His unparalleled leadership and his respect for the game and the Rules made Westmoreland a special, integral part of the MGA.

Born and raised in Westchester, Westmoreland took a keen interest in the game and its rules and etiquette. He attended Pace University and coached tthere (varsity baseball and basketball) for 14 years after graduation. He eventually rose to the position of Athletic Director and is a member of the Pace Athletic Hall of Fame.

In 1978, Westmoreland became a member of the MGA’s field team, helping conduct on-site activities at tournaments. He quickly impressed with his knowledge of the game and his superb organization skills, and in 1980 was hired to run the tournament department. Fitting perfectly in this position, Westmoreland is renowned for his calm demeanor and personal touch. He always knows the majority of MGA’s tournament competitors by name, and during his tenure had extraordinary talent for scheduling events at the finest courses.

In his time, he played a critical role in the acquisition of the Ike Championship, as well as other events such as the Public Links and Women’s Public Links. He also oversaw the creation of the MGA Mid-Amateur in 2007, where the trophy was named in his honor.

As a national respected authority on the Rules of Golf, Gene has also served on the Rules Committee for several USGA Champions and continues still today to devote his time to work with the MGA.