The Metropolitan Vol 10, No 3 (May 2023)

Volume 10 | No. 3

The Metropolitan Amateur Golf Association

The Metropolitan

Issue 1 | May 2023

Inside the Issue 4 Curt’s Corner

A message from the Executive Director

12 USGA Qualifiers

Metropolitan Amateur Golf Association 18 Rules Center

What to do when two balls are close together in a bunker.

US Open and US Women’s Open Qualifiers are Complete!

Event #1

A Full Field gathered at Persimmon Woods GC to kick off the 2023 Amateur Series.

Yardage Book 14 The Bogeyman Michael Block: Just A Guy

18th Championship: Giving it ‘Hall’ of Nothing

MAGA Amateur took on the Gateway PGA Professionals in a Match-Play Showdown

10 East Side

Amateur

Gumper and Allen enter the winners circle in the first event of the season.

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MAGA?

Monthly Schedule and Deadlines

23 Keeping Up The USGA names the 2023 Bob Jones Award Recipient

Open

8 Shogren Cup

22 What’s Next for

with the USGA

6 Metropolitan

An Allied Golf Association of the USGA providing a variety of golf services to clubs and golfers in the Metropolitan St. Louis, Central, and Southern Illinois region.

WHAT WE DO:

5 By The Numbers 13 Amateur Series

Play

WHO ARE WE?

- Provide GHIN Handicap Service to 140+ Member Clubs under the World Handicap System - Provide the USGA Course/Slope Rating service to our Member Clubs - Regional authority on the Rules of Golf and Amateur Status - Conduct twelve (12) Metropolitan Championships each season - Conduct USGA Qualifying for nine (9) USGA Championships each season - Conduct three (3) Championships in Illinois - Conduct the Amateur Series of Events for golfers of all ages and abilities

METROPOLITAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Amateur Championship Open Championship Women’s Amateur Championship Junior Amateur Championship Senior Amateur Championship Four-Ball Championship 9-Hole Championship East Side Amateur Old Warson Cup (Match Play Championship) Shogren Cup (Match Play PGA Pros vs. MAGA Amateurs) Sobbe Cup Mid-America Junior Cup Amateur Series

ILLINOIS CHAMPIONSHIPS Southern Illinois Amateur SIGA Championship Tony Stevens Cup

USGA QUALIFYING ROUNDS

U.S. Open • U.S. Amateur U.S. Mid-Amateur • U.S. Senior Amateur U.S. Women’s Open • U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur U.S. Junior Amateur • U.S. Girls’ Junior Amateur U.S. Amateur Four-Ball

24 World of Golf 16 Golf Fitness

Hub

Casting: stop hitting behind the ball and prevent injury

16 Sup’s On

MVGCSA Past, Present, and Future

See the World’s Champions from the month of May

26 Normandie

Reimagined

An update on the renovation project of Normandie Golf Club.

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The Metropolitan

Curt’s Corner MAGA STAFF

Curt Rohe - Executive Director

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Curt Rohe - curt@metga.org

DIRECTOR, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Caroline Buchan - caroline@metga.org 2023 PJ BOATWRIGHT INTERNS Anna Marriott, Communications Josh Plohr, Operations Amari Sewer, Operations

EXECUTIVE BOARD Officers Scott Engelbrecht, President/Treasurer Mike Marquart, Secretary At Large Members John Bugh Stan Grossman Kelli Kirchoff Mike Marquart Rick Meyer, Jr John Moore Mick Wellington ADVISORY COMMITTEE Scott Thomas, Chairman Tom Barry Skip Berkmeyer Chris Kovach Ryan Eckelcamp Tom Portner Curt Rohe

THE METROPOLITAN CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Dan O’Neill MVGCSAA Dr. Zach Cutler

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Greetings Members and Clubs!

Welcome to the golf season! May was an incredibly busy, but rewarding month for the Association. We kicked off the 2023 championship and qualifying season the last weekend of April and then got right into a busy stretch. The weather has been tremendous for us during that stretch as well...always appreciate Mother Nature helping us out!

The East Side Amateur had one of the largest fields in recent years, with 123 teeing it up at Gateway National even on Mothers Day weekend. Tony Gumper continued his fine play with a win in the Open Division and Buddy Allen got it done on the Senior side. We followed up the next day at Gateway with U.S. Open Local Qualifying where 96 teed it up for a 5 spots into Final Qualifying. 4-under par was the medalist, Justin Bryant and Wes Hunter both turned in 67s to earn spots into June 5 and a shot at the U.S. Open at Los Angeles Country Club in a couple weeks. Good luck to them!

The 18th Metropolitan Open could not have had better weather, while a little rain early in the week softened up the course, Country Club of St. Albans played beautifully for the 156 golfers.

Gavin Hall, a professional from Delray Beach, FL made his inaugural visit to St. Albans well worth it and enjoyed the week. The University of Texas grad posted a tournament record 17-under par over the Lewis & Clark Course to earn the title and $25,000 first prize. While no amateurs made the cut this year, locally Chris Naegel fired a tournament record 62 in Round 2. Good luck to Chris as he plays June 5 for another shot at the U.S. Open too.

