Golf notes, Jan. 13: Steve Fuller elected SCGA president
The S.C. Golf Association doesn't necessarily need a strong quarterback, but it's getting one as its new president.
Bluffton's Steve Fuller, the former Clemson All-American who also has a Super Bowl ring, was elected to the post at the association's annual meeting last weekend. He moves into the top spot after two years as vice president.
"There's not a lot to it," Fuller said Wednesday, a soft chuckle in his voice.
"Our paid staff is one of the best in the country and has been recognized as that by several golf (outlets). They do a really good job with running tournaments, maintaining the handicap structure, doing the charitable work of the foundation."
Fuller's role will be more as a liaison to the SCGA's 283 member clubs, offering the association's support and resources where needed. One of the industry's pressing issues, he noted, is bringing more millennials to the game.
"One of our biggest tasks is to make sure that generation fills in (for aging golfers) and make sure that pipeline stays secure," he said.
More than 57,000 golfers are SCGA members.
Fuller, 59, has made the Lowcountry his home for more than a quarter-century, moving here shortly after retiring from the NFL. He works as a development partner with Colleton River Plantation and was first elected to the SCGA's executive board in 2004.
"You work on the general board for 10 or 11 years," he said, "and then you either get off or you get into the officers' group. I kind of worked my way up from there."
In addition, Bluffton's Mike Murphy and Dataw Island's Larry Beidelman were re-elected to another year on the SCGA board. The proceedings also recognized the association's year-end award winners, with Players Amateur champion Matt NeSmith honored as its Player of the Year.
LOVE WINS GWAA HONORS
Davis Love III, who counts five Heritage tartan jackets among his 21 PGA Tour victories, has been named by the Golf Writers Association of America as this year's recipient of its ASAP Sports/Jim Murray Award for goodwill with the media.
Love, who made headlines last summer when he won the Wyndham Championship at age 51, said he learned from his late father to cultivate good relations with reporters.
"He told me that if you make friends with reporters, you'll feel comfortable when you have to talk to them," said Love, whose easygoing manner came in handy as he fielded tough questions at the 2012 Ryder Cup after his U.S. roster squandered a four-point lead on the final day.
Love, named to a second term as U.S. Ryder Cup captain this year, will receive his award in April at the GWAA's annual awards dinner in Augusta.
ACES & ALBATROSSES
This story was originally published January 14, 2016 at 1:18 AM with the headline "Golf notes, Jan. 13: Steve Fuller elected SCGA president."