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 eight (8) USGA Championships each season
Conduct three (3) Championships in Illinois
Conduct the Amateur Series of Events for golfers of all ages and abilities
Metropolitan Staff
Executive Director
Curt Rohe - curt@metga.org
Director, Member Services
Caroline Buchan - caroline@metga.org
2025 PJ BOATWRIGHT INTERNS
Taitt Borucki
Gabby Dethrow
Drew Soetaert
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Officers
Scott Engelbrecht, President/Treasurer
Mike Marquart, Secretary
At Large Members
John Bugh
Stan Grossman
Rick Meyer, Jr
John Moore
Mick Wellington
Advisory Committee
Skip Berkmeyer
Chris Kovach
Ryan Eckelcamp
Tom Portner
Curt Rohe
THE METROPOLITAN CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Dan O’Neill
MVGCSAA
Dr. Zach Cutler
John Thorman
Curt’s Corner
Curt Rohe - Executive Director
Happy Fall! As we move into November and the end of the score-posting season, a reminder that November 14 is the final day to post scores in our region.
We wrapped up another successful championship season with the Mid-America Cup, held October 25–26 in Kansas City. While we didn’t bring the cup home, it was a great weekend with a terrific group of juniors who battled extremely tough, cold, and wet conditions. In the end, it really came down to putting—Kansas City’s team rolled in an unbelievable number of long putts!
We will officially close out the season on November 12 at Old Warson Country Club as we recognize and honor our 2025 Champions and Players of the Year for their outstanding seasons. Congratulations to our four first-time Player of the Year Award recipients: Ryan Sullivan, David Strickland, Brooke Biermann, and River Stilley. You can read more about their accomplishments later in this edition. There’s still time to join us for the celebration—click here to register.
I’ve also received many questions about the 2026 schedules. I’m currently finalizing the next campaign of championships, USGA qualifying rounds, and Amateur Series events. The full 2026 schedules will be published by the first week of January, if not sooner, once all dates are confirmed. I can share that the 2026 Metropolitan Amateur Championship will be conducted at The Country Club of St. Albans for the third time in its history.
As always, thank you for taking a moment to read The Metropolitan. We strive to keep you informed and to share high-quality content from a variety of sources as part of the value of being one of our wonderful members.
Keep it in the short grass!
By The Numbers
9
- The number of Ryder Cups won by the European team out of the last 12 times the exhibition has been conducted. The most recent episode ended in a 15-13 victory for the Euros at Bethpage State Park, the first road win for either side since Europe captured the 2012 event at Medinah. It’s amazing how things change, when one considers that the U.S. side won 20 of 21 Ryder Cup competitions from 1935 to 1983. Since ’83, Europe is 14-6 in terms of taking home the trophy.
14
- The number of consecutive top-10 finishes accumulated by Scottie Scheffler on the PGA Tour in 2025, There are a lot of other stunning numbers associated with Scheffler. His scoring average of 68.140 wasn’t just the best of ’25 – it’s one of the best in history. He finished almost a full shot ahead of the next best average, posted by Rory McIlroy (69.083), and Scheffler was more than a shot clear of Tommy Fleetwood (69.357). Only Tiger Woods in is prime - 67.794 in 2000, 68.115 in 2006, 67.794 in 2007 and 68.052 in 2009 -has been better.
18
- The age of Mason Howell when he won the U.S. Amateur last August. With the achievement, Howell surpassed Woods to become the third-youngest U.S. Amateur champion in history. Only Byeong Hun An, who won at age 17 in 2009, and Danny Lee, who won a month after his 18th birthday in 2008, were younger. Howell was No. 362 in the World Amateur Golf Rankings when the championship began. He had to survive a 20-for-17 playoff just to reach the match-play stage at The Olympic Club in Thomasville, Ga. Howell then advanced to the final and scored a 7-and-6 victory over 19-year-old Jackson Herrington.
47
- In 375 senior tour starts, Bernhard Langer has won a record 47 titles, including 12 Champions Tour majors. He has posted 237 top-10 finishes, which amount to 63.2 percent of his starts. For context, the closest “active” PGA Tour Champions member to Langer on the career win list is Steve Stricker with 18. Langer has won at least one Champions event every year since he started on the tour in 2007. That adds up to a record 18 consecutive seasons. The next closest player is Hale Irwin with 11.
13
- Isn’t it funny how “greatest ever” conversations almost always overlook people and/or achievements. Most greatest-ever discussions around golf focus on Jack Nicklaus or Woods, sometimes including Ben Hogan. But Bobby Jones and others usually are absent. Well, from 1920-30, Jones competed in 29 majors - not always crossing the ocean to play in Britain - and had 25 top-ten finishes. He won 13 of those 29 starts and in the last year of the series, he won all four majors in the same calendar year. Jones still has the only calendar year grand slam. Then, at the peak of his powers, and just 28 years old, he walked away from the game.
1,250
- As in dollars, as in the green fee during peak season at Shadow Creek Golf Course in Las Vegas. The course was designed by Tom Fazio and cost a staggering $60 million to build when it opened in 1989 - that equates to $150 million in today’s dollars. Shadow Creek first cracked the $1000-a-round mark in 2019. Be aware, you have to be a guest at the MGM Resort to even get as far as the clubhouse, but your green fee does include a limousine ride from the hotel to the course.
EDITOR
Caroline Buchan
Mcclellan Makes His Mark
Players gathered at WingHaven Country Club for the Final Round of the 33rd Metropolitan Senior Amateur Championship. The day was sunny with warm temperatures, making for a pleasant day of golf. The course played to a par 72 and the championship had six divisions. Heading into the final round, Scott McClellan held the lead at two-under (-2) par with Adam Tomicich following behind at one-under (-1) par. William Wunderlich, Bill Anderson, Brian McGinley, Daniel Strawbridge, and Scott Dreher each lead their respective age divisions after the first round.
The championship was a tightly contested race to the end. Players continually moved up and down the leaderboard, overtaking one another. Scott McClellan of WingHaven Country Club started the day on top and by the time he had made the turn, he had dropped down. A bogey on the front nine moved him to one-under, while other players were making forward moves. On Hole 11, he was able to regain that stroke, and then jump to three-under (-3) par on Hole 15 with a second birdie. Meanwhile, David Pfeil of The Legends Country Club was soaring up the board. Pfeil was in a tie for third coming into today at one-over par. Four birdies on the front and two birdies on the back in today’s round had him come in at four-under par for the day and three-under (-3) par for the championship. Pfeil played in the group ahead of McClellan, and after making bogey on the last, he had to watch to see how McClellan finished his round. McClellan had a look for birdie and the win on the 18th which narrowly rolled by, leaving him to finish at three-under (-3) par and tied at the top.
Once the scores were verified, McClellan and Pfeil headed back to the 18th tee for a playoff to determine a champion. They drew numbers to see who would hit first. Pfeil hit first, followed by McClellan. McClellan made it to the green in two and Pfeil was just short. Pfeil’s chip rolled out, leaving a decent putt left for par. McClellan was once again looking at a putt for birdie from a similar distance and spot as in regulation. The putt rolled by to give Pfeil another chance. Pfeil stepped up to his putt for par, hit, and watched as it pushed to the right of the cup. Pfeil would tap in for bogey and leave the fate up to his opponent. McClellan lined up his putt and sunk it for par and
Adam Tomicich of WingHaven Country Club started the day in second. Tomicich would end his day even par and one-under (-1) par for the week for third. Defending Champion, Skip Berkmeyer of The Legends Country Club matched Pfeil for the low round of the day at four-under par. Five birdies and an eagle helped him finish strong to complete the championship in fourth and even (E) par. Joseph Malench of the Metropolitan eClub and former Champion Brian Lovett of Bellerive Country Club completed the week’s top five in a tie at one-over (+1) par.
