Monday, September 10 -- The Gopher Invitational, Spring Hill GC (Wayzata)

While I'm waiting for today to start, I thought I would update my blog.  In re-reading my last post of 6 months ago (ugh!), I thought it appropriate to review my comments.

The weather has been terrific, albeit warm (even hot), for golf.  Aside from an occasional suspension due to weather, we have had little to interrupt our season.  The best was the "Chamber of Commerce" weather we experienced at the end of August up at Northland CC during our Senior Championship - and what a place to get it!  (The picture left is of Lake Superior from aside Northland's 13th green.)  Fortunately, the bug problem has not been as bad as it could have been.

From the perspective of the golf business, the weather is just what we needed.  Virtually all courses have been in great shape and seeing a level of activity that hasn't been seen for years.

Looking at the TOUR, Rory has astounded us with his play.  An eight shot victory at Kiawah in the PGA was only the beginning.  He's now won the last two FedEx Cup playoff events (Barclays & Deutsche Bank) and there appears no stopping him.  From an American perspective, it's good he can play in only five matches during the Ryder Cup later this month.

Tiger's resurgence - three victories and in the mix seemingly every time he plays - has brought renewed interest in Golf.  Will he be able to close the deal on the weekend again? Only time will tell.  He should be a force at the Ryder Cup.  My prediction - it will be a Tiger-Rory single match on Sunday at Medinah.

Phil has been somewhat mediocre this year.  It makes one wonder if he is back to full health, although he played well and had a chance to win at the Deutsche Bank.  The US really need him to play well if they hope to reclaim the Ryder Cup.

As for me acquiring that new driver, not just yet.  I hope to get fitted for the right one and get it in my hands before going into winter.  And, I put off transitioning to a longer putter.  That might have been a good idea in light of the much predicted ban of anchoring the putter.  The USGA is supposed to make an announcement shortly.  My solution - practice.  What a novel concept!

Oh, and I managed to cash one check from my tournament play this year!

Until next time-
Doug

Spring?!

Wow, what a start to Spring and the 2012 Golf Season! If I didn't know better, I would think I'm still in San Diego. Near 80* in March, in Minnesota?!

After a non-existant winter, Spring has sprung very early with record temperatures statewide. International Falls has set five (5) record highs this week alone, while Winona recorded a statewide record of 75* on Wednesday this week. If this is global warming, I can get used to this part of it.

However, as Minnesotans, we have to be wondering if "the other shoe is going to drop." Even as a non-Minnesotan, I have seen 90s on the first Monday in April only to have 7+ inches of snow the following Monday. And, what will the allergy and bug seasons be like? We may have the worst mosquito and biting fly seasons ever. But, we'll worry about that when it happens.

I am ready for golf, probably more so than ever in my previous 14 seasons with the MGA. Why? Don't know really, other than I wasn't really ready for last year to end.

The TOUR has gotten off to an exciting start. Rory's played spectacular golf to ascend to the #1 position. (Probably would have happened sooner had he not brushed sand off his line of play and not on the green in Dubai, causing him to finish second by one stroke after the two-stroke penalty.) Tiger has been a factor and causing excitement with his play. Bubba's bombing it and fun to watch. Phil is ... well, Phil -- great one week, not so great the next. And, the Masters is in three weeks!!

Personally, I'm hoping to find that new driver that will give me the extra 15-20 yards the manufacturers promise. And, I may have to consider a new set of irons that will allow me to qualify for the US Senior Open. Of course, the excitement of what a belly-putter can do for my frequently shaky putting game is helping. (That is, until the USGA bans them.) Dreams of playing well, and cashing some checks in the few events I play, always gets me going. This will be the year ...!

To modify a beloved Minnesota saying -- LET'S PLAY GOLF!!!!

Day 2 @ USGA/PGA Rules Workshop

Day 2 of the USGA/PGA Rules Workshop in San Diego is over. This is always the longest, but thankfully they have been giving us plenty of breaks. This is important so that we can stay focused on the material.

Today we covered the "Status of Ball" definitions and Rules 15, 20, and 23-28. These are some of the basic relief rules that officials handle frequently. While there haven't been any changes to them in this set of revisions, it is always important to review them.

