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GIRLS JUNIOR AMERICAS CUP CAN USE MONTANA HELP
Jan Carter of Great Falls, a long time member of the MSGA Board of Directors
has been named to the post of president. Carter was elected to the position
during the fall meeting of the MSGA board at the Missoula Country Club.
Dan Leader of Malta was selected by the group as the vice president for
the coming year. The next meeting of the MSGA board will be conducted April 26,2003 at Green Meadow Country Club in Helena. GMCC was selected primarily for its central location which makes it easier for the board members, who are spread throughout this large state, to attend.
PGA APPRECIATES MSGA CONTRIBUTION The money which the Montana State Golf Association realizes from member club dues, handicap fees and other sources goes to fund a variety of groups and projects each year. One such is the Western Montana PGA and the Yellowstone Chapter of the PGA.Mark Torney speaking as president of the WMCPGA and on behalf of Mark Hahn, president of the Yellowstone Chapter said the money donated this year was used to help the junior golf programs sponsored by both groups. He said the money "allowed us to provide more programs to the junior golfers in the state without raising the fees for the programs." Torney said that the Western Montana Junior Academy had the most golfers
in the history of this week long camp in Whitefish which was made possible
by the MSGA donation. The donation allowed the group to keep the price
to participants the same as in the past despite the withdrawal of funding
by the Pacific Northwest PGA Section. The two groups are also hoping to implement programs in the rural areas
of Montana next year. Programs for juniors in the outlying area of Montana
were successful in the past but were discontinued because of a lack of
funding. Torney said,"both chapters feel very strongly about implementing
these programs." He added that his groups plan to continue working with the MSGA for the
benefit of golf in Montana and thanked the MSGA for "all that you
do for the game of golf in Montana."
Yellowstone Country Club has been announced as the host site next year
for the Montana State Womens Amateur Championships. The Billings course
is expected to provide a stiff challenge for the state's women in an event
that is becoming more popular and attracting a larger field each year.
Mission Mountain Golf Course in Ronan which has not previously hosted
either a Montana State Golf Association nor a Montana State Womens Golf
Association event has been selected to play host to the 2004 event.
The Montana State Golf Association has been informed that Polson Country Club is interested in hosting an MSGA tournament preferably the Montana Mens Mid-Amateur of one of the two Junior Tournaments. A formal request has not yet been received but the MSGA board will act on such a request when it is presented. MSGA executive director Jim Opitz has been working diligently to get more clubs across the state interested in hosting one of the statewide events and has been receiving positive responses. The MSGA is hopeful clubs will continue to express and interest in hosting since not only does this reduce the pressure on some of the venues which have hosted events for many years but it provides state golfers new challenges, makes it easier for golfers in the further reaches of the state to play in a statewide event and show cases the host course which leads to exposure and increased play from outside golfers.
So you think you're just a face in the crowd? Just a number perhaps? Well, yes and no. You may very well be just a face in the crowd outside your local course unless you get around our state's great golf landscape but you are not just a number. The statewide MSGA handicap system has your number, its on your handicap card, but you are one of many. Wayne Fenter of Billings, director of the MSGA Handicap system, says
his system currently updates each month handicaps for 21,000 Montana golfers
at 87 different courses. Fifty-three state courses are on computer and
more are being added. The system is undergoing constant change according
to Fenter. One such change is the ability of golfers now to obtain a 9-
hole handicap. Fenter says this has been particularly well received since
a large number of Montana golfers apparently play 9 hole rounds as a habit.
MSWGA ANNOUNCES SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS Four Montana high schools seniors have been announced as recipients of the annual scholarships awarded by the Montana State Womens Golf Assocation. The four winners who will receiveMSWGA aid in furthering their education
are Kylie Anderson of Great Falls who will attend Montana State University;
Columbus native Jasi Acharya who will play for the University of Montana;
Devon Newell of Helena who will compete for New Mexico State and Heather
Imsande of Billings who will attend Duke University.
McGLENN PRAISES CUP TEAM MEMBERS Gene McGlenn of Kalispell, a member of the Montana State Golf Association board of directors and the captain of he amateur Montana Cup team for several years, is proud of his group of amateurs for more than one reason. Not only did the group rack up another victory over a team of pros in the Ryder Cup format held this year for the l2th time at Old Woks in Anaconda but his group was "true gentlemen." He said that this years team, as has been true of the past, were "true gentlemen and a credit to the game and the state. There was no booze, no bad words just all around good sportsmanship. I was proud of them."
