Inside the Issue
Metropolitan Amateur Golf Association
WHO ARE WE?
An Allied Golf Association of the USGA providing a variety of golf services to clubs and golfers in the Metropolitan St. Louis, Central, and Southern Illinois region.
WHAT WE DO:
- Provide GHIN Handicap Service to 140+ Member Clubs under the World Handicap System
- Provide the USGA Course/Slope Rating service to our Member Clubs
- Regional authority on the Rules of Golf and Amateur Status
- Conduct twelve (12) Metropolitan Championships each season
- Conduct USGA Qualifying for eight (8) USGA Championships each season
- Conduct three (3) Championships in Illinois
- Conduct the Amateur Series of Events for golfers of all ages and abilities
METROPOLITAN CHAMPIONSHIPS
Amateur
9-Hole
Sobbe
Mid-America
Amateur
ILLINOIS CHAMPIONSHIPS
MAGA STAFF
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
C
urt Rohe - curt@metga.org
DIRECTOR, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
Caroline Buchan - caroline@metga.org
2024 PJ BOATWRIGHT INTERNS
Will Coleman
Jason Denham
Brennan Strubberg
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Officers
Scott Engelbrecht, President/Treasurer
Mike Marquart, Secretary
At Large Members
John Bugh
Stan Grossman
Kelli Kirchoff
Mike Marquart
Rick Meyer, Jr
John Moore
Mick Wellington
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Scott Thomas, Chairman
Tom Barry
Skip Berkmeyer
Chris Kovach
Ryan Eckelcamp
Tom Portner
Curt Rohe
THE METROPOLITAN
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Dan O’Neill
MVGCSAA
Dr. Zach Cutler
Curt’s Corner
Curt Rohe - Executive Director
Good day members! Welcome to July which means half the year is over. June was a little breather for the association, we had a great 25th Junior Championship at Aberdeen introducing a 54-hole format for the 1st time. The 54-hole format lines up with the requirements to be included in World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR) which we hope in a couple years allow us to send our champions directly to the US Junior Amateur Championships!
Harper Ackerman completed one of the most dominant championship finishes in Metropolitan history with a winning score of -17 and 9-shot victory, it was a truly remarkable performance for the senior to be at CBC! Sarah Hyten captured the Girls’ championship and continued her strong summer of play. These two added their names to the James M. Holtgrieve and Barbar A. Berkmeyer trophies respectively.
The Amateur Series had another full field at The Falls, making the halfway point of the 2024 Series. Our next event is coming up at Birch Creek Golf Course the end of July.
Some unfortunate news to kick off July was the 32nd Metropolitan Women’s Amateur. Many saw the news of the sinkhole in Alton last week, well that sinkhole was in Gordon Moore Park where Spencer T. Olin Golf Course also calls home. While the golf course was effected directly by the sinkhole, the state closed down the park due to the location of the sinkhole near the entrance over concern of the road stability. This is one of those “you thought you’d seen it all” moment as a golf administrator. We have postponed the championship until a later date can be determined with Spencer T. Olin, and we appreciate Spencer T. Olin’s commitment to conducting this championship.
Looking ahead to July we will have US Amateur Final Qualifying, another first for us and the USGA in their efforts to changing some of the qualifying processes among their championships. We look forward to a strong field of golfers from around the country coming to Lake Forest CC to compete for a number of spots in the US Amateur at Hazeltine Golf Club in August. And speaking of qualifying, we will conduct qualifying for the 34th Metropolitan Amateur Championship, as one can imagine a large number of entries have been coming in to play the 34th Amateur at Bellerive August 1-3.
As always, thank you for taking some time to read The Metropolitan and keep it in the short grass!
By The Numbers
43
- This is the average dollar amount for a green fee in the U.S. By comparison, the most expensive tee time in the country is the $1,250 you pay to put your peg in the ground at Tom Fazio-designed Shadow Creek in Las Vegas. For some perspective, as of late June, you could fly to Paris for $973 and collared shirts are not required on the flight.
1878
- The year that Royal Troon’s Old Course was founded, site of the 2024 British Open - or “Open Championship.” Ten years later, Royal Troon was expanded from nine to 18 holes and re-designed by five-time Champion Golfer James Braid. The facility then played host to its first Open in 1923. This year will mark the 10th time the major championship has been conducted at Royal Troon. The last time was memorable, when Henrik Stenson out-dueled Phil Mickelson in 2016.
2
- The number of feet - plus a few inches - in the par putt Rory McIlroy missed on the 16th green - the 70th hole - of the U.S. Open at Pinehurst last month. On the cusp of winning his fifth major and first in 10 years, McIlroy had a two-shot lead over Bryson DeChambeau after 14 holes but bogeyed three of the last four holes to fall from the perch. His miss on No. 16 came after a bogey at 15 and preceded a fatal par miss at No. 18 - this one from four feet. As a result, DeChambeau was able to avoid a playoff and capture the championship outright with a par save at 18. Since his victory at the 2014 PGA Championship, McIlroy has played in 37 major championships, with 21 top-10 finishes and 11 finishes in the top 5. The result at Pinehurst was his fourth runner-up in that same span. In a post-championship message on “X,” McIlroy called the ending at Pinehurst “probably the toughest I’ve had in my nearly 17 years as a professional golfer.”
