U.S. Open Local Qualifying Results & USGA Championship Participants
The Metropolitan’s Boatwright Interns visited the USGA Headquarters in New Jersey
Check the POY Standings after the first month of play
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
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 Rohe - Executive Director
Greetings members! It has been a heck of spring in these parts...from conducting events for us to maintaining our wonderful courses around the area for our superintendents it has been an unprecedented spring! Let’s hope these last couple weeks are indicators that we have turned the corner and summer is right around the corner.
May was a crazy busy month for the Association. We got our interns all in place and off and running...they are such a huge part of our summer and our championships. Taitt Borucki and Drew Soetaert had the opportunity to travel to USGA Golf House for the PJ Boatwright Intern Summit with interns from around the AGA world joining to learn more about the USGA. Always a valuable experience for our summer help.
With 2 Amateur Series events, US Open Local Qualifying and the East Side Amateur in May, it was a challenging and busy month to kick off the season schedule. You will get to read more about all of those events in this month’s Metropolitan. And we are kicking off June with 95 entrants, a new high, at the 26th Junior Amateur Championship.
We would like to welcome Walker Hill as the new Executive Director of the Metropolitan Golf Foundation! Walker will be taking the reigns of the Foundation as we continue the Normandie Reimagined project and build for the future of the Foundation. Look for a formal announcement in the days to come as Walker gets settled into his new role.
Thank you for following along and taking a minute to read the The Metropolitan! See you down the fairway!
5 - The number of shots by which Scottie Scheffler won the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow. The week before the PGA, Scheffler won the CJ Cup Byron Nelson by eight strokes, which means he is the first player since Tiger Woods in 2000 to win consecutive PGA Tour starts by five shots or more in the same season.
- The astounding number of top-10 finishes Ben Hogan had in 292 career tournament starts. And 141 for those were top-3 finishes. Hogan holds the record for the longest streak of consecutive major championship finishes in the top 5 (12) and the top 10 (18), which further underlines his incredible level of consistency. He also had a streak of 14 consecutive top-10 finishes at the Masters.
88
- The record number of LPGA titles won by Kathy Whitworth, a record almost sure to remain unmatched. No active LPGA Tour player has more than 22 titles (Lydia Ko) and it seems unlikely that today’s player will have the desire to play at a high level for three decades, or as long as Whitworth. Her first victory was in 1962 and her last was in 1985—a 23-year span. By contrast, in 2023, only two players 30 or older won on the LPGA Tour. The longevity is not there like it used to be, with many women retiring early to have children or finding something other than golf to pursue.
9 - The number of U.S. Open championship winners the age of 21 or younger. John McDermott was 19 when he became the youngest winner of the championship in 1911 at Chicago Golf Club. McDermott followed up by winning the championship again in 1912 at the Country Club of Buffalo. He finished that event at 2-under par, becoming the first player to finish under par in a significant golf championship. The oldest winner of the U.S. Open
is Hale Irwin, who was 45 and playing on a special exemption when he won his third U.S. Open title in 1990. Irwin also won in 1974 and 1979.
25
- Hard to believe but it’s been 25 years since Tiger Woods had one of the most dominant seasons in golf history. The rundown is mind boggling. He won nine tournaments and finished in the top five in 17 of his 20 starts. He won the last three major championships of the season and then won the 2001 Masters to own all four titles at one time. He also set or tied 27 PGA Tour records, including the lowest scoring average (68.17). His season was highlighted by a 15-stroke victory at the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach. And here’s the best part - at the time, Woods’ earnings of $9.18 million set a record for prize money. Twenty-four years later, Scottie Scheffler earned more than $104 million in 2024.
35
- The 35th playing of the Metropolitan Amateur Championship, July 31-Aug. 2, will take place at Westwood Country Club. That being the case, seems like a good time to look back at when it all started. The first Metropolitan was played in 1991 at the County Club of the Legends. The goal was to bring private and public players from around the area into one big championship, and, fittingly enough, the top two finishers reflected as much. Don Bliss, one of Missouri’s finest private players, won the inaugural championship with a final round 6-over par 78 on a wet and windy course. Finishing second was one the finest public players from the Illinois side, Terry Tessary, whose final-round 74 was the lowest of the nasty day. Richard Jarret, who finished 14 shots back, addressed the playing conditions by telling the great David Dorr, “I must have hit 10 3-irons today.” For the uninitiated, hitting 3-irons is not conducive to getting back into a championship. Just sayin.’
The27th Old Warson Cup was a two day match play championship, starting with 16 players in the field. The final day of the was full of action and better weather. Though the temperatures were cool, the absence of rain was a welcome feature. Four players remained in the Old Warson Cup at the beginning of the day, along with two seniors ready for their final match. The semifinal matches began at 7:00am and 7:10am. The Senior final match began at 11:30am with the Old Warson Cup final following behind at 12:00pm.
