Photo by Maryland Athletics
december 2013 Issue # 6
Meet terps
Ben
Warnquist
allen
WRONOWSKI What Time is the 1:00 shotgun?
Jim stewart
destination Report!
myrtle beach
From Intern to Luxury Golf Trips
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From Intern to Luxury Golf Trips
36
Content Executive Director’s Welcome
07
The Amateur Interview with Marty West - Ben Warnquist
08
ask allen - What Time is the 1:00 Shotgun?
20
World golf foundation, Steve Mona - Golf’s Environmental Value and Contributions to Society
28
Bill smith - From Intern to Luxury Golf Trips
36
David wood - Myrtle Beach Offers Golf Vacations for All Budgets
44
RULES REVISITED - John J. Barse
50
Player of the year update
58
State news
60
Proud Host of the Men’s & Women’s
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bill smith Welcome
Executive Director’s Welcome Year in Review The Maryland State Golf Association year is the calendar year; however, it really begins with the Annual Meeting on the second Friday in November when the Board of Directors and Officers for the coming year are elected. For 2013, Jerry Duffy of the Country Club at Woodmore was elected President. One of Jerry’s first new projects was the development of Rules Seminars for member clubs which he named “Know and Play by the Rules”, and the program immediately became a huge success as he presented this seminar to 15 clubs and organizations. The MSGA office received many compliments on the content and the manner of presentations. As is tradition, the MSGA Championship Golf Schedule began withthe single elimination State Team Matches with the first round in late March. Beginning with 74 clubs and culminating some 6 weeks later on April 27th with Baltimore Country Club defeating Congressional Country Club in the finals to win the 2013 State Team Championship. April and May were very busy months with multiple championships plus three qualifiers for the Amateur and/or Open and a local qualifier for the U.S. Open. The three MD Am/Open qualifiers attracted over 400 entries. June brings the first major championship of the year with the Maryland Amateur conducted at the Country Club at Woodmore. This year’s championship was marred by rain causing the Championship to extend two additional days with Denny McCarthy becoming the Champion. The second major of the year, the MD Open, was conducted in July at the Country Club of Maryland and Denny McCarthy once again was the Champion, becoming the first golfer in the 92 year history to win both the Amateur and Open in the same year.The latter part of the tournament year is highlighted by team competitions and Senior Championships with the Senior Amateur Champion Mike Occi winning at Manor Country Club and John Francisco winning the Senior Open at Worthington Manor GC. For complete results of all Championships go to the MSGA web site at www.msga.org and click on Tournament Central icon. One of the most exciting new programs for the year was the introduction of the MSGA electronic magazine with the initial issue in April. Subsequent issues were launched in June, September, and October and can be found on the MSGA web site under the drop down menu icon for the e magazine. The intent is to publish an issue each month with many articles about Maryland clubs, courses and players. It also has a monthly rules article and covers all the results of the men and women’s championships. The magazine is your magazine and we are open to any suggestions you may have or would like to see in the magazine. This year saw the expansion of our one day play days which were well received and averaged around 80 players per event. Play days are handicap events, open to both men and women of varying skill levels and offers the opportunity to play some great venues at a very reasonable price. For additional info see our website or contact the office. The MSGA provides many services to the golfers of Maryland beyond the tournament schedules and this year our Patron Member Program which provides discount golf began utilizing the Victory Golf Pass booklet with discounts at over 300 golf facilities in six states. A new service introduced this year was an app for your smart phone on which you can post your scores or look up handicaps. Also for the first time, the MSGA introduced MSGA logo tee markers and flagstick flags at the Amateur and Open along with large logo welcome banner flags at the entrances to the clubs. Many of our programs occur every year and once again this year we funded the Emett Gary scholarship at the University of Maryland which provides academic financial support to students in the Agronomy school, many of which go on to be course superintendents. This year we also awarded 5 new and 4 renewal academic scholarships Bill Smith to students who are either employed by member clubs or are children of employees of member clubs or golfers Executive Director involvement with golf. Last but not least the volunteer course raters rated around 40 courses. with a significant Maryland State Golf Association
The year 2013 was a highly energized year in which much was accomplished, yet other new programs will be finalized in 2014. Stay tuned and hope you had a great golfing year. See you in 2014.
William K. Smith, Executive Director, Maryland State Golf Association
8 Amateur Interview Ben Warnquist Share
The Amateur Interview is broguht to you by
AMATEUR INTERVIEW WITH MARTY WEST
Ben Warnquist Manor Country Club
Photo by Maryland Athletics MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE | december 2013
Ben Warnquist Amateur Interview 9 Share
Name Member Club/Play At
Ben Warnquist Manor Country Club
Coach /Teacher
Bernie Najar
What clubs are in your bag?
Irons-Mizuno MP 64 Wedges-Cleveland RTX 588 wedges(52, 56, 60) 3-wood- Rocketballz Stage 1 Driver- Ping Anser 9.5 degree Putter- Scotty Cameron California Series
What golf ball do you play?
Titleist ProV1X
december2013 | MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE
10 Amateur Interview Ben Warnquist Share
MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE | december 2013
Ben Warnquist Amateur Interview 11 Share
Photo by Maryland Athletics
Hi Ben - Thank you for taking the time to do this interview. First let me begin by asking at what age did you begin playing golf? Who introduced you to the game? Did your parents play a key role in your golf? Has any golf instructor helped your game in a significant way? I started playing golf when I was 5 or 6 years old; mostly just riding in the cart with my father, Paul Warnquist. He was the person who got me into the game when I was really young. I remember first learning the game, when I would watch my dad and his buddies play. I was very excited when I could finally join them in their weekend game of “wolf” or a fourball match. I have had many people help me in the process of becoming the college golfer I am today. I first started with Bob Bilbo at my home course Manor. He took me from a 15 handicap junior golfer to breaking 80 consistently. Then through my high school years I went to Steve Bosdosh. I havn’t met anyone who has given me better advice on how to manage my game. Currently I see Bernie Najar who has been great for me. I fell into a terrible funk two falls ago and was very close to giving up. But at the recommendation of a friend I went to work with Bernie, who has rejuvenated my golf game over the past year and a half. Also my coaches, Jason Rodenhaver and Steve Delmar have been great for me at University of Maryland. A great quote from Coach Rody, is “Men, I want you to work on your wedges, and when you’re done that I want you to hit more wedges.” Many golfers remember when they “got bitten by the golf bug.” Do you have a particular time, experience or memory of when you fell in love with the game? I have been obsessed with this game for over 10 years and I feel like I’m bitten by the golf bug every time I tee it up. There is nothing I love more than going to play with my teammates after a day of class. What have been your major accomplishments in the year of 2013. Qualifying for the US Amateur has been my biggest accomplishment this year. When I was in high school I qualified for two US Junior Amateurs and have been dying to get back to a USGA championship ever since. As you look to the 2014 season, what goals have you set for yourself? The main goal I have is to compete day in and day out. My game seems to be too streaky. In my years at the University of Maryland I have the tendency of shooting december2013 | MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE
12 Amateur Interview Ben Warnquist
Photo by Maryland Athletics
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my best rounds after my worst rounds. I’ve had many under par rounds that have followed rounds in the upper 70’s.
What do you consider is the strength of your game? Is there any aspect of your game which you are going to concentrate on improving in 2014?
Tell me about your tournament plans for 2014 and what events are you particularly excited about playing in? Do you plan to try to qualify for any national championships this year?
The Strength of my game is my wedges. I have gone from a relatively bad wedge player to a very good one while at Maryland. The short game area here is one of the best in the country and I have seen the impact it has had on my game inside 100 yards. I need to concentrate on improving my driving of the ball in 2014.
I am planning on playing a lot of golf tournaments in 2014. I am most excited to play in the ACC championship which will be the last time a University of Maryland golfer will be able to play in it. Also I am very excited to try and get back to the US Amateur. MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE | december 2013
How much time do you dedicate a week for practice? How many rounds of golf during the golf season do you think you average in a week? Do you enjoy
Ben Warnquist Amateur Interview 13 Share
practice and if you had the choice, would you rather play or practice?
I haven’t made it past the first couple rounds of match play.
I am at the course every day, and practice specific parts of my game for an hour or two and then go play. I love going to play golf; I feel I learn much more about my game by playing.
Can you remember the first time you participated in the Maryland Amateur? What were your thoughts on the Championship and the level of competition?
Have you played in the Maryland Amateur Championship before and if so, what is your best finish? I’ve played in the Maryland amateur every year for the last 6 years. I’ve made match play in all but two times.