3 - Bellerive Country Club will host the MAGA Amateur Championship for the third time on Aug. 1-3. Looking back, the first Bellerive-hosted edition was staged in 1996 and captured by Tom Barry, who had missed the previous season with a knee injury. With Blake Hull - brother of Blues scoring great Brett Hull - carrying his bag, and with a large entourage of family members cheering him on, Barry carded back-to-back scores of 1-under-par 70 on Saturday and Sunday to secure the comeback win. “This is for public players,” Barry said afterward, “all the guys at Normandie. And it’s for my family. I don’t even think I know how much it means to me right now. It’s going to take time to soak in.” The championship returned to Bellerive in 2009, when it was captured by Skip Berkmeyer.
51 - The number of times the “King of Aces,” Mancil Davis, has scored a hole-in-one. The retired pro, who lives in Houston, is the acknowledged record-holder in that category for professionals. His first hole-in-one was scored in 1966 and his last in 2007. Keep in mind, the average weekend golfer has roughly 1 in 12,500 odds of making a hole-in-one. The odds of scoring multiple aces soars into the stratosphere.
28,000 - The square feet covered by the largest green in the world, located on the No. 5 hole at the International Golf Club of Massachusetts. The green is known, appropriately enough, as the “Monster Green” and has the aforementioned total surface, which makes it a lot larger than many soccer fields and allows it to accommodate quite a few hole locations. The oval dance floor was created by Gil Hanse and is part of a par-5 that is 622 yards long. The International Golf Club of Massachusetts
The Final Round of the 25th Metropolitan Junior Amateur was picture perfect. With sunny skies, warm temperatures, and a slight breeze, players were able to enjoy a day out on the links of Aberdeen Golf Club. Play for the Final Round began at 7:30am with groups going off of Holes 1 and 10. The leaders grouping of girls started their day at 8:10am on Hole 1 and the leaders grouping of boys closed out the tee times at 9:20am on Hole 1. The course played to a par 72. The girls play for the Barbara A. Berkmeyer trophy, and the boys play for the James M. Holtgrieve trophy.
Out of fourteen girls, Sarah Hyten of Edwardsville, IL was leading the pack after the first two rounds at one-under (-1) par. Emma Hill of Edwardsville, IL sat behind her in second at four-over (+4) par, and Eva Brown of St. Louis was at seven-over (+7) par in third. These three made up the final girls pairing of the day. Brown made an early run to move ahead of Hill, but some late mistakes left her short of a runner-up finish. Brown would finish the championship at nine-over (+9) par and in third place. Hill had hoped to continue improving on her scores from the first two days. After making two birdies on the back nine, Hill was looking good, but a wayward shot into the water on 18 left her with a score of two-over for the day. With a total of six-over (+6) par, Hill did secure her place as the runner-up. Sarah Hyten came into today determined to stay under par. A double-bogey on Hole 5 threatened her plans, but Hyten, an incoming Junior at Father McGivney High School, pulled it back on the back nine to make three birdies and no bogeys. Hyten would finish the day strong for a round of one-under (-1) par, which brings her total to two-under (-2) par. Sarah Hyten leaves the week victorious as the 15th Metropolitan Girls’ Junior Amateur Champion.
par to finish in solo third at even. Cole Packingham was once again hoping to put some heat on Ackermann. Packingham stayed toe-to-toe with him on the day’s score, and fought to come back after a few bogeys. With six birdies and an eagle, Packingham shot his best score of the week at five-under (-5) par. This brought his total to eight-under (-8) par and made him the runner-up. Harper Ackermann knew he had something to prove after his incredible first two rounds. In a dominant fashion, Ackermann never looked back to throw together a second bogey-free six-under (-6) par round. The CBC incoming senior has been working hard after a rough high school season and that work is paying off. Two birdies on the front nine and two eagles on the back nine sealed the deal for Ackermann. With three rounds in the red, 66-67-66, Harper Ackermann is the 25th Metropolitan Junior Amateur Champion at seventeen-under (-17) par.
The boys 15 and under and 13 and under divisions completed their 36-holes on June 12. The 15 and under boys took to the course first. John DeLuca of Chesterfield came ready to put together another great round. DeLuca started his round with a par and a bogey, but bounced back to get his score into the red. With five birdies across the round, DeLuca was able to secure his spot at the top of the leaderboard at three-under (-3) par. Henry Gorin of Chesterfield was looking to better his round from the first day and did. Coming into the day at three-over par, Gorin shot a bogey-free back nine with three birdies to get to one-over par for the day. This would move him up the leaderboard in Round 2. Gorin would be the runner-up at four-over (+4) par and DeLuca would earn the champion title at three-under (-3) par.
The boys division saw an extraordinary performance today. Coming into the Final Round, Harper Ackermann of Webster Groves was the leader at eleven-under (-11) par. Cole Packingham of Lake St. Louis followed behind in second at three-under (-3) par, while Eric Ewing of St. Louis was in third at even (E) par. These three players would make up the final pairing of the day. Six players shot even par or better in their Final Round, including Yash Rao of Fenton. Rao started on Hole 10 and came into Hole 9 - his final holetwo-over par, but with one clean hit from the fairway, he knocked it in for eagle to finish the day even (E) par. Gavin Hagan of St. Louis made a run for it today. Hagan made six birdies to shoot a final round of three-under (-3) par and push himself into fifth place at two-over (+2) par. Samuel Ottwell of Alton shot his first under par round of the week today. With five birdies, Ottwell’s two-under (-2) round placed him in fourth at one-over (+1) par.
