ORLANDO, FL — The Golf Travel Writers of America underwent a leadership change this year, with George McNeilly taking over as its president.
GTWA is a professional organization for golf travel writers, editors, broadcasters and other media professionals who focus on covering golf destinations and the broader golf travel industry. Its mission is to uphold high standards of journalism, share industry expertise and deliver reliable, engaging coverage of golf experiences world-wide.
“No press releases or agency content can match the credibility and authenticity of third-party media that have no vested interest in the success or failure of a golf course, resort or sporting event,’’ McNeilly said. “The most important thing is for our members to respect the history and heritage of our organization.’’
GTWA dates back 21 years when it was a labor of love for the creators, Bruce Vittner and John Edwards. They wanted to create a forum for freelance writers. Golf travel writing has changed a bit since the founding in 2005.
“The landscape continues to change rapidly, as most credible storytellers in media centers or on assignment are not full-time employees,’’ said McNeilly. “I’m not sure those craving amplification for their businesses fully understand the decline in staff and budgets at news organizations and really appreciate the broad reach and dedication of our members.’’
For working media who meet the qualifying criteria, membership provides meaningful benefits, access to a network of experienced peers, opportunities for collaboration, professional development and increased visibility with a dedicated community focused on the craft. It also connects writers with industry partners, tourism groups and destinations.
“That makes GTWA an ideal place to grow professionally, stay informed and strengthen one’s presence in the golf media landscape,’’ said McNeilly. “Everything starts with a conversation. We’re moving into a more modern era, and we also want to be seen as the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval for those who travel and write about a sport we all deeply care for.’’
This year’s transition began with the crafting of revised bylaws and a simple mission statement: `To inform and engage golf fans and participants with integrity wherever the sport is played, watched, attended, written about or visited.’’
Some members suggested that the organization needed a new name, but the majority quickly rejected the idea.
“We’ll always be doing something that involves writing,’’ said McNeilly. “The GTWA is even more relevant, as we distribute on emerging platforms to more people than ever.’’
Incoming vice president Alan Darty, publisher of Golf One Media, led a team that has redesigned the association’s website to better serve the needs of a membership that includes broadcasters, podcasters and credible influencers who share the organization’s mission.
“Golftravelwriters.com is a one-stop hub for golf-related businesses to experience the quality work of our members and to connect with them,’’ Darty said.
McNeilly’s own career experiences should greatly benefit the organization. For the past 14 years he has taught Sports Business at Full Sail University and writes about professional golf and destinations when he’s not in the classroom
Before that he was a senior executive at ESPN for more than a decade after beginning his career as an award-winning multimedia broadcaster, producer and writer with experience from four Olympics, 17 Super Bowls and many of golf’s biggest events.
In addition to McNeilly and Darty the GTWA executive committee includes Dan Vukelich (secretary), Joy Sarver (treasurer) and this writer, as president emeritus. The organization is now based in Orlando, FL. For more information visit http://golftravelwriters.com. Membership information is available there.
“We want to be welcoming,’’ said McNeilly. “So many people are multi-medium now. We’ve got to bring that mindset. The word is continuing to spread. There’s ample opportunities for all contributors to provide value to the audiences and destinations that we’re serving.’’