The 2005 MGA Spring Educational Series included the MGA/Met PGA Rules of Golf Workshop, the Green Chairman Education Series, and the Public Golf forums.  Here is a brief overview of the events.

MGA/Met PGA Rules of Golf Workshop

Eastchester, NY- The Metropolitan Golf Association Foundation launched its Spring Education Series with the MGA/Met PGA Rules of Golf Workshop at Lake Isle CC in Eastchester, NY on March 15.

More than 90 Met Area golf professionals and club leaders listened as John Morrissett, USGA Director, Rules of Golf, Jaime Conkling, PGA Tour tournament official, and Peter Mele, tournament director of the Barclay’s Classic, formerly the Buick Classic, fielded questions regarding the recent changes to the 2005 Rules of Golf and its Decisions.  Key issues centered on the PGA Tour’s  “Pace of Play”.  Pictured from left to right are John Morrisett, Pete Mele and Jaime Conkling.

Green  Chairman Education Series

East Williston, NY- The MGA Foundation in conjunction with the USGA Green Section held its Green Chairman Education Series at Wheatley Hills Golf Club in East Williston, NY, on March 16.  An impressive roster of presenters from both the USGA’s Green Section and the golf industry addressed a variety of turfgrass related issues.  Dr. Norm Hummel, president of Hummel & Company, Inc., tackled the issue of bunker restoration.   Dave Oatis of the USGA Green Section spoke about the expectations golfers have for bunker conditions and the realities superintendent must face to meet golfer demands.  James Baird of the USGA addressed nitrogen management challenges and the environmental parameters facing many local clubs.  Golf Course Superintendent Association of America President Tim O’Neill (pictured addressing the audience) spoke on behalf of the GCSAA. 

Public Golf Forum

Yonkers, NY – Dunwoodie Golf Club hosted the MGA Foundation’s annual Public Golf Forum on March 21, 2005.  Andrew Wood (left) of Legendary Marketing spoke passionately about the importance of change and evolution in the world of golf marketing.  Wood emphasized the need for technology, particularly internet and email, to be more of a solid presence in the marketing of golf courses to the daily fee player.  Mr. Wood’s remarks and ideas were warmly received by 75 representatives at the Met Area public golf facilities.

Handicapping & Rules Seminar

The MGA’s annual Handicapping & Rules Seminars were conducted in March at Cherry Valley Club (NY), Apawamis Club (W) and Montclair Golf Club (NJ).  These annual refresher courses on the MGA/USGA Handicap System also include valuable information on the USGA’s new handicap certification program.

Golf Show

The MGA, along with hundreds of others in the golf industry, was represented at the Westchester County Center on March 19-20 for the first annual Journal News Golf Show.  The event drew more than 4,000 attendees each day and included travel, resort, instruction and equipment booths as well as several Rules Seminars conducted by the MGA.  A putting contest on an artificial green constructed by Michael Lehrer and Home Green Advantage also helped raise funds for the MGA Foundation junior programs.