The Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) honored Scott Hovis with the Mal Mayse Distinguished Service Award at the Missouri Golf Association (MGA) Hall of Fame dinner on Monday, June 23.
This prestigious honor is awarded annually to individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment and contributions to interscholastic activities across the state.
A lifelong Missourian and dedicated champion of the sport of golf, Hovis has been a cornerstone of athletic development and advocacy in Missouri for over two decades. His leadership of the MGA since 2005 has left an indelible mark on youth sports and golf access throughout the state.
After graduating from Jefferson City High School in 1992, Hovis earned a golf scholarship to Kansas State University, where he competed collegiately from 1992 to 1996. He later completed his degree at William Woods University in 2000. His post-collegiate career saw him play professionally across multiple tours, further cementing his dedication to the sport.
In 2004, Hovis joined the MGA as junior golf director and was named executive director just a year later. Under his guidance, the MGA has grown from 10 events annually to more than 65. Hovis has prioritized junior golf development, built lasting partnerships with national organizations, and significantly increased Missouri’s visibility in the national golf community.
One of Hovis’ most groundbreaking accomplishments is the creation of the Ken Lanning Golf Center, a fully adaptive facility that promotes inclusion for individuals with disabilities while nurturing youth development through golf. The center stands as a testament to Hovis’ vision of accessibility and community engagement.
Beyond the fairways, Hovis has also served the broader interests of Missouri’s economy and culture. Appointed to the Missouri Department of Tourism Commission in 2009, he has served as Chair for the past six years, helping to align the worlds of sports and tourism. His efforts have helped secure locations for our MSHSAA Golf Championships as well as brought premier events like USGA and PGA championships to the Show-Me State.
Scott Hovis’ contributions extend beyond his professional responsibilities. He actively serves on several national golf committees, shaping policy and expanding opportunities for athletes across the country. His voice continues to resonate in discussions around equity, access, and growth within the sport.
A family man and community advocate, Hovis and his wife, Mindy, are raising their children, Taylor and Hunter, with the same values of integrity, hard work and service. The Hovis family remains deeply involved in local youth sports and education initiatives.