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STATE TOURNAMENTS ARE ALL OVER THE PLACE
Some of us still grab a hot dog and a beer at the turn to fuel up the old engine for the final nine. Not the members of the Stock Farm, the new up scale private course in the Bitteroot Valley. Members of the club, built near Hamilton by Charles Schwab, can choose
Ahi rolled in mustard sauce and brunoise vegetables blanketed in thin
cut pancetta, flash fried and served on a stick. The chicken Caesar-wrap
is also a popular mid round choice And to wash it down the members prefer a fine Australian Shiraz.
ANOTHER BUSY YEAR FOR RATING TEAMS The MSGAs three course rating teams are going to have another busy year. Dan Larsen, newly named Course Rating Administrator for the state association
has listed 15 courses that will undergo visits by one of the three teams
this year. This is one more than the 14 that were rated one year ago.
The ongoing rating is one of the prime Courses scheduled for new or updated ratings this year are: Eagle Falls
in Great Falls; the Butte Country Club; Fairmont Hot Springs Resort; Emerald
Greens in Great Falls; Silver Fox in Pablo; Marias Valley in Shelby; Village
Greens in Kalispell; Double Course ratings are a necessary and integral part of the handicapping
system overseen by the MSGA and the United States Golf Association.
The board of directors of the Montana State Golf Association has agreed to some stability in scheduling two of its annual meetings. At the most recent directors meeting in Butte the group agreed that in
the future the annual spring meeting would be held at the site of that
year's State Men's Amateur while the State Mid-Amateur site would host
the summer Board meeting and the meeting Jim Opitz, executive secretary of the MSGA, explained that this would
give those clubs who host one of the state events another function that
would bring in money to the host
The MSGA Hall of Fame committee, the group that annually reviews nominees and selects possible new members of the Montana State Golf Hall of Fame, has some new members. Woody Hahn of Billings, Frazer McDonald of Butte, Gary Rodman of Whitefish
and Mayo Ashley of Helena will join John Frankino of Helena, and Shag
Miller of Butte on the committee beginning with this year.
The University of Great Falls has joined the other schools in the Frontier Conference in fielding a golf team. This is the first year the Argos will compete in golf on a collegiate level. Erick Nelson of Valier, a transfer student from the University of Montana,
and Karrie Brack, who is a senior at Livingston, have signed letters of
intent. The two new signess join Toni Thompson, a former standout at MSUNorthern,
who is already attending At the spring board meeting the Montana State Golf Association voted
to give UGF a $1,000 stipend for the new golf program, a practice the
MSGA does yearly for each Montana school in the Frontier Conference.
In its continuing program to install permanent tee markers on every course
in the state the MSGA is planning to place the distinctive markers this
year at both Laurel Golf Course and Meadow Lark Country Club in Great
Falls. The markers carry the MSGA
The distinctive MSGA license plates which first became available last year have already contributed to the game of golf in Montana. Jim Opitz, executive secretary of the Montana State Golf Association,
reports that in the past year both the MSGA and the Montana State Womens
Golf Association got a windfall of $3,700. That was the profit that was
divided after the startup costs of
LARSEN
NAMED COURSE RATING ADMINISTRATOR Dan Larsen of Helena has been named Course Rating Administrator for the state by the board of the Montana State Golf Association. Larsen has been involved in the course rating process in the state since its inception and brings a good deal of knowledge to the process. The course rating administrator is responsible for assuring the accuracy of USGA course ratings for all state course using the USGA handicap system. The USGA has developed a rating system, used throughout the country, and established procedures which are uniformly required to be followed to allow courses to properly utilize their handicap system. As more courses opt to be included in the nationwide handicap system and as more courses are built the job of the course rating administrator, and the various rating teams throughout the state, increases. Add to this the fact that courses must be rerated periodically and when improvements are made to a course a new rating must be considered and the job become a full time process. Larsen in his new post will develop a schedule for courses to be rated (established courses have to be rated every 10 years and new courses every 3 years); notify the courses; monitor the progress of the rating teams and review requests for rating changes from officials of the course. He has to do a preliminary survey of the course in question and develop and individualized survey form for the rating team and then input the resulting data into a program to determine the course rating. He then must evaluate the final figure and compare it with ratings for other courses with similar ratings to determine if the figures are comparable. This, then is followed by the preparation of certification to the USGA and he statewide handicap processing service. Another important facet of the job is recruiting and training rating
team members. This is an ongoing process since there is a steady turnover
of rating personnel.
