The 2006 MGA Foundation Spring Educational Series has concluded one of its most successful seasons ever, following a month-long program of educational forums. These programs are designed to educate club leaders and the golfing public about a wide range of topics of interest to Met Area golfers including Rules, handicapping procedures, new technology, and MGA and MGA Foundation services and programs. The MGA also participated in three highly successful Met Area golf shows. A brief review of these programs follows.

 

Green Chairman Education Series

Hackensack, N.J. – The MGA Foundation in conjunction with the USGA Green Section held its annual Green Chairman Education Series at Hackensack Golf Club in Hackensack, N.J. on March 16.  Included among the presenters was David Oatis, Director of the USGA Northeast Region Green Section, who remarked on the extravagant practice facilities, now used at many clubs.  Dick Rugge, the Senior Technical Director for the USGA, commented on status of the Rules of Golf governing clubs and balls.  Dr. James Baird, an agronomist in the Northeast Region of the USGA Green Section, discussed what makes a particular year agronomically challenging for a golf course superintendent.  Other topics included tree management strategies and the environmental aspects of maintenance facilities.

The Green Chairmen Educational Series is sponsored annually by the MGA Foundation and the USGA Green Section and seeks to further educate Met area clubs on course maintenance.

 

MGA/Met PGA Rules of Golf Workshop

Eastchester, N.Y. – The MGA Foundation/Met PGA annual Rules of Golf Workshop was held March 22^ndat Lake Isle Country Club in Eastchester, N.Y. Attended by more than 60 golf professionals, club officials and committeemen, it included presentations by Ed Hoard, a member of the Rules Committee for the PGA of America, who discussed the Rules of Golf with regard to match play, and advice on refereeing a match.  Among the more popular topics during the Q&A session was the USGA’s recent decision to allow golf clubs to make a local rule permitting the use of distance-only measuring devices.  Mike Davis, Director of Rules and Competitions for the USGA, commented on the special golf history of the Met area and the upcoming 2006 U.S. Open Championship at Winged Foot’s West Course on June 15-18.  Mr. Davis discussed the USGA’s rationale for choosing an Open site, his style of course set-up and his views on the changes made at Winged Foot, all topics of great interest to the local crowd.

 

 

 

 

Met Area Golf Shows

The MGA, along with hundreds of others representing the golf industry, was present at the Journal News Golf Show held on March 18-19 at the Westchester County Center in White Plains, N.Y., the Long Island Golf Expo held on March 17-19 at the Suffolk County Sports and Exhibition Complex in Brentwood, N.Y and the CT Golf Show on March 24-26 at the William H. Pitt Health and Recreation Center at Sacred Heart University.  Met area golfers had the opportunity to visit travel booths as well as participate in numerous equipment and instruction activities sponsored by local businesses. The MGA also conducted several Educational Seminars for each of the shows.

 

Handicapping and Rules Seminar

The MGA’s annual Handicapping and Rules Seminars act as a refresher course for the MGA/USGA Handicapping system as well as the Rules of Golf.  This year’s seminars were held at the Cherry Valley Club (LI) on March 11, Montclair Golf Club (NJ) on March 18 and The Apawamis Club (W/CT) on March 25.  Tom Dunnam, MGA Director of Member Services, and Kevin Kline, MGA Course Rating and Handicap Manager, presided over these popular seminars and provided attendees with information regarding the upgrades to the Handicapping system.  MGA Tournament Director Gene Westmoreland also addressed the crowd about the 2006 Rules of Golf.