ELMSFORD, N.Y. (April 26, 2010) - The 2010 MGA Foundation Spring Educational Series has concluded another successful season of programs and 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 the Rules of Golf, Handicapping procedures, new technology and MGA and MGA Foundation services and programs. Included in this are the popular Caddie Academies conducted by the MGA Tournament Department. The MGA also participated in the Lower Hudson Valley, New Jersey and Long Island Golf Shows. A brief review of these programs follows:

Green Chairman Education Series

The Metropolitan Golf Association Foundation honored GlenArbor Golf Club in Bedford Hills, N.Y., as the recipient of the fourth annual Arthur P. Weber MGA Club Environmental Award. The award recognizes an MGA member club that has demonstrated environmental stewardship through golf course maintenance, construction, education and research. The award was given at the 2010 MGA/USGA Green Chairmen Education Series and Award Luncheon on Wednesday, March 24, at Willow Ridge Country Club in Harrison, N.Y., and was presented by MGA President Al Small.

Accepting the award for GlenArbor were superintendent Ken Benoit and club president Morgan Gregory, whose family was the driving force behind the development of the club. Since its founding in 2001, GlenArbor has led the way in establishing an environmental policy to reduce the club’s carbon footprint. As noted in their application for the award: “Our environmental policy at GlenArbor is part of our larger social responsibility, which we take very seriously.” The club has evolved into one of the most environmentally friendly clubs in the Met Area, highlighted by their wildlife preservation efforts. During his acceptance speech, Benoit noted that the club’s environmental program extends from larger projects like wildlife preservation to smaller scale projects like a vegetable garden used by members.

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.

 

Video: Watch the presentations from the Green Chairmen Series

 

 

MGA/Met PGA Rules of Golf Workshop

The Metropolitan Golf Association and the Metropolitan PGA held their annual Rules of Golf Workshop on March 23 at Lake Isle Country Club in Eastchester, N.Y. Attended by more than 100 golf professionals, club officials and MGA committeemen, the workshop featured presentations by Dick Rugge, the Senior Technical Director at the USGA, and Mark Wilson, PGA Master Professional and co-chairman of the PGA of America’s Rules Committee.

Read the full story on the MGA Rules of Golf Workshop.

 

   Met Area Golf Shows

 

The MGA, along with hundreds of other golf industry representatives, was present at the Greater New Jersey Golf Show, Long Island Golf Expo and Lower Hudson Valley Golf Show held on February 26-28, March 12-14 and March 13 & 14, respectively.  Met Area golfers had the opportunity to visit travel booths and attend free Rules of Golf instruction conducted by the MGA. Money was also raised for the MGA Foundation as people who donated ten dollars received MGA gift bags.

 

 

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 20, Cherry Valley Club on March 27, and the Apawamis Club on April 10. Kevin Kline, MGA Director of Handicapping and Course Rating, 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 2010. Changes to the Rules of Golf and Decisions on the Rule of Golf for 2010 were addressed by MGA Tournament Director Brian Mahoney.

 

                         

 

 

 

Caddie Academies

Eight MGA member clubs hosted Caddie Academies this spring, one of the most popular events on the Education Series calendar. Caddie Academies provide individuals with the opportunity to learn the basics needed to work as a caddie, one of the most integral employment opportunities in Met Area golf. With over 400 participants in 2010, Caddie Academies continue to be one of the many successful programs conducted during the season by the MGA Foundation. These events were conducted by members of the MGA Tournament Department, led by Assistant Tournament Director Brian Farrelly, with the generous help of local caddie masters and golf professionals who volunteer their time giving back to the game. The participating clubs for 2010 were: Westchester Country Club, Ridgewood Country Club, Rockrimmon Country Club, Spring Brook Country Club, Nassau Country Club, Hempstead Golf & Country Club, Fenway Golf Club, and Bonnie Briar Country Club.