My first Maryland Amateur was at Woodholme Country Club. I remember particularly because I had my first ever hole in one during one of my matches. The Maryland Amateur is a great tournament that I hope to get the trophy in coming years
december2013 | MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE
14 Amateur Interview Ben Warnquist Share
Photo by Maryland Athletics MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE | december 2013
Ben Warnquist Amateur Interview 15 Share
What golf tournament that you have played in did you most enjoy and why? The US Amateur at the Country Club at Brookline was the tournament I enjoyed most. It was great to play in such a prestigious tournament at a golf course with so much history. What is your favorite course that you have played and why did you enjoy it so much? My favorite golf course that I have played is Caves Valley. The course there is always pristine and the views are unparralled. Every year, the terp golf team and myself are fortunate enough to get out there. Competitive golf can be very stressful, especially when you are in the heat of competition with a chance to win. Are there any specific things you do to try to cope with the pressure when you are competing? I always like to try and slow myself down. That goes for everything I do, whether that’s over a shot or walking up the fairway. If you can do that you will be more focused on the present task. Do you have someone that you use as a sounding board to talk about your success with or how you could improve your game? Throughout the year, I like to talk with my coaches at Maryland. Steve Delmar, the assistant coach and very good player, has a really good perspective on golf and knows my game really well. If you were given the opportunity this year to play on any two courses in the world, what courses would you choose and why? If I was given this opportunity I would play Augusta National and then go play it again. I don’t think you could beat a round at Augusta, so I’ll play it twice. If you were given the opportunity to play in a “dream foursome” with people from the past or present connected with the game of golf, who would they be and why? I would choose to play with Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Bill Murray. The first two for obvious reasons, and Bill Murray for the Caddyshack quotes. Although I may not be able to swing if Bill Murray does his scene about the Dalai Lama.
december2013 | MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE
16 Amateur Interview Ben Warnquist Share
Do you now have a consistent exercise program and if so, what does it entail? I do have a consistent workout routine that includes three days a week with the team. We generally do two of the days with weights and the third day is running. You grew up in Maryland and now attend the University of Maryland. What factors helped your decision to stay close to home? Growing up in Maryland, attending DeMatha Catholic High School, which is right down the street from The University of Maryland, and the fact that it is my father’s alma mater made this decision very easy. I’ve always been a Terp and will always be one. Are you considering playing golf as a professional? What will be the major factors that will help you make that decision? When I finish school I will definitely consider playing professionally. Although I really admire the players who have decorated amateur careers and also have successful careers in something other than golf. I would love the opportunity to have a choice between those two options. Golfers are known for being superstitious. Do you have any superstitions that you are willing to share with us? I am superstitious in a few different ways. Before I go play a tournament round I have to hit a pure 7 iron. Also I only carry one tee in my pocket. I have others but for the sake of my normality I’ll keep them to myself. Having a balanced life is something every one of us is conscious of in this day and age. Outside of golf, how do you spend your time and what other activities do you try to partake in?
What is the best advice regarding golf that you have ever received? The best advice I have received has been “don’t fix it if it ain’t broken”. There is no reason to try and change an aesthetic aspect of your game that is effective. For example, my father has a, sorry pop, terrible cut stroke while putting. But I seem to lose to him in most putting contests we have! I would say he has my number, but I’ve seen him make more putts than anyone I know. Trust in whatcha got! MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE | december 2013
Photo by Maryland Athletics
Outside of golf, I really enjoy hanging out with my friends and family, playing pick-up basketball, and learning about history. I am naturally very competitive and playing other sports helps to bring that out. Also I am a big history buff, so anytime I can take an elective at school, it is generally history.
Ben Warnquist Amateur Interview 17 Share
If you are a Maryland amateur golfer and would like to be featured, please contact our publisher, Marcus Bain marcus@thinksportsmedia.com Every month Maryland’s most celebrated amateur golfer, Marty West III, will be interviewing one of the state’s current high ranking amateurs.
december2013 | MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE
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20 ASK ALLEN What Time is the 1:00 Shotgun? Share
ask Allen
What Time is the 1:00 Shotgun? by Allen Wronowski Allen Wronowski, 37th President of the PGA of America (2010-2012) and Honorary President of the PGA of America (2012-2014)
MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE | december 2013
What Time is the 1:00 Shotgun? ask allen 21
Photo by Montana Pritchard /The PGA of America
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december2013 | MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE
22 ASK ALLEN What Time is the 1:00 Shotgun? Share
B
eing in the golf business for the past 37 years, I have seen and heard a lot, and much that is really funny. So have my peers and we’ve have all talked about writing a book. Not sure if or any one of us will ever write that book, but thought it would be fun to share some great stories that happen from our side of the counter of the golf pro shop.
Yes, we do get the question that’s the title of the story. Phone rings and someone actually asks ”What time is the 1:00 shotgun?”. I try to help them out and say an hour after 12:00 noon. Another good that happens more than you can imagine. The phone rings and the conversation is: Me: Golf shop Allen speaking, how can I help you? Golfer: Can I get a time around 1:30? Me: You’re in Luck, I have 2:04 available Golfer: Hmmm..you have something a little later Me: Sure, how about 2:36 or 2:44? Golfer: (silence then) How about a little later, say after 4:00? Me: Ok, how is 4:12? Golfer: Perfect, see you then!! I hang up just scratching my head and wondering why we started at 1;30 and wound up at 4:12?!?! And then there is the person that calls for a time at 1:00, you tell them you have 1:04 and they ask “Don’t you have something a little earlier”. Another head scratcher and I would have fun from time to time and tell them “Yup, I have 1:03!” I love this one too. The phone rings and the golfer asks what the weather is doing over there (the golf course). Well, its rainy and windy, “Oh” comes from the other end of the phone, and a pause. You then ask..”Isn’t this Mr. X, and don’t you live on the street across from the 8th hole??” Golfer responds with “ Yes it is, I was just hoping it might be clearer over there”. I had a person come to the counter and tell me their cart wouldn’t run. I used all my customer service training and was extremely apologetic. You really hate to ruin a person’s round of golf and day by having a golf cart break down. I went on to inquire where the cart was so we could go out and bring it in, to my surprise, it was in the pond on #6, and that’s why it wouldn’t run! MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE | december 2013
Photo by Montana Pritchard /The PGA of America
Photo by Montana Pritchard /The PGA of America
What Time is the 1:00 Shotgun? ask allen 23
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december2013 | MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE
24 ASK ALLEN What Time is the 1:00 Shotgun? Share
years and the stories just keep coming
Photo by The PGA of America
37
MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE | december 2013
What Time is the 1:00 Shotgun? ask allen 25
Photo by Montana Pritchard /The PGA of America
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In my junior clinics, we always worked with a skill and then had a little competition after. One year we were working on teaching the kids to pitch the ball. The competition we had was to hit a ball in a bucket (it was large) from about 30 yards. There were maybe 25 kids trying really hard, and the prize for accomplishing this was a brand new wedge, so pressure was on. After 15 minutes or so, this one little girl (maybe 10 years old) topped a ball, total grounder, and it bounced and hopped the whole way to the bucket and then jumped up in the air hitting something and took a big swan dive right into the bucket. She screams shouts and yells “I did it!!” I go over and try to explain that is not what we were looking for, it was supposed to be a lofted shot, like the pitches we were working on, not a grounder fluke. She looks at me, and quite sternly reminds me that I said the contest was for the ball to go into the bucket and I never specifically said how. She got the ball in the bucket and wanted her wedge. Well, after a few moments, I gave in and handed her the wedge. Any time after this incident when we had a contest, I was very clear on my expectations of what was required to win!! The other really fun and amazing add to the story, that after more than 15 years she is a very good player – and STILL uses that wedge today!
Photo by Montana Pritchard /The PGA of America
FROST, this is one of the PGA Pros and Golf Course Superintendents nightmares. No one understands it, no one likes it and certainly one of the biggest challenges in making golfers happy. Some of the comments are really good. We’ve had some say that there is a spending minimum and as soon as it is reached in either golf shop sales or club house sales, then we will let the golfers go. Or people are constantly saying they don’t understand as there is no frost at their house. I once had a person respond to that “Hey let’s take the carts and some flags and go over and play at Joe’s house!!”
december2013 | MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE
26 ASK ALLEN What Time is the 1:00 Shotgun?
Photo by Montana Pritchard /The PGA of America
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One of my assistant professionals had a beginner golfer. He had given her some lessons on the driving range over a few months and she had grasped the fundamentals pretty well. So, he wanted to take her on the golf course to show her how to use her new skills and get her comfortable actually playing. They get to a hole, she hits a pretty good drive and they ride to her next shot. She hits a beginner shot right off the end of the club and it sails well to the right of her target, toward the cart path. My assistant says in all innocence and many of us have, “Hit the cart path and run”, to get the ball going further of course. He is totally taken by MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE | december 2013
surprise as she now slings the club to the ground, and begins to take off in a full sprint down the cart path. He finally gains his composure, drives the cart and tells her to stop, and asks what she is doing. “I’m doing what you told me and this is as fast as I can go!” We certainly know that golf is fun, and so are some of the conversations and situations around it. As I have been working on writing this, I’m really thinking about writing the book! Let me take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy, Healthy, Successful and Most Blessed New Years!