I cannot state this enough but a huge thank you to the Country Club of St. Albans for their commitment to championship golf in this region! Thank you especially to Barb Witbrodt for coordinating housing for players this year, first time since pre-Covid and to Director of Golf Joe Schwent for coordinating the volunteers, mostly all members, to assist with scoring and shuttling. Along with our Rules Committee, all the volunteers is what makes this championship special and the players recognize all of their efforts. These players continue to say this is the BEST stop they will make all season as they travel around the country competing...that includes Korn Ferry Tour, state opens and other mini-tours!

We finally welcomed all of our 2023 P.J. Boatwright Interns into the fold this month as well...they are always a welcome sight to join the Team MAGA Staff! They were thrown into the fire these last couple weeks and are off and running. Thank you for bringing the energy and enthusiasm to the Team and we look forward to a great season.

As always, thank you for reading! We still have plenty of space for advertising in The Metropolitan, please reach out to us to show what we can do for you or your company. The Metropolitan newsletter continues to grow and is reaching 25K+ people, golfers each issue.

Issue 1 | May 2023

By The Numbers 93.4 - According to Trackman, this is the average

club speed for a driver among the general public. The speed correlates to an average drive of 214 yards. It also is estimated that the average player gives up 30 yards by not optimizing their swing. Now, keep in mind that long drive specialist Kyle Berkshire has reached a swing speed of 236 miles per hour. Pretty sure he has optimized.

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- This relates to Tiger Woods’ best finish in a major since he won the 2019 Masters in April 2019.

Later that same year, Woods tied for 21st at the U.S. Open. Since that time, he has missed cuts four times, withdrawn twice, and not competed in two majors.

Even more astounding, he has not had a top-10 finish in a U.S. Open since a tie for fourth in 2010 - 13 years ago.

3 - The number of players who won the individual

Missouri High School golf championship at Silo Ridge Golf and Country Club in Bolivar last month. Chaminade junior Bubba Chapman, Liberty North sophomore Caden Mickelson and Rockhurst senior Jack Cobb all tied for the top spot with scores of 2-under-par 142. The Missouri High School Activities Association rules do not call for a tie-breaking playoff, so the three players shared the individual crown.

Chapman’s performance helped Chaminade edge Rockhurst for the Class 5A team title.

17 - The number of shots separating two rounds

played by Matt Ford at the Copenhagen Challenge on the Challenge Tour. The Englishman stumbled his way through a Saturday round, shooting a 41 on the back nine and posting a score of 8-over-par 80. On Sunday,

he was a different player. He finished the day eagle-birdie on the closing two holes to sign for a 63 - or 17 shots better. “Only 17 shots better today and I was disappointed coming off the last!! Golf is crazy,” the 45-year-old tweeted. In the end, Ford finished 11 shots off the winning score of Mateo Manessero.

67

- As in million, as in the odds of making two holes-in-one in a round of golf are one in 67 million.

But what are the odds of doing it in a U.S. MidAmateur Qualifying round? That’s what Don Bliss did in the 1985 event at Brook Hollow Country Club.

Others have made multiple aces in their USGA qualifying history, but none have made two in a single round. Don’s golf ball from that round can be found in the USGA Museum. Of course, Bliss did a few other things in his career, like win a record-tying four Missouri State Amateur Championships and qualify for 29 USGA championships, including 15 U.S. Amateurs and five U.S. Mid-Amateurs.

1934 - The year the U.S. Open declined an offer

from club founder Bob Jones and chairman Clifford Roberts to host the U.S. Open at Augusta National.

USGA president Herbert Jacques replied with a thanks but no thanks, writing “whereas we are all favorably inclined to this move in the near future, we do not think it is practical to attempt in 1934.” Undeterred, Jones and Roberts decided to start their own championship - the “Augusta National Invitational.” Of course, that event soon became known as the Masters Tournament, and joined the U.S. Open, British Open and PGA Championship as one of golf ’s majors.U.S. Amateurs and five U.S. Mid-Amateurs.

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The Metropolitan

Giving It “Hall” or Nothing

The highly anticipated Metropolitan Open Championship held

at St. Alban’s Country Club concluded with resounding success, captivating golf enthusiasts and showcasing the pinnacle of golfing excellence over three exhilarating days. The championship brought together a field of exceptional golfers, professional and amateur, who demonstrated unparalleled skill, unwavering determination, and a true passion for the game. With every swing, chip, and putt, the players exhibited remarkable precision, strategic brilliance, and nerves of steel under the watchful eyes of avid spectators and fellow competitors.

Results

The first morning started with a thick fog that postponed play by 15 minutes. Aside from the hazy morning, the conditions were nothing short of perfect. Four players were tied for the lead at an impressive six-under par (-6) after Round 1 of the Championship. The first of the 6 players to come in was Eric Ansett of Spring Hill, TN. Ansett fired an impressive bogey-free round. Ted Smith of Orlando, FL held a solo lead at seven-under par (-7) until the last hole where a bogey brought him back down to tie for first with Ansett at six-under (-6). Matthew Walker of Ottumwa, IA - the third player to post six-under par (-6) - had a rollercoaster start to his day.