WWW.USGA.ORG Following months of effort, the USGA recently relaunched its Web site, www.usga.org. Through the assitance of @tmosphere, the Web site design arm of BBDO,
which is the New York-based advertising agency the USGA uses for its public
service announcements, the site was overhauled to make it easier for visitors
to navigate through the many areas of the Association, from Rules to the
Green Section. Please visit soon and often.
TEAM
SELECTION ADOPTED BY MSGA The Montana State Golf Association has adopted a new selection process for the biannual USGA Team Championship. The MSGA has been sending a three man team to this competition for several
years now but there was no formal selection process. Usually the MSGA
executive secretary The committee went through an extensive list of tournaments contested
yearly in the state and narrowed this list down to 12 events which are
separated into three scoring Level I includes only the State Amateur and there the state champ will
received 125 points and each man in the top 10 will get lesser points
down to 20 for the 10th place Level II which awards 50 points for the winner and rewards the top 8 finishers include the Mid-Am (points from this event won't count in 2005 because it is played in August);the Montana Match Play Tournament played in June at Eagle Bend in Bigfork and the qualifying for the U.S. Amateur played at various state courses usually in July. Level III is composed of established regional events which annually attract
quality fields along with the Montana Mens Seniors Tournament. At this
level points will be given John Skees of Great Falls, chairman of the committee, said that the point
system should "guarantee us a better team. We haven't had any type
of criteria before." He also Players started accumulating points at the Barnett Tournament in Missoula
over Memorial Day weekend and can pile them up through next summer prior
to August.
NEW
HANDICAP SERVICE FEATURE The MSGA provides handicap processing using two different methods: Posting Pages, writing in scores by hand or the MTS Handicap Service computer software, now with many new features. The majority of courses in Montana are now using this software. But why is it to the course's advantage to do so? What new features does it have to offer? By providing computerized handicapping for the courses, the MSGA has
enlarged the possibilities, and kept up with other associations nationwide.
A course can monitor trend handicaps, make additions and changes between
processing, print additional reports, and allow for better peer review.
And this year, new feature have been Using 9-hole score posting, a player can enter a score with an "F" for a front nine score and a "B" for a back nine score, i.e. "F55" or "B57". The computer will retain the last 9-hole score entered and add it to the next one, to become and 18-hole score posted. These combined scores are marked with a "C" on the printed card. With new membership to the International Golf Network (IGN) member guests are able to enter scores that are routed back to their home associations for posting. This also works in reverse for our Montana players, including he ability to post scores at any in-state course. Currently 47 associations (nationwide) belong to the IGN. The MSGA fee of $11 per golfer provides handicapping …but that's
not all. The majority of revenue generated is used to run the many state
tournaments, provide course The MSGA web site is http://www.montana.net/msga. Current handicap indexes and other information can be found there. Check it out. Detailed instructions about these new features are available at the courses.
If you have further questions about the MTS Handicap Service, please call
Emily at 1-800-628-3752, ext. 57.