The first semifinal match was between Chris Kovach, the number 5 seed, and Chad Niezing, the number 8 seed. The pair were tied through three holes before Niezing won the fourth to go up in the match. Continuing to match each other, it was not until holes 10 and 11 that Niezing extended his lead to 3. Kovach was fighting hard and finally pulled one back to his corner on Hole 15. This gave him hope, but a missed putt on 16 for Kovach ended the match. Niezing would win 3 & 2 to take down the defending champion and take his place in the final.
The second semifinal match saw the number 2 and 3 seeded players, Blake Skornia and Justin Bryant, duke it out. Bryant was the first to take the lead and was 2 Up through three holes. Shortly after, Skornia found his strength and had completely flipped the match to make the turn 2 Up over Bryant. Hole 11 is when Bryant kicked back into drive, and by Hole 14, was back in the lead. Hitting Hole 17 with Bryant 2 Up, Skornia put in one last punch to extend the match to the 18th. Bryant would win the match 2 Up on the 18th green to collect his ticket into the
final match for the third year in a row.
As the last semifinal match was finishing up, the seniors were teeing off in the final match of the Senior Old Warson Cup. This was a matchup between numbers 1 and 2 in this division. Skip Berkmeyer (No. 1) is in his first year as a senior and Buddy Allen (No. 2) is participating in his fourth Senior Old Warson Cup, having won the first year. Berkmeyer was the first to take the lead on Hole 2, but it was short lived with Allen pulling it back on Hole 3. On Hole 4, Allen went 1 Up in the match, but Berkmeyer tied it up on Hole 6 before regaining the lead on Hole 8. A wayward tee shot on Hole 10 for Berkmeyer gave Allen the chance to tie the match again. A determined and undeterred Berkemeyer won at the 11th and again at the 13th. Sinking his putt for birdie on Hole 17, Berkmeyer stood victorious 3 & 1 to be the 4th Senior Old Warson Cup Champion.
Then came the marquee event: the final match. This was a true battle to the finish between Justin Bryant (No. 3) and Chad Niezing (No. 8). Going toe to toe through the first four holes, it was not hard to tell this was going to be a tough fight. Niezing was the first to make a move, going 1 Up through Hole 5 and holding on for a few holes. Bryant tied the match on Hole 8 and then made the turn 1 Up. Niezing sunk his putt on Hole 11, hoping it would do the trick, but Bryant matched him by also sinking his putt to tie the hole. With each one still fighting for it, Niezing was now the one to tie the match on Hole 12. A mishit tee shot on the 14th that found the water by Bryant, allowed Niezing to capitalize to reclaim the lead. Bryant refocused and moved forward to bring the match back to all square on the 15th. Moving on to Hole 16, Bryant found himself on the 17th tee box, rather than the 16th green. With a great up and down, he managed to win the hole to be 1 Up with 2 to play. The 17th came down to two par putts, and with both going in the hole, the match was moving on to Hole 18. Sitting 1 Up, Bryant just needed to tie the hole to win. Neither player hit the green with their approach shots and had lengthy putts after chipping on. Bryant would putt first. His putt would curve outside the hole, giving Niezing a chance to extend the match. Niezing, though he gave it his best, was also unable to get his putt to find the hole. A tied hole would mean that Justin Bryant wins the match 1 Up to become the 27th Old Warson Cup Champion.
Bryant and Berkmeyer’s victories mark some milestones and additions for the Old Warson Cup history book. Skip Berkmeyer’s debut Senior Old Warson Cup win makes him the first player to have won both divisions of this championship. He is a three time Old Warson Cup Champion (2007, 2008, 2009), and now a Senior Old Warson Cup Champion. Berkmeyer also joins Brian Lovett as the second player to hold the Metropolitan Senior Amateur and Senior Old Warson Cup titles at the same time. [Both won the Metropolitan Senior Amateur first, and then the Senior Old Warson Cup the following spring.] Justin Bryant’s win today makes him a three time Old Warson Cup Champion, having previously won in 2011 and 2012. This third win places him in the small group of individuals who have accomplished this feat, accompanied by Skip Berkmeyer and Sam Migdal. Bryant also joins another illustrious group with this win as a player who has held the Metropolitan Amateur title along with the Old Warson Cup title. He is once again in good company with Skip Berkmeyer (2009) and Drew Pranger (2018). Both Berkmeyer and Pranger won the Old Warson Cup followed by the Metropolitan Amateur, whereas Bryant won the Metropolitan Amateur last summer and has followed it with the Old Warson Cup.
Justin Bryant and Skip Berkmeyer have both added another Champion title to their resumes as the Old Warson Cup and Senior Old Warson Cup Champions.