Walker began with a bogey on the first hole, then proceeded to eagle Hole 2, which catapulted him into two birdies on Holes 3 & 4. After these three players posted low rounds, the work was cut out for the afternoon wave of players. David Erdy of Mainville, OH came ready to match the score by also shooting a bogey-free, -6. There are eight players following closely behind at five-under par (-5): Luke Long, Joe Weiler, Tyler Gray, Stephen Stallings, Christian Salzer, Blake McShea, Sean Walsh, and Kyle Kochevar. The leaderboard was stacked with 56 players under par, leaving no room for error in the following rounds for those on top.

the results of Round 1, players knew that Photos After going low in Round 2 may be imperative to

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make the cut. Arriving with a mindset to tackle the course, many players in the field were able to post rounds under par again today.

Going off early in the day, Blake McShea of Zebulon, NC was looking to duplicate his score from Round 1, and he did. Sitting at five-under (-5) par after around 1, McShea

started on the back nine and made improvements as the day went on to have a bogey-free second nine and finish with another fiveunder (-5) par. This brought his total to ten-under (-10) par and gave him the solo lead. Also going out early was David Erdy of Mainville, OH. Erdy was one of the players tied for the lead at six-under (-6) par after Round 1 and fought his way around the course to not drop any strokes. He finished the day two-under (-2) par, placing him at eight-under (-8) par for the Championship. The afternoon wave saw how the morning players were performing and were ready to take a stand. Gavin Hall of Delray Beach, FL began the day at four-under (-4) par. Aside from a bogey on Hole 10, Hall had a near perfect round with five birdies and an albatross on Hole 14. Finishing the last four holes with par, his double eagle brought him to seven-under (-3) for the day, eleven-under (-11) par for the championship, and the solo lead. Perhaps the round of the day came in the afternoon from Chris Naegel of Wildwood, MO. After finishing Round 1 oneover (+1) par, Naegel was determined to turn his game around and move up the leaderboard. He came out hot, shooting a 28 on the front nine with not just one, but two eagles. Despite a bogey on Hole 12, Naegel nearly pulled off a third eagle on Hole 14, and then finished his round with a birdie on Hole 18 to finish the day with a whopping nine-under (-9) par. This catapulted Naegel up the leaderboard to be tied for third at eight-under (-8) par.

After Round 2, the field was cut to the low 40 and ties, which resulted in 44 players making the cut at twounder (-2) par.

This is the lowest a cut score has ever been in championship history. Ryan Cole of Mount Airy, MD started the morning at seven-under (-7) par, and we

Issue 1 | May 2023

quickly started to see his score fall further into the red. Cole showed his determination throughout his round with three birdies on the front and four birdies on the back, finishing with a bogey-free 64.

This phenomenal round pushed him up the leaderboard into solo

second place. Blake McShea did not have the round he wanted but managed to stay under par with a two-under (-2) par round and a final score of twelve-under (-12) par. McShea ended the championship in solo third. Brian Richey of Winter Park, FL began the day at six-under (-6) par. Richey improved on his first and second round scores by shooting a great round of 66, five-under (-5) par, which tied him for fourth place with David Erdy. Erdy had a rough start to the day but pushed through to come in with a score of 30, five-under (-5) par, on the back nine. This brought him to finish the round with a 68, three-under (-3) par.

Gavin Hall knew coming into the day that he needed to put together another good round to stay on top. Hall started his bogey-free round with two birdies on the front nine and continued to add four more on the back nine. His bogey-free round was almost threatened by a rogue tee-shot on Hole 17, but a lucky bounce off a drain, kicked him into the middle of the fairway. Talking about this potential setback, Hall states, “When these guys are so good, and to compete against them, you need a little bit of breaks to go your way, but I’m really happy with the way I played.” He kept his mind and game steady by not looking at the leaderboard during the round. He knew he could not do anything about how others were shooting, but he could control his own game and mindset. Gavin came in at seventeen-under (-17) par, the lowest winning total score in championship history, with a final round of 65. Following three incredible days of golf, first-time competitor, Gavin Hall, rose to the top and is leaving St. Louis a Champion. With this win, Hall earned a $25,000 payout.

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The Metropolitan

Issue 1 | May 2023

Shogren Cup

All of these players know anything can happen when you get to the Singles Matches. In fact the last two years, the champion came down to the wire with the Singles Matches. Eager to get the singles matches rolling, Berkmeyer for the amateurs and Gindler for the pros hit the course first.

Berkmeyer took the early lead and only let Gindler tie the match once, winning Team MAGA a point, 3 & 2. Looking for another hefty win, Sullivan took on Williams from the Gateway PGA, and hammered out a 5 Up through 9 holes run. Sullivan kept pushing to win the match 6 & 5. Weaver never let pro Smith get the score to better than tied, and won Match 3, 4 & 2. In Match 4 on the course, Whitfield barely gave amateur Malench room to make a move. With Malench only winning 2 holes, Whitfield was able to bring the pros their first Singles point, 5 & 4. Amateur Pranger and pro Hausmann took it to the last hole before Pranger brought the match to a close, 1 Up. Carpenter for Team MAGA took on Roy of Team Gateway, where they kept the match close, but Carpenter was able to close it out 2 & 1 for the amateurs. Match 7 saw Eckelkamp Knowing the score was tight, Team MAGA was ready and pro, Masson, duke it out to the eighteenth hole, where Masson would bring the match to all square and give both teams a half of a point.