Eric Ewing proved he was nothing but consistent this week. Hoping to finally break under par, Ewing set out and would grind his way back every time he fell, but just could not get into red figures. For a third day in row, Ewing shot even (E)
The 13 and under age division followed behind the 15 and under on the course. Houston Tiefenbrunn of Washington began the day with a four-shot lead over his competitors. Tiefenbrunn came back ready to stay on top and fired a second round of two-over par. With a total of three-over (+3) par, Tiefenbrunn earned the division champion trophy. Coming in behind him was Austin Telle of Kirkwood. Telle shot two strokes better in round two to bring his total score to eight-over (+8) par and place as runner-up.
Across the field for the three days, there were 19 eagles - three of which were made by the champion - and 512 birdies made. Each runner-up was presented with a silver medal, and the Champions were presented with the Barbara A. Berkmeyer and James M. Holtgrieve trophies, respectively, which they will keep for a period of one year and a gold medal. Hyten and Ackermann both took the lead in round one and never looked back. Now they walk away Champions.
Full Results
A historic milestone was reached this month in Southern Illinois as players gathered to participate in the 100th SIGA Championship. After a century of golf, this championship remains and continues to be a place for comraderie and competition for those throughout Southern Illinois. From its first playing in 1922 crowning William Mertz as champion, through a brief inturlude during the war, and now into today, this championship has seen changes and many faces, but its legacy lives on. For those that have been involved with the Southern Illinois Golf Association throughout the years and even those who have joined in for the first time this year, this has been a special occassion to be a part of.
Competitors gathered to play two days of golf at Kokopelli Golf Club in Marion, IL for the 100th SIGA Championship. There were five divisions in this year’s championship: Men, Women, Juniors, Senior Men, and Super Senior Men. The women play for the Women’s SIGA Trophy, the juniors play for the B.W. Bruce Trophy, the seniors play for the William A. Mertz Trophy, and the men are playing for the Pursie E. Pipes Trophy. Following the first round of play, Michael Brees led the junior division at three-over (+3) par, Greg Stewart led the super senior division at twelve-over (+12) par, Isa Flores led the women’s division at six-over (+6) par, Mike O’Neill led the senior division at two-over (+2) par, and Ryan Williams and Hunter Ficken were tied at the top of the men’s division at one-under (-1) par.
of Old Hickory Golf Club had a seven-stroke lead coming into the Final Round. Flores maintained her lead throughout the day, returning a second round seven-over (+7) par. This brought her to thirteen-over (+13) par and makes Isa Flores the Women’s SIGA Champion. Zoey Danner of the SIGA eClub shot twenty-four-over (+24) par to be the runner-up.
Frankie Nicholes of the USGA/MetAmateur GC came in third and Giorgia Thoms of the SIGA eClub came in fourth.
The senior division finished their rounds just before 2:00pm. Mike O’Neill of the Metropolitan eClub started the day with a one-stroke lead. Tom Portner of Green Hills Golf Club was right behind and ready to put the pressure on O’Neill. Portner found a lead over O’Neill during the round, but coming into the final hole, the two were tied. Both players made par to finish thirty-six holes at five-over (+5) par. Portner and O’Neill went on to a play-off on Hole 1. A missed par putt for O’Neill and a made par putt for Portner saw Portner win the hole. O’Neill would be the runner-up and Portner became the Senior SIGA Champion at five-over (+5) par and one play-off hole.
The junior division played first in Round 2. Starting the day at three-over (+3) par, Michael Brees of the SIGA eClub had a four shot lead over his competitors. Brees knew he would need another good round to stay on top. It was a battle all the way around and Brees’ lead began to dwindle. Landon Travelstead of the SIGA eClub pushed to close in on the gap and managed to do so. Travelstead found himself on top at one point in the day. Brees and Travelstead found themselves in a tie at the top coming into the final hole of the day at thirteen-over par. With a par on the eighteenth for both, Brees and Travelstead were headed into a playoff. Going back to the tee on Hole 18, the playoff began with the pair staying neck-and-neck all the way to the green. Both looking at a putt for par again, Brees successfully sank his putt. Travelstead’s putt lipped out, leaving him as the runner-up. Michael Brees is the 2024 SIGA Championship Junior Champion at thirteen-over (+13) par plus a playoff hole. Ryder Eigenrauch of the Gateway PGA Junior Golf Club would place third and Carver Hall of the SIGA eClub would place fourth.
The super senior division was the next to compete. Greg Stewart of Carmi Country Club had a one shot lead coming into the day and worked hard to keep it. Trying to minimize the mistakes, Stewart carded a nine-over (+9) par, 80, for the day. This was enough to hold off his competitors. Greg Stewart is the Super Senior SIGA Champion at twenty-one-over (+21) par. James Dagley of the SIGA eClub fought hard but would end the championship at twenty-three-over (+23) par and as the runner-up.