The age divisions kicked off the day with the 75 and over group. William Wunderlich of the Metropolitan eClub started the day at two-over par. He kept his name on top and finished with a total of five-over (+5) par. Lendell Phelps of the Metropolitan eClub was the runner-up at fourteen-over (+14) par. After handicaps were applied, Tom Leahy of Grey Beard Golf Club took home the prize at net two-under (-2) par.
In the 70 to 74 age division, Bill Anderson of Woods Fort Golf Club held
a hefty lead after Round 1. Anderson had to fight for it on the course today, but remained on top to win at four-under (-4) par. Doug Banks of Tapawingo National Golf Club finished second at four-over (+4) par. Then the handicaps were applied. Kevin Ortyl of Sunset Country Club rose to the top with a total of net one-over (+1) par.
Brian McGinley of Tapawingo National Golf Club was the leader in the 65 to 69 age division. McGinley kept his lead and bettered his first round score to take home the hardware at three-under (-3) par. Bill Schmidt of the USGA/MetAmateur GC was runner-up at four-over (+4) par. Once handicaps were factored in, Vincent Featherson of the Metropolitan eClub would take the claim at net three-over (+3) par.
The 60 to 64 age group saw some leaderboard shake ups. Gary Boots of Spring Lake Country Club sat at eight-over par coming into today’s round. A final round of just one-over pushed Boots to the top to win the division at nine-over (+9) par. John Chastain of the Metropolitan eClub ended in second at eleven-over (+11) par. Taking handicaps into account, Michael Derbak of the Metropolitan eClub stepped into the winners circle at net three-over (+3) par.
Concluding the age divisions, the 50 to 59 group made their way around. Scott Dreher started the day as the leader and stayed there. Dreher won the division at thirteen-over (+13) par. Once handicaps were applied, Amrit Gill of Norwood Hills Country Club would stand on top at net eight-over (+8) par. Since Gill won the net competition, the runner-up for the gross play went to William Riggleman of Glen Echo Country Club.
All age division champions for both gross and net received a crystal trophy. The championship division Champion was awarded the George F. Meyer Trophy and a gold medal. The championship division runner-up received a silver medal. William Wunderlich, Bill Anderson, Brian McGinley, Gary Boots, and Scott Dreher won their respective divisions with gross scores. Tom Leahy, Kevin Ortyl, Vincent Featherson, Michael Derbak, and Amrit Gill were the net winners for their respective divisions. At the conclusion of the championship, Scott McClellan is the 33rd Metropolitan Amateur Champion and David Pfeil is the runner-up.
TheRyansRockeT
The Final Round of the 16th Metropolitan Four-Ball Championship is in the books. The day saw sunny skies and warm temperatures. In the afternoon, the wind started to pick up some, adding another factor to their game. Following the first round, Ryan Eckelkamp and Ryan Sullivan led the open division at nine-under par, John Moore and David Pfeil led the senior division at six-under par, John Rosenbaum and Ryan Helfrich led the net division at five-under par, and James Oslica and Kevin Ortyl led the senior net division at seven-under par.
Today’s play kicked off with the net division. John Rosenbaum and Ryan Helfrich used their home course advantage to show that their day one score was not a mistake. The pair recorded back-to-back rounds of 66 to dominate their division at net ten-under (-10) par and take home the hardware. The side of Jon Wells and Wes Allard pulled together a net round under par to move into the runner-up position at net three-over (+3) par.
The senior net division was the next group to take to the course. Much like the net division, David Otto and Michael Derbak shot back-to-back rounds of 66. With a total of net ten-under (-10) par, Otto and Derbak were able to push ahead of the competition to take home the win. The side of Terry Souchek and William Wunderlich coupled their first round score of 66 with a round two score of 68 to finish as runnerups at net eight-under (-8) par.
Then came time for the senior division. John Moore and David Pfeil started the day with a three stroke lead and continued to build on that today. The pair shot a second round of 67, bringing their total to eleven-under (-11) par to secure the title. Trying to play catch up, two teams finished the day tied at five-under (-5) par. The side of Brian Lovett and David Strickland along with the side of Buddy Allen and Brian Hall end the day as runner-ups.
Closing out the competition was the open division. Ryan Eckelkamp and Ryan Sullivan started the day with a three shot lead. The side of Ryan Schuenke and Jason White started making moves early to keep the competition tight. Despite their valiant efforts, Schuenke and White just could not close the gap to overtake their opponents. The pair would finish as runner-ups at thirteen-under (-13) par. Eckelkamp and Sullivan fought to stay on top throughout the day and would come out triumphant with a second round score of seven-under par, closing out strong with a birdie on the last. Eckelkamp and Sullivan would get to sixteen-under (-16) par to claim the championship title.
100 HOLE HIKE
On Tuesday, October 7, ten golfers gathered at Family Golf & Learning Center for the 2nd St. Louis 100 Hole Hike. The 100 Hole Hike is a fundraiser for Youth on Course - an organization that helps provide junior golfers access to affordable rounds of golf for $5 or less. In 2024, we raised $7,724 and set our sights even higher for 2025.
So how does the Hike work? Each Hiker signed up to participate raises funds through their community of fellow golfers, friends, family, and coworkers. Then, on the day chosen, the Hikers play (and walk - hence the Hike part) 100 holes of golf in one day. Hikers do have the option to form a Hike Team. As part of a team, Hikers can all complete the 100 holes individually or they can work together by trading off throughout the day to complete the holes.
Adam Betz, Bobby Drummond, Liam Durbin, Joseph Katke, Ryan McMullen, Tom Milford, Patrick O’Neill, Jeff Pelizzaro, Curt Rohe, and Blake Sharamitaro all threw their hat in the ring to take on this challenge. Curt Rohe represented the Metropolitan Amateur Golf Association. Adam Betz, Liam Durbin, Patrick O’Neill, and Blake Sharamitaro represented Team Family Golf. Bobby Drummond, Joseph Katke, Ryan McMullen, Tom Milford, and Jeff Pelizzaro represented Team 18Strong.
The St. Louis 100 Hole Hike kicked off bright and early at 8:00 am. All 10 golfers started the day, eager to get the ball rolling. Having already begun their fundraising efforts, the group had successfully raised over $12,000 prior to the start of play on Tuesday. As the group made their way around the course - 11 full loops (9-hole course) plus one extra hole - they continued to raise funds while enjoying the company and camaraderie that came along the way during play. The group raised the fundraising goal to $14,000, holding faith that our golf community could help us get there. After all, this is all about access to golf for the kids.
By the end of the day, $13,722 had been raised and 9 of the 10 golfers completed 100 holes of golf individually. The team continued to push with determination to break $14,000 by reaching out to friends, family, and the golf community, sharing the success of their 100 Hole Hike journey. As people saw that the Hike was completed, we were able to surpass our goal. In the days following the 100 Hole Hike, we were able to raise another $1,000 to officially raise $15,007 for Youth on Course!
$15,112 RAISED FOR YOUTH ON COURSE
All proceeds from the St. Louis 100 Hole Hike go directly back into our golf community in the Metropolitan. There are 2,278 kids registered with Youth on Course in the Metropolitan alone that will be able to benefit from this. For every $100 donated, Youth on Course is able to provide approximately 15 affordable rounds of golf to kids. So, that means through the St. Louis 100 Hole Hike donations, Youth on Course can provide more than 2,200 rounds of affordable golf to local kids.
It started as a beautiful day at Green Hills Golf Club for the Southern Illinois Amateur. There were two divisions with the open division playing 36 holes and the senior division playing 27 holes. The day started with sunny skies and as rainy weather approached the area in the afternoon, the wind picked up some. The afternoon saw overcast skies, but the rain held off until play was over.