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28 Steve Mona Golf’s Environmental Value and Contributions to Society Share
Steve Mona
Golf’s Environmental Value and Contributions to Society By Steve Mona, CEO of World Golf Foundation
MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE | december 2013
Golf’s Environmental Value and Contributions to Society Steve Mona 29
Photo by Montana Pritchard /The PGA of America
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Introduction With more than 15,000 courses in the U.S., golf brings many positive environmental aspects to local communities. It accounts for more than two million acres of green space, as an average 18-hole course comprises 150 acres (including 50 acres of rough, 30 acres of fairway, six acres of greens and tees, 24 acres of forest and 11 acres of water).
Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) and United States Golf Association (USGA),came together to endorse the International Golf Federation’s “Statement on Sustainability” (http://www.randa.org/en/RandA/ News/News/2012/October/Sustainability.aspx) to employ environmental best practices.
The golf industry is dedicated to continually improving the construction and management of environmentallyresponsible and economically-viable golf courses. Golf provides significant value to the environment and is the only sport in the world with an eco-label from the Rain Forest Alliance and Forest Stewardship Council.
The goal is for course managers and developers to continuously improve water conservation, water quality protection, energy savings and pollution reduction. This includes providing ecological and economic benefits to local communities, protecting habitat for wildlife and plant species, using natural resources efficiently, respecting land adjacent to golf properties and supporting ongoing scientific research of eco-friendly solutions.
Statement on Sustainability
Golf’s Environmental Agenda
Almost 80 percent of 18-hole golf facilities have taken steps to conserve energy. In October 2012, the game’s leading organizations, such as the Golf Course
Golf makes a positive social and environmental impact, adding value across the land it manages, resources it uses and people it touches. Additionally, golf can be december2013 | MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE
30 Steve Mona Golf’s Environmental Value and Contributions to Society
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MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE | december 2013
Golf’s Environmental Value and Contributions to Society Steve Mona 31
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a catalyst for sustainability awareness to millions of individuals, communities and businesses. So what’s on golf’s environmental agenda? • Nature: Conserving and enriching biodiversity as well as contributing to the functioning of ecosystems as healthy semi-natural landscapes for people and wildlife. • W ater: Acting as protected green space within watersheds, innovating highly-efficient irrigation technology and practices, investing in infrastructure to reuse and recycle low-quality water, developing and renovating courses to require less irrigation. • Energy: Minimizing energy consumption and harnessing renewable resources. • Pollution control: Enhancing air, water and soil quality through responsible professional land and resource management. • Supply Chain: Driving a greener economy through sustainable purchasing and moving toward zero-waste businesses. • Community: Providing healthy recreation for all ages; youth programs; jobs and training; meeting place for families and businesses; and an event platform for charitable fundraising.
The Real Facts AboutWater Among the most important issues facing the future of golf is water use. In some parts of the country, courses require large amounts of water to irrigate the landscape.
But what you may not know is more than 90 percent of golf courses use wetting agents to aid in water retention and efficiency. Close to 80 percent use hand-watering techniques for increased precision. Most importantly, only 15 percent utilize municipal water supplies. For several decades, the golf industry has recognized its responsibility to reduce water use and become less reliant onirrigation sources. This multi-faceted approach includes development of new grass varieties that either use less or can tolerate poor quality water, improving the efficiency of irrigation systems, using alternate water sources to reduce or eliminate potable water use and introducing design concepts to minimize grass areas requiring more water.
Education Providing certification programs to course managers and developers is crucialto create a sustainable industry and provide maximum environmental benefits to local communities. This includes continuously improving water conservation, water quality protection, energy savings and pollution reduction. Below are a few organizations heavily involved in providing tools for use by golf course superintendents: • GCSAA (http://www.gcsaa.org/education/ Default.aspx) – The GCSAA is the professional association for the men and women who manage and maintain the game’s most valuable resource – the golf course. The organization provides educational programs in agronomy, business management, communication, environmental management and leadership. Founded in 1926, the GCSAA has 19,000 members in 72 countries. december2013 | MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE
32 Steve Mona Golf’s Environmental Value and Contributions to Society
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• USGA (Green Section) (http://www.usga.org/ CourseCareLanding.aspx?id=21474846413) The USGA supports the largest, private turfgrass and environmental research effort in the history of golf. Since 1920, the USGA has placed more than $40 million in funding university research projects. The goal is to achieve a significant reduction in water use, pesticide use, and maintenance costs. • Golf Environment Organization (http:// www.golfenvironment.org/) – Dedicated to promoting, supporting and rewarding meaningful action and serving a growing community. GEO Certified is golf’s international eco-label – a trusted symbol of great golf environments worldwide.
Results Many golf courses serve as shining examples of environmental stewardship by providing ecological and economic benefits. In 2007, Pasatiempo Golf Club maintained 95 irrigated acres. Just two years later, the city of Santa Cruz, MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE | december 2013
California announced a mandatory 28 percent water cutback. The club quickly realized a water reduction of that scope was not sufficient to adequately irrigate all areas of the course.The golf course reduced its irrigation to 70 acres and saved $369,000 in 2009, $320,000 in 2010 and $300,000 in 2011. Broken Sound Club (Boca Raton, Fla.) obtains enough reclaimed water for its two courses to supplement its regular water supply. It has made environmental enhancements and corporate responsibility central to its business model. For its environmental stewardship, Broken Sound has received numerous acknowledgements, including certifications from the International Audubon Society, Green Corporate Citizen Award,a Proclamation from the City of Boca Raton and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Commendation for Recycling. Located 30 minutes from Charleston, South Carolina, Kiawah Island is home to five championship golf courses – all classified as Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries. The Ocean Course, designed by the legendary Pete Dye and host of the 2012 PGA Championship, has 14 miles of pipes and drains under the course to collect all
Golf’s Environmental Value and Contributions to Society Steve Mona 33 Share
About Steve Mona
water that falls onto the greens and cart paths. It picks up about 300,000 gallons of fresh water per day. Half of the water is used to irrigate the course. During the design process, Dye also created more than 22 acres of freshwater wetlands within the golf courses, restored 80 acres of saltwater marshlands and planted native grasses to help preserve the dunes from erosion.
Conclusion Golf’s environmental value and contributions are significant. The collaboration of the industry’s leading organizations has formed a strong bond on sustainability to lead us into the future. Educating golf course superintendents and consumers alike is important to get the facts straight and find better ways to be efficient and conserve water
Steve Mona became the World Golf Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in March 2008. Mona served as tournament director of the Northern California Golf Association from September 1980 to January 1982. He moved to assistant manager of press relations for the United States Golf Association from January 1982 to June 1983, at which time he became Executive Director of the Georgia State Golf Association. In November 1993, he became CEO of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. In 2013, Steve was named to Golf Inc.’s “Most Powerful People in Golf” for the 13th consecutive year and ranked above Nick Faldo and Annika Sorenstam. World Golf Foundation develops and supports initiatives that positively impact lives through the game of golf and its traditional values. Founded in 1993, The Foundation is supported by major international golf organizations and professional Tours, and provides oversight to World Golf Hall of Fame, The First Tee, GOLF 20/20 and other industry initiatives in support of its mission. For more information, visit www.worldgolffoundation.org
december2013 | MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE
“How did I make a twelve on a par five hole? It’s simple. I missed a four-foot putt for an eleven.� Arnold Palmer
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36 Bill smith From Intern to Luxury Golf Trips Share
MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE | december 2013
From Intern to Luxury Golf Trips Bill smith 37 Share
Bill Smith
From Intern to Luxury Golf Trips By Bill Smith, Executive Director of the MSGA
The following interview is with Jim Stewart who was an intern for the MSGA during the summer of 2004 and is now the owner of Connoisseur Golf a golf travel business with offices overlooking the 18th green of the Old Course in St. Andrews, Scotland.
december2013 | MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE
38 Bill smith From Intern to Luxury Golf Trips Share
I know you are from Portrush, Northern Ireland. When and how did you first get interested in golf? Did it begin as a player or caddie?
high school team to the national final, and a few years later played for my University in the British final at Royal Liverpool but unfortunately we lost both.
I began playing golf as young as nine or ten years old at a short par 3 course near Royal Portrush, where my parents used to holiday before we moved there full time. My dad wouldn’t let me play on an eighteen hole course until I shot par around the smaller layout, so that was a good grounding. In my teenage years, I went on to caddie during the school holidays. I got to meet a lot of great people and made a little cash on the side. It was a great way to spend the summers.
At the time you applied for the internship at the MSGA you were a student at the University of St Andrews, in St Andrews Scotland. What major considerations lead you to go to the University of St Andrews and what was your major? I am sure there were some memorable moments at University. Do you care to share any with us?