The women’s division was the third to finish their competition. Isa Flores
The men were the final division to go off. As players made the turn and made their way around the back nine, we saw players move around the leaderboard. At the start of the round, Ryan Williams of the SIGA eClub and Hunter Ficken of Far Oaks Golf Club were tied at the top at one-under (-1) par. Ficken and Williams were unable to keep their lead as others made runs for the top. Luke Lasley of Union County Country Club came in with the low round of the day. Lasley shot a bogey-free 64, seven-under (-7) par. Combined with his first round, Lasley moved into the lead and would stay there to be the 100th SIGA Champion at three-under (-3) par. Carsen Silliman of Dalhousie Golf Club made a run for it today as well, carding a four-under par to get to even (E) par and be the runner-up. Williams fell to one-over (+1) par today and would finish in third. River Stilley shot under par today to finish in solo fourth at three-over (+3) par. Ficken also fell today to finish in a tie for fifth at four-over (+4) par with Aaron Jones of the SIGA eClub.
After 100 years of competition in Southern Illinois, we have crowned Luke Lasley as the 100th SIGA Champion. Michael Brees is the junior champion, Isa Flores is the women’s champion, Tom Portner is the senior champion, and Greg Stewart is the super senior champion.
Michael Brees - Junior Champion
Isa Flores- Women’s Champion
Tom Portner - Senior Champion
Greg Stewart - Super Senior Champion
We have completed half of the Amateur Series Events for 2024. On June 17, players gathered at The Falls Golf Club to once again try to finish on top of their division. It was a hot and sunny day, but the competitors did not let that slow them down nor keep them from putting together the best round they could.
Players are earning points to gain entry into the Series Championship based on how they finish in each Series Event. There are still 3 events left to earn those points!
Event #3 The Falls GC
Senior
Super
Net
Senior
Super
Women’s
Presented by
Amateur Series Standings
- Will Roestel
BoatwrightSummit
At the 2024 USGA Boatwright Summit Interns from all over the country from numerous allied golf associations were given the opportunity to visit the USGA headquarters in Liberty Corner, New Jersey over three days. Interns Jason Denham and William Coleman would take flight and represent the Metropolitan Amateur Golf Association at the Summit. On the first day the interns were shown the USGA museum while treated to drinks and snacks before heading to the event lawn for a welcome dinner. At the welcome dinner an overview presentation covering the agenda of the upcoming days was given by Tony Greco, Michael Lee, Hilary Cronheim, and Greg Ross.
The next day would begin with a presentation from Hilary Cronheim over the history of the USGA. Next the interns learned about the USGA’s allied golf associations in a presentation given by Mario Machi and Victoria Clawson before Tom Padula, Jonathan Pak, and Adam Dove began their presentation on the GHIN mobile app. The presentation included new marketing techniques as well as new features that would begin being implemented into the GHIN app. Handicapping and course rating presentations by Todd Mazurick and Derek McKenzie would come just before the interns were split into four groups to rotate through four different activities. These activities included a championship administration presentation and putting championship qualifier from John Suozzo and Victoria Clawson, a rules presentation by Sarah Goodman and Ryan Farb, a social team presentation and exercise by Andrew Jennette and Christina Parsells, and a greens section demonstration from Scott Mingay. The interns were then treated to a photo opportunity with the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open Trophies before heading to TopGolf to end the day.
To start off the interns final day at the USGA headquarters CEO Mike Whan gave a presentation describing his career path and the challenges he overcame as well as fielding questions from the interns. Boatwright allum then gave a short speech on their time as a boatwright intern and where their career has progressed. Next the interns were split into two groups to rotate between a USGA museum tour and a networking event with a player relations/ services and U.S. national development program presentation by Liz Fradkin, BJ DeLong, and Charlie Capasso between the rotation.
Then Ben Kimball would give a presentation over the championship team and their duties when it comes to the USGA’s events like the U.S. Open. To round off the final day the putting championship was played and awards were presented before taking a group photo of all interns and finishing off with the Boatwright party including food trucks games and more.
Interns Jason and William were able to expand their network and knowledge on all things USGA and golf events. When we asked Intern
Jason what his favorite part of the entire experience was he said “The entire trip was amazing but the museum had to be the best part, especially the trophy room!” The trophy room holds all of the USGA’s trophies and the walls are lined with plaques with each of the event winners’ names engraved. William was asked to describe his experience in Liberty Corner and said “It was an honor to be able to go to the USGA headquarters, we learned a ton and met so many great people.”
WRITTEN BY: WILL COLEMAN
This Is The One
The Bogeyman
Dan O’Neill
Withany luck, the ball goes in the air on Aug. 1 at Bellerive Country Club, and the 34th playing of the Metropolitan Amateur Championship will proceed accordingly.
Since inception in 1991 - when Don Bliss became the first to etch his name on the hardware - the “Metropolitan” has become a cherished piece of the St. Louis golf landscape.
Yes, historically speaking, the Missouri Amateur and the St. Louis District have more prominent resumes. Their championship scrolls include names like Tom Watson, Payne Stewart, Bob Goalby, Jay Haas, Bob Cochran, Jim Holtgrieve... and they have reverence all their own.