The 22nd East Side Amateur concluded at Gateway National Golf Links on May 11. It was a perfect day for golf with sunny skies and warm temperatures. Following Round 1, Ryan Sullivan led the pack at five-under (-5) par. Tony Gumper was three strokes behind at twounder (-2) par. In the senior division, David Strickland and Brian Lovett were tied at the top at two-under (-2) par.
Ryan Sullivan of Tapawingo National Golf Club and Tony Gumper of Normandie Golf Club teed off in the final group of the day. The pair were having a true battle between themselves throughout the day. Making the turn, Gumper had jumped into the lead with a bogey free four-under on the day that included an Eagle on hole six. Sullivan was fighting to stay in the game after returning a front nine of even par. However, things changed on the back nine. Sullivan pulled together a bogey free final nine and capped it off with a birdie on 18. He ended the day two-under par and the weekend at seven-under (-7) par to sit on top as champion. Gumper had a rough back nine and was soon fighting for a chance to stay a factor. Though unable to get back into range of Sullivan, he did add a second eagle to his card on 18 to end the championship at four-under (-4) par. The low round of the day belonged to Bubba Chapman of Bellerive Country Club. After a one-over par Round 1, Chapman rallied back for the second round and was one hole shy of a bogey-free day. With three birdies on the front and an eagle on Hole 10, Chapman leaped up the leaderboard to finish in a tie for second with Gumper at four-under (-4) par.
In the senior division, Buddy Allen of Sugar Creek Golf Course made some moves to claim the title. After Round 1, Allen sat at two-under par, just behind the leaders. A bogey free front nine and seven birdies across the round today helped him jump to finish the day with a round of four-under par. This brought his total to six-under (-6) par, letting Allen walk away with the win. The first round co-leader Brian Lovett of Bellerive Country Club came in with backto-back rounds of two-under par. Though two good rounds for Lovett, it was only enough to finish the weekend in second at four-under (-4) par. Lovett’s Round 1 co-leader, David Strickland of Tapawingo National Golf Club, had an up and down day. Strickland was able to finish his day with a birdie on 18 to stay at two-under (-2) par for the championship and leave the weekend with a third place finish.
The 22nd East Side Amateur ended with Ryan Sullivan and Buddy Allen going home with the hardware, victorious.
The first two Amateur Series events are in the books! We had a wet and rainy kick off to the season, but saw drier skies for the second go around. Days are filled with a fun and inviting golf experience and camaraderie amongst competitors. Each time a player tees it up, they are earning points to gain a spot in the Amateur Series Championship at the end of the year.
by
Far Oaks Results:
Open Division - Daniel Hennon
Senior Open - Jack Soetaert
Super Senior Open - Mark Chase
John Chastain
Net Division - Justin Vogt
Senior Net Division - Mike Petty
Super Senior Net Divsion - William Wunderlich
Women’s Net Division - Beverly Steart
Glen Echo Results:
Open Division - Harper Ackermann
Senior Open - Jack Soetaert
Super Senior Open - Ronald Wofford
Net Division - Dauffus Jackson
Senior Net Division - Michael Derbak
Super Senior Net Divsion - John Schranck
Women’s Net Division - Maria Morrison
Fogleman
Sudduth
Women’s GA LPGA Amateur GA
St.Louis Women’s GA
CC
he U.S. Open Local Qualifier at Gateway National Golf Links was a hard fought battle. Players were faced with rainy conditions, including a brief in place delay to help water drain from the course in the afternoon. 120 golfers - both professional and amateurs - signedup to take their shot at earning one of the 6 qualifying spots to move on to the final qualifier. Play kicked off at 7:00am.
Steven Locke of Cleveland, TN began his day at 10:50am and opened with a bang. Locke eagled the first hole, and continued on to finish the front nine at four-under par. He had a hiccup on Hole 16 with a double-bogey, but was able to close out his round with a birdie on 18 to end the day at four-under (-4) par. This would give Locke the low round of the day to top the leaderboard. Jin Chung of Norcross, GA was in the second group of the day and was the first leader in the clubhouse. Chung posted a bogey-free front nine at four-under par. One bogey on the back, dropped him back to three-under (-3) par, which is where he would end the day. Harper Ackermann, an amateur from Webster Groves, MO, followed behind Chung in the third group of the day. With a back and forth battle on the front for Ackermann, he was even par at the turn. Three birdies in the first four holes of the back nine, pulled him towards the top of the leaderboard. After a bogey on 17, Ackermann found a birdie on the closing to finish the day three-under (-3) par. Dylan Meyer of Evansville, IN was in the 8:20am starting time. Meyer also made the turn at even par. He then birdied the first three holes on the back nine, followed by going bogey-free the rest of the day. Meyer became the third person to post a threeunder (-3) par round for the day. Following their rounds, Chung, Ackermann, Meyer, and Locke all had to sit and wait to see if anyone else would be able to match or
better their scores.