Did you play tournament golf and if so how did you do? Were there any memorable moments? I began to play some decent golf towards my final years in high school, and competed in all the national U18 and U21 tournaments. I missed as many cuts as I made so nothing to write home about. I captained our MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE | december 2013
St Andrews was really the only University I was interested in attending. Not only was it one of the leading schools in the UK, but it also had six fantastic links courses on its doorstep. I began studying Physics and left five years later with a Masters in History of Art. You may find this puzzling, but probably more understandable when you realize that the future Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, was to be in my new tutorial group. I still can’t figure out how she chose William over me… I also
From Intern to Luxury Golf Trips Bill smith 39 Share
“My dad wouldn’t let me play on an eighteen hole course until I shot par around the smaller layout”
studied with Oliver Horovitz who went on to write the very popular tale – ‘An American Caddie in St Andrews’ which is a very good read for those interested in how we lived our student lives in such a famous golfing town. Why did you apply for our internship which obviously required you to leave Northern Ireland/Scotland to come to the U.S. for the summer. What were some of the major hurdles you had to overcome while in the U.S.? I had travelled to Maryland a few times previously to stay with a good friend (and now MSGA board member) who I met through caddying at Royal Portrush. I enjoyed the area immensely, and the opportunity to work in the golf industry there for a summer was a fantastic goal. The initial major hurdles were gaining a work visa, bank account and rental car as a foreign 22 year old. However these proved to be minor irritations when compared to maintaining my relationship with a dissatisfied girlfriend from Montgomery County. She dropped me
off on my first day at the MSGA office and was never to be seen again. Thankfully I had the Executive Director to reconfirm that there was indeed other fish in the sea. During your stay in Maryland you had the opportunity to play some golf. What were the major differences in playing on Maryland courses versus courses in Northern Ireland? The major difference was the temperature and humidity. We think its tropical when it reaches 70. Playing in 90, 95 sometimes 100 degrees is very tough on a pale Irishman’s body! Courses in the US also demand straight hitting and high towering approach shots. With some of our links fairways over 100 yards wide, accuracy off the tee is not always our forte. And obviously the little shots around the green are very different. We prefer to keep everything on the ground, but almost every chip in the US calls for the 56 or 60 degree wedge. I think it’s fair to say my game is much more suited to the links.
december2013 | MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE
40 Bill smith From Intern to Luxury Golf Trips Share
What did you enjoy most about being an intern for the MSGA and what did you gain personally from the experience? When I interned at the MSGA, I was still very keen on pursing a career in golf administration. It gave me tremendous insight into how tournaments operate on a local, statewide and national scale. From preparing a course pre-tournament, finalizing a field, setting pin positions to running the actual event itself. Every possible facet you can imagine was covered, and the internship culminated in me controlling a statewide tournament with the assistance of the board. I most enjoyed the variety of my job. One day I could be in the office, the next I could be setting up a future event, working on-site at a current tournament, or even losing money to one of the board members on a selection of Maryland’s best golf courses. Upon completion of your internship you returned to graduate from the University of St. Andrews. What did you do upon graduation? In my final year of University I began applying for a series of permanent positions, some in golf, some outside. I made it down to the last cut of a recruitment drive for Google just when they were rolling out their Adwords service, but aside from that I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do next. How did you first get involved with the golf travel business? What led you to form your own golf travel MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE | december 2013
business, and why the name Connoisseur Golf? During a couple of summers at University I had taken on a temporary role with one of the larger golf tour operators in Scotland. It gave me an insight as to how vast the tourism business was, and also that I really enjoyed working in it. I had formed a fairly wide circle of contacts in the US from my various trips there each year, and was beginning to get more and more requests from them to play St Andrews and Scotland’s other top courses. So, I eventually thought, why not make a business out of this? With regard to the name, I really used to enjoy a magazine that sadly went out of circulation called Golf Connoisseur. It not only focused on golf, but the more affluent lifestyle and exclusive destinations. It catered for a high end clientele, and that was where I felt there was a niche in the inbound Scottish and Irish markets. It’s one of those words that sounds like what it means – a person who, through study and interest, has a fine appreciation for something. What year did you start Connoisseur Golf. What distinguishes it from other golf travel businesses? Why should one choose Connoisseur Golf for their golf travel need. I formed Connoisseur Golf in 2006. It was not the easiest global financial climate to start a business in but I’m convinced we survived that period due to
From Intern to Luxury Golf Trips Bill smith 41 Share
sticking to our beliefs of servicing high end clients with exactly what they need and not fighting for the budget orientated, conveyor belt trips in the middle ground. The reason we have grown is the high level of repeat business and client referrals we receive. Although we can guarantee tee-times that not every company can, our major USP is our people. We know Scotland and Ireland inside out, and all our staff are on first name terms with every course starter, hotel general manager and caddie master in both countries. We have hosted every type of group from the once in a lifetime couple who have dreamed of this their entire lives, to leading Fortune 500 companies, and we treat every single customer with exactly the same urgency and integrity. Where do most of your clients live and what size groups do you deal with? Our clients have travelled from the US, Canada, France, Monaco, Sweden, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. But a very large proportion (40-50%) are from east coast USA. Shannon is only six hours from NY, it’s an easy flight. Most of our groups travel in groups of 4, 8 or 16. At that size we can really concentrate the level of service. But last year we ran a large tour for the members of a golf club from Australia, so we are happy to consider larger parties under the correct circumstances. What part of the business is the most rewarding? Watching how even the most successful of businessmen get nervous on the first tee of the Old Course in St Andrews. It lets you understand how important these courses are to golfers from all over the world, and I no longer take them for granted. And let’s face it, our weather is not 100% perfect all of the time. So I
really enjoy watching visitors roll up their sleeves and embrace the conditions. Our courses were not designed to be played in flat calm sunny weather, so it’s all part of the experience. In addition to your golf reputation, rumor has it that you also have significant skill as a snooker player. How did that come about and are you a better snooker player than golfer? You have obviously been doing your homework as I wasn’t sure anyone in Maryland knew what snooker was. For those in the dark, just imagine a 12’ by 6’ pool table with smaller pockets. It’s a very tactical game and each frame can last ten minutes or take over an hour. I was never good enough to compete with the top players but I was fortunate enough to represent Scotland back in 2009, and it’s a sport I still love. Am I a better snooker player than golfer? As you well know, that wouldn’t be very difficult these days… In conclusion, what goals and/or objectives have you for your future and that of the business? There have been a couple of approaches for us to offer our services in different parts of the world, and through time that may prove to be the case when we are satisfied that we can offer the highest quality service available. For example, we are now offering VIP packages to The Masters including badges, luxury accommodation, transfers, exclusive tee-times, full hospitality and appearances from past champions. But first and foremost, we will continue to deliver what we have built our reputation on in Scotland and Ireland. Thanks Jim for the interview. If you wish to contact Jim his email address is jim@connoisseurgolf.com. december2013 | MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE
Steve Stricker | PGA Tour Player 913D3 | 8.5° | B1 | 166 mph Ball Speed
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44 David Wood Myrtle Beach Offers Golf Vacations for All Budgets Share
David Wood
Myrtle Beach Offers Golf Vacations for All Budgets By David Wood, Author of “Around the World in 80 Rounds” MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE | december 2013
Myrtle Beach Offers Golf Vacations for All Budgets David Wood 45 Share
For those seeking to add a notch to “top 100” resumes, the Dunes Golf & Beach Club (www.thedunesclub.net) in the Central Strand is a must play. Exceptionally scenic with its pristine beach lulled by gently rolling waves, the Robert Trent Jones design is also the epitome of strategic golf. Its famous par-5 13th – “Waterloo – with Lake Singleton causing havoc on the drive and a smalltiered green devilishly hard to both hit and putt is the very definition of a “signature hole.” Also in the lofty echelon of Myrtle Beach golf is Pawley Island’s Caledonia Golf & Fish Club (www.fishclub.com). Caledonia’s 18 wandersserenely through tidal marshes, freshwater creeks and towering live oaks. Though only just over 6,500 yards from the back tees, Mike Strantz’s inaugural design is a glorious combination of golf and Mother Nature and all the golf you’ll ever want. Combined with its sister course True Blue, it makes for 36 holes of unforgettable golf. The North Strand has numerous “top of the heap” options to play the ancient Scottish game. Most
notably are the Dye, Fazio, Love and Norman layouts at Barefoot Resort (www.barefootgolf.com). One would be hard-pressed to find four courses of this high-caliber all designed by the cream of golf course architects in one location. For accommodations, Barefoot Resort has excellent options. Additionally, Dunes Village Resorts (www.dunesvillage.com) is ideal. You’ll enjoy a full oceanfront view overlooking the beautiful Atlantic Ocean in an oceanfront deluxe king studio. For dinner, Greg Norman’s Australian Grille is the place to go. The cuisine and décor might make you think you’re dining on Sydney’s dramatic harbor Down Under rather than the scenic Lowcountry of South Carolina. www.gregnormansaustraliangrille.com/. Though perhaps not as famous as the thoroughbreds above, oodles of Myrtle Beach courses are ideal for fleshing out a superb vacation itinerary. december2013 | MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE
46 David Wood Myrtle Beach Offers Golf Vacations for All Budgets Share
MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE | december 2013
Myrtle Beach Offers Golf Vacations for All Budgets David Wood 47 Share
The Legends Golf & Resort’s Heathland course (www.legendsgolf.com) is a Tom Doak masterpiece. Paying tribute to the roots of the game, this is a true links where the enemy is the vexing wind sweeping across the Central Strand and penal bunkers diabolically awaiting a poorly executed shot. Legends also has five additional outstanding layouts: Moorland, Parkland, Oyster Bay, Heritage Club and Diamond Bay. A full Myrtle Beach golf vacation could be had solely with Mystical Golf’s three Dan Maples classics – The Witch, Man-O-War and The Wizard (www.mysticalgolf.com). If time only allows for one of the acclaimed trio, The Witch is another must play. With 4,000 feet of bridges wending through swamps (front nine) and rolling hills (back nine), golfers may spy cranes, bald eagles, alligators and black bears. Holes are separated by forestry and void of bordering homes, promoting a glorious pure-golf vibe. For accommodations, both Legends and Mystical Golf have excellent stay-and-play packages on their respective websites. For dinner and drinks try Murrells Inlet as it’s chockablock with cool bars and restaurants right on the water. Eat fresh oysters and seafood right out of the ocean with a Land Shark lager to wash it down. Trust me, you can’t go wrong. www.murrellsinletsc.com/ business-directory.php Myrtle Beach has some of the best “bang for your buck” courses and accommodations anywhere in
North America. For golf, Whispering Pines Golf Course (www.wpinesgolf.com) is a public golf course owned by the city of Myrtle Beach. With no backyards to distract from your golfing experience, Whispering Pines offers a distinctive combination of challenge and beauty, carved out of 200 acres of towering pines and mature hardwoods. Plus, the price is wallet-friendly. Another local favorite is Indian Wells Golf Club (www.classicgolfgroup.com) with its finisher a veteran member of the “Grand Strand’s Dream 18,” and regarded as one of the best (and toughest!) holes in the area. For accommodations, the Sea Mist (www.seamist.com) is comfortable, affordable and right on the beach. It offers a wide range of family fun including movies in its theatre, a water park and even putt-putt golf. For dinner on a budget Bubba’s Fish Shack (www. bubbasfishshack.com) is on the water in the heart of Myrtle Beach. Try the po’ boy and fried pickles. Another excellent resource for Myrtle Beach golf and stay-and-play packages is Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday (www.GolfHoliday.com).
