IAGA Conference

Well, I'm at the IAGA conference at The Woodlands (Houston), TX, along with fellow MGA staff members Tom Ryan, WP (Warren) Ryan and Lisa Overom. The IAGA stands for the International Association of Golf Administrators. This annual conference is where staff from the local, state and regional associations gather to share information and have educational sessions that help us make our respective associations better.

As you might expect, I attend the sessions for Rules and Competitions Directors. During these meetings, all of my fellow Rules and Competitions people meet and share ideas about what we do so that all of us can improve. One idea that was shared dealt with getting the permanent trophies out so that more people can see them. The idea was to take the Amateur trophy (for example) and put it on display at the host site approximately one month before the Championship. This can help to raise awareness and excitement about the event coming to that club. Another idea I picked up was about a new database manager (CRM) that would be able to merge all of our existing databases into one that also talks to GHIN so that everyone in the office will be using the most up-to-date information.

The conference started yesterday (Sunday) and continues through Tuesday. We had a tournament today on the Tournament Course at The Woodlands (former home to the Shell Houston Open) to crown the Men's Gross and Net Champions and Women's Gross Champion. I shot a 1-over par 73 for 35 Stableford points and finished in a tie for first. Unfortunately, ties were broken by following the recommended USGA procedure when a scorecard playoff is used, leaving me saying "if only...". MGA E.D. Tom Ryan finished third one stroke (and one point) behind me. And, MGA Communications Director WP Ryan finished second in the Net Division, one point behind Florida State Golf Association E.D. (and IAGA President) Jim Demick. A pretty good showing for the MGA Staff!

I return home Wednesday - assuming American Airlines can get me there! After two delays totaling over 9 hours in getting to Dallas (Thursday) and Houston (Saturday), I'm not real comfortable in my schedule. Well, they can't get any worse.............or can they??

Until next time-

Doug

MGA Staff Actually Play Golf!

DATELINE: Tuesday, November 3, 2009, Edina, MN

MGA STAFFERS SEEN PLAYING GOLF!

As evidenced by these pictures and video acquired from an anonymous source, we have verifiable proof that some of the staff of the MGA actually do play golf. Caught playing at the local Edina CC were MGA Executive Director Tom Ryan, Communications Director WP Ryan (no relation), Regional Affairs Director Joel Comstock, Tournament Director Doug Hoffmann, Tournament Manager Adam Loch, PJ Boatwright Jr Intern Robbie Little, Meeting and Events Manager Anne Colehour and Administrative Assistant Karen Spruth.

Unfortunately, the group was forced to retreat to the safety of the fire-warmed Pub when a nasty, cold wind ladened with not-so-liquid precipitation hit the area while they were playing the 15th hole. Upon retrieving the scorecard from the trash receptical, it appears the team of WP Ryan and Hoffmann held a two-up lead over the team of Tom Ryan and Comstock after 15 holes. Hoffmann was leading the way with a two-over par score, yet Comstock was the only player to record birdies for the day (#4 & 8).

MGA Annual Meeting Day

Wow, it truly must be the "slow season" if I am making my second post within a week!

Yesterday, the MGA officially closed it's year with the Annual Meeting and celebratory Awards Dinner. It is a day to review the MGA's business for the year, elect new board members, congratulate the Players of the Year and pay tribute to a person who has made a difference in golf in Minnesota. You can read the accomplishments of the players by visiting the MGA website at http://www.mngolf.org/.

Our Warren J. Rebholz Distinguished Service Award this year went to Jim Manthis. In talking to him about it, we decided that the only award he's lacking is the Nobel Peace Prize. However, having served successfully as a head professional for over 30 years like Jim, he should be deserving of that, too!

One of the traditions on this day is for the MGA Tournament & Rules Committee to meet for their fall session, and yesterday was no different. As you can see by the picture, we had a great turnout (17). Representatives from the MWGA, MWPGA and MPGA, as well as a varied group of people representing the MGA, all met to discuss the MGA tournament business, including the policy on DMDs (Distance Measuring Devices) and player points. The MGA is very fortunate to have such a committed group of individuals who all share a concern for the MGA.

Until next time-

Doug