The 2009 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 the highly successful Lower Hudson Valley Golf Show. A brief review of these programs follows:

Green Chairman Education Series

The 2009 Green Chairman Education Series, hosted by the MGA Foundation in conjunction with the USGA Green Section, was on Thursday, March 19 at Hackensack Golf Club in Oradell, N.J. An impressive roster of speakers addressed a variety of turfgrass-related issues as well as ways clubs officials and superintendents can manage their budgets in light of member expectations and the recent economic downturn.

Jim Sluiter, an ecologist at Audubon International, addressed issues on the business value of environmental stewardship on golf courses. Adam Meoller, an agronomist with the Northeast Region of the USGA Green Section, discussed the changes made at Bethpage Black for the 2009 U.S. Open Championship in June. Piping Rock Club superintendent Richard Spear and Met PGA executive director Charlie Robson discussed the changing priorities of golf clubs and how costs may or may not be saved. David Oatis, the director of the Northeast Region of the USGA Green Section, addressed the role of a club’s Green Committee and its responsibilities. The seminar was followed by the presentation of the MGA Club Environmental Award to Westchester Country Club. 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