David Wood is the author of “Around the World in 80 Rounds,” available in hardback, paperback, audio and Kindle versions at www.amazon.com/Around-World80-Rounds.
december2013 | MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE
“Professional golf is the only sport where, if you win 20 percent of the time, you’re the best.” Jack Nicklaus
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50 RULES REVISITED KNOW AND PLAY BY THE RULES Share
RULES REVISITED
KNOW AND PLAY BY THE RULES by John J. Barse, Vice-President, MSGA
Photo by Montana Pritchard /The PGA of America MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE | december 2013
KNOW AND PLAY BY THE RULES RULES REVISITED 51 Share
december2013 | MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE
52 RULES REVISITED KNOW AND PLAY BY THE RULES
Photo by Montana Pritchard /The PGA of America
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I
n last month’s article Jerry Duffy noted Rule 13-4, which specifies actions that you may not take if your ball lies in a bunker. Most of us know the basics: before you make a stroke you can’t test the hazard, touch the ground with your hand or a club and you can’t touch or move loose impediments (loose impediments are natural objects such as leaves, twigs and stones.) But it turns out that there are lots of things that are allowed under the Rules if your ball is in a bunker, many of which are surprising.
MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE | december 2013
For example, we’re not allowed to rake the sand or smooth footprints or other irregularities in a bunker before we play a shot if it would affect our stance, area of swing or line of play. But we are allowed to rake other parts of a bunker as long as we’re doing so to care for the course. So if you have to walk across the bunker to retrieve a rake you may rake your footprints as you return to your ball, as long as the part you rake isn’t where the ball lies, where you will stand to make your shot or on your line of play.
KNOW AND PLAY BY THE RULES RULES REVISITED 53 Share
Many players will take a rake into a bunker with them before they play a shot; that’s perfectly acceptable. You can also place the rake on the sand before you play. And if you accidentally touch the sand while placing the rake that’s not a penalty. Suppose you decide to lean on the rake while you’re waiting to play? That’s not a penalty, either. Decision 13-4/0.5 says that leaning on an object (other than a club) while that object is touching the bunker is OK. You can’t, however, stick the handle of the rake into the sand. That’s considered testing the bunker.
Can you take a club or clubs into the bunker with you? Yes, and you can place them in the bunker just like you can place a rake. So despite the prohibition in Rule 13-4 against touching the hazard with a club, you are allowed to place clubs in the bunker. For that matter, you can take your whole bag into the bunker with you if you like. There are several other times when it’s OK under the rules to touch the sand with your hand or a club before you play your shot: as a result of or to prevent falling december2013 | MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE
54 RULES REVISITED KNOW AND PLAY BY THE RULES
Photo by Montana Pritchard /The PGA of America
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and while searching for your ball. You may use a club or a cane while entering a bunker, and if you fall in a bunker there’s no penalty for touching the ground with either your hand or a club. You’re also allowed to move sand if you believe your ball is buried in a bunker. If the ball is moved during the search there’s no penalty but you must replace it and recreate the lie. You don’t have to completely cover the ball, though; you may leave a small part of it visible. You may also smooth the sand you disturbed during the search before you play, as long as you don’t fix the area of your stance or swing or your line of play. Rule 13-4 also prohibits us from touching loose impediments in a bunker. For example, we can’t touch a leaf in the bunker during the backswing without incurring a 2 stroke penalty. Does this mean than you MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE | december 2013
can’t even walk on a leaf in a bunker to approach your ball? No, fortunately that bit of absurdity is addressed in Decision 13-4/13.5, which says that there’s no penalty as long as the area of stance, intended swing or lie of the ball is not improved. Suppose your ball lies in a bunker that has a lot of leaves and twigs in it and you can’t see your ball? Rule 12-1b permits you to move the loose impediments in order to find or identify the ball. However, be careful: if the ball moves while searching in this situation you are subject to a 1 stroke penalty and you must replace your ball. And when you do find your ball, you have to replace the loose impediments. You may, however, leave a small part of the ball visible when you replace the loose impediments. By the way, in this circumstance you’re not necessarily entitled to be able to see the ball once
KNOW AND PLAY BY THE RULES RULES REVISITED 55 Share
you’ve taken your stance. Decision 12-1/3 says you can only move loose impediments if the ball isn’t visible from any angle. And you’re not out of the bunker yet! If you touch any of the loose impediments with your club during your backswing, even after you moved some to search for your ball, you’re still subject to penalty under Rule 13-4. An interesting situation arises when one player’s ball interferes with another ball in a bunker. Suppose you ball and your opponent’s ball both lie in the same bunker and they are touching each other. Your ball is slightly closer to the hole but it is also in a footprint. Your opponent can’t play his shot without also hitting your ball. What do you do? The proper procedure is for you to mark and lift your ball, making careful note of your lie, including the footprint. Your opponent then plays
his shot. You then must recreate your lie, including the footprint, and replace your ball before you play. Rules 22-2 (Ball Interfering With Play) and 20-3b (Lie of Ball to be Placed or Replaced Altered) cover this circumstance, and Decision 20-3b/1 deals with the requirement to recreate the footprint. Two other items are worth considering. While this article has used bunkers for its examples, Rule 13-4 addresses what you can and can’t do in hazards. So many of the situations described here apply equally well if your ball lies within a water hazard. And this closing note, given what time of year it is: snow and natural ice (not frost) are either loose impediments or casual water, at the option of the player. The choice the player makes will determine what relief is available.
