
ORLANDO – The Golf Travel Writers of America welcomed new members and laid out the organization’s priorities in its 20th anniversary year in its annual meeting held January 22 at the Orange County Convention Center, site of the 2025 PGA Merchandise Show.
The group, formed in 2005 to promote the interests of journalists who specialize in golf travel, welcomed new members that include former Golf Writers of America presidents Gary D’Amato and Gary Van Sickle; veteran golf travel writer Tom Bedell; New York Golf Magazine publisher John Glozek, who also serves as president of the International Network of Golf; and Tony Leodora, host of the “Traveling Golfer” television show.
Other new members include Bill Cuebas, Mike May, Lewis Markham, Kathlene Bissell, Larry Baush and Anthony Pioppi. Earlier in the week, Markham won the GWAA’s annual golf tournament at the Mission Resort + Club in Howey in the Hills, Fla., north of Orlando.

“We’re very happy with the interest and enthusiasm shown as the reorganization progresses,’’ said Len Ziehm, the GTWA’s executive director. “We’re looking forward to an exciting year in 2025 as we take on new projects. Over the last few months we’ve made significant progress.’’
Ziehm also reported that the group was finalizing its registration as a non-profit organization in the State of Florida, formalizing its board structure and laying the groundwork for member outings throughout 2025.
The GTWA will hold its first outing of the year on January 23 at the Heathrow Legacy Country Club south of Orlando. The outing, organized by Concert Golf Partners publicist Michael Abramowitz, affords an opportunity for GTWA members to see the results of Concert Golf Partners’ $3 million investment in upgrades at Heathrow. That property has two courses and two clubhouses a mile apart. The Heathrow Country Club course was designed by Ron Garl; the Legacy Club’s course was designed by Tom Fazio.
Concert Golf Partners owns 36 upscale private clubs across the U.S. The GTWA has members from across the nation and Canada, as well as one new member from Austria. Membership in the group is open to writers, editors, producers and podcasters who specialize in golf travel. It has a corporate membership for golf course and resort officials and golf-industry public relations and marketing professionals.
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