One of the changes that is of concern for me is the much publicized change regarding a ball being blown by wind after address. Under the old rule, if a player addressed the ball and it then moved, the player was "deemed" to have caused the ball to move and incurred a one-stroke penalty. However, with the new Rules, if it is "known or virtually certain" that the player has done nothing to cause the ball to move and the ball moves as a result of a gust of wind, the player is not penalized. But, that's not all of the story.

The problem with all of this is that everything being published regarding this change is focusing on the "known or virtually certain that the player has done nothing to cause the ball to move" aspect. Unfortunately, unless one reads Decision 18-2b/11, they will not know that gravity is not one of the elements NOT considered if the ball were to move.

In other words, if a ball is precariously perched on a slope on a slick putting green and the player grounds his club immediately behind the ball, and then gravity takes over and causes the ball to move, the player will say that he has done nothing to have caused the ball to move -- and that is likely to be true. Thus, the player will play the ball from its new position. However, this Decision states that gravity is NOT an element to be considered and since wind did not cause the ball to move, the player will be deemed to have caused the ball to move. And, this requires the ball to be replaced and the player add one penalty stroke to his score. Yet, this is not likely to happen.

We shall see how this turns out, but fortunately this is the most (potentially) controversial changes for this year.

Well, dinner on Coronado Island awaits, until next time-

Doug

USGA/PGA Rules of Golf Workshop 2012

(Dateline: Sun, Jan 15, 2012, San Diego, CA)

The 2012 PGA TOUR season has started in Hawai'i and preparations for the MGA season are well underway, too.

This week, I am in San Diego, CA, attending my 10th or 11th USGA/PGA Rules of Golf Workshop. With me are MGA volunteers Bill Casey, Ward Johnson and David Senner.

This is an important year to attend a workshop with the changes that were made to the Rules effective January 1st. By attending, I will be able to conduct my rules education programs for the MGA and make sure my presentations are up-to-date with all of the rules. In addition, Bill, Ward and David are showing their commitment to maintain excellence with the rules for the benefit of all MGA and USGA competitors.

Our instructors for the week are Jeff Hall (USGA) and David Price (PGA), and we are off to a good start after Day 1. The presentation has been re-worked by the USGA so that the rules are being presented in a more logical manner for learning. No longer is it the Definitions, Rule 1, 2, 3, and so on presentation. While this is a change for many of us in attendance (there are about 100 total students and probably half have attended 8-10 workshops or more), it will help to keep us paying attention.

After the first day, there is always a reception so that we can get to know each other better, to catch up with fellow "rules geeks" we haven't seen since our last workshop, or to ask those questions that we dare not ask during class. Tonight, David Senner and I were fortunate enough to visit with David Price and ask some questions. Of course, the conversation turned to the 2010 PGA Championship and Dustin Johnson. Needless to say, speaking with the person walking with Johnson as the referee that fateful day at Whistling Straits was fascinating from our perspective.

One of the nice opportunities for me in my bi-annual attendance at the workshop is the chance to play golf on green grass and in warm weather, and this year was no different. Thanks to my counterpart Mike Sweeney at the Southern California Golf Association, Bill and I were able to play La Jolla CC on Friday with two members, both of whom are past presidents of the SCGA. Yesterday, we were graciously hosted by Dave Podas, head professional at Belair CC and formerly of Minneapolis GC. The picture is of the three of us in front of the 18th green with the suspension bridge in the background. The bridge is how you get from the 10th tee over to the 10th green.

Two more days of workshop lie in store for us followed by "the Test" on Wednesday and then a return to the frozen north. Once I return to the MGA, I will be extremely busy getting everything ready for the 2012 season. This time between New Year's Day and the unofficial start of the season - Monday, April 2nd (the opening day for tournament applications) - always goes by very quickly.

Wish me luck as I continue preparing for the "reverse flow of information" (a favorite quote of Jeff Hall's) and as I get ready for the 2012 MGA Tournament Season.