As the day went on, quite a few players would get to one or two under par, but none would get to threeunder par. This would mean that Steven Locke would be the qualifying medalist and four-under par. Also securing their place in final qualifying at three-under par are Jin Chung, Harper Ackermann(a), and Dylan Meyer. For local golfer, Ackermann, this was a special success as he had just graduated high school the day before from Christian Brothers College High School.
Five players, however, would end the day tied at twounder (-2) par. With just two spots left, these five golfers had to go into a playoff. All five teed off at 9:20am or before, so they had been waiting all day to see where they would land. As the daylight was dwindling amongst the cloudy skies, they set off to determine who would get the final two spots and who would be the alternates. On the first playoff hole, Joey Mayo of Paducah, KY made birdie to claim one of the qualifying spots. Unfortunately for amateur Sean Minor of Columbia, MO, he would make bogey on this hole to be knocked out of the running. The remaining three golfers would go on to play two more holes. On the final hole, amateur Dabbi Sigurbrandsson of Iceland would make a birdie to capture the final qualifying spot. Meanwhile, amateur Anson Munzlinger of Columbia, MO made a par to earn the first alternate position, and amateur Justin Bryant of St. Louis, MO made a bogey to end in the second alternate position.
The six qualifying golfers will move on to one of the Final Qualifying sites across the country, where they will play 36 holes of golf in one day in an attempt to get into the U.S. Open field. Making it through the St. Louis Local Qualifier are Steven Locke as the low scoring medalist, Jin Chung, Harper Ackermann(a), Dylan Meyer, Joey May, and Dabbi Sigurbrandsson(a). In the case that an alternate is called upon to fill an open spot, Anson Munzlinger(a) followed by Justin Bryant(a) will be the alternates.
U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball Eva Brown & Sarah Hyten
Joe Migdal & Sam Migdal
Missed Cut ~
Country Club U.S. Amateur Four-Ball Skip Berkmeyer & Brad Nurski
Missed Cut in Playoff~
It’s not hard to get the best of Scottie Schefler right now. You get his best on a regular basis.
For starters, there’s what he does on the golf course, and no one in golf consistently does it better. He’s been the No. 1ranked player in the world for 117 weeks running. He wins big championships. Since 2022, he’s won the Arnold Palmer twice, The Players twice, The Memorial, The Byron Nelson and the Tour Championship. Those are big PGA Tour events.
And since 2022, he’s been prominent in the majors, winning two Masters and the most recent PGA . He’s had seven times major finishes in the top four, and in the top 10. He’s just the best in the world right now - not every week, we’re talking golf after all - but way more often than not.
It’s not just that he wins, it’s how he wins. He never gets caught up in the moment, never flinches, never overreacts in a negative or celebratory way. He works hard, loves competition for competition’s sake, remains level headed, stays vanilla.
He married his high school sweetheart, and he’s a devoted father to their son Bennett. He’s not perfect, cameras caught him muttering an expletive during the PGA - oh the humanity! But if you were searching the world over of a golf course demeanor to model, Scheffer would do nicely.
For background, LIV hasn’t made a lot of news in recent times. Initially, the new league grabbed headlines by signing PGA Tour-bred players. But in reality, most of those signed, while certainly accomplished, while certainly recognizable, were in the back end of their careers. Names like Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Bubba Watson, Sergio Garcia, Louis Oosthuizen, Henrik Stenson and Lee Westwood are well known to fans, but not dominating the PGA Tour.
Others, while also notable on different levels, were not necessarily household names - Charl Swartzel, Joaquin Niemann, Cameron Smith, etc. Not to disparage their resumes, but in terms of notoriety, but the PGA Tour had many more like them, much more depth on the roster.
Now, it’s been a year and a-half since the Saudi Arabian pillagers made headlines by signing Jon Rahm. His presence, along with Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka, certainly gives LIV some representation among the game’s prominant.
That said, the LIV continues to have little or no presence in terms of television or media attention. The league still conducts 54-hole championships with a team format thatwhile different - simply plays into its obscurity.
Quick, name one LIV team and who’s on it? See what I mean?
With all those ingredients, LIV lost a staggering 395.9 million in 2023, and it continues to bleed oil money at alarming rates.
“I have said it a few times this year,’’ Scheffler added. “If you want to figure out what’s going to happen in the game of golf, go to the other tour and ask those guys.
“I’m still here playing the PGA Tour. We had a tour where we all played together, and the guys that left, it’s their responsibility, I think, to bring the tours back together. Go see where they’re playing this week and ask them.”
Right down the middle. The PGA Tour is no longer in the jilted