Monday morning to extend their lead through the Foursomes Matches before the Singles Matches came Putting up a strong front after Hole 5, amateur Niezing never looked back when he defeated pro Lee 6 & 4. Looking to turn things around for along in the afternoon. Starting out the day for the the Gateway PGA, Moomey never let amateur Kovach get ahead in the amateurs were Lovett and Malench. The pros, Fogt match and earned the second pro singles full point, 2 & 1. In Match 10, and Whitfield, tried to put the pressure on, but the Lovett and Gaus went back-and-forth, taking the match to 18 holes. Gaus amateurs pulled out the first point for Team MAGA Team MAGA (left to right): Buddy Allen, Richard ‘Skip’ Berkmeyer, Brad Carpenter, Ryan Eckelkamp, Tony Gumper, Chris Kovach, with a 2 & 1 win. Struggling to find themselves up in the match Carpen- won the final hole to win the match for the professionals, 2 Up. For Team Brian Lovett, Joseph Malench, Sam Migdal, Paul Neeman, ter and Weaver refused to let the pros win Match 2. They fought until the MAGA, Gumper went on a tear in his match against Team Gateway’s Chad Niezing, Drew Pranger, Ryan Sullivan, Peter Weaver (not pictured) very last hole, where they won the hole to finish the match Tied with Lee Sharamitaro. Never letting Sharamitaro win a hole, Gumper earned the and Sharamitaro. In Match 3, Sullivan and Kovach for Team MAGA put amateurs a point with a 7 & 6 victory. In Match 12, amateur Neeman was up against pro Fogt through 7 holes, but Fogt fought back to win the the gas on, finding themselves 5 Up through eight holes over opponents match 2 & 1. Migdal took on pro Auping, and despite his efforts, was unGindler and Masson. Despite the pros’ efforts, the amateurs brought in another point by winning 5 & 4. After being down through seven to Roy able to get up in the match. Auping found the pros another point with his unday afternoon, the teams took to the course in the Four-Ball and Hausmann, Berkemeyer and Pranger turned their match around for 3 & 2 win. In the Final Match of the weekend, Allen closed out the chamMatches. Team MAGA came ready to show Team Gateway PGA that they were not to be underestimated, winning 4 of the 7 matches. Malench Team MAGA to take the lead and win the match 3 & 2. Match 5 also had pionship with a Team MAGA win by never allowing Sedorcek to tie the the heat turned up for the amateurs with Migdal and Niezing sitting 5 Up match after Hole 2, and winning the match 3 & 1. In the Singles Matchand Neeman of Team MAGA took an early lead on the first hole, but es, Team MAGA earned 8.5 points and Team Gateway PGA earned 5.5 through eight against Williams and Smith. It only took 13 holes to finish were unable to hold off Fogt and Whitfield of Team Gateway who won points. out the match 6 & 5 for the amateurs. Gumper and Eckelkamp found the match 3 & 1. Allen and Niezing put together a strong front for the themselves in the same boat as in the Four-Ball match where they fought amateurs, never letting Sedorcek and Auping bring the match to tied or to the very end against pros Auping and Moomey to win the match 1 Up. Team MAGA stood victorious at the end of the Championship, better for the pros. Team MAGA won the second match 3 & 2. In Match defending its title, with 18 points to the Gateway PGA’s 10 points.

Allen and Neeman had another amateur lead through 9 holes, but the 3 of the Four-Ball, Migdal and Kovach kept the match at bay against pros, Sedorcek and Gaus, found their footing on the back nine. In the the pros, Smith and Roy, until Hole 5, where the amateurs took the lead and refused to let go until the match was won 2 & 1. In a back-and-forth final match of the morning Sedorcek and Gaus brought in the Gateway match, Gumper and Eckelkamp for Team MAGA and Williams and Lee PGA its first full point of the morning, 2 & 1. After the Foursomes, Team MAGA remained on top with 9.5 points and Team Gateway PGA sat at for Team Gateway PGA found themselves in a fight to the finish, where 4.5 points. the amateurs would come out on top after 18 holes, 1 Up. Also showing their amateur strength, Weaver and Carpenter gave Masson and Hausmann no wiggle room in Match 5.

By Hole 12, the amateurs were 5 Up and never gave up a hole to the pros until Hole 14, but were able to close out the match 4 & 3. Maybe sensing their team could use some help, Moomey and Gindler brought the pros their second win over Berkmeyer and Pranger by only giving the amateurs a win on the first hole and then shutting them down to win 4 & 3.

In the final match, amateurs Lovett and Sullivan tried to fight back against the pros by winning a few holes and taking it to 18, but Gaus and Sharamitaro came out on top 1 Up. After the Four-Ball Matches, Team MAGA was up with 4 points and Team Gateway PGA had 3 points.

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Photos

Results

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The Metropolitan

Gateway to Greatness

Gateway National Golf Club, renowned for its impeccable

faiways and breathtaking views, played host to an extraordinary display of golf during the highly anticipated East Side Amateur earlier this month. The East Side Amateur, a premier two-day golf tournament, embraced the elements and triumphed over the rain-soaked challenges to deliver an unforgettable sporting spectacle. Despite the downpour and a two-hour delay on the first day, the tournament showcased the unwavering spirit and resilience of the participating golfers, who showcased their skills amidst the stunning backdrop of Gateway National’s pristine fairways. The clouds gradually made way for intermittent rays of sunshine, and the tournament resumed.