Yes, the annual Publinx at Forest Park has a different kind of charm, a Woodstock-type feel embraces all and christens a new season each spring. And yes, there are other events in the conversation, Jim Jacksons, match-play championships, memorials, opens and amateurs that carry weight of their own.
But the 54-hole challenge to be re-visited Aug. 1-3 has a special aura, ground that has become most distinctive for the proving, prestige that has no parallel.
The Metropolitan Amateur was in its infancy when the ol’ Bogeyman began covering golf in St. Louis, a new size to fit all. A championship that aspired to bring the best of the public and private sectors under one roof, set new standards for implementation and decorum, be
a championship among championships.
All these years later it can be said convincingly: “mission accomplished.”
To be sure, this emanation has taken place with the help of facilities like Bellerive. The estimable club is the undisputed home of championship golf in this town. Its lawns have crowned the likes of Gary Player, Nick Price and Brooks Koepeka. It has brought to town kings like Arnold Palmer, and legends like Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods; it has hosted U.S. Opens, PGAs and prepares to conduct the 2030 Presidents Cup.
The 2024 Metropolitan Amateur will be the third staged at Bellerive. The previous two were memorable.
In 1996, in the sixth edition of the championship, one of the golf community’s most endearing characters, Tom Barry, prevailed. A public player through and through, a certified member of the “Normandie Gang,” Barry missed the 1995 season with a knee injury. He stood on the sidelines as his younger brother, Dan Barry, emerged and contemporaries like Bliss and Holtgrieve dominated the scene.
But the long-bombing Barry came back in the biggest of ways at Bellerive. Three shots back after Day 1, he carded a second round 1-under 70, the only subpar round of the day . He pulled alongside David Estes for a share of the lead and, with Brett Hull’s golf-playing brother Blake on his bag, Barry fired another 70 in the final round to claim the title.
In typical style, Barry was both emotional and irreverent during the trophy presentation. He dedicated the win to the Normandie crowd, thanked his many family members in the gallery, and then flabbergasted the gathering of Bellerive members by accepting the “Bellerive membership that comes with the win.” It was “Toz,” to a tee.
In 2009, the Metropolitan at Bellerive produced another classic. Skip
Berkmeyer, one of the area’s all-time greats, had accomplished just about everything in his career, and several times over. He had Missouri Amateurs, St. Louis Districts, Publinx championships and he had qualified for dozens of USGA national championships.
But Berkmeyer had never won the Metropolitan. Then again, that’s the thing about this championship and this country club.
If you had to pick one place to win the U.S. Open, it might be Oakmont or Shinnecock. If you had to choose one place to win the British Open, you would choose to win at St. Andrews. In that same way, if you have to pinpoint the ultimate place to break through and win the Metropolitan Amateur, it is Bellerive. And Berkmeyer did.
After finishing a one-stroke second to future PGA TOUR winner Adam Long in 2008, Berkmeyer led after all three rounds in ’09 at Bellerive, outlasting Long and Ted Moloney, leaving nothing to chance. He felt vindicated. He felt fulfilled. “It’s hard to put into words what it means,” Berkmeyer said afterward. “This is the one I really wanted.”
Fifteen years later, we are there again - the Metropolitan Amateur at Bellerive. This is the one.
GOLF FITNESS HUB
CASTING
> Casting is defined as an early release of the golf club during the downswing and is a very common cause of loss of power in the golf swing.
> Golfers that cast are not able to keep their lead arm wrist hinge during the downswing and lead to a weak impact position.
> This position at the bottom of the swing will lead to inconsistent ball striking and often time add loft to the club face.
> Most golfers that struggle with casting, tend to hit behind the ball, as well as early extend in their golf swing (featured on previous MAGA Newsletter).
For videos on exercises and more tips to improve your golf game mobility, follow these links:
The Body Swing Connection:
> Limited lower body contribution during the swing is one of the main causes of casting for golfers.
> Oftentimes when the lower body does not move properly, the upper body will take over.
> Limited hip mobility, inability to separate the lower body from the upper body, and weak glutes and core are the leading contributors to poor lower body movement..
> Not only does the lower body play a role in the casting swing fault, but past wrist injuries can lead to difficulty keeping the wrist angle during the downswing.
> Wrist injuries will prevent the golfer from setting and release the golf club proper from the downswing and to impact.
> Pelvic rotations, stork turns, iso-metric abdominal strengthening exercises, glute strengthening exercises, and wrist mobility exercises are key in preventing casting and maintaining a good wrist angle during the downswing and impact.
Sup’s On:
Mike Leech Director of Operations
The Gateway Research Environmental and Education Network... GREEN, as set forth by my predecessor, Chuck Gast. The MVGCSA has kept those words in the front of their minds while hosting our annual Green Cup fundraiser and this year’s version held at Glen Echo Country Club was a great time and a huge success.
GATEWAY
Not only referring to our region but also alluding to the ability of this event to be a gateway for people to learn about what the Mississippi Valley is accomplishing with holding our annual fundraising tournament. This year we had many first-time participants, whether it be first time golfers, first time advertisers or first time scholarship award winners, the Green Cup was used to introduce those people to the goals and ambitions of the Mississippi Valley.