Twenty-seven golfers entered the open division in the hopes of getting their name added to the trophy. After the first 18 holes, Jason White of Tapawingo National Golf Club led the championship at four-under (-4) par. Bogey free front nine helped get White to the top. Mike Speicher of Cardinal Creek Golf Course, Tony Gumper of Normandie Golf Club, and Jairen Stroud of Salem Country Club were all following behind in a tie for second at one-over (+1) par. Patrick Britt of Norwood Hills Country Club followed suit at two-over (+2) par. Sitting seven off the lead at three-over (+3) par were Ryan Sullivan of Tapawingo National Golf Club, Sam Beggs of the Metropolitan eClub, and Bryan Warren of McLeansboro Golf course.
After finishing the first round and grabbing a quick bite to eat, the players were back out on the course for the second round. Things got shaken up during Round 2. Leader, Jason White, finished with a total of one-over (+1) par. Ryan Sullivan shot a second round under par to finish at two-over (+2) par. Ryan Eckelkamp of Franklin County Country Club started the second round at four-over par. Eckelkamp fired a second round of four-under (-4) par to eclipse the leader and take home the trophy at even (E) par.
Fourteen golfers played in the senior division. Matt Reynolds of Green Hills Golf Club took the lead after the first 18 holes. Reynolds carded an eagle on Hole 17 to get to two-under (-2) par. Brian Hall of Persimmon Woods Golf Club sat not far behind at one-under (-1) par. Following in a tie for third were John Moore of the Metropolitan eClub and Justin Kreid of the MVGSA Golf Club at even (E) par. David Strickland of Tapawingo National Golf Club started out his round hot, carding a birdie, ace, and birdie in the first three holes. Strickland would end up at twoover par after 18.
The seniors went back out for nine more holes. John Moore swooped in with a second round of one-under par to move up the board. Moore would finish on top at one-under (-1) par. Brian Hall and Matt Reynolds would finish tied for second at even (E) par.
Tony STevenS Cup
Photos Full Results
The Tony Stevens Cup is a time honored tradition in Southern Illinois and has once again been contested in 2025. Today’s play saw soggy and windy conditions, following the storms that blew through the area over the prior 24 hours. 10 teams from 7 clubs competed for the Tony Stevens Cup at Rend Lake Golf Complex. The teams in this year’s competition are Apple Creek Golf Club, Benton Country Club #1, Benton Country Club #2, Greenview Golf Club, Indian Hills Golf Course #1, Indian Hills Golf Course #2, McLeansboro Golf Club #1, McLeansboro Golf Club #2, Red Hawk Golf Course, and Rend Lake Golf Complex. Play began at 9:00am.
The teams consist of six golfers, who compete in three 9-hole rounds. Each round is a different format. Round 1 was a fourball and was played on the South Course. Round 2 was a modified Chapman, played on the East Course. Round 3 was a foursome and was played on the West Course. The top 2 scores from a team’s 3 pairings in each round count towards the team total.
After Round 1, Benton CC #1 took the lead at three-under (-3) par. The side of Corey Smith & Andrew Mitchell provided a two-under par round to their team, while the side of Nate Sanders and Jesse Sanders provided a one-under par round. Jason Drew and Aaron Jones also shot one-under par for Benton. Indian Hills GC #1 sat in second at two-under (-2) par. Matt Pool and Tino Shafer contributed a one-under par round, as did Blaith Belangee and Seth Bullard. McLeansboro GC #1 and Red Hawk GC both sat at one-under (-1) par.
Players grabbed a quick bite to eat and headed back out on the golf course for Round 2. In the second round, Indian Hills GC #1 and Red Hawk GC had the lowest round scores at one-under par. This helped both teams move up the leaderboard. For Indian Hills, Matt Pool and Tino Shafer’s score combined with Jacob Woodrome and Kelly Hallam’s score pushed their club to the top of the leaderboard at three-under (-3) par. The sides of Barry Craig plus Kyle Ridgeway and Jordan Campanella plus Bryan Kelly had a combined second round score of one-under par for Red Hawk. With a total of two-under (-2) par, Red Hawk moved into a tie for second. They were tied with Benton CC #1, who had a second round of one-over par, dropping them back a stroke. All other teams sat with total scores over par following the second round.
The third and final round proved crucial to the results. Red Hawk GC stayed steady in the first two rounds, sitting at twounder par. The team’s side of Barry Craig and Kyle Ridgeway shot two-over, which was combined with the side of Kalin Bridges and Larry Sims’ score of four-over par, led the team to victory. At a total of four-over (+4) par, Red Hawk GC secured the top spot on the leaderboard and took home the win. Indian Hills GC #1 posted a round of eight-over to drop back into second place at five-over (+5) par. Apple Creek GC had the best final round score of two-over par, which brought them into a tie with Indian Hills at five-over (+5) par. Benton CC #1 shot a final round of seven-over to be added to the tie for second at five-over (+5) par.
Red Hawk Golf Course walks away victorious with the Tony Stevens Cup. Teammates Kalin Bridges, Larry Sims, Barry Craig, Kyle Ridgeway, Jordan Campanella, and Bryan Kelly claimed Red Hawk’s first win since 2004, closing a 21 year gap. Indian Hills Golf Course #1, Apple Creek Golf Club, and Benton CC #1 finished tied for second.
The two sides of the state met once again to compete in the 27th Mid-America Junior Cup. Eight junior golfers from the Metropolitan Amateur Golf Association and eight from Central Links Golf were selected to compete. The Mid-America Junior Cup is a Ryder Cup style, match play invitational event with foursome, four-ball, and singles rounds. There are a total of 16 points available in the matches with teams needing 8.5 points to win the Cup. Team Central Links needs just 8 points to retain the cup as the defending champion. This year’s competition was hosted by Central Links at The Nicklaus Golf Club at LionsGate in Overland Park, KS.
Each team consists of four boys and four girls. Two boys and two girls must be aged 15 and under, while the remaining four players will compete as the 18 and under.
For the three days in Kansas City for the practice round and two days of competition, golfers were faced with tough weather conditions. Colder temperatures with rain and wind left players battling not just each other, but the conditions themselves.
Team Metropolitan:
Emilia Brown
Sarah Hyten
Rachel Johnson
Isaah Kandula
Caden Kite
Cole Packingham
Hudson Shy
Charlotte Stafford
Team Central Links:
Josh Fratzel
Betsy Mitchell
Alexi Omillian
Lynn Powell
Charles Rome
Peyton Smith
Maddox Sundet
Gabby Vineyard
The first round was the foursome matches. For this format, players were paired one boy and one girl to compete as a side while playing alternate shots. Team Metropolitan got off to a hot start in this round. By the third hole, we had held the lead in all four matches. First out were Team Metropolitan’s veterans Sarah Hyten and Cole Packingham against Team Central Links’ Lynne Powell and Peyton Smith. The match remained tied through the first two holes, then Hyten and Packingham won the third hole to take the lead for the Metropolitan. Central Links tied the match back up on the fifth, but it was short lived. Hyten and Packingham won the next two holes and only lost one hole after that. Winning the first four holes on the back nine, Hyten and Packingham secured Team Metropolitan’s first point with a 6 & 5 victory.
