2007 SPRING EDUCATION SERIES RECAP
The 2007 MGA Foundation Spring Educational Series has concluded one of its most successful seasons ever, following a month-long program of educational forums. These programs, all free of charge, are designed to educate club leaders and the golfing public about a wide range of topics of interest to Met Area golfers including the Rules of Golf, 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
Harrison, N.Y. – The MGA Foundation in conjunction with the USGA Green Section held its annual Green Chairman Education Series at Willow Ridge Country Club in Harrison, N.Y., on March 21. Included among the presenters was David Oatis, Director of the USGA Northeast Region Green Section, who discussed ways to improve the performance of a club’s putting greens. Dr. James Baird, an agronomist in the USGA Green Section’s Northeast Region, remarked on the different options superintendents have to improve drainage on the golf course. Jim Skorulski, Senior Agronomist also from the Northeast Region, spoke about the design and proper use of irrigation systems.
The presentations were followed by the Environmental Club Leadership Award Luncheon, where the MGA presented Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, N.J. with the MGA Club Environmental Award. The award, which recognizes an MGA Member Club that demonstrates environmental stewardship, was accepted by Director of Grounds Greg Nicoll, CGCS.
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 14th at Lake Isle Country Club in Eastchester, N.Y. Attended by more than 60 golf professionals, club officials and committeemen, it included presentations by USGA Executive Director David Fay and Rules Education and Technology Manager David Hayes. Hayes provided an overview of Rule 20 (Lifting, Dropping and Placing; Playing from the Wrong Place) and the situations where this rule arises. Fay elaborated on the recent rules decision regarding golf club grooves as well as the U.S. Open site selection process.
Met Area Golf Shows
The MGA, along with hundreds of others representing the golf industry, was present at the Lower Hudson Valley Golf Show held on March 17 & 18 at the Westchester County Center in White Plains, N.Y., and the Long Island Golf Expo held on March 9-11 at the Suffolk County Sports and Exhibition Complex in Brentwood, N.Y. 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 Seminars
The MGA’s annual Handicapping and Rules Series 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 on March 17, the Apawamis Club on March 24 and Montclair Golf Club on March 31. 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 and Assistant Tournament Director Brian Mahoney also addressed the crowd on the 2007 Rules of Golf.