RESEARCH
Each year the MVGCSA commits thousands of dollars toward research to keep our members on the forefront of the turfgrass industry. In December the MVGCSA will host our annual “Shop Tour’’, an event in which
The 2024 MVGCSA Green Cup
Superintendents, Assistants and Equipment Technicians are on hand to learn from industry leaders. Our list of guest speakers historically includes experts across the field of the turfgrass industry. The Green Cup directly funds the Shop Tour which had a record number of attendees last year in over 200 people networking and educating each other on techniques, equipment changes and groundbreaking research to keep all of the METGA’s playing conditions the best they possibly can be.
Environment
An area in which we do not take lightly. The GCSAA and EPA work hand in hand to ensure the safety of our surroundings. In a lot of golfers’ minds the word green means that the ground that is green must be healthy, a belief that is not that simple and not always the case. Currently on the national level the GCSAA has 13 ongoing research projects in 2024. The GCSAA’s research provides solutions to issues facing golf course superintendents with the management of their facilities. Research includes water usage, water quality, sustainable golf course management practices and many other wide-ranging topics.
Education
As the golf industry grows at a record pace the education of new turfgrass students is unfortunately not following suit. The funds raised at the Green Cup helped six scholarship winners further their college education in 2023. In 2024 the MVGCSA expects that number to be similar, but we are eager to help more future turfgrass students. In years past the committee would receive upwards of 20 applications for our annual scholarship program. We
would love to get back to that number in the future. Through word of mouth of our Green Cup participants and community outreach our goal of supporting more worthy scholarship applicants is the ultimate goal of the Green Cup.
Network
Members of the MVGCSA are not only Golf Course Superintendents. Our membership includes but is not limited to, Equipment Technicians, Industry Vendors, area business leaders and tournament directors. We encourage our members to invite golfers from outside of our industry to take part in the Green Cup so that we can network with community leaders to educate them on our goals and ambitions.
This year’s Green Cup is set to raise over $20,000 to the MVGCSA’s Scholarship and Research efforts, but that is not the biggest take away from the event. The opportunity to see industry partners, members and guests get together at a historic venue, playing the sport that is the common thread through our network is something to behold. It fills the tank of the MVGCSA on many different levels.
For more information on our Scholarship Program, the Green Cup and sponsorship opportunities please visit mvgcsa.com and follow us on Instagram @mississippivalleygcsa
T(hankful) I(t’s) O(bstructed)
Rules Center Temporary Immovable Obstructions (MLR F-23)
We seem to be seeing it on the tour all the time now. A player sends a ball off line and into the trees, a bush, anywhere that is not the intended fairway - or even rough. Because their ball is not where it should be, they are now faced with an alternate line of play path than what is intended by the layout of the course, and the obstructions that have been strategically placed out of the way.
We saw this happen at the U.S. Open with both Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau in Thursday’s round. DeChambeau on the fifth and Scheffler on the sixteenth, both found themsleves with a ShotLink tower in their line of play. The ShotLink towers had been deemed Temporary Immovale Obstructions (TIOs) prior to the start of the championship. Following procedures and taking advantage of the Rules of Golf, both players proceeded with drops to take their relief from the TIO. Many people sitting at home did not like that these two were taking advantage of the situation, especially given that they ended up with easier shots following the drops. DeChambeau even admitted to using the rule to his benefit, which is in every golfer’s right to do. These two just got lucky and were probably thankful their relief zones and drops landed in their favor.
No matter what side you are on on the topic of if they should have been granted relief (the Rules say they get it), there are times where even leisure golfers end up with TIOs in their way - though not usually a ShotLink tower... TIOs most commonly come in the form of a fan. We even saw a fan TIO relief ruling at the Old Warson Cup this year. So, what is the procedure for TIO relief?
John explains Temporary Immovable Obstructions -->
Dear John: I hit a great drive (for me) on the par-5 13th hole, which plays 435 yards from the white tees. I was about 185 yards from the green - in the “Go Zone” (see image)! I don’t get many chances to make the green of a par-5 in two shots, so I decided to go for it, even with a boat anchored close to the green. I hit my hybrid as well as I can hit it, straight at the flagstick. The shot cleared the cove, landed on the putting green, and rolled into the rough... right behind the greenside fan! No good shot will go unpunished! I was totally blocked from chipping to the hole. What’s a guy to do?
- GoForIt
In this particular instance, the player’s ball lies in the general area and behind the fan with line-of-sight interference to the hole (balls b and c in the diagram). He or she is entitled to relief only on the nearest side of the fan (not the nicest) free from line-of-sight interference (sometimes the Committee may specify relief to either side of the TIO). The ball may be cleaned when lifted, or another ball may be substituted.
Note that line-of-sight interference in this Local Rule includes the area with direct line-of-sight intervention (fan itself), plus a one-club-length corrider to the side of the fan (an extra cushion). That is, the player proceeds along an arc equidistant to the hole from where the ball lies, to the nearest side of the fan where there is direct line-of-sight relief, plus one or more club-length, still in the general area and no nearer the hole. That is the nearest point of complete relief (NPCR) from the TIO.