The rest of the morning matches remained close for much of the day. The second match saw the Metropolitan’s Hudson Shy and Rachel Johnson take on Central Links’ Josh Fratzel and Gabby Vineyard. This match went back and forth between the two sides with each having a lead. Shy and Johnson took the match to the 18th green where they would fall to Central Links 2 Down. The third match of the round started the 15 and under groupings with Caden Kite and Emilia Brown for Team Metropolitan took on Maddox Sundet and Alexi Omillian for Team Central Links. Brown and Kite remained steady through the first ten holes, sitting 4 Up with 8 to play. Central Links clawed their way back, however, to tie the match on the 15th. The Metropolitan won the 16th hole, but would end up finishing the match Tied to gain a half point for their team. The final match of the morning was Team Metropolitan’s Charlotte Stafford and Isaah Kandula facing Team Central Links’ Betsy Mitchell and Charles Rome. Once again the Metropolitan took an early lead. Kandula and Stafford were 3 Up through 7 and made the turn 1 Up. Like all of their teammates before, the pair won the 10th hole, but this would be the last hole they secured. Team Central Links made a comeback to flip the match, leaving Kandula and Stafford to lose the match 3 & 2. At the conclusion of the Foursome matches, Team Metropolitan would hold 1.5 points, while Team Central Links would hold 2.5 points.
The players quickly grabbed a bite to eat before heading back out for the afternoon four-ball matches. The four-ball format played boys against boys and girls against girls. The older division golfers played first again in this round. First out for Team Metropolitan was Sarah Hyten and Rachel Johnson against Gabby Vineyard and Lynn Powell for Team Central Links. It took a few holes for anyone to break through, but Hyten and Johnson took the first lead on Hole 3. Without looking back, Hyten and Johnson were 4 Up in the match at the turn. Central Links won one hole on the back, but Team Metropolitan won the next hole. Hyten and Johnson closed out the match to win the Metropolitan’s first point of the session 4 & 3. The second match was between Team Metropolitan’s Hudson Shy and Cole Packingham versus Team Central Links’ Josh Fratzel and Peyton Smith. Shy and Packingham won the first hole of the day, showing promise for their team, but would end up not winning another hole until the 12th. Shy and Packingham would fall 6 & 4 in their match.
The third four-ball match saw Emilia Brown and Charlotte Stafford of Team Metropolitan face off against Betsy Mitchell and Alexi Omillian of Team Central Links. It took four holes for anyone to take a lead, but Brown and Stafford won back-to-back holes to sit 2 Up through 6. The side held the lead through eleven holes before Central Links started coming back. Brown and Stafford continued to fight and even won on Hole 16, but would end up losing the match 2 & 1. In the final match of the day, Team Metropolitan’s Caden Kite and Isaah Kandula took on Team Central Links’ Charles Rome and Maddox Sundet. This match got off to a tough start for Team Metropolitan, going three down by the third hole. Kite and Kandula did not give up though, winning Holes 8 and 9 to cut back into the lead. The pair would fight to the finish, taking the match to the 18th. Darkness set in, delaying the completion of this match with one hole left to play. The players returned to restart
the match at 9:00 on Sunday morning. Making their way down the final hole, Kite and Kandula gave it their best effort, but would fall 1 Down. After the second round, Team Metropolitan was trailing Team Central Links 2.5 points to 5.5 points.
Turning to the singles matches, Team Metropolitan faced a tall order, needing 6 points to capture the Cup. Though an uphill battle, this team was ready to fight for it. The first match of the day sent Rachel Johnson for Team Metropolitan out against Lynn Powell for Team Central Links. This match was tightly contested at the start with the two remaining tied through five holes. On the sixth, Johnson sunk a long putt for birdie, which opened the door for her to win that hole and the next. Johnson was 1 Up through 11 before going on a tear to win the next four holes and win her match 5 & 3, putting the first point on the board for Team Metropolitan this round. Next up was Team Metropolitan’s Sarah Hyten versus Team Central Links’ Gabby Vineyard. Hyten took the lead by winning holes 2 and 3. Vineyard slowly brought the match back to square with the pair making the turn tied. Hyten fought back to take holes eleven through thirteen to regain her lead. Hyten claimed a second point for Team Metropolitan with a 2 & 1 win. This made Hyten the only undefeated player on Team Metropolitan this year.
The third match of the day was between Isaah Kandula of Team Metropolitan and Charles Rome of Team Central Links. It was a tough start for Kandula, but he never gave up. Kandula found himself five down through 6, but he won holes 7 and 8 to give hope of a comeback. Despite his efforts, Kandula would fall 7 & 6. Closing in the first half of the matches, Caden Kite of Team Metropolitan faced Maddox Sundet of Team Central Links. Kite was down after two holes, but got up and down for par on Hole 3 to tie the match back up. Kite continued to fight, but would only be able to win one more hole during the match, losing 5 & 3.
At the halfway point, Charlotte Stafford for Team Metropolitan took on Alexi Omillian of Team Central Links. Stafford got off to a hot start, winning the first three holes. The match would come back to be tied by the turn, but Stafford would win on Hole 10 to get back up. Both golfers still fighting to the end, Stafford would eventually fall 3 & 2. In the sixth match of the day, Team Metropolitan’s Emilia Brown faced Betsy Mitchell of Team Central Links. Brown won the first hole and in a tightly contested match, kept the lead through Hole 5. Brown would slip on Hole 6, but pick the lead back up on Hole 7. Making the turn tied, Brown battled hard for her team, but would also fall 3 & 2 in this match.
In the seventh match of the day, we saw Hudson Shy of Team Metropolitan take on Josh Fratzel of Team Central Links. Shy became the third member of his team to win the first hole and take the early lead. After that, this match was a back and forth battle between the two boys. Shy made the turn 1 Down and tied it up on Hole 11. Fratzel then hit a streak that left Shy 3 Down with 3 to play. Shy was not ready to back down, winning holes 16 and 17 with par to take the match to the final hole. A wayward tee shot on the 18th left Shy to fall in the match 2 Down. In the final match of the day, Cole Packingham of Team Metropolitan faced Peyton Smith of Team Central Links. Packingham gave it his all in an attempt to break through in this match, but each time Packingham had a chance of getting red on the board for his team, Smith was right there to match him. Packingham would only win 2 holes during this match and would fall 4 & 2.
At the conclusion of play, Team Central Links would walk away as Mid-America Junior Cup Champion again after earning 11.5 points. Team Metropolitan may not have come home with the Cup this year, but the fight in this team never stopped. From the first tee shot to the last putt, Team Metropolitan gave it their all and remained a unified front, supporting each other every step of the way. Despite the outcome and the weather, this team walked away with smiles on their faces, new friends, and a memorable experience. Next year, the Mid-America Junior Cup will be back in St. Louis as we host and take another crack at reclaiming the Cup.
Quintessentially Quincy
The final match of the Thomas O. Sobbe Cup has come to a close. After a summer long member club competition two teams claimed their spots in the final. Quincy Country Club and Spring Lake Country Club found themselves in a hometown showdown after defeating their competition to this point. The two sides met at a neutral site, Old Hickory Golf Club, to determine who would walk away with the trophy.
Each team consists of a four-ball handicap pair, a senior four-ball handicap pair, a singles handicap golfer, two singles scratch golfers, and a singles professional, leaving a total of 6 points up for grabs in each faceoff. The season began with 51 teams from Metropolitan member clubs. They were divided into 17 divisions of three, where they played round robin with those in their group. The top team from each division at the end of this group stage, moved on to the knockouts. The teams were seeded based on the points earned during group play. Then the teams played until we were down to two.
Quincy Country Club entered the final undefeated. This team from Quincy, Illinois won all four of their group play matches and collected 18 points. Quincy was awarded the top seeded spot for having the most points. Quincy took on the lowest ranked team of St. Clair Country Club in the Round of 16. Making a statement for all future competition, they won 6 to 0 to move on. Then in the quarterfinals, they were set to face the number 8 seed, Algonquin Golf Club. Due to some complication, Algonquin ended up forfeiting the match and sending Quincy on to the semis. Quincy took on the fourth seeded team, Whitmoor North, in the semifinals. With a 4 to 2 win, Quincy Country Club secured their spot in the final.