PUTTING: GETTING DOWN TO EARTH By Golf Course Superintendents Association of America More than one respected philosopher has told us that "knowledge is power." Certainly the avid golfer knows that a little course knowledge has powerful-not to mention stroke saving -consequences. Nowhere is this more apparent than on the putting green where the difference between success and failure can be the width of a blade of grass or a revolution of a golf ball. As long as man has been trying to build a better mousetrap, so to has he been searching to combine advanced technology and instruction to provide the perfect putting stroke. And while equipment and technique are crucial to success on the green, a little knowledge about the "agronomics" of golf might provide the little "extra" in helping your game. A little course etiquette might be the best means for a golfer to help him/herself and others in finding success on the green. Despite meetings, lockerroom postings and facility newsletter pleas, ball marks still present problems for golfers and golf course superintendents. If not repaired immediately, ball marks can take 15-20 days to heal properly. The damaged turf not only results in an uneven putting surface, but becomes more susceptible to disease and stress that could result in greater problems down the road. Alternative spikes, though on the market since the early l990s, have
gained momentum, over the last three years. It is estimated that approximately
3,000 of the nation's 15,000 golf facilities have enacted some form of
an alternative spikes policy. Anyone who has compare a putting green late
in the day as opposed to one in the morning knows the damage spikes can
cause. Consider that an 18-hole golf course with an average of 200 rounds
a day withstands nearly 72.5 million spike marks a month. More than one
Today's golf courses feature two predominant types of putting surfaces -bentgrass and bermudagrass.Some feature an annual bluegrass (poa annua) but this discussion will be limited to bermudagrass greens found in Florida, central/southern Texas, the desert southwest, southern California and Hawaii, and bentgrass located elsewhere. Bermudagrass is more tolerant of the heat, which bengrass survives in milder climates. Bermudagrass typically has a more coarse leaf blade, while bentgrass is more fine. All things being equal, bermudagrass greens are generally slower, thus golfers may use a heavier putter or a wrap of lead tape on he bottom of the shaft to give added weight to get the desired ball roll. A lighter putter is preferable on bentgrass surfaces to provide better touch and feel. Some professional tour players have been known to switch putters depending upon the surface. Bermudagrass goes dormant in the winter resulting in a slower, more uneven surface. Many superintendents overseed with perennial ryegrass or poa trivalis (bluegrass variety) to provide a more dense putting surface that was present before dormancy. New varieties of Bermudagrass have been introduced that display the finer leaf characteristics of bentgrass, but still withstand the heat. Most greens are mowed daily, usually early in the day. All things being equal, ball roll will be more consistent and faster in the morning than in the afternoon when the grass has grown and spiked up from metal spikes shoes. However, the presence of significant humidity or precipitation early in the day will provide slow speeds until the course dries out throughout the day. Time of the year has an impact on putting quality as well. As growing conditions change during the year, the rate at which grass grows fluctuates as well. Because of this, the putting surface will have a different roll in the spring compared to that in the heat of the summer. Legendary tour professional Byron Nelson has said the biggest advancement in the game of golf today is the education of the golf course superintendent and the technology use in the profession. In the past, a person could work their way up through the ranks of staff worker to assistant to golf course superintendent. Today, the position requires a two or four-year degree and considerable continuing education. The result of the education and technological advances has been better golf course conditions. In the l950s and 60s greens were mowed to heights that fairways are approaching today. Until the mid-1970s golfers would use lofted putters to get the ball up in the air and then let it roll. Today, new grass varieties are being introduced that can better tolerate disease, extreme weather conditions and heavy traffic at the lower mowing heights. Putters have less loft (two of three degrees) today, and the technology is to get the ball to "bit" the blade and roll immediately. With higher mowing levels, putting strategy would be affected by the grain of the grass. Grain is defined as the tendency of grass to lie in one direction. Putting against the grain provides a greater resistance to the ball. But as the greens are cut to heights of 1/8 inch today, the chance for grain to enter into the equation of putting strategy is lessened. While some varieties of bentgrass and bermudagrass may show characteristics of grain, it is usually controlled by mowing. Because superintendents alternate mowing patterns daily and today's putting green mowing heights are razor thin, grain is much less of a concern than it once was. The Stimpmeter, first use by the USGA in 1976 to measure consistency of putting greens, actually brought greater attention to green speed. Unfortunately, the device was misused by many not trained in golf course management/maintenance. In fact, superintendents and agronomists on the whole consider the misuse of the Stimpmeter to be one of he most serious transgressions in the game of golf. The Stimpmeter was developed to allow golf course superintendents to maintain the consistency of greens on a particular course, not from one golf course to another. However, the Stimpmeter quickly became a tool to maximize putting speed. Golfers soon demanded faster and faster green speeds. Superintendents employ various cultural practices to Montana State Golf Association meet those expectations. Processes such as aerification, verticutting, topdressing and overseeding have been employed. Although these practices may disrupt play for a day or two, the short-term pain is necessary for long-term health. The goal is to provide a healthy, dense putting surface with as little surface deformation as possible. Under these conditions, putting quality is maximized. The superintendent has often been called the most important employee of a golf facility. Considering he/ she is responsible for the management of the most valuable asset-the golf course-this person is scrutinized by all. Understanding he intricacies involved in providing impeccable putting surfaces will enhance the golfer's appreciation for the game. For more information regarding golf course maintenance and etiquette,
contact your local superintendent or the Golf Course Superintendents Association
of America at 800/472-7878 or at www.gcsaa.org
and www.golfsuper.com.