Until next time-

Doug

Dateline: Friday, Dec 9, Apple Valley, MN

So I'm taking today off, but unfortunately it is not to play golf! In fact, it's not even to go and be fitted for a new driver ... although I tried to schedule an appointment for such. Seems new U of M Women's coach Michelle Redman and two of her players had the same idea, but acted on it sooner than me.

In my effort to find extra distance (who doesn't), I have been trying other drivers. My 7-year old Titleist 983K driver is working quite well (I hit 12 of 14 fairways in my last round at Pinehurst), but I hit it very high and have issues with the ball ballooning when playing into a strong wind.

This past summer, I attended a demo day at Golden Valley G&CC and had Deb Snowden fit me with a Nike VR Tour Driver. I thought I had the answer but decided to wait. This past Friday, I went down to 2nd Swing in Minneapolis to test a Nike driver they had in stock that was close to my specs against my Titleist in a controlled environment. Expecting/hoping I would see a difference of 15+ yards, I found that I was almost as good with the Titleist, gaining only 5-7 yards. We even tried different golf balls to see if that made a difference - but not really.

So, today I had hoped to go to Totally Driven Golf and try different driver combos - heads & shafts - against my Titleist. Two years ago, I did the same only to be told my driver was the best one for me. Shouldn't technology over the past two years give me that 15+ yards I want/need to be a better player? Unfortunately, my search will have to wait for another day.

The moral of this blog? Even though it is -2* outside doesn't mean we have to stop dreaming, thinking or tinkering with our own golf games! Now is the perfect time to figure out how to shave another 3-5 shots off our scores. This includes becoming more knowledgeable in the Rules - so get that 2012 Rules of Golf book and study up. You'd be surprised how knowing the Rules will help your game. Books are available free of charge (plus shipping) from the USGA!

In the off-chance I do not write another blog before the holidays, here's wishing each of you a blessed Christmas, Happy New Year and peace-filled Holiday season!

Cheers-

Doug

November Update

It is two days before Thanksgiving. The first snow has fallen and most courses have closed for the season. Although Thursday's forecast of 53* and sun has some planning to reopen for one last shot at revenue to help the bottom line. We were well into winter at this time last year, so is there hope for a milder, shorter winter? Let's hope so!

I spent last week glued to the Golf Channel watching the President's Cup from Royal Melbourne GC (pictured). Prior to that, I enjoyed watching the Australian Open from Sydney. Much of my interest comes from the fact these are in my wife's homeland. Royal Melbourne, in fact, is as close to her childhood home as it is to Geoff Ogilvy's. We heard the stories of Geoff hoping over the fence to watch events. My brother-in-law used to hop the fence and play at night with golf balls painted with fluorescent paint! Hopefully, I will be able to play by walking in through the front gate.

Another reason I watched with such interest is the re-coming out, if you will, of Tiger. Aside from a third round 75, he played well in Sydney (T-3). And, despite going 2-3 in matches, he won the deciding point for the Americans in the President's Cup. The jury's still out if he will ever regain his game that saw him dominate the professional golf scene for over 10 years, but if his play in Australia was any indication, he's never been closer. While his personal escapades are inexcusable, as a player he is truly gifted and interesting to watch.

The last reason I watch was to see people playing golf in short sleeves and on green grass. There is hope! This is coming just after I returned from the IAGA Conference in Pinehurst, where I managed to play three rounds of golf in six days. The weather for the last round was perfect - 78* and that North Carolina blue sky! But even there, the (Bermuda) grass had started to go dormant. Typically, at this time of year I am ready for a slowdown - cold weather, white landscape, early darkness ... but not this year. Aside from my awful putting, I would love to keep playing. Maybe that's due to having one of my best ball-striking rounds of the year in my last round.

In the MGA office, I'm still working to fill open USGA qualifying sites. I should have been done long before now. Hopefully, the requests I have out will materialize into confirmed sites.

I also am working on the plethora of projects that will never see the light of day during the season, such as evaluating cell phone plans, answering rules questions for TeeMail, interviewing potential P.J. Boatwright Jr Interns, reading up on the rules changes for 2012 and reading in general. (I strongly suggest The King's Speech, but not at work!) Yet, each night when I go home and my wife asks, "So, what did you do today?", I scratch my head and reply, "I don't know, really, but I was busy all day." At least today, I can say I got something accomplished -- I updated my blog!!