Spring Lake Country Club also entered the final undefeated. Coming from Quincy, Illinois as well, this team earned 16.5 points during their four group play wins. With fewer points, Spring Lake settled for the second seeded position. Spring Lake faced Lake Forest CC 2, the second lowest ranked team in the round of 16. Winning 4.5 to
1.5, they moved into the quarterfinals, where they took on the number 7 seed, Crystal Highlands Golf Club. This proved to be a tough battle with each team collecting 3 points. After a playoff, Spring Lake came out on top to move on. In the quarterfinals, Spring Lake battled the sixth ranked team, Waterloo Country Club. Spring Lake would take the last spot in the final with a 4 to 2 win.
These two neighbors from Quincy, Illinois made the trip to Old Hickory Golf Club to determine who would be the best team not just in Quincy, but in the Metropolitan this year. In the first match of the day, Spring Lake saw some hope with the senior four-ball handicap match. The side of Gary Boots and Eric Stratman for Spring Lake showed no mercy against Dennis Boudreau and Hal Axelrod of Quincy. Boots and Stratman won the match 6 & 5 to put up a point for Spring Lake on the board. Luckily for Quincy, the following matches were going much better. The four-ball handicap match was a tussle with both sides being up at some point. Tim Hickman and Tom Mitchell of Quincy took on Noi Sonethongkham and Carl Kruthoff of Spring Lake. Picking up steam on the back nine, Hickman and Mitchell earned a point for Quincy with a 3 & 2 win.
The singles scratch matches were the third set of golfers to hit the course. Ryan Schuenke of Quincy faced Adam Pfeiffer of Spring Lake, while Andrew Boudreau of Quincy faced Jamie Blaesing of Spring Lake. Schuenke got off to a fiery start, gaining a 5 up lead through 7. Pfeiffer tried to fight back but would ultimately fall to Schuenke 3 & 2, giving Quincy a second point. Meanwhile, Boudreau took a slower route, but maintained the lead the entire day. Boudreau would win his match 5 & 3 to put another point on the board for Quincy.
In the final group of the day, the singles handicap and professional matches were played. The handicapped match saw Brad Keller of Quincy take on Luke Niederhauser of Spring Lake. Once again, Quincy took an early lead and Spring Lake struggled to fight back. Keller kept his hold on the match to win Quincy a point 2 & 1. Gideon Smith of Quincy battled Braden Bennett of Spring Lake in the professionals match. After two holes, Smith had a 2 up lead. Then by Hole 8, he was 4 up. Despite Bennett winning one hole, Smith sailed into a point for Quincy with a 6 & 5 win.
At the conclusion of play, Quincy Country Club had earned 5 of the 6 points to prove they were the best team in the Metropolitan this year. This team completed a perfect, undefeated run to be the 32nd Thomas O. Sobbe Cup Champions. This is Quincy’s second win, having won in 2022. Quincy Country Club ends the season victorious, hoisting the trophy and taking it back with them to Illinois.
Full Results Photos
The 2025 Amateur Series has officially come to a close. After six regular season events and a two-day post season Championship, the final winners have been awarded. The Amateur Series Championship took place at The Falls Golf Club. Players saw comfortable temperatures with overcast to partly cloudy skies for both days. Six divisions joined us for the championship, encompassing 55 golfers.
Following the first round of the championship, all six divisions saw solo leaders in the clubhouse. The competition, however, was not far behind. Ryan Keller of the Metropolitan eClub led the Open Division at three-under (-3) par. Dan Mallon of Normandie Golf Club led the Senior Open Division at two-over (+2) par. In the Super Senior Open Division, Schooner Fitzgerald of APT St. Louis led the group at six-over (+6) par. For the Net Division, Clayton Dierkes of The Golf Club at Quail Creek led at net one-under (-1) par. Matt Hall led the Senior Net Division at net even (E) par, and John Schranck led the Super Senior Net Division at net one-under (-1) par.
The open divisions played first in Round 2, followed by the net divisions. In the Open Division, Ryan Keller continued his successful run over his competition. With a second round score of even par, Keller was able to finish the championship at three-under (-3) par to take home the hardware. Nathan Hatfield came in second at ten-over (+10) par. The rest of the division was rounded out by Time Kaiser followed by Carson Walton and then by Brad Peltz.
In the Senior Open Division, Dan Mallon held on for his division title. Mallon shot a second round of one-over par to bring his total to three-over (+3) par and scrape out the competition by one stroke. Eric Fogleman was runner-up at four-over (+4) par. The division was rounded out by Alek Stojanovic followed by Michael Sudduth.
Bill Schmidt of the USGA/MetAmateur GC pulled together two back-to-back rounds of 78 in the Super Senior Open Division. This was enough for Schmidt to eclipse his competitors to take home a victory at fourteen-over (+14) par. Chuck Schranck finished in second at sixteen-over (+16) par. The top five was completed by Ray Jankowski, Schooner Fitzgerald, and Kevin Erxleben at seventeen-over (+17) par.
The Net Division marked the halfway point in the field. Clayton Dierkes continued his under par run for a second day. Dierkes added a net 66 round to
get his total to net six-under (-6) par and take home the win. James Cochran shot the low round of the day for the division of net 65 to finish in second at net even (E) par. The top five was completed by Tim Pudlowski (net +5), John Colvin (net +6), and Rei Nakamura (net +8).
In the Senior Net Division, Kevin Kissling of Algonquin Golf Club rose to the top. With rounds of two-over and one-over, Kissling ends the competition with a total of net three-over (+3) par to walk away with the hardware. Curt Wooters and Matt Hall both finished two back at net five-over (+5) par. The top five was completed by Mike Petty at net eight-over (+8) par and Charles Miller at net eleven-over (+11) par.
The Super Senior Net Division closed out the Series Championship. Terry Souchek of the Metropolitan eClub started the day at net even par and paired it with a second round of net four-under (-4) par. Souchek was able to climb to the top to win his division. William Wunderlich came in second at net six-over (+6) par. John Schranck finished in third at net eight-over (+8) par, while King Edmonston finished in fourth at net nine-over (+9) par. Kevin Ortyl, Tom Leahy, and Stephen Weinstock finished off the top five at net twelve-over (+12) par.
At the conclusion of the Amateur Series Championship, Ryan Keller, Dan Mallon, Bill Schmidt, Clayton Dierkes, Kevin Kissling, and Terry Souchek walk away with the hardware as champions.
Results Photos
- Ryan Keller
- James Cochrab Senior - Eric Fogleman Senior Net - Mike Petty Super Senior - Bill Schmidt
Super Senior Net - John Schranck
Women - Denise Faus
U.S. FOur-Ball Qualifier
It was a beautiful and warm fall day at Forest Hills Country Club for the 2026 U.S. Amateur Four-Ball Qualifier. Fifty-two teams joined together in the hopes of capturing one of the two qualifying spots in the championship field. Play started at 7:30am and was completed by 5:50pm. Live scores were collected every six holes. The course was played to a par 70 at 6,708 yards.
As groups made their way around the course and began to come into the clubhouse, the leaderboard started to stack up. Despite the scores under par in the clubhouse, there were lower rounds still out on the course. The first two sides to play set the bar at four-under par, though this was not likely to hold with teams already matching that through 6 and 12 holes. Michael Becker and Andrew Pranger of St. Louis, Missouri played in the fourth group of the day. The pair sat at four-under par through 12 and were able to add two more birdies to their card. Becker and Pranger became the clubhouse leaders at six-under (-6) par. Then, they had to wait to see what the rest of the field would do. The side of Dan Willey Greenville, South Carolina and Alex Goss of Wilmington, North Carolina were the second group to come in at six-under (-6) par. In similar fashion, Willey and Goss were four-under through 12 and added two more to their score to tie the lead.