The Montana State Golf Association and its many members annually make a contribution to the Peaks and Prairies Golf Course Superintendents Association. The help is appreciated as is apparent from the following commentary from Lori Russell, Executive Director of the group. "Most professional occupations share a principal need for continuing education. The golf course superintendent profession is no different. Advanced education and training is required to succeed as a golf course superintendent. "The members of the Peaks and Prairies GCSA offer their sincere thanks to the Montana State Golf Association for the grant of $4,000. We will use this generous donation wisely to continue offering our turf professionals continuing education. "Our members strive to offer conditioned courses that provide an
enjoyable golf experience for all. And, we share a common goal with the
MSGA- to ensure the growth and vitality of the game of golf."
VALLEY VIEW HOSTS ALL STAR INVITATIONAL The top prep golfers in the state congregated again this summer at the Valley View Golf Course in Bozeman for the 11th annual Montana All Star Invitational. Nick Obie of Havre took the boys title while Kylie Anderson of Great Falls grabbed the girls crown. Obie, playing in his third Invitational, fired 69-68 for a three-under par total of 137. Andrew Olson of Shelby, tied with Obie after the opening round, carded a 77 on his second trip to a 146 and second place. He was followed by Drew Krause, Whitefish, 147; Ryan Linnell, Kalispell, 148; Kiel Duckworth, Polson, 148; Renzi Lee, Billings Senior, 151; Michael Frye, Culbertson, 152; Kelbi Lee, Billings Senior, 157; Mike Skoglung, Supe- rior, 158; Dan Hazlett, Superior, 164 and Calvin Schlepp, Conrad, 172. On the girls side, Anderson was forced into a playoff when she finished the regulation 36 holes all knotted with Great Falls High teammate Tina Bickford the reigning State Class AA champion. Anderson parred the first playoff hole to edge her rival. Defending champion Jasi Acharya of Columbus staged a torrid finish as she birdied 3 of the last 7 holes but fell one shot short of the 155 posted by Bickford and Anderson. Britney Hayes of Bozeman was fourth with a 158 total followed by Rachel Warren of Billings Central, 172; Carlie Breen, Three Forks, 172 and Andrea Griffith, Miles City, 176. The number of competitors in this event from smaller towns in the state
is a particular welcome sight. It wasn.t many years ago when this event
attracted a field com- posed of young men and women exclusively from the
state's "big towns". This year's field is a reflection of the
growth of the popularity of the game throughout Montana.
No matter where you live in this huge state there is going to be a state level competition in your area in 2003. The only problem is that your age and/or your gender may force you to wander far from home for your competition. The first of the five .majors. will be the State Junior Tournament which will be conducted in June at the Missoula Country Club. This will be followed by the State Womens Amateur at Yellowstone Country Club in Billings and the Men.s Amateur which will be conducted at the Green Meadow Country Club in Helena. The men.s event is set for July 23-26 and the Women.s generally is held the same week although on occasion this varies. The Seniors is set for Great Falls the first week of August. The final of the .Big Five. is the Men.s Mid-Amateur at Marias Valley Golf Course in Shelby. If only you could figure out how to get into all of them you.d have five outstanding courses on your agenda next summer. For those who like to make long range plans here are the rotations for these tourneys for the next few years: MENS
AM WOMENS
MID-AMATEUR
SENIORS
JUNIORS
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