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Thompson teesoff "Alabama's Golf Insider" teesoff Thompson teesoff 2.4.16 In recognition of the milestone of recently reaching my 150th issue, I'm pleased to offer a special "Lifetime" subscription offer of $100 for 10 years of issues! That's right, this special offer is available now and will mean you won't have to pay $30 annually, but rather a one-time payment of $100 for up to 10 years of issues. This option is available when you click the Subscribe Now! button. Click our Icon to Subscribe! Long-time Alabama Golf Association Executive Director Buford McCarty retired at the end of 2015, with Andy Priest assuming the role in November. Saturday night there was a retirement party held in McCarty's honor at Hoover Country Club. A large crowd was there to wish McCarty and his wife Marsha well as they head into retirement. The Alabama Golf Association has been in ex- istence since 1915, but it was not until December 1985 that its rst paid executive director was hired. McCarty was in the job for right at 30 years. His mark has been immense. The State Amateur Championship began in 1915 and will celebrate 100 years in June (it was not played for two years during World War I). The State Junior began in 1946 and the State Four Ball in 1983. Former Alabama Golf Association Executive Director Buford McCarty's Retirement Party All other championships have been added under McCarty's watch. They are the State Mid- Amateur (started in 1989); State Senior Four Ball (started in 1995); State Net (started in 1996, but discontinued a few years later); State Senior Ama- teur (started in 1998); and State Match Play (start- ed in 2001). Of course, the AGA has also run the ve wom- en's state championship since 2010 when the Women's Alabama Golf Association merged with the AGA to form one entity. The AGA also runs and/or o ciates at count- less other events including the State High School championships and prominent college events such as the Jerry Pate National Intercollegiate and the Shoal Creek Invitational hosted by Graeme Mc- Dowell, plus all area USGA quali ers. Marsha and Buford McCarty at the recent Alabama Golf Association retirement party held in Buford's honor. Wanda Gilliland, Assistant Director for the Alabama High School Athletic Association and Buford McCarty.