Jake Erickson of Chatham, Illinois and Brian Anderson of Rochester, Illinois were just two-under par through 12 holes. The side was determined to make their mark and carded four consecutive birdies on holes 14 through 17 to fly up the leaderboard. Erickson and Anderson made it a group of three tied at six-under (-6) par. Matthew Hines and Nick Budd of Woodstock, Georgia were closing in on the competition fast, sitting five-under through 12 holes. Knowing teams ahead of them were turning in low scores, Hines and Budd found one more birdie to join the pack at six-under (-6) par.
Then came Austin Hannah and Andrew Wyatt of Tulsa, Oklahoma
at the halfway mark. The pair got off to a good start with a score of five-under par through 6 holes. Hannah and Wyatt remained there through 12, but rounded up two more birdies to come in as the new leaders in the clubhouse at seven-under (-7) par. Two groups back, Kennan Flemming and Joseph Williams of St. Louis, Missouri also got off to a fiery start. The duo were five-under par through 6 holes, including an eagle by Flemming on Hole 5. They kept pressing along, increasing their score to seven-under through 12. Flemming and Williams were not done yet, capping off their round with three more birdies to take over the clubhouse lead at tenunder (-10) par.
Nobody was able to better seven or ten-under par after that. This left the group of teams at six-under par to fight it out for the two alternate spots. Trenton Mierl of Austin, Texas and Reese Roberts of Dallas, Texas were the final group to join the sides at six-under (-6) par. When the time came for the playoff, only three of the five sides were present. The sides of Becker and Pranger, Willey and Goss, and Erickson and Anderson were the three ready to play. The playoff began on Hole 1. Erickson and Anderson made birdie to secure the 1st Alternate spot. Pranger and Becker made par, claiming the 2nd Alternate spot. Willey and Goss made bogey, getting knocked out and concluding the playoff on the 1st green.
Keenan Flemming and Joseph Williams earned the medalist honors as qualifiers for the 2026 U.S. Amateur Four-Ball. Austin Hannah and Andrew Wyatt will join them at Desert Mountain Club next year as the second qualifying team. Dan Willey and Alex Goss will wait on the sidelines as the 1st Alternate, while Michael Becker and Andrew Pranger sit behind them as 2nd Alternate. The 11th U.S. Amateur Four-Ball will be at Desert Mountain Club in Scottsdale, Arizona on May 16-20.
From the Metro to the USGA
U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur
Ellen Port ~ Round of 16 (2 Down) ~ The Homestead
Louis, MO
U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Tina Jones
Missed Cut (+35) ~ The Homestead
U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur
Kathy Glennon ~ Missed Cut (+18) ~ The Homestead
Albans, MO
U.S. Mid-Amateur
Justin Bryant ~ Missed Cut (+13) ~ Troon Country Club
Louis, MO U.S. Mid-Amateur
Brad Carpenter ~ Missed Cut (+15) ~ Troon Country Club Washington, MO
U.S. Mid-Amateur
Sam Migdal ~ Missed Cut (+16) ~ Troon Country Club
Louis, MO
x The Bogeyman
Nodoubt you have read or heard the news about Tiger Woods. He recently underwent lumbar disc replacement surgery, which was revealed earlier this month. The procedure marks his seventh episode of back surgery and it came as he was still rehabbing a torn Achilles tendon suffered earlier this year.
Only he can answer
As a result, numerous headlines have speculated about where he goes from here, whether he ever plays competitive golf again. The predictions range from suggesting he will return to playing a full schedule on the PGA Tour - something he didn’t do even when he was healthy - to suggesting he will never walk again.
Without knowing the particulars of his most recent surgery, or where he’s at with the Achilles tendon, it’s impossible to predict or project what Woods might do. Well, take that back, it’s not impossible because lots of people are doing it. It’s just silly.
To be sure, it has been part of Woods’ modus operandi to try to come back, to not give up on winning golf tournaments again, to push his body to the limits. Should anyone say he “won’t” bounce back, insisting no one can overcome the injuries sustained, that will simply feed the fire in his competitive belly.
Tell Woods he “can’t,” give him something to prove, and the pudding is soon to be on the table.
Whether Woods attempts to play competitive golf again, or whether he should attempt to play, only he can answer. He deserves that much; he’s earned that much.
That said, it’s important to realize that Woods turns 50 at the end of December. His son, Charlie, is 16 and competing in national junior events. His daughter Sam is 17 and starting her freshman year at Stanford. And the physical setbacks aside, it stands to reason the time and availability he has enjoyed with his kids represents a silver lining.
It stands to reason he would like to remain accessible and involved with his teenagers going forward.
And it seems rather presumptuous for anyone to calculate or encourage him to do what it takes to compete in another Masters, U.S. Open or any other golf championship.
Personally, it makes little sense to me that Woods would put himself through the formidable demands of getting his battered
body ready to play 72 holes of golf, if it’s even possible.
But, for the game’s sake, and for those who have followed his historic career, I do hope he reaches a point where he can still participate in the major championships, still be part of the accoutrements.
The term “ceremonial player” carries a pungent quality for proud champions. They got into the game for the competition, not the congratulations. They’re hardwired to beat their playing partners and conquer the golf course. They tee it up to win championships, not to decorate them.
But this is planet earth and we all are human beings. The “winning” window closes for everyone, for Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Gary Player … everyone.
With all the injuries and surgeries, golf’s hourglass has not
been particularly patient for Woods. If not for the incidents and accidents, the days of wine and majors figured to last longer. The height of his powers might have reached even higher.
Notwithstanding, he is Tiger Woods, a transformational figure, not just in the sport of golf, but in all sports. People like to argue about “the greatest player of all time,” and there seems little doubt Nicklaus will retain his 18 major championship summit, at least in the foreseeable future.
But it is hard to imagine anyone has more impacted the sport in a global and cultural basis. Woods keeps company with names like Muhammad Ali and Michael Jordan in that respect.
No matter how you slide it - to use a golf term - he is on the shortest of short lists of golf’s prominent figures. We’re talking about Herve Villechaize short.
In that context, the term “ceremonial player” has a more
substantive meaning, if not responsibility. A player who has connected so dramatically with the game and its patrons and sponsors, who wields such influence with his presence, falls into a special category.
They don’t have to contend to command the room. Their worth the price admission, for so many, whether they shoot 68 or 80. Two-time U.S. Open champion Curtis Strange put it well, talking to reporters before last April’s Woods-less Masters:
“(Woods) is not going to play the way he wants to,” Strange said.
“But I think people would love to see him, much like they saw Jack and Arnie, especially Arnie, for a long time. I think we need those people around, to be around the younger generation, to answer questions - players learn by example how to play golf courses. Just be part of the elder statesman society.
“I hope he gets back to where he can play. We don’t even know if he can play ever. Again, it’s going badly. But especially, here, where he can come back and be comfortable and just be around. The people can’t get enough of him … It would be sad that he wouldn’t come back here and play in the future. But what the future holds, we have no idea.”
I’ve seen firsthand. I watched the aging Palmer participate as little more than window dressing at majors. His press conferences were always the most crowded and most interesting. His galleries were always as big as any on the grounds.
He wasn’t competitive, and it didn’t matter. People wanted to see him play.
So it was with Nicklaus, who held court at the Masters every April to a packed interview room. Galleries flocked to Nicklaus like the cliff swallows come to Capistrano. And every once in a while, the greats turn back the pages, post a score that seems impossible, and an entire golf tournament smiles in approval. It’s magical.
