ELMSFORD, N.Y. (April 14, 2015) - After a long grueling winter it was finally time to start talking about golf, even if there was still some snow on the ground. The MGA did just that with its latest Spring Educational Series, a month-long program of educational forums that cover a wide range of topics of interest to Met Area golfers. They are geared toward educating club leaders and the golfing public on issues dealing with Rules, handicapping procedures, new technology, and MGA and MGA Foundation services and programs. This Spring's series featured experts from all fields whether they were course superintendents, golf professionals, MGA representatives, or special guest speakers. 

• The series kicked off in March with Regional Rules Workshops for MGA Rules and Competitions Committee Members and Handicap and Rules Seminars for MGA member club Handicap Chairs and MGA Members. Both series of three seminars focus on presenting common rules issues and questions that often arise both in competition and in friendly rounds of golf. ( Photos )

• On March 26 the Annual MGA/Met PGA Rules Workshop was held at Brae Burn Country Club in Purchase, N.Y. The guest speaker on hand was Craig Winter, the Assistant Director Rules of Golf & Amateur Status at the USGA. Winter spoke at length on topics such as the ball at rest being moved, stroke play versus match play rules, and many of the rules regarding the USGA's new Four-Ball Championship. 

• Two days prior to the MGA/Met PGA Rules Workshop the MGA Green Chairman Education Series & Arthur P. Weber Environmental Awards Luncheon was held at Alpine Country Club in Demarest, N.J. Speakers included the USGA's Dave Oatis and Adam Moeller, who discussed topics from how to be the best green chair committee member at your club, to why too many trees on the golf course can have a negative effect on conditions. Finishing off the day after an update from the Tri-State Turf Research Foundation was guest speaker Bradley Klein, who is the architecture editor at Golfweek magazine. ( Photos | Videos )

• The MGA Club Rep Program returned to The Apawamis Club in late March for their annual spring meeting. Representatives from MGA clubs had the opportunity to interact with other club reps, share notes, and discuss the best procedures for clubs in regards to membership initiatives, communications, and marketing strategies. ( Photos )

  

• Finally, the series finishes off with a slew of MGA Caddie Academies, designed for aspiring caddies in the Met Area to learn the lessons of being a club caddie from guys who have done it themselves. They are one-day, job-specific training programs that teach the basics for beginners looking to get into caddying.