At the NPCR, the player must drop and play within another club-length, outside the corridor, no nearer the hole than the reference point, and in the general area (so-called “more than one club-length but less than two” from the point of direct line-of-sight relief at the outside edge of the fan.) Not dropping and playing within this prescribed relief area is not taking complete relief under Local Rule F-23. For example, if the player dropped and played wihtin the line-of-sight corridor, he or she would be playing from a wrong place (Rule 14.7a; two-stroke penalty in stroke play and loss of hole in match play.) Also, the player may not drop farther behind the fan (because player would still have interference), unless he or she is taking unplayable-ball relief.
Dear GoForIt: Two great shots! Do not despair. The Rules will help you, maybe more than you think.
1. Play the ball as it lies despite interference from the fan (not a good option)
The players options are:
2. Proceed under an unplayable ball option (Rule 19.2; onestroke penalty; Why take a penalty?)
3. With Local Rule F-23 in effect, take relief for a temporary immovable
A greenside fan is a TIO, which is immovable, only used during summer months, and not considered part of the challenge of playing the course. Portions of the fan are designed to be movable, so the fan may be rotated or turned off, but please return the fan to the original status afterwards. The procedure for taking relief depends on the position of the ball relative to the fan (e.g., front, side, under, behind). See the diagram modeled after an illistration in the USGA/R&A TIO Diagram Pamphlet, as pictures are easier to comprehend than words in explaining TIO relief.
The two pictures behind the fan show relief to the left and right-hand side (white ball is position of original ball; yellow is position after taking TIO relief). Note, in the case of relief to the right-hand side, that the player is permitted to drop on the putting green apron (general area). I’m thinking possible eagle, cinch birdie.
With all this said, there are situations where there is no relief from a TIO. These include:
>Unreasonable shot because of something else (e.g., ball under bush)
> Unreasonable choice of club, stance, swing, or direction of play
> Unreasonable that shot will reach TIO
> Unreasonable that TIO/corridor is on line of play for the intended stroke and that ball would finish on direct line to the hole
Keeping Up with the USGA
USGA Partners
with Carolinas Golf Community to Expand Greenkeeper Apprenticeship Program Through Five-Year, $1 Million Commitment
PINEHURST, N.C. (May 6, 2024) – Recognizing a critical need to expand both the workforce of golf course maintenance professionals and the training needed to advance a more sustainable game, the United States Golf Association, the Pinehurst golf community and industry collaborators have teamed to establish a major golf education hub in the Carolinas.
A combined $1 million commitment from the USGA and donors will fund the Greenkeeper Apprenticeship Program (GAP) for the next five years, with dedicated instructors and in-class/on-course education at Sandhills Community College in the Pinehurst area. In addition, a new program at Horry-Georgetown Technical College in the Myrtle Beach area, and a hybrid-learning opportunity will be established and funded. The extensive commitment will provide tuition-free learning for all students – no matter where they learn – for one year and paid on-the-job training positions at partner golf courses for up to 200 apprentices.
The expansion of the USGA initiative is made possible by long-term financial commitments from Ewing Outdoor Supply, the Dedman Foundation and Pinehurst Resort & Country Club, the Carolinas Golf Association and several private donors dedicated to golf and workforce development in the Carolinas.
The program, piloted in 2023 and currently in its second year at Sandhills Community College, offers flexible class times around on-course working hours, and pairs each student with an on-course mentor, intended to advance their professional development. As part of their classwork, apprentices learn valuable technical skills, while also gaining insight into why agronomic decisions are made. After successfully completing the course, students will receive college credentials, a progressive wage scale increase and a Journeyworker card through the United States Department of Labor.
“As we look toward the next 25 to 50 years in golf, our Green Section teammates clearly heard the industry’s desire to further develop skill sets of golf course maintenance personnel and the professional training needed to advance a more sustainable sport,” said Mike Whan, CEO of the USGA. “In short order, we’ve seen inspiring success stories from our inaugural GAP class, and couldn’t be more excited with the direction of the program. The overarching impact of all our community programs will be felt not only during U.S. Open week, but for years to come. We’re so thankful to our supporters for their endorsement in leading golf forward together.”
Of the 19 members in the inaugural GAP graduating class, 70 percent earned job promotions, and 18 graduates were assigned increased leadership responsibilities based on successful completion of their classwork. Members from the current cohort and last year’s apprentices will be assisting Pinehurst’s agronomy staff during the preparation and care of Course No. 2 for championship play at the 2024 U.S. Open.
The $1 million giveback project is a continuation of the USGA’s four-pronged U.S. Open Community Engagement commitment that also includes investments in diversity and inclusion, championship sustainability and advocacy related to key issues important to golf’s future.
USGA announces changes to U.S. Senior Open qualifying model, beginning in 2025
LIBERTY CORNER, N.J. (June 24, 2024) – The United States Golf Association (USGA) today announced that the U.S. Senior Open Championship will move to a two-stage qualifying model and adopt modified exemption categories, beginning in 2025.
The U.S. Senior Open, which will be contested next year at The Broadmoor’s East Course, in Colorado Springs, Colo., will feature a qualifying framework that is similar to the U.S. Open with 32 local sites and 12 final sites. In 2024, there was one stage of qualifying with 33 sites in 24 U.S. states. The USGA accepted 3,019 entries, the third-highest total in championship history.
Additionally, the U.S. Senior Open’s qualifying model will feature a limited overall reduction in full exemptions along with the appropriate alignment of major championship exemptions. Local exemption criteria will recognize accomplishments at the senior amateur and professional level.