Woods, of course, will have opportunities on the PGA Champions Tour, where carts are in play and regular events are just 54 holes. Should he be able and willing to play there, it will be the greatest thing to happen to that tour since ibuprofen. Regardless of where or how often, here’s hoping Tiger Woods can play again - if that’s what he wants. And here’s hoping, if that’s not what he wants, he accepts what the greats before him came to accept - he still has a place in the game.
Perhaps the competitive window is no longer open, that remains to be seen. But he is important to the sponsors, the galleries and the TV ratings he’s made spike over all these years.
Here’s hoping he will recognize that and keep being part of it.
Thoracic Spine Rotation & The Golf Swing
Why
the
Thoracic Spine Matters:
The thoracic spine (mid-back region) plays a critical role in golf performance. It’s designed for rotation and mobility, unlike the lower back, which is meant more for stability. Limited mobility in this area can lead to compensations, poor swing mechanics, and even pain or injury.
Simple Mobility Drills:
If you struggle with rotation and want a sequence of exercises to improve your limitation, click here.
Sign Up for Your Assessment Today! Click Here.
Role In the Golf Swing
• Backswing: Adequate thoracic rotation allows a full, powerful shoulder turn without over-stressing the lower back.
• Impact & Follow-Through: Mobility ensures your chest can stay square to the ball at impact, promoting accuracy and reducing strain on the lumbar spine.
Common Issues When Thoracic Rotation is Limited
• Excessive lumbar spine movement → low back pain.
• Overuse of shoulders and arms → decreased power.
• Early extension or loss of posture during the swing.
• Difficulty maintaining balance and rhythm.
Benefits of Improved Thoracic Rotation
• More efficient and repeatable swing mechanics.
• Increased power and distance off the tee.
• Reduced injury risk (especially low back, shoulders, and hips).
• Greater ability to maintain posture and tempo.
Dr. Zach Cutler, DC Owner of Golf and Training Institute; Sports Chiropractor; Titleist Performance
Sup’s On:
Dan Lloyd
Golf courses often carry a reputation for being environmentally unsustainable. As a golf course superintendent and nature lover, I take exception to that perception. I understand where the criticism comes from—many see golf as a pastime for the wealthy, consuming vast resources for recreation. But golf is much more than that. It’s a way for people to connect with nature, stay active, and appreciate the outdoors in a setting that demands environmental mindfulness.
That said, I won’t completely defend or absolve the industry’s past. Building golf courses in deserts or other environmentally sensitive areas is difficult to justify from an ecological perspective. However, it’s also important to recognize the environmental benefits golf courses can provide. These areas have become vital habitats for a variety of wildlife in regions that might otherwise be overtaken by urban development. This becomes especially clear when flying over a city and looking down—amid the endless parking lots and rooftops, golf courses often provide much of the remaining green space.
Maintenance practices have evolved dramatically over the decades. Like many industries, golf once relied on products that had long residual effects and lacked precision in what they controlled. Today, those products are used at extremely low rates, with only a fraction of the environmental impact compared to the past. Equipment now produces far fewer emissions, and electric or hybrid machines are becoming increasingly common.
The Environmental Impact of Golf Courses
Golf course maintenance has also embraced precision agriculture technology to minimize waste and improve environmental outcomes. Modern NASA-derived soil sensors allow us to measure and adjust irrigation in real time, preventing overwatering. GPS-guided sprayers ensure accurate applications and eliminate off-target treatments. Fertilizers now incorporate advanced technologies that reduce volatilization and leaching, keeping nutrients where they belong—within the turf system rather than the atmosphere or groundwater. In many ways, golf course maintenance has taken the precision agriculture innovations pioneered in traditional farming and pushed them to new levels of sophistication.
A dense stand of turfgrass also provides a natural filtration system, removing contaminants before they reach surface or groundwater. Because most water pollutants are transported through soil erosion, the stabilizing effect of turfgrass plays a vital role in protecting local watersheds.
Wildlife habitat is perhaps one of the greatest contributions golf courses make to environmental stewardship. Courses played a key role in restoring bluebird populations that were nearly extinct in Missouri just two decades ago. Today, many courses are actively supporting pollinator habitats by planting native species and increasing biodiversity—benefiting monarch butterflies, honeybees, and countless other forms of wildlife.
The golf course maintenance industry continues to move toward stronger environmental responsibility. Our local association—the Mississippi Golf Course Superintendents’ Association—has developed comprehensive Best Management Practices (BMPs) and is now conducting a full environmental impact assessment. While there is always room for improvement, our profession remains firmly committed to reducing environmental impacts and enhancing the ecological value of our facilities.
Country Club of St. Albans
Country Club of St. Albans
Crack Under Pressure
Rules Center
At the BMW Championship this year, Matt Fitzpatrick called for a ruling during the final round. On the 8th hole, Fitzpatrick noticed a crack on the clubface of his driver. He showed the crack to his playing partner and to multiple Rules Officials. Fitzpatrick had requested that he be able to replace the club for a new one. But after much deliberation, his request to replace the club was denied.
According to the Rules of Golf - Rule 4.1 - a player may keep using, repair, or replace any club damaged during the round, except in the case of abuse. Given the situation, it seems on the surface that Fitzpatrick would have been allowed to replace the club. The PGA Tour Chief Referee confirmed that a minor crack was visible on the driver head of Fitzpatrick’s club. The PGA Tour had Model Local Rule G-9 in place which states that a club face or clubhead is not broken or significantly damaged solely because it is cracked. The Chief Referee said that Fitzpatrick’s club did not meet the threshold of significantly damaged under this Model Local Rule and therefore could not be replaced. Separation in the metal would have had to be present to meet the threshold.
So when can you replace your club? What is significat damage? What if a screw falls out of your driver head?
Weighting Screw Falls Out of Driver Head
Dear Ozempic: It’s interesting that you noticed the change. Yes, you may replace the head and even replace the club! This situation illustrates how broad and forgiving the Rules are regarding club damage.
Losing the weight changes the playing characteristics of the club, and the club is considered damaged during a round but not ny abuse. As such, the player has four options (Rule 4.1a(2)):
1. Continue using the driver in its damaged state
2. Repair the driver by replacing the weight screw or the same amount of weight at the same location (Clarification 4.1a(2)/1)
3. Replace the driver head but not with a head carried by or for the player (Rules 4.1a(2) and 4.1b(4))
4. Replace the driver with another club (Rules 4.1a(2) and 4.1b(4))
Let’s elaborate. “The ‘playing characteristics’ of a club are any part, feature, or property that affects how the club performs or aids in alignment, including but not limited to, weighting, lie, loft, alignment features and permissible external attachments.” (Rule 4.1a(1)). For example, playing a ball off an asphalt cart path with a 7-iron and scratching the clubhead changes the aerodynamics of the clubhead. Yes, the player has the option of replacing the 7-iron.
- John explains more on Damaged Clubs -->
Dear John: I was playing and hit an errant drive. Something wasn’t right. I checked the head on my driver and noticed that a weight had come loose and fallen out. There was no club abuseinvolved, just normal play. Can I replace the head?
--Ozempic
“Damaged during a round” means when any part, feature, or property of a club is changed because of any act during the round (including while play is stopped under Rule 5.7a) by the player (such as making a stroke or practice swing with the club, putting it in or taking it out of a golf bag, dropping or leaning on it, or throwing or abusing it), or by any other person, outside influence or natural forces” (Rule 4.1a(2)). Damage during a round excludes deliberately changing the playing characteristics of a club during the round (e.g, adjusting draw; Rule 4.la(3)).