From sunup to sun down, Round 1 was an eventful day. With the first group starting at 6:30am and the final putt dropping at 8:27pm, it was a long day for many players, as a nearly 2 and a half hour weather delay was caused by lightning in the area.

Some groups were racing against the sun to finish their first

Results

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Issue 1 | May 2023

The East Side Amateur

round, but nonetheless, all players made it around the course in the nick of time. In Round 1, 10 players found themselves under par at the conclusion of their rounds. 2022 Champion, Tony Gumper, sat atop the leaderboard at 5-under par and a two-shot lead over Jason Landry. In the Senior Division, Scott Niehaus found himself at the top of the leaderboard at threeunder par and four-shot lead.

Players began to tee off for Round 2 bright and early again at 6:30am. The morning started with fog covering the course, but players persevered through the first few holes. Once the fog had cleared, a warm, sunny day began until a few showers rolled through in the afternoon. Players may have gotten a little damp, but play did not need to be stopped like in Round 1. The Senior Division concluded their rounds first, with Buddy Allen and

Joseph Malench heading down Hole 18 tied for the lead. Both made par, sending the pair into a play-off on Hole 1, where Allen sank a long putt to beat Malench. Buddy Allen is the Senior Division Champion. Meanwhile, things were also continuing to heat up on the course behind them. For much of the round, Tony Gumper and Carter Goebel were neck and neck, showing on the leaderboard that they were tied. Goebel was fighting to try to overtake Gumper, but ran into some trouble in the last five holes.

He still finished under par, but it was not enough to hold off the Round 1 leader. Gumper produced a bogey-free back nine to finish three-under par for the day. This brought him to eightunder par for the championship and four-strokes above the competition. Tony Gumper is the back-to-back Champion of the East Side Amateur.

As the final putts dropped and the last drives sailed through the rain-soaked air, the East Side Amateur came to a close, leaving behind memories of a captivating game of golf.

Photos

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The Metropolitan

USGA Championship Qualifying Click on Image for Full Results

Event #1 Persimmon Woods GC

Issue 1 | May 2023

The first Amateur Series Event took off at Persimmon Woods Golf Club on May 1. A full field of golfers set out to the course in a shotgun start at 9:00am. With windy conditions, players battled to bring in the lowest score in their division. There are seven divisions for players: Open, Net, Senior Open (60+), Senior Net (60+), Super Senior Open (65+), Super Senior Net (65+), and Women’s Net. Though it was a long day in difficult conditions, players had a blast with the top players in each division earning a small payout for their success.

Competing in Final Qualifying June 5, Various Locations

The Amateur Series Photos

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Competing in on July 6-9 at Pebble Beach

Results

Results: Open Division - Chris Wager Senior Open - David Schilp Super Senior Open - James Oslica Net Division - Anthony Arcese Senior Net Division - John Wasmuth Super Senior Net Divsion - Jim Lundergan Women’s Net Division - Carla Flight 13

The Metropolitan

Issue 1 | May 2023

Michael Block: Just A Guy The Bogeyman Dan O’Neill

It’s happened before and it will happen again, maybe even for Block. On June 15-18, Block and his 18-year old son will be at Hillcrest Country Club in Los Angeles, participating in U.S. Open Final Qualifying. The 2023 U.S. Open is at Los Angeles Country Club, just around the corner.

Imagine, a club pro working in the LA area qualifying for a U.S. Open in his backyard, alongside his son. And remember, the club pro is one who already had the exhilarating experience of playing in a PGA Championship in his hometown.

Golf - it never fails to grab you, on one level or another, and make you

He had been a 15-year old kid at Bellerive in 1992, working as a patron on the 13th hole, snagging autographs from professional giants like Nick Price and Payne Stewart. And then he was a 31-year old kid playing alongside them. He qualified for both the U.S. Open and PGA that year.

The most recent incident was the PGA Championship at Oak Hill.

Perhaps you thought the major championship would be missing some punch without the presence of Tiger Woods. Perhaps all the noise about LIV and such matters have been off-putting. Perhaps your attention was waning.

“This is something I’ll cherish the rest of my life without a doubt,” Block said that week at Bellerive, though he missed the cut. “I can’t believe it’s even real for PGA members such as myself that grew up a mile from this course... To be that guy on the other side now is pretty surreal.”

“I’m like the new John Daly,” Block said at Oak Hill, “but I don’t have a mullet, and I’m not quite as big as him yet. I’m just a club professional; right? I work. I have fun. I have a couple boys that I love to play golf with. I have a great wife. I have great friends. I live the normal life.

The feeling is one golf specializes in, for pros and amateurs alike. Jim Holtgrieve has felt it, playing alongside Arnold Palmer at Augusta National. John Kelly has felt it, going from a classroom at CBC High to the first tee at Oakmont and the 2007 U.S. Open. Tom O’Toole Jr. has felt it, going from a stick boy for the St. Louis University hockey team to the president of the USGA.