december2013 | MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE
“A shot that goes in the cup is pure luck, but a shot to within two feet of the flag is skill.� Ben Hogan
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58 MSGA Player of Year Standings Denny Mccarthy
Photo by Virginia Media Relations
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Denny McCarthy MSGA player of the year 2013 the first player in history to win both Maryland state amateur and state open in the same year
Player of Year Standings MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE | december 2013
Denny Mccarthy MSGA Player of Year Standings 59 Share
STATE NEWS
congratulations
Mike occi MSGA senior player of the year 2013 earning his third award in the seven-year history of the program
Senior Player of Year Standings december2013 | MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE
60 State News Congratulations to 2013 MSGA Champions Share
STATE NEWS
Congratulations to 2013 MSGA Champions
Photo by Montana Pritchard /The PGA of America MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE | december 2013
Congratulations to 2013 MSGA Champions State News 61 Share
TOURNAMENT
Name
Team Championship
Baltimore CC
Two-Man Team
Mark Cusic & Kevin Ferris (Breton Bay GC)
Senior Two-Man Team
Robert Morris (Congressional) & Marty West (Columbia CC)
Amateur
Denny McCarthy (Argyle CC)
Junior
Bennett Buch (Cattail Creek CC)
Mid-Atlantic Junior Invitational
Maryland State Golf Association
Open
Denny McCarthy (Argyle CC)
Pro-Am
Steve Papanek& Michael Mulieri (Rolling Road GC)
Father-Son
John Pipitone (Hunt Valley GC) & Matt Pipitone (Maryland Golf & CC)
Club Team Stroke Play (Net)
La Tata
Amateur Public Links
Steven Delmar Jr. (University of Maryland GC)
Mid-Amateur
Jeff Castle (Towson CC)
Senior
Mike Occi (Hobbit’s Glen GC)
Baltimore-Washington Team
Baltimore
Baltimore-Washington Junior Team
Baltimore
Senior Team Championship
Bethesda CC & Hunt Valley GC
Four State Senior Challenge
Golf Association of Philadelphia
Senior Open
John Francisco (Piney Branch GC)
december2013 | MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE
62 State News Congratulations to 2013 MSGA-Women Champions Share
STATE NEWS
Congratulations to 2013 MSGA-Women Champions
Photo by Montana Pritchard /The PGA of America MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE | december 2013
Congratulations to 2013 MSGA-Women Champions State News 63 Share
TOURNAMENT
Name
Team Championship
Congressional CC
Mid-Amateur
Andrea Kraus (Hayfields GC)
Junior
Killian Casson (Turf Valley GC)
Poindexter Cup
Virginia
Amateur
Kaitlyn Rohrback (Crofton CC)
Mixed Two-Ball
Lisa Schlesinger & Walter Jew (Norbeck CC)
Mid-Atlantic Challenge
Maryland-Virginia
Mid-Handicap Two-Woman Team
Soo Ja Chu & Ho Rim Jun (Cross Creek GC)
Two-Woman Team
Becky Rutherford (Maryland Golf & CC) & Lisa Kaufman (Holly Hills CC)
Senior
Lisa Schlesinger (Norbeck CC)
Open
Jenny Suh (Fairfax)
december2013 | MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE
from all of us at the
Photo by Montana Pritchard /The PGA of America
Maryland State Golf Asscociation
(oh and a Happy New Year too !!!)
66 THE PUBLISHER’S PICK Share
THE PUBLISHER’S PICK This month for my ‘Publishers Pick’, I thought I’d share with you one of the most creative and bold golf shots attempted by my fellow countryman Matt Wheatcroft at this years Farmfoods British Par 3 Championships. No need for me to say much more other than to tell you to see for yourself!!!! Click the video below to watch this incredible shot
MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE | december 2013
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“I never learned anything from a match that I won.� Bobby Jones
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70 MSGA OFFER Victory Golf Pass and the MSGA Partnership Share
MSGA OFFER
Victory Golf Pass and the MSGA Partnership
I
n 2006, the MSGA started its Patron Member Program, as a way to reach more amateur golfers and provide opportunities to play many different Maryland golf courses. In the first year, over 60 Maryland courses offered privileges for the program-- it was an immediate success, with over 1,000 players joining the program in the first year! The proceeds from the program were designated to support junior golf and scholarships. Since then, the program has evolved and partnerships were formed. Initially it was the Middle Atlantic PGA that endorsed the program. Then the Maryland Golf Course Owners Association got on board. Over the years, the MSGA sought to add value by partnering with neighboring organizations, which brought partnerships with the Delaware State Golf Association, the Pennsylvania Golf Course Owners Association and the Ohio Golf Course Owners Association. Then for 2013, the MSGA announced its newest partnership, with the Victory Golf Pass. The Victory Golf Pass was created by PGA Professional Andy Barbin, owner of Chesapeake Bay Golf Club in Northeast Maryland. Barbin has actually started his program in the same year as the MSGA program, and by 2012, he had recruited over 300 participating courses in MD, VA, DC, DE, PA and NJ. Barbin’s program also supported a charitable cause for Crohn’s Disease. As a golf course owner and PGA professional, Barbin understood that programs like these have the potential to grow incremental revenue for clubs, as well as introduce new players. “We know our members love the program, but as a PGA member, I know the program must work for the clubs too,” said Barbin. MSGA Patron Member Program MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE | december 2013
Coordinator David Norman agrees, “We have enjoyed working with Andy, and our focus is growing the game. That means more rounds for Maryland clubs and a better golfing experience for Maryland golfers.” Traditionally Patron Member clubs have offered MSGA Patron Members an opportunity to play their course for a special rate, often $25 or less. Offers vary by day of week, time of day, etc., and some clubs offer multiple specials. Barbin’s suggestions for participating clubs this year will bring some new features.
• Off-season promotions – golf is a year round sport! • Special added-value discounts for seniors – they are loyal and have time for golf – also Military (Hero) discounts • Good pricing – make it attractive and strive for incremental rounds • Special promotions for junior build business now and for the future
Barbin and Norman have teamed up to recruit the clubs and keep excellent value for golfers, while bringing business to the clubs. The new lineup of courses will be announced soon, in time for ordering the perfect holiday gift for that special golfer in your family. Please track the program in Maryland State Golf magazine and on the MSGA website, www.msga.org. Thanks go to the clubs that support the program and make it a big winner for junior golf and charity!
Victory Golf Pass and the MSGA Partnership MSGA OFFER 71 Share
The beautiful Musket ridge, just one of the outstanding courses available
Dont miss your opportunity to play on some of the finest courses in the area click here to join december2013 | MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE
72 MSGA OFFER Victory Golf Pass and the MSGA Partnership Share
2013 Participating Golf Facilities 2014 List Coming Soon!
Maryland and DC Golf Facilities, County (82)
The Bay Club Golf Course East, Worcester The Bay Club Golf Course West, Worcester Bay Hills Golf Club, Anne Arundel Beaver Creek Country Club, Washington Bel Air Golf Center, Harford Blue Heron Golf Course, Queen Anne’s Bulle Rock, Harford (GOLD) Carroll Park Golf Course, Baltimore Chesapeake Bay Golf Club at North East, Cecil Chesapeake Bay Golf Club at Rising Sun, Cecil Chesapeake Hills Golf Club, Calvert Clearview at Horn’s Point Golf Club, Dorchester Clifton Park Golf Course, Baltimore Clustered Spires Golf Club, Frederick Compass Pointe Golf Courses, Anne Arundel Cross Creek Golf Club, Prince George’s Cumberland Country Club, Baltimore Deer Run Golf Club, Worcester East Potomac Golf Course, Washington DC Eisenhower Golf Course, Anne Arundel Elkton Golf & Batting Center, Cecil Enterprise Golf Course, Prince George’s Fairway Hills Golf Club, Howard Forest Park Golf Course, Baltimore Furnace Bay Golf Club, Cecil Geneva Farm Golf Course, Harford Glenn Dale Golf Club, Prince George’s GlenRiddle Golf Club - Man O’War Course, Worcester (SILVER) Great Hope Golf Course, Somerset Green Hill Yacht & Country Club, Wicomico Harbourtowne Golf Resort, Talbot Hog Neck Golf Course, Talbot Hollow Creek Golf Club, Frederick Horse Bridge Golf Club, Wicomico Lake Presidential, Prince George’s (GOLD/SILVER) Langston Golf Course, Washington DC Laurel Golf Center, Prince George’s Lighthouse Sound, Worcester The Links at Challedon, Carroll M & M Golf Academy, Frederick Maple Run Golf Club, Frederick Maplehurst Country Club, Allegany
Delaware Golf Facilities, County (25)
Back Creek Golf Club, New Castle Bayside Resort Golf Club, Sussex (GOLD) Baywood Greens Golf Club, Sussex Bear Trap Dunes Golf Club, Sussex (SILVER) Delcastle Golf Club, New Castle Dover Par 3 & Driving Range, Kent Ed Oliver Golf Club, New Castle Frog Hollow Golf & Swim Club, New Castle Garrisons Lake Golf Club, Kent Heritage Shores Club, Sussex Hooper’s Landing Golf Course, Sussex Midway Par 3, Sussex
Marlton Golf Club, Prince George’s Maryland National Golf Club, Frederick McDaniel College Golf Club, Carroll Montgomery Village Golf Club, Montgomery Mount Pleasant Golf Course, Baltimore Mountain Branch, Harford Musket Ridge Golf Club, Frederick (SILVER) Nassawango Country Club, Worcester Nutters Crossing, Wicomico Oakland Golf Club, Garrett Ocean City Golf Club Newport Bay Course, Worcester Ocean City Golf Club Seaside Course, Worcester Ocean Pines Golf & Country Club, Worcester Ocean Resorts WWCC Golf Club, Worcester Olney Golf Park, Montgomery P.B. Dye Golf Course, Frederick Pasadena Golf Center, Anne Arundel Patuxent Greens Golf Club, Prince George’s Pine Ridge Golf Course, Baltimore Queenstown Harbor - Lakes Course, Queen Anne’s Queenstown Harbor - River Course, Queen Anne’s Red Gate Golf Course, Montgomery Renditions Golf Course, Anne Arundel River House Golf, Talbot River Marsh Golf Club, Dorchester River Run Golf Club, Worcester Rock Creek Golf Course, Washington DC Rocky Gap Lodge & Golf Resort, Allegany Ruggles Golf Course, Harford Rum Pointe Seaside Golf Links, Worcester Swan Point Yacht & Country Club, Charles Twin Shields Golf Club, Calvert University of Maryland Golf Course, Prince George’s
presents its
2014 MSGA Patron Member Program
West Winds Golf Club, Frederick Westminster Island Green, Carroll Westminster National Golf Course, Carroll Wetlands Golf Club, Harford Whiskey Creek, Frederick (GOLD) White Plains Golf Course, Charles Worthington Manor Golf Club, Frederick Newark Country Club, New Castle Odessa National Golf Club, New Castle The Peninsula Golf & Country Club , Sussex Rock Manor, New Castle The Rookery North, Sussex The Rookery South, Sussex Salt Pond Golf Club, Sussex Stenger’s Shamrock Farms Par 3, Sussex Sussex Pines Country Club, Sussex Tritapoe Academy of Golf, Sussex White Clay Creek Country Club at Delaware Park, New Castle (SILVER) Wild Quail Golf & Country Club, Kent
Plus: 171
Facilities in Pennsylvania 53 Facilities in New Jersey 14 Facilities in Northern Virginia 1 Bonus Facility in North Carolina
MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE | december 2013
#1
Program
Victory Golf Pass!