There are two other points of note per discussion with the USGA. In this instance, the driver missing a weight is still conforming (USGA/R&A “Equipment Rules” (v1.3), Part 2 - Conformance of Clubs). There are no changes that impact conformance (e.g., holes through the head). Indeed, the player may start a round with the weight missing (but in that case, the player would not be permitted to alter the club during the round). Also, in elite competitions, Committees sometimes employ Model Local Rule G-9 (Replacing Club That is Broken or Significantly Damaged), which imposes a tighter standard on “damaged”. With MLR G-9 in effect, the player could continue playing with the weight missing or replace/”repair” the weight but would not be allowed to replace the head or club. Examples of significant damage include a splintered or kinked shaft, a clubhead that is detached or loose from the shaft, and a club face that is visibly cracked or deformed (MLR G-9). Determining when a club is significantly damage is not always straightforward.
Here’s a link to the USGA/R&A Equipment Rules (v1.3): https://www.usga.org/content/dam/usga/pdf/Equipment/EquipmentRules-2020-vI2-edits.pdf
Kroger Queen City Championship
Charley Hull
Walmart NW Arkansas Championship
Jasmine Suwannapura
LOTTE Championship
Youmin Hwang
Buick LPGA Shangha
Jeeno Thitikul
BMW Ladies Championship
Sei Young Kim
Aramco Houston Championship
Nuria Iturrioz
VP Bank Swiss Ladies Open
Alice Hewson
La Sella Open
Anna Huang
Lacoste Ladies Open de France
Anna Huang
Hero Women’s Indian Open
Shannon Tan
Wistron Ladies Open
Yani Tseng
WA PGA Championship
Austin Bautista
WA Open
Oliver Bekker
World of Golf
Procore Championship
Scottie Scheffler
Ryder Cup
Team Europe
Sanderson
Farms Championship
Steven Fisk
Baycurrent Classic
Xander Schauffele
Bank of Utah Championship
Michael Brennan
Simmons Bank Open
Zach Bauchou
Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship
John VanDerLaan
Compliance Solutions Championship
Adrien Dumont deChassart
Korn Ferry Tour Championship
Chandler Blanchet
GAC Rosa Challenge Tour
Hugo Townsend
Open de Portugal
JC Ritchie
Italian Challenge Open
JC Ritchie
Hainan Open
Renato Paratore
Hangzhou Open
Sebastian Garcia
Amgen Irish Open
Rory McIlroy
BMW PGA Championship
Alex Noren
FedEx Open de France
Michael Kim
Alfred Dunhill Links
Robert McIntyre
Open de Espana
Marco Penge
DP World India Championship
Tommy Fleetwood
Genesis Championship
Junghwan Lee
Guardian Championship
Melanie Green
Murphy USA El Dorado Shootout
Erica Shepherd
Epson Tour Championship
Anne Chen
Stifel Charity Classic
Thomas Bjorn
Sanford Invitational
Retief Goosen
PURE Insurance Championship
Doug Barron
Constellation Furyk & Friends
Tommy Gainey
SAS Championship
Alex Cejka
Dominion Energy Charity Classic
Justin Leonard
Simmons
Bank Championship
Steven Alker
G4D Amgen Irish Open
Kipp Popert
G4D BMW PGA Championship
Kipp Popert
G4D FedEx Open de France
Mark Clougherty
BJ’s Charity Championship
Angela Stanford & Wendy Ward
ATB Classic
Michael Brennan
Times
Colonist Victoria Open
Drew Nesbitt
Fortinet Cup Championship
Jay Card III
Legends Return to Eagle’s Landing
Giulia Sergas
Keeping Up with the USGA
USGA Adding 14 State Junior Teams Under USNDP Umbrella
The USGA announced the launch of the State Junior Team Program in 14 states that will support the pipeline for elite junior golfers ages 13-18 into the U.S. National Development Program.
The 14 states added to the program are Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, South Dakota, Texas and Washington. Teams are created through the USGA’s close collaboration with its Allied Golf Associations (AGAs) and the PGA of America Sections. Rosters for these 14 teams will be released after the conclusion of the 2026 season.
“This program represents an important step in building the national player pathway,” said Heather Daly-Donofrio, USGA managing director, Player Relations and Development. “We’re already seeing that states with teams up and running are thriving, as juniors are taking advantage of new opportunities to develop. By creating state junior teams, we’re not only opening doors for more juniors to access resources and development opportunities, but also instilling pride in representing their home state. That combination will help elevate competition locally and deepen the overall pool of talent nationwide.”
These additions bring the State Junior Team Program up to 30 states. Teams from the initial seven pilot states announced in March 2024 now include 116 junior athletes, many of whom have participated in state camps, webinars and other training programs. The second wave of participating states, announced last October, will announce their inaugural rosters by the end of the year.
Each of the states use their own criteria to determine their rosters. All athletes named to a state team will receive at least two days of in-person athlete development per year, access to webinars led by the USNDP’s coaching and athlete development team, consideration for USNDP exemptions
Metropolitan Amateur Golf Association is part of Team Illinois!
Illinois residents of the Metropolitan are elligible for the Illinois team. We are working together with the Chicago District Golf Associaition, Illinois Junior Golf Association, Illinois PGA Section, and Gateway PGA Section to form and select the the team that will represent Illinois. The state team will launch and join the US National Development Program in 2026.
into various junior tournaments and a streamlined grant application process for families demonstrating financial need, among other benefits.
The USGA is aiming for all 50 states to have a team by 2033.
“It has been awesome to create friendships based on a game that we all love,” said Ella Scott, a high school junior who joined Team Colorado in 2025. “We get so much encouragement and support from not only fellow teammates, but also our committee members and the Colorado Golf Association as a whole. It is really cool to know that in such an individual game, so many people have my back and are supporting me. Being able to proudly display my Team Colorado bag at the U.S. Girls’ Junior in Atlanta this past summer was awesome. I was especially proud because I was representing the CGA as their state junior champion.”
Announced in 2023, the USNDP is designed to ensure that American golf is the global leader in the game by focusing on six key pillars: talent identification, access to competition, national teams, athlete resources, player development and relations, and financial support.
“The webinars that the USNDP offers for all national development members have been extremely beneficial to learning more about on and off-course factors of the game,” Scott said. “Knowing that we have many of the same resources as the national team is unparalleled.”
The reigning U.S. Amateur and U.S. Junior champion both hail from Team Georgia. Mason Howell, of Thomasville, Ga., became the third-youngest U.S. Amateur champion when he defeated Jackson Herrington 7 and 6 at The Olympic Club in August.
Hamilton Coleman, of Augusta, Ga., took home the U.S. Junior Amateur title at Trinity Forest Golf Club in July. The future University of Georgia Bulldog needed 25 holes – the longest U.S. Junior Amateur match in 23 years – to oust his Round-of-64 foe, then defeated three consecutive lefties with remarkable résumés before outdueling world No. 52 Minh Nguyen, of Vietnam, in the 36-hole final, 2 and 1.
The State Junior Team Program focuses on creating a developmentally appropriate, aspirational pathway for athletes within each state to compete at higher levels of the game. The U.S. National Development Program is supported by philanthropic giving and secured resources to fulfill the USGA’s commitment to providing pathways to elite levels of the game, regardless of financial situations.
To be eligible, a player must be a U.S. citizen, cannot be enrolled in college, must be 13 years old by Jan. 1 and not reach his/her 19th birthday by July 19 of the year in which they would compete on a State Junior Team.
Fall Update
As we have transitioned from Summer into Fall, the work at Normandie Golf Club has continued to roll ahead. The rain that blew threw the area in October left some spots on the course in need of some clean up before moving on with the work on a few holes, but we didn’t let that slow us down too much! Things are really taking shape and we will keep working as we enter the colder months as long as we are able. Stay tuned for the next video update on our media channels!
“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 Nicklaus on his involvement in Normandie Reimagined