“I love being at home. I love sitting in my backyard. My best friend in the world is my dog. I can’t wait to see him. I miss him so much it’s ridiculous, my little black lab. But, yeah, it’s been a surreal experience, and I had this weird kind of sensation that life is going to be not quite the same moving forward, but only in a good way, which is cool.”

cry.

And in steps Michael Block, a Parkway Central High guy, a University of Missouri-St. Louis guy, a teaching professional and fine player in his own right, but just a guy.

Who winds up being the star of the show.

“I didn’t cry when I had my kids,” said Block, 46, who couldn’t help but shed a tear as it all sunk in. “I cried, for some reason. If you love golf, you know. I cry about golf, to be honest.”

Who among us, participating in the Metropolitan Amateur Golf Association, reading this newsletter, playing this game, can’t relate? Golf does that to you, time and time again. With his performance in Rochester, including a stunning hole-in-one on Sunday, Block was the consummate “Cinderella story,” the one Bill Murray memorably described in Caddyshack, the one golf writes so uniquely.

What other sport allows you to come out of the crowd, step onto one of its storied playing fields and take a turn at-bat. The reason we relate is that when it comes to golf, we’re all Cinderellas, all up against it, all trying to conquer something that can never truly be conquered. But every once in a while, we have a moment, we have to pinch ourselves.

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In the case of Block, who now lives and teaches in the Los Angele area, there have been more than one. Five years ago, he was at Bellerive Country Club for the 2018 PGA Championship, having qualified at the PGA Professional Championship. As a local product, he was afforded the honor of hitting the first shot on Thursday morning. That alone was the thrill of a lifetime.

On some level, if we’re lucky, we feel it. Golf does that, over and over again.

Difficult to say if stranger things have happened, but if they have, they’ve happened in golf.

Golf does that. It never fails to grab you, on one level or another, and make you cry.

The game did it again for Block at last month’s PGA. He played remarkably well at Oak Hill. He played alongside two-time U.S. Open champion Rory McIlroy on Sunday. He tied for 15th, earning the opportunity to try it again at the 2024 PGA at Valhalla Golf Club, and he made it happen with a spectacular ace at No. 15 and an improbable save at No. 18.

He was just a guy... who was getting hugs from McIlroy, text messages from Michael Jordan, a $283,333 payday and a sponsor exemption into the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club the following week.

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The Metropolitan

GOLF FITNESS HUB

CASTING Casting is defined as an early release of the golf club during the downswing and is a very common cause of loss of power in the golf swing.

Issue 1 | February 2023

Here are a couple exercises to try out!

> Golfers that cast are not able to keep their lead arm wrist hinge during the downswing and lead to a weak impact position. > This position at the bottom of the swing will lead to inconsistent ball striking and often time add loft to the club face. > Most golfers that struggle with casting, tend to hit behind the ball, as well as early extend in their golf swing (featured on previous MAGA Newsletter).

THE BODY-SWING CONNECTION

> Limited lower body contribution during the swing is one of the main causes of casting for golfers. > Oftentimes when the lower body does not move properly, the upper body will take over. > Limited hip mobility, inability to separate the lower body from the upper body, and weak glutes and core are the leading contributors to poor lower body movement. > Not only does the lower body play a role in the casting swing fault, but past wrist injuries can lead to difficulty keeping the wrist angle during the downswing. > Wrist injuries will prevent the golfer from setting and release the golf club proper from the downswing and to impact.

Dr. Zach Cutler

> Pelvic rotations, stork turns, iso-metric abdominal strengthening Sports Chiropractor and TPI Certified exercises, glute strengthening exercises, and wrist mobility Family Golf and Learning Center exercises are key in preventing casting and maintaining a good @FGLCPERFORMANCE wrist angle during the downswing and impact.

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Issue 1 | May 2023

Sup’s On: MVGCSA Past, Present, and Future Mike Leach

Director of Operations

The Mississippi Valley Golf Course Superintendents

Association, when I tell people that my new job is the Director of Operations for this distinguished association they say, “who”? I will patiently explain to them who we are and what we do. Most golfers will react with interest in the fact that they didn’t know such an association exists. The PGA, the USGA, sure they are familiar with or even members of those organizations. Wouldn’t it only make sense that the ladies and gentlemen who care for the facilities they use have a similar organization that raises money, educates, networks, collaborates, and ensures that the future of their profession is in good hands? Well, it does exist and every so often it pays to remind the golfing public to look around while they’re teeing it up and take a moment to enjoy the natural beauty in which they get to enjoy the game. The members of the MVGCSA are the stewards of that natural beauty and they don’t take their jobs lightly.

As the incoming Director of Operations I have been blown away by the organization and dedication that the members of the MVGCSA have shown in order to grow their association. The majority of our association hold full time professions that can be very demanding this time of year and yet 132 of them showed up at our annual Green Cup tournament on May 22nd to raise upwards of twenty-five thousand dollars to put towards our Gateway Research Environmental Education Network. Not only did they show up to golf, but many of them volunteered

their valuable time away from their facilities to help organize and run the event. Being a newcomer to the group I was in awe of the pride they take in putting their best foot forward.