Play the best courses in the Mid-Atlantic!
Victory Golf Pass and the MSGA Partnership MSGA OFFER 73 Share
MSGA Patron Member Privileges
Patron Level: Victory $55, eClub $90* Patron Couple: Victory $100, eClub $150*
Receive a 2014 Victory Golf Pass entitling you to special deals at over 300 of the finest golf facilities in Member bag tag; Victory Golf Pass with information on all the courses; and subscription to the MSGA e-newsletter. Patron Couples receive all the amenities listed above, plus an additional Victory Golf Pass and MSGA bag tag.
MSGA Patron Member Program In partnership with
Membership Level Junior (up to age 18): Patron: Patron Couple: Silver: Silver Couple: Gold:
Silver: Victory $150, eClub $185* Silver Couple: Victory $200, eClub $250* Receive all Patron Member privileges, plus special
Glen Riddle, Bear Trap Dunes, and White Clay Creek in Wilmington, DE, including complimentary greens fees for a fee which includes cart. All Silver Members will commitment to supporting golf in Maryland. Silver additional bag tag and Victory Golf Pass.
Gold: $500, includes eClub*
Receive all of the Patron and Silver Member privileges, plus three additional Victory Golf Passes (four in all), and clients. Also included are complimentary greens fee on six great courses: Bulle Rock, Whiskey Creek, Lake Presidential, Queenstown Harbor River Course, Blue Mash, and Bayside Resort. Gold Members also receive a special Gold special recognition on the MSGA web site.
*
Handicap service and tournament eligibility for MSGA tournaments and play days.
with eClub $40* $90* $150* $185* $250* included
*includes eClub membership with USGA handicap service and eligibility for MSGA tournaments and Play Days
Junior: Victory $30, eClub $40*
Junior Members age 18 and under receive all the of Patron Members. Student Members under age 17 must be accompanied by an adult when using the Victory Pass.
Victory Only $30 $55 $100 $150 $200 $500*
Name ______________________________________________________ (First / Middle Initial / Last) Please Print
Spouse’s First Name______________________________________________ Address _____________________________________________________ City ______________________________ State______ Zip __________ Daytime Phone # _______________________________________________ Email Address _________________________________________________ Club Type:
Private Public Golf League None
Club Name ___________________________________________________
me at
_____________________________________________________
Method of Payment Register online at www.msga.org (or by fax or mail)
Visa MasterCard Check Name on Card _________________________________________________ Credit Card No._________________________________________________ Expiration Date __________________________ Security Code ____________ (Last three digits on back of card)
Signature ____________________________________________________ Checks should be made payable to the Maryland State Golf Association. Please allow 20 days for delivery. Only one membership per person. Membership privileges may be suspended if the terms on the program are violated. If you have any questions, call the MSGA at (410) 653-5300 or visit our web site at www.msga.org. There will be a $35 charge for returned checks and a fee of $25 to replace a lost Victory Golf Pass.
Mail your completed application to: Maryland State Golf Association Suite 145, Commercentre East 1777 Reisterstown Road Baltimore, MD 21208
Or fax your completed application to: (410) 653-8810 Or sign up online at www.msga.org
december2013 | MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE
74 MARYLAND STATE GOLF ASSOCIATION HISTORY Share
FOUNDING OF THE MARYLAND STATE GOLF ASSOCIATION
Photo byMontana Pritchard /The PGA of America
by Randal P. Reed, Director of Rules and Competitions of the Maryland State Golf Association
MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE | december 2013
T
he Maryland State Golf Association functions as the primary voice of the United States Golf Association lls its constitutional mandate by promoting the best interests and true spirit of the game of golf as embodied in its ancient and honorable traditions; sponsoring and conducting state championship tournaments as well as USGA qualifying rounds each year; educating and informing Maryland golfers about changes in the Rules of Golf; providing course rating and handicap services to member clubs; fostering respect for the game of golf as well as its rules; and awarding scholarships. The following article was compiled and written by Randal P. Reed, MSGA Director of Rules & Competitions and describes the circumstances surrounding the founding of the MSGA.
HISTORY MARYLAND STATE GOLF ASSOCIATION
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Our tournament schedule now consists of some ers
december2013 | MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE
76 MARYLAND STATE GOLF ASSOCIATION History Share
One hundred thirty-three years old, 123 years in the same ng history. Phot Ph hoto otto byy Flo o oyd yd Lan a kf kfor kfor ord IIIII III
THE FIRST FOURTEEN CLUBS The Maryland State Golf Association was founded during a meeting at the Emerson Hotel in Baltimore on March 8, 1921. The founding clubs, which were said to represent 8,000 state golfers, were as follows: • Baltimore Country Club • Hagerstown Country Club • Maryland Country Club • Cumberland Country Club • Rolling Road Golf Club • Tome Golf Club • Green Spring Valley Hunt Club • Sherwood Forest Golf Club • Suburban Club • Naval Academy Golf Club • Elkridge Hunt Club • Talbot Country Club • Public Parks Golf Association • Monterey Country Club
MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE | december 2013
The Public Parks Golf Association was comprised of golfers at Clifton Park in Baltimore City. This Association had been organized during meetings in January, 1921 with William F. rst president. Located near Antietam Creek and in the general area of the current Hagerstown Municipal Golf Course, the nine-hole Hagerstown Country Club operated from 1908 – 1928, closing about four years after the opening of Fountain Head Country Club on the other side of town. Tome Golf Club was a prep school golf club in Port Deposit. The school overlooked the Susquehanna River and later moved to Northeast. Maryland Country Club, founded in the early 1900s near the Suburban Club, eventually met its demise during the Great Depression. The Washington Area clubs – Chevy Chase, Columbia, Bannockburn and Kirkside – declined to join the association because of their involvement with the Middle Atlantic Golf Association and District of Columbia Golf Association and also due to impending obligations to assist with the national open championship at Columbia Country Club.
History MARYLAND STATE GOLF ASSOCIATION 77 Share
CAPITAL EXPANSION As an aside, nine Washington Area clubs did join the MSGA in the early 1930s: Chevy Chase, Columbia, Burning Tree, Bannockburn, Indian Spring, Manor, Beaver Dam, Congressional and Kenwood. Bannockburn, originally located near Chevy Chase Circle (Connecticut Avenue and East-West Highway) moved to the Glen Echo area around 1910 and then was sold for residential development in 1946. Kirkside continued as the successor club to Bannockburn at the Chevy Chase Circle location. Indian Spring, which would later move to Layhill Road north of Georgia Avenue, was then located near the Four Corners area of Colesville Road and New Hampshire Avenue. Indian Spring closed in December, 2005. Beaver Dam in Landover later became Prince Georges Country Club and then, shortly after a move to Mitchellville in the early 1980s, was renamed the Country Club at Woodmore. Monterey Country Club, less than one mile from the Mason-Dixon Line in Blue Ridge Summit, Pennsylvania, is a particularly interest case of a founding member club. Monterey had one of the oldest golf courses in the country. Located approximately eight miles from Camp David and built prior to 1885, the club featured a wide range of recreational and dining facilities that were popular among Washington area visitors. In addition to golf, the sports of tennis and swimming were featured. Over the years, visitors included Presidents Wilson, Coolidge and Eisenhower. The eventual Duchess of Windsor, Wallace rst green in Square Cottage. After the Battle of Gettysburg, the Army of Northern Virginia retreated through a swampy area that eventually became the site of Monterey Country Club.
