MGA Foundation Spring Education Series Recap
The 2008 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 open to the public and 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 two highly successful Met Area golf shows. A brief review of these programs follows:
Green Chairman Education Series
EAST WILLISTON, N.Y. - The MGA Foundation in conjunction with the USGA Green Section held its annual Green Chairman Education Series at Wheatley Hills Golf Club in East Williston, N.Y., on March 27. Among the presenters were Robert Creighton and Tom Grimac of Tavistock CC, who discussed his club’s approach to their extensive renovation project. David Oatis, Director of the USGA Northeast Region Green Section, followed with a presentation on renovation pitfalls.
The presentations were followed by the Environmental Club Leadership Award Luncheon, where the MGA presented Sebonack GC in Southampton, N.Y., with the 2008 Club Environmental Award. The award, which recognizes an MGA Member Club that demonstrates environmental stewardship, was accepted by project manager Mark Hissey. Read the full story on the MGA Club Environmental Award.
The Green Chairman Education Series is sponsored annually by the MGA Foundation and the USGA Green Section and seeks to further educate Met Area clubs on golf course maintenance.
MGA/Met PGA Rules of Golf Workshop
Eastchester, N.Y. – Attended by golf professionals, club officials and committeemen, this year’s program included a presentation by PGA Tour Rules Official Mark Dusbabek , who provided an overview of the principal changes to the Rules of Golf and Decisions for 2008, emphasizing changes in the language to minimize confusion during certain scenarios on the golf course.
Met Area Golf Shows
The MGA, along with hundreds of other golf industry representatives, was present at the Lower Hudson Valley Golf Show held on March 15 & 16 at the Westchester County Center in White Plains, N.Y., and the Long Island Golf Expo held on March 14-16 at the Suffolk County Sports and Exhibition Complex in Brentwood, N.Y. Met area golfers had the opportunity to visit travel booths and attend free Rules of Golf instruction events conducted by the MGA. The MGA will also be at the New York International Golf Show at The Javits Center on April 4-6, where a golf simulator will be available to the public free of charge.
Handicapping and Rules Seminars
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 Montclair Golf Club on March 8, Cherry Valley Club on March 15, and Apawamis Club on March 29. 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 as well as the handicapping revision schedule for 2008. Changes to the Rules of Golf for 2008 were addressed by Senior Director of Rules & Competitions Gene Westmoreland and Tournament Director Brian Mahoney.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
The Javits Center, April 4-6
MGA Foundation Caddie Academies
Monday, April 7 - Westchester CC, Rye, N.Y.
Tuesday, April 8 - Nassau CC, Glen Cove, N.Y.
Wednesday, April 9 - Wee Burn CC, Darien, Conn.
Tuesday, April 15 - Ridgewood CC, Paramus, N.J.
Monday, April 21 - Fenway GC, Scarsdale, N.Y.
Tuesday, April 22 - Hempstead G&CC, Hempstead, N.Y.
Wednesday, April 23 - Fairmount CC, Chatham, N.J.