Just nine short years ago the future of the MVGCSA was in limbo. In need of a leadership change, the association turned to Chuck Gast. Chuck has served as the Director of Operations during these hugely successful years. During a recent meeting Chuck pulled up a report from 2014 to use as an example. As I looked at the amount of files on his laptop I asked if any of those existed prior to him taking over, the answer was a quick “no”. His leadership has built a strong foundation from scratch, this foundation can now be used to capitalize on a current golf boom.

Without the leadership of Chuck Gast none of this could be possible. As we bid a very grateful goodbye to Chuck we will keep an eye to the future looking for new opportunities for growth and improvement. My hope is to help the MVGCSA continue on a successful trajectory while realizing the full reach of their place in the golf industry.

Green Cup Winners (L to R) Chad Fetter, Dave Guinn, and Randy Robinson

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The Metropolitan

Rules Center Balls Together in a

Issue 1 | May 2023

Bunker Buddies

At the 2022 Farmers Insurance Open, Will Zalatoris and Luke List took off in a playoff at Torey Pines to determine a winner. Both players hit 300 yard drives off the tee and ended up in the same bunker just a mere few inches apart. Talk about a way to remain toe-to-toe with your competitor.. Though this situation may not hapen often it can and does happen. List’s ball was plugged, while Zalatoris’ sat up on the sand, slightly ahead.

There was a moment when it could be heard that Zalatoris asked List if he wanted him to mark his ball.

List hit without Zalatoris marking his ball because r egardless of what Zalatoris may have wanted, the decision was ultimately up to List. Once List hit his ball, Zalatoris’ caddie then stepped forward to rake the bunker, carful not to move or alter the lie of his ball, while also recreating the original lie had List’s ball not been there. All of this took place under the supervision of the Rules Committee to ensure that procedures were followed corectly.

Stroke Play

Bunker

Let’s say player A’s ball is two inches behind player B’s ball. Either player may play first (players decide; they just can’t agree to play out of turn to give one of them an advantage; Rules 6.4b(1) and 1.3b(1); general penalty). Further, let’s assume that A will play first. A and B should study the spot and lie of B’s ball -- because it’s going to get messed up!

In this case, B should wait for A to ask, “Please lift and mark your ball because it interferes with my shot” (Rule 15.3b). [If B jumps the gun and lifts their ball before being asked by A, B will get a one stroke penalty for moving their ball at rest (Rule 15.3b(2))]. After A asks B to move their (B’s) ball, B must mark the ball to one side with a tee, maybe a clubhead-length or two (like on the putting green; Clarification 15.3/1). Player B may now lift but not clean their ball (recommended that player place the ball aside on the ground or hold the ball between their thumb and forefinger in pincer fashion until ready to replace; Rules 15.3b(2)).

Player A is now clear to play. If A’s shot alters B’s lie (very likely), B must replace their ball in a recreated lie (partially embedded if necessary) (Rule 14.2d). Player B or anyone else may rake the bunker to remove A’s footprints and splash mark (Rule 8.1d(1)). Player B may then play.

But, what if, instead, A arrives at the bunker, just tromps in and plays their ball, without asking B to lift their ball, and in the process moves B’s ball? In stroke play, there is no penalty to either player - A plays their ball as it lies; B replaces their ball (estimate spot if necessary), placing it in the recreated lie and smoothing the area distrubed by A. If B’s ball wasn’t moved (e.g., just partially covered with sand because of A’s shot), B may mark and lift their ball, recreate the original lie, and place the ball in the recreated lie.

John further explains the reasoning behind each step taken --> Dear John: How should two players handle things when their approach shots wind up two inches apart in a bunker, one in front of the other?

- SaharaAndGobi Dear SaharaAndGobi: Carefully. Things may get complicated as several rules are involved. Further, some aspects differ between stroke play and match play.

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Match Play

Largely the same, except that A must play first (farther away; Rule 6.4a(1)).

What happens in match play if player A arrives at the bunker (A’s ball lies two inches behind B’s, walks in and plays their ball, and in the process moves B’s ball? Player A still plays the ball as it lies but A incurs a one-stroke penalty (Rule 9.5b) for moving B’s ball, as it was reasonably foreseeable that A’s shot would move B’s ball.

There is no penalty to B. B gets to restore the messed-up area and replace their ball (estimate This edition of the Rules Center features an excerpt from MAGA Rules Official John Thorman’s spot if necessary) in a recreated lie.

e-book Let’s Get It Right

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Up Next for MAGA Deadlines

Registration Deadline

Junior Amateur

Sunset CC

June 7

9-Hole Championship

Ruth Park GC

June 14

US Amateur Qualifier

Meadowbrook CC

June 21

Women’s Amateur

Westborough CC

June 28

Issue 2 | May 2023

Keeping Up with the USGA Johnny Miller Named the 2023 Bob Jones Award Recipient The United States Golf Association has selected Johnny Miller as the recipient of this year’s Bob Jones Award, the association’s highest honor that recognizes character, respect and a commitment to sportsmanship in the game of golf.

“Johnny’s contributions to our game are significant, and honoring him with the Bob Jones Award reflects everything he means to the game and everything the game means to him,” said Mike Whan, CEO of the USGA. Miller, best known as a player, broadcaster and course designer, was known throughout his career for his commitment to fair play and excellence – the same traits embodied by the award’s namesake. Bob Jones was a nine-time USGA champion whose integrity and spirit are considered the gold standard in golf. The award has been presented annually by the USGA since 1955.

