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Lynne Haraway, an SCGA member through Wood Ranch GC, was selected President of the Association at its Annual Meeting, held Thursday at Brookside GC. She succeeds Zack Moran.
Haraway joined the SCGA Board in 2017 following the unification between the Women’s Southern California Golf Association (WSCGA) and the SCGA. A former WSCGA board member, she played a crucial role in the unification process, which brought over 21,000 female golfers and expanded competitive opportunities for women across Southern California.
“I am so looking forward to a busy and fun year, serving the SCGA and our Southern California golf community,” Haraway said. “This organization is extremely professional, respected and ready to meet any challenge or opportunity. We are ready for 2026 and beyond.”
Joining Haraway as 2025-26 SCGA Officers are Vice President Tom Reul, Briarwood GC, Secretary John Fischer, The Los Angeles CC and Treasurer Laurence Stein, Brentwood CC. Haraway will lead a diverse board representing a cross-section of clubs, backgrounds, skills and geography. Also serving on the 2025-26 board are:
Jorge Badel, PGA, South Bay Public Links GC
Bob Baker, Lakewood Men’s GC
Andrew Jones, The Farms
John Kobara, Screaming Eagles GC
Kathy Kurata, Friendly Hills CC
George Mallory, PGA West Private
Bob Osborn, Old Ranch CC
and Immediate Past President Zack Moran, Olivas Links GC.
Also honored at the Annual Meeting were:
Service Awards
Craig Kessler, who received the Lynn Smith Award, is honored for his outstanding contributions and service to amateur golf in Southern California. A former Executive Director and President of the PLGA, Kessler played a pivotal role in its merger with the SCGA and went on to serve as the Association’s Director of Public Affairs from 2011 - 2024. Kessler also served as Executive Director for California Alliance for Golf (CAG).
Joe Burns, who received the Jim House Award, recognizing the work of an exceptional SCGA volunteer. Burns, joined the SCGA in 2016, has become a cornerstone of SCGA Championships, working more than 20 events annually and serving as a Rules Chair – one of the highest volunteer distinctions.
Latham & Watkins, who received the John C. Argue Founder’s Award, which was established to honor SCGA Junior Golf Foundation Founder and former SCGA President John C. Argue and recognize individuals for their continued commitment to the Foundations Mission.
Palm Golf Co., who was honored with the SCGA Junior Golf Foundation Presidents Award for its outstanding commitment to supporting the SCGA Junior Golf Foundation’s mission. Palm Golf has made a lasting impact on young golfers and the Southern California golf community.
Mike Conti, who was rewarded with the Newell Pinch Delegate of the Year Award for his service as an active Club Delegate who has demonstrated exceptional ability in working as a liaison between his club and the SCGA. Conti currently serves as President of the L.A. County Fire Golf Association, continuing his legacy of service and leadership within the golf community.
Tom Richey received the Don Carlson Handicap Chair of the Year Award, recognizing his dedication and leadership in promoting and maintaining the World Handicap System. Beyond his role in the World Handicap System, he supported club operations by assisting with newsletters and implementing Golf Genius to enhance tournament management.
Player of the Year Awards
Matthew Robles was named the 2025 SCGA Player of the Year after an amazing freshman season at Santa Clara University, where he earned West Coast Conference Freshman of the Year honors and posted a 71.52 scoring average. He advanced to the quarterfinals of the California Amateur at Granite Bay, finished T-5.
Katelyn Kong was honored as SCGA Women’s Player of the Year for the first time. The SCGA Junior Alum and sophomore at UC Irvine and led her team with a team best 73.15 scoring average and recorded five top 20 finishes. Kong’s summer started at Erin Hills as she qualified for the U.S. Women’s Open Championship, a dominant win at the California Women’s Amateur, a quarterfinal run at the U.S. Girls’ Junior and a Round of 16 finish at the U.S. Women’s Amateur at Bandon Dunes.
Tim Hogarth, was named the 2025 SCGA Senior Player of the Year, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest amateurs in Southern California. Already a three-time SCGA Player of the Year, Hogarth now adds his third Senior Player of the Year title to an amazing career. His 2025 season features victories at the Ojai, L.A. City and Pasadena Senior championships. He was also victorious in the SCGA Senior Four-Ball Championship, and appearances in both the U.S. Senior Open and U.S. Senior Amateur Championships.
The Senior Women’s Player of the Year award will be decided upon the conclusion of the California Senior Women’s Amateur Championship.