OUR EARLY LEADERS cers of the Maryland State Golf Association were M. Tyson Ellicott, Baltimore Country Club, president; rst vice-president; R. Marsden Smith, Rolling Road Golf Club, second vicepresident; and Claude C. Madison, secretary-treasurer. Lieutenant F.L. Janeway of the Naval Academy Golf Club fth member of the Executive Committee. Originally, the 1921 Amateur Championship was scheduled for Rolling Road Golf Club and the Open Championship
at Baltimore Country Club. Later the Open was moved to Rolling Road and the Women’s Championship was rst there was discussion of a Baltimore City Championship to be conducted by the new state golf association. However, this initiative was soon undertaken by the Public Parks Golf Association at Clifton Park.
ORIGIN OF THE STATE GOLF ASSOCIATION Based on Baltimore Sun reporting by Claude C. Madison, among the spurs to the formation of the Maryland State Golf Association was the exhibition match between Harry Vardon, Ted Ray and B. Warren Corkran at Baltimore Country Club during the summer of 1920. The year of 1920 marked Vardon’s last trip to the United States while Ray captured his sole U.S. Open Championship at the Inverness Club in August, 1920, where he edged Vardon, Leo Diegel and Jock Hutchinson by one stroke, with the 50-year old Vardon going six over par in the last six holes. The temporary chairman of the Maryland players who called for a state golf association was R.E. Hanson. Hanson sent the invitations for the organization meeting that was held at the Emerson Hotel. In the March 9, 1921 Baltimore Sun, Claude Madison reported that “R.E. Hanson, who fostered and originated the idea of a State golf association, was lauded in a resolution unanimously adopted, which expressed appreciation of his orts to advance the game in Maryland. Hanson recently removed to New York.” Golf developments in Maryland even attracted the interest of Grantland Rice, the foremost sportswriter of the era. In ered the following remarks: “The movement to form a State golf association should be supported by every golfer in Maryland. Golf is now on the way to an even-greater boom and the golf courses and players of Maryland occupy too high a place to remain outside the fold. The fact that the national open championship is to be held at Columbia Country Club will bring additional attention to Maryland golf. There is no question that a State association can do a lot for the game, and at the same time the players get a lot of keen competition out of the organization.” Interestingly, there was spirited competition for the hosting rst championships. Representatives of Maryland Country Club, Rolling Road Golf Club and the Suburban Club were quite expressive in promoting their clubs. december2013 | MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE
78 MARYLAND STATE GOLF ASSOCIATION History Share
Baltimore Country Club is widely recognized as one of the top 50 country clubs in the nation R. Marsden Smith, green committee chairman at Rolling Road Golf Club weighed in: “We think we can show the golfers of the State something unique in golf construction. Our course is adequate in every respect for entertaining the championship. The only possible objection would be the misapprehension that we might not be ready due to improvements in the greens. By the middle of June when the tournament probably will be held, Rolling Road will be in tip-top condition.” Not to be outdone, A.E. Marshall, who chaired the Maryland Country Club golf committee, claimed that his club “is the logical course to entertain the championship. We have lengthened our course to championship distance. We are centrally located and we want the event.” The president of the Suburban Club, A.F. Weinberg, upped the stakes with the following pronouncement: “We have the greatest golf course in Maryland and, as this is to be a real championship contest, let’s play it on a real course.” (Claude Madison further noted Mr. Weinberg’s view that while the other two clubs have very decent courses, they “could not hold a candle to Suburban.”) MARYLAND STATE GOLF MAGAZINE | december 2013
ered his club as a site for the 1925 Maryland Amateur. In the early 1920s Sherwood Forest was being developed by William F. Cochran as a private retreat on the Severn River. Cochran ered a sterling silver cup for a club team competition during the Maryland Amateur.
THE PRESENT Today, some 92 years later, the Maryland State Golf Association represents some 125 member clubs, and provides course rating and handicap services to 160 clubs and courses in Maryland. The MSGA is directed by a 15 member Board of Directors who represent various member of four . Our tournament schedule now consists of some 30 state tournaments as well as USGA ers.
For additional information about the MSGA and its member services please visit our web site at www.msga.org or call (410) 653-5300.
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MARYLAND STATE GOLF ASSOCIATION
PROGRAMS & SERVICES • Conduct 19 Men’s State Championships • Conduct 11 Women’s State Championships ers for both men and women • Conduct local collegiate competitions • Conduct one day Play Day net events • Along with the MAPGA provide handicap and club tournament software services and maintenance of those services • Provide course and slope rating for men and women’s tees free • Scholarships for member club employees and/or children, and junior golfers who are involved in the game • Junior Girls’ Scholarship Program • Sponsor the Emmet Gary Turf Scholarships at the University of Maryland • Conduct Rules of Golf and Handicap Seminars • Monitor and lobby state legislation impacting golf and the turf grass industries t of all Maryland golfers. • Provide amateur reinstatement services • Promote the game • Publish e-newsletters to inform members of current news within the organization • Hole-in-One Club exclusively for members of member clubs • Golf Patron Program (discount golf program for MD golfers) • Honor the Player of the Year and the Senior Player of the Year • Promote state wide charity tournaments on web site’s Charity Corner
MARYLAND STATE GOLF ASSOCIATION
OFFICERS & STAFF 2013 Board of Directors PRESIDENT y CC at Woodmore y@thebancorp.com (410) 721-2555
VICE PRESIDENT Richard Collins Baltimore CC rcollins@stpaulsschool.org 410-252-1494
VICE PRESIDENT Stanard Klinefelter Elkridge CC sklinefelter@brownadvisory.com 410-537-5402
VICE PRESIDENT David “Moose” Brown Rolling Road GC moose@advpack.com 410-358-9444
VICE PRESIDENT Jan Miller Baltimore CC jmiller@rcmd.com 410-339-5872
VICE PRESIDENT Brian Fitzgerald Chevy Chase Club tzgerald@equuspartners.com 703-391-1482
VICE PRESIDENT Paul Dillon Congressional CC ped529@comcast.net 301-518-5567
SECRETARY Robert Sherwood Columbia CC jrssenior@msn.com 443-534-5118
DIRECTOR AT LARGE William Matton US Naval Academy GC billmatton@verizon.net 410-956-4815
DIRECTOR AT LARGE Marilyn Snight U.S. Naval Academy GC Srpeanut1@comcast.net 410-266-5321
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR William Smith Hillendale CC bsmith@msga.org 410-653-5300
VICE PRESIDENT Thomas Whelan Manor CC twhelan@ryancom.com 410-712-0888
VICE PRESIDENT John Barse Columbia CC Jack@barse.org 301-229-6031
VICE PRESIDENT Alexander Martin Green Spring Valley HC abmartin1@aol.com 443-310-2445
TREASURER John Pauliny Hillendale CC johnpauliny@comcast.net 410-252-9107
DIRECTOR AT LARGE Joan McGinnis Holly Hills CC joanmcginnis3@gmail.com 301-644-2738
DIRECTOR OF RULES AND COMPETITIONS Randal Reed Four Streams GC rreed@msga.org 410-653-5300
DIRECTOR OF HANDICAP & MEMBER SERVICES Matt Sloan msloan@msga.org 410-653-5300
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Kim Daniels kdaniels@msga.org 410-653-5300
Maryland State Golf Association
1777 Reisterstown Rd, Ste. 145 Baltimore, MD 21208 www.msga.org
Maryland State Golf Magazine ‘Advisory Board members and contributors’ Allen Wronowski, 37th President of the PGA of America (2010-2012) and Honorary President of the PGA of America (2012-2014) - Contributing national and special features writer Steve Mona CEO, World Golf Foundation (WGF) Contributing national and special features writer
PRODUCED FOR THE MARYLAND STATE GOLF ASSOCIATION BY
Jon Guhl, Executive Director, Middle Atlantic PGA (MAPGA) ‘MAPGA Focus’ editorial feature writer Rick Robbins, President, American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) ‘Architectural Review’ editorial
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William Smith, Executive Director, Maryland State Golf Association (MSGA) MSGA editorial Randal P. Reed, Executive Director, Middle Atlantic Golf Association (MAGA) and the Washington Metropolitan Golf Association (WMGA)‘Rules Revisited’ feature lead Marty West III, Nine-time Maryland Amateur Champion, Five-time Mid Atlantic Amateur Champion, Two-time Walker Cup ‘The Amateur Interview’ columnist
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David Norman, Past President, International Association of Golf Administrators and Past Executive Director of the Virginia State Golf Association (VSGA) Commercial Sales and Sponsorship Director
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