A man of deep faith, Miller shaped his career around hard work, integrity and the positive attitude that his father instilled in him from a young age. Those same core values led him to create the Johnny Miller Champ Foundation, inspired by the nickname his father gave him and focused on nurturing junior golfers, fostering positive coaching and promoting the dreams and aspirations of young athletes. ...........

June Schedule Amateur Series #2 Junior Amateur

June 5 June 21-22 9-Hole Championship June 24

Sunset CC

US Junior Amatuer Qualifier

June 27

Spencer T. Olin GC

US Girls’ Junior Amatuer Qualifier

June 27

Spencer T. Olin GC

Stonewolf GC Ruth Park GC

“This is such a great honor to receive the Bob Jones Award,” said Miller, who was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1998. “It was always about the USGA events for me.

Growing up at The Olympic Club was such a privilege because it was a U.S. Open course and my father always told me that’s the one I needed to win, the U.S. Open.” ...........

“When I think of my career, I think of the turning points and winning the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship was definitely one of those,” said Miller. “The USGA has played such an important role in my career and in my life. Being a recipient of the Bob Jones Award is the highest honor you can receive from the USGA, and I am truly honored for it to come on the 50th anniversary of my 1973 U.S. Open Championship win.”

To Read More Click Here.

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World of Golf May Champions

The Metropolitan

DP World Tour

PGA Tour

DS Automotive Italian Open - Adrian Meronk Soudal Open - Simon Forsström KLM Open - Pablo Larrazábal

Wells Fargo Championship - Wyndham Clark AT&T Byron Nelson - Jason Day PGA Championship - Brooks Koepka Charles Schwab Challenge - Emiliano Grillo

LPGA

Korn Ferry Tour Advent Health Championship - Grayson Murray Visit Knoxville Open - Richard ‘Rico’ Hoey

Hanwha Lifeplus International Crown - Team Thailand Cognizant Founders Cup - Jin Young Ko Bank of Hope LPGA Match-Play presented by MGM Reward - Pajaree Annanarukarn

PGA Tour Champions

Epson Tour

Mitsubishi Electric Classic - Stephen Ames Regions Tradition - Steve Stricker KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship - Steve Stricker

Garden City Charity Classic at Buffalo Dunes - Gabriela Ruffels IOA Golf Classic presented by LPT Realty - Jenny Coleman Inova Mission Inn Resort and Club Champion - Jiwon Jeon

Collegiate National Champions Women’s Wake Forest University Emilia Migliaccio, Carolina Chacarra Rachel Kuehn , Mimi Rhodes Lauren Walsh

Rose Zhang Stanford University (individual)

Men’s Fred Biondi University of Florida (individual)

University of Florida Fred Biondi, Ricky Castillo, Yuxin Lin, John DuBois, Matthew Kress

Collegiate National Qualifiers (Team) Women’s Regionals

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Pulman, WA: Stanford (1), Clemson, Southern California, Baylor, Texas Tech Westfield, IN: Mississippi State (1), Oregon State, Vanderbilt, Virginia, Tulsa Raleigh, NC: Arizona (1), NC State, Wake Forest, TCU, Florida State Athens, GA: Georgia (1), South Carolina, San Jose State, Ole Miss, Augusta San Antonio, TX: Pepperdine (T1), SMU (T1), Oklahoma State, Texas A&M, New Mexico Palm Beach Gardens, FL: Michigan State (1), Duke, Texas, Northwestern, LSU

Men’s Regionals

Auburn, AL: Auburn (1), Vanderbilt, Chattanooga, Ohio State, Colorado State Bath, MI: Georgia (1), Illinois, Oregon, Florida, Texas Las Vegas, NV: Arizona State (1), Stanford, Virginia, San Francisco, East Tennessee State Morgan Hill, CA: Mississippi State (1), Brigham Young, Florida State, Baylor, Pepperdine Norman, OK: Alabama (1), Oklahoma, Colorado, Texas Tech, Duke Salem, SC: Georgia Tech (1), Arkansas, North Carolina, New Mexico, Texas A&M

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The Metropolitan

Normandie Project Update:

Normandie Remains Open!

Normandie Golf Course will remain open until August 2023, then will close to begin the course reconstruction. If you have been to the course lately, you may have seen some work has already started. Removal of brush and trees began back in December of last year and has continued into this year with tremendous progress being made. Some areas that were once thick brush are now mostly cleared, already transforming the view and providing a glimpse into the future of the course.

Fundraising remains the number one priority during this time. The support from the St. Louis community is vital in this project, so that we can all join together to positively change the lives of the children of North County and beyond.

For a glimpse into the progress being made, click here.

For more information on the Normandie Renovation Project and how you can help, visit https://www.metga.org/nicklaus-and-normandie or contact normandie@metga.org

Course Design for a New Normandie

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“The appeal of this project to me was to be involved in an effort that could serve as a catalyst to change needed in our country today, beginning with parts of St. Louis County. Restoring Normandie for a community in need will have a long-lasting positive impact on the lives of youth in St. Louis.”

-Jack Niclaus on his involvement in Normandie Reimagined

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Volume 10 | No. 3

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