“Retaining the U.S. Senior Open’s openness while ensuring that high-caliber players are provided ample opportunity to earn a spot in the field and that qualifying can be conducted at the highest level is paramount,” said Brent Paladino, USGA senior director, Championship Administration. “Our structure has evolved to ensure the long-term sustainability of qualifying without excessively burdening Allied Golf Associations (AGAs) and host clubs.”
PGA Tour
Canadian Open - Robert MacIntyre
Memorial Tournament - Scottie Scheffler
U.S. Open - Bryson DeChambeau
Travelers Championship - Scottie Scheffler
Rocket Mortgage Classic - Cameron Davis
Korn Ferry Tour
UNC Health Championship - Kaito Onishi
BMW Charity Pro-Am - Ryan Gerard
Kansas Witchita Open - Taylor Dickson
Compliance Solutions Championship - John Pak
Memorial Health Championship - Mx McGreevy
PGA Tour Americas
Beachlands Victoria Open - Frederik Kjettrup
ATB Classic - Frederik Kjettrup
PGA Tour Champions
Principal Charity Classic - Ernie Els
American Family Insur. Championship - Ernie Els
DICK’S Open - Padraig Harrington
U.S. Senior Open - Richard Bland
World of Golf
June
DP World Tour
European Open - Laurie Canter
Scandinavian Mixed - Linn Grant
KLM Open - Guido Migliozzi
Italian Open - Tom McKibbin
LPGA
U.S. Women’s Open - Yuka Saso
ShopRite LPGA Classic - Linnea Strom
Meijer LPGA Classic - Lilia Vu
PGA Championship - Amy Yang
Dow Championship - Ruoning Yin
LET
Firekeepers Casino Hotel Championship - Cassie Porter Otter Creek Championship - Savannah Vilaubi
Island Resort Championship - Soo Bin Joo
Challenge Tour
Challenge de Cadiz - Rasmussen Goth
Kaskada Golf Challenge - Hamish Brown
Blot Open - John Parry
Le Vaudreuil Golf Challenge - Joel Moscatel
Epson Tour
Casino Del Sol Golf Classic - Madison Young
Carlisle Arizona Women’s Golf Classic - Ruixin Liu
Copper Rock Championship - Fiano Xu
Sunshine Tour
SunBet Challenge - Jacques Blaauw
Mopani Zambia Open - MJ Viljoen
LPGA Legends
The Woodford Legends Invitational - Laney Frye (a) + Claire
Beth Ramsey(a) & Becky Morgan + Catriona Matthew
Up Next for MAGA Deadlines
The Southern Illinois Distinguished Service award is presented to individuals whose actions have fostered the SIGA’s objectives, “To promote and conserve the best interests and the true spirit of the game of golf as embodied in its ancient and honorable traditions.”
A dedicated coach, teacher, golf historian, and friend of golf in Southern Illinois since the 1960s. Perkins dedicated much of his time and life to furthering the game of golf in Southern Illinois.
Perkins
Honoree
Hall of Champions 2024
Brian Hall Senior Old Warson Cup
Ryan Cole Metropolitan Open
Brian Lovett East Side Senior
Blake Skornia East Side Amateur
Team Metropolitan Robert A. Shogren Cup
Luke Lasley SIGA Championship
Michael Brees Junior SIGA Championship
Chris Kovach Old Warson Cup
Sarah Hyten Girls’ Junior Amateur
Harper Ackermann Junior Amateur
DeLuca & Tiefenbrunn Junior Amateur Age Greg Stewart Super Senior SIGA Champ. Tom Portner
Flores
September 26
Family Golf & Learning Center
The 100 Hole Hike is the ultimate golf fundraising challenge, where golfers play 100 holes of golf in one day to raise money for Youth on Course. Youth on Course is a non-profit organization that provides youth with access to life-changing opportunities through golf. 1. Sign-up as a Hiker 2. Set Your Fundraising Goal
How the Hike Works:
3. Ask your Community of friends, family, & coworkers to donate to your goal 4. Come on September 26 to participate & complete your
Hole Hike at Family Golf & Learning Center
Watch & cheer on the Hikers on September 26
Caddie for a friend that is a Hiker
Normandie Project Update: Keep Up with the Foundation
The Metropolitan Golf Foundation owns Normandie Golf Course and is behind the Normandie Reimagined project in conjunction with Beyond Housing. As this project continues forward, we want you to be in the know that is why we encourage you to follow the Metropolitan Golf Foundation on social media. We will be posting updates and information about this venture as much as we can to keep the public in the loop. Use the links below to follow the Foundation across the social media landscape.
Follow Us:
MetroGolfFoundation on Instagram MetropolitanGF on Facebook and X Metropolitan Golf Foundation on LinkedIn
For more information on the Normandie Renovation Project and how you can help, visit https://www.metga.org/nicklaus-and-normandie or contact normandie@metga.org
“The appeal of this project to me was to be involved in an effort that could serve as a catalyst to change needed in our country today, beginning with parts of St. Louis County. Restoring Normandie for a community in need will have a long-lasting positive impact on the lives of youth in St. Louis.” -Jack Nicklaus on his involvement in Normandie Reimagined