BICKFORD, NORMANDY COP INVITE TITLES Tina Bickford of Great Falls and Trent Normandy of Havre captured titles
in the annual Montana All State Invitational at Valley View Golf Course
in Bozeman. The Normandy fired a 71-73-144 to beat out Kelbi Lee of Billings Senior who posted 73-73-146 and Michael Frye of Culbertson who had 76-70-146. Bickford tied the tournament record with a final round 73 on her way
to the title. She had a rocky start settling for an 80 after first day
action but came back strong. The
SO
WHAT'S STOPPING YOU? The USGA continues to make it easier for players to establish a Handicap Index. How so? You simply need to follow a few easy steps for establishing a USGA Handicap Index. The first one is to join a golf club. You can't have a Handicap Index without being a member of one. A golf club is an organization of at least 10 members that operates under
bylaws with committees (including a Handicap Committee) to supervise golf
activities, provide Another option available is to create your own golf club. You can form a club with a minimum of 10 golfers. The club can be formed with business associates or friends, provided that they live in a close geographic area and play golf regularly together. The club does not have to be tied to one specific golf course. To receive a free Club Formation Kit, e-mail us at handicap@usga.org. Be sure to add "Club Formation Kit" in the subject heading of the email and include your name and address. As a second step, the USGA continues in its effort to facilitate the posting of all acceptable scores to a scoring record. As of January 2002, the USGA allows players to occasionally post scores on line if their golf club has chosen to allow online posting. Players must still be a member of a golf club, and all scores are still subject to peer review. The preferred way to expose scores to peer review is to post your score in person immediately following the round at the course where the round is played. A USGA Handicap Index issued by a golf club that is complying with the
USGA Handicap System is good anywhere where a USGA Handicap Index is accepted.
Be Editor's Note: This article was exerpted from an article appearing
in the May 2004 issue of Inside the USGA.
MARIAS
VALLEY STEPS IN FOR MEADOW LARK MSGA SHIFTS SITE FROM MLCC TO SHELBY COURSE Great Falls' loss will be Shelby's gain. The Montana State Golf Association recently awarded the 2005 Men's State Amateur Tournament to Marias Valley Golf and Country Club south of Shelby. It had been scheduled to be held at Meadow Lark Country Club, which has been on the regular MSGA rotation for state tournaments for more than 50 years. But the Great Falls private club couldn't reach agreement with the MSGA board of directors over an appropriate fee to use its facility. This will be' the first time the Shelby course which was a 9-hole facility. Before 1998 has played host to the crown jewel of Treasure State events. But Marias Valley was the site for the Montana State Mid-Amateur tournament last summer, and the success of that event convinced the board the Shelby course was ready for a State Amateur. It's believed to be the first time any club has been awarded a state
tournament, Basically, the MLCC board wanted more. money for the use of its course for five days 72 holes of competition, plus a practice round than the MSGA was willing to pay. Meadow Lark has played host to dozens of major events in its history most recently, the State Mid-Amateur in 2000 and the State Seniors in 2003 and those events earned considerable profits for the host club. But the current board was concerned about how much playing time its approximately But cost wasn't an issue for Marias Valley, which eagerly accepted the
standard "This is money we have never attracted before,"said Shelby banker Bryce Kluth, president of the board at Marias Valley. "We had such a good experience with the MidAm that we jumped at the chance to (bid for the State Am). We would sure like to get on the rotation for the MidAm, and after we see how this tournament comes out, we'll probably go for that, too." The Marias Valley clubhouse is a little small to handle dinners and receptions for 180 or more. players, so the club purchased a 2,400'. squarefoot tent, "It cost us about 8 grand," said Muth, "but it's a good investment. If we are going to do a lot of tournaments, it will pay for itself." MSGA Executive Director Jim Opitz didn't want to switch the tournament, and neither did MSGA board members Jan Carter and John Skees, who are members at Meadow Lark. They met with MLCC officials several times and emphasized that the state's top golfers always look forward to playing Meadow Lark, one of the most challenging courses in Montana. But Opitz said the MSGA would have to raise entry fees from the current $175 per player to at least $225 per player to meet Meadow Lark's financial demands, and he wasn't willing to boost the fee. The Laurel Golf Club also bid on the 2005 state tourney after it became
obvious "Keeping it (State Am) in the area was important to us," said Opitz, "Going to Shelby will preserve some geographical balance, and Great Falls area golfers will still be able to get there easily. "Anytime we play our tournaments in Helena, Great Falls and Butte, players have an easier time getting there. But when we're in Whitefish (2004 State Am) or Yellowstone in Billings (2005 State MidAm), it's more of a regional field." Losing the 2005 State Amateur had somewhat of a domino effect on the state calendar. The 2005 Montana State Junior Tournament, which brings about 200 youths to town for a 36-hole event in June, was switched from Great Falls to Polson Country Club a year ago because Meadow Lark didn't want to play host to two state events in the same summer. The 2004 Montana Cup Tournament, matching the top 12 amateurs and professionals Opitz said Meadow Lark CC won't be penalized for turning back a major event. "We certainly look forward to having more tournaments at Meadow