Until next time-

Doug

Tuesday, November 8, 2011 -- 45th IAGA Conference, Pinehurst, NC

This week, I have the opportunity to attend the IAGA Conference in Pinehurst. Pinehurst is known as one of the premier golf resorts in America. Home to #2, a Donald Ross gem that has hosted many championships including the 1999 US Open won by Payne Stewart, Pinehurst also has seven other courses. While pricey, it is a must visit for the avid golfer.

The IAGA, or International Association of Golf Administrators, is a group of individuals from local, state, regional, national and international golf associations. The conference allows staff from the associations to gather and discuss the golf industry and happenings within the various areas. Essentially, it is an opportunity to share "best practices" and experiences from successful, and failed, ventures and programs. It is amazing to hear about all of the many different programs these associations are conducting. Of course, many of the great ideas are technology related.

While an annual event, it is generally a bi-annual event for me. This is my sixth or seventh IAGA conference since joining the MGA in 1998. (I must add that the "Met" Golf Association prefers to call itself "the MGA". Since it is six years the senior of the MN Golf Association, I will not argue their claim.) During the many years I have attended, I am always able to take (steal) many great ideas. This year is no different. I came with the intent to gain as much information as possible on using plotter printers (a large, wide-scale printer we use to print score sheets and posters) and TPP Online (our tournament and entry management system).

I had the great privilege to co-lead the sessions for the Rules and Competitions Directors with Dave Colling (Golf Association of Ontario) and Kirby Martin (Golf Association of Philadelphia). The simple process of leading the discussion is really rewarding, not to mention beneficial. Again, there are so many great ideas being used, it can cause one to leave with their head spinning or mind racing at 100 mph. How can I incorporate this or that into the MGA tournament program?

Now, I'm off to a session by Thomas Pagel (USGA Director of Rules) on the changes to the Rules of Golf. Thomas is an intelligent young man (kid from my perspective!) who be provide a great leader in the Rules for many years to come. It will be interesting to hear the many reasons for some of the changes of 2012.

Next time, I'll report on the IAGA Championship of this afternoon on Course #5.

Cheers-

Doug

It's Coming to an End!

(Highland National GC, Tuesday, September 27, 2011)

Four months and eighteen days after it started, the 2011 MGA Tournament Season is coming to a close. Unfortunately, it is finishing much the same way it started - in the rain.

On May 9 at Bunker Hills, we endured a three hour delay due to lightning and heavy rain before we were able to start a US Open Local Qualifying. Today, we have endured light rain (but no delays) through the final round of the 38th MGA Senior Four-Ball Championship.

It is difficult to believe another season has come and gone. It seems just like yesterday that I was patiently waiting for the storms to pass, and then took a walk through a nearly completed clubhouse while five players earned their way to the regional qualifying for the US Open. Yet today, I am writing this as we wait for the final wave of 76 players to finish their rounds. In less than three hours, it will all be over!

Obviously, the end of the season is a mixed bag of emotions for me. I am relieved the pressure of a non-stop schedule of preparing for and then conducting events is off. Yet, it will mean not seeing our players, many of whom have become my friends, until next April 1 when they come into the MGA office to turn in their applications for the upcoming season. It also means that the warm sunshine, refreshing breezes and green grass will be replaced by low gray clouds, biting north winds and white landscapes. (Although, it will give me the opportunity for the aerobic exercise called "shoveling" to lose the extra pounds gained by eating the donuts, lunches and snacks often found at our tournament sites.)

With the end of the official golf season, my attention will turn to the baseball post-season. I'm hoping my Texas Rangers will make another successful run to the World Series (and win this time). My Arizona Wildcats are not playing well enough to garner much interest, and the NFL just doesn't have it any more. (The NBA ... at least the Mavericks won a championship before it goes away!) So, I can start looking toward Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year before the PGA TOUR resumes out in Hawaii in the warm sunshine, refreshing breezes and green grass.

