(Scottsdale, AZ) -- Saturday, January 16, 2010
Day 1 of the USGA/PGA Rules of Golf Workshop

Today was a good start to the Workshop. Our instructors are Jeff Hall, from the USGA Staff, and Larry Startzel, from the PGA of America National Rules Committee. In addition, we have Ralph Bernheisel from Rancho Santa Fe, CA, as the coordinator and Jim Ferrel, USGA Regional Manager, as Technical Operations guru. Also in the record-setting largest crowd ever to attend a workshop is M.J. Mastalir of Colorado, a former chair on the USGA Rules of Golf Committee.

A few other notables in attendance include MGA Volunteer Max Horn (who has scored 100 on the test), US Girls' Junior Representative Julie Lenertz from Bloomington, MN, and Tom Schmidt, Executive Director for the Wisconsin State Golf Association and the new Assistant Tournament Director for the WSGA, Geoff Pirki. Lastly, Adam Loch, MGA Tournament Manager, is here with me.

It's always great to have instructors the caliber of Jeff and Larry, but one of the disadvantages to attending a "regular" workshop (as opposed to the Advanced) is the number of seemingly basic questions from the newer attendees. I applaud their patience with the many questions. Yet, it's a great experience for the "newbys", and I applaud their effort and interest to attend.

One of the greatest challenges, having attended the workshop nine times previously, is to remain focused so that I don't miss anything. It can be so easy to "tune out" and end up missing something that I need to know for the test.

Well, I've studied enough for tonight - time to go to bed for much needed rest to prepare for tomorrow. Day 2 often is the longest and most grueling day.

Until next time -
Doug