Lark in the
WOMEN'S
ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES HALL OF FAME, SCHOLARSHIPS The Montana State Women's Golf Association (MSWGA) is pleased to announce
its 2004 selections for the Hall of Fame and Scholarship recipients. Jill
Johnson The MSWGA Scholarships are awarded to graduating senior girls that have
displayed strong leadership skills, golf participation and good academics
while in high school. Our
GOLF
COURSE MANAGEMENT -- TAKING IT TO ANOTHER LEVEL A basic tenet of the free-market system is that competition is good for business. By-products of such competition are companies that operate more efficiently and consumers who benefit from the downward pressure on prices. Once largely unaffected by competitive economimic forces, golf is now experiencing the influences of an increasingly crowded market where participants seek to differentiate themselves. But if golf facilities are to become more efficient and stand out from the competition, they must have the talent to function at a higher level. Over the past 75 years the Golf Course Superintendents Association of
America (GCSAA) has provided education, information and representation
to the men and women who manage golf facilities. The combined efforts
of GCSAA and the golf course But times change, and so does the recipe for success. Recognizing the
continued need to keep pace with the marketplace, GCSAA members in February
2001 approved a membership standards bylaw amendment that will showcase
the knowledge, skills, and A key feature of the continuing education program is development of occupational
core competencies. The establishment of these competencies will further
focus and enhance the education GCSAA provides to golf course superintendents
and the gold course management industry. One such application of these
competencies will occur in the GCSAA certification program. To achieve
"Certified Golf Course Superintendent" status, candidates will
have successfully completed a rigorous program of study and Ultimately, GCSAA members will be better equipped to perform their duties
as turfgrass managers, facility executives or industry professionals by
having to attain the new membership standard. For golf courses, a more
talented employee sets the state for improved operations that benefit
the facility and its customers. In short s/he adds
How might added value be manifested for a golf facility? Consider that
an experienced superintendent has appropriately in a crisis situation,
such as an irrigation malfunction, equipment failure or unexpected onset
of disease. An experienced superintendent is generally more likely to
manage a staff more effectively and efficiently, eliminating waste or
the oversight of details that distinguish one facility from another. All
too often golf course management operations are thought of solely as an
expense. However, the work of the experienced superintendent results in
input savings that ultimately enhances the While education provides the golf course superintendent that foundation
for effective golf course management, the facility also benefits from
the service s/he provides to the community. The ongoing education/service
requirement recognized the involvement of GCSAA members in supporting
junior golf, youth education, philanthropic events and other outreach
activities. If there is a common thread among these professionals, it
is "The creation of membership standards was never offered as a guarantee
that a particular superintendent would be transformed into a higher performer,"
said Those intimately involved in the golf industry know that the goldf course
superintendent has a direct impact on the economic vitality of a golf
facility and is a key contributor to a golfer's experience. As a result
of the increased standards, the inputs of the golf course management professional
will become more valuable and more apparent to the golf community.
Jeffrey S. Okerman of Miles City has been named to the board of directors of the Montana State Golf Association. He replaces long time board member Tat Cain of Miles City. As a board member Okerman will act as liason between the golfers and golf courses in eastern Montana and the MSGA. The new board member says he went through a love/hate relationship with the game as a youth in Billings but swayed to the "love" side some 20 years ago and this feeling for the game continues to grow. He said he approached the new role as a "once in a while opportunity to give back to the game," and added that he enthusiastically embraces the opportunity. Okerman brings board experience to his new post. He has been a director
of the Town and Country Club in Miles City for five years, the past two
as president. He also serves on the Miles Community College Rodeo Advisory
Board.
The sites and dates for the major tournaments this year:
"This may be embarrassing. I've played in Japan. Is that anywhere near Asia?" -
Fred Couples, after being asked if he had every played golf in Asia.
Previous Newsletters Summer
2000 |
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