Until next time-

Doug

7TH GOPHER INVITATIONAL, Spring Hill GC

The end of the golf season, or at least the tournament portion thereof, is within view. This is apparent for many reasons. First, football season has taken over the sports broadcasts and newspaper sections. Second, talk in baseball is the pennant races and upcoming playoffs. (The Twins abysmal performance has help promote the first reason.) Third, Labor Day has come and gone. Fourth, the weather is starting to cool. And, fifth, the Gopher Invitational is here.

This is the seventh edition of the Invitational - all here at Spring Hill. Spring Hill is a great facility. It has a very challenging course that is always in impeccable condition thanks to Superintendent Tim Johnson and his staff. Even with the challenging growing conditions of 2011, he has the course looking as good as ever. It is likely the most challenging and best conditioned course these players will play this entire 2011-2012 collegiate season.

Also, the food is wonderful! I am truly thankful that I don't have more events out here as I would weigh significantly more than I do already. Yet, I appreciate my one day out here annually. Fresh, homemade blueberry/white chocolate scones, some of the best bacon you can find, fresh cookies, 1919 Root Beer. I could go on and on but I won't so you don't get hungry.

This year marks John Carlson's first to oversee the entire Men's Gopher Golf program. Carlson was rehired to run the Men's program after he served as the Men's Coach under John Harris through a tumultuous 2010-2011 year. He looks to put his own stamp on the program that has seen significant highs and lows over the past ten years.

The weather looks to be perfect, so there will be no excuses blaming the weather for poor play, unless it is due to the sun getting in the player's eyes. This weather is why we (or many of us) suffer through playing in the cold spring and late fall days. Glorious is the best word to describe the next two days.

Lastly, on the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, may we all remember the events of that tragic day and work to keep from them happening again. May we regain the unity we, as Americans, shared in the aftermath and overcome the partisan bickering that has taken over politics and society. And lastly, but most importantly, may we pray that God, through us, bring peace and harmony to an otherwise wonderful world.

Until next time-

Doug

108th MGA Amateur Championship Wrapup

Can it be -- we are already past our Amateur Championship? (The picture is dawn emerging over the 9th hole at the White Bear Yacht Club.)

The 108th MGA Amateur Championship wrapped up today at the White Bear Yacht Club. Spring Hill's Donald Constable claimed the title with solid play. He opened with a 5-under par 66 and never looked back. He followed that with a 71 in the second round and finished with a 2-under par 69, including a birdie on the 18th hole. This is Constable's first stroke play title. He finished second to Tom Hoge in the 2010 Amateur and won the 2009 Players' Championship (the MGA Match Play championship).

His 7-under par total of 206 was three better than the Yacht Club's Adam Riddering and Dillon Schultz of Springfield Country Club. Schultz recorded a 5-under par 66, including birdies on three of his last four holes, to tie Constable for the low round of the week.

Despite the stellar play (nine players finished at or below par), the week will be known for the excessive heat. Monday saw the heat index reach 115* and Tuesday was about the same. But, Tuesday set a record for the highest dew point in Minnesota meteorological history of 82. Apparently, this was second to only the Amazon Rain Forest for highest dew point on the planet that day. Even a two and a half hour delay due to a thunderstorm on Tuesday did not provide any relief; in fact, it made it worse. Adding more moisture to the air, the oppressive heat returned when the sun reappeared shortly after the storm passed. Fortunately, a steady breeze kept the air moving on Wednesday and made it more bearable.

As a means to keep the players hydrated, the MGA provided water and sport drinks in coolers at both the first and tenth tees. In addition, the Yacht Club staff did a yeoman's job of keeping eight 10 gallon coolers filled on the course. The players, caddies, spectators and MGA officials went through nearly 500 gallons of water, and (it is rumored) over 1,000 bottles of water and Powerade. Fortunately, there were only four individuals (three players and one caddie) who needed to be escorted in from the course for safety precautions.

Many thanks to the MGA staff and volunteers for the countless hours they put in to make the Amateur Championship a huge success!!

Thanks to the members and staff of the White Bear Yacht Club for graciously allowing us to use their wonderful facility!!

And, congratulations to Donald Constable, 108th MGA Amateur Champion!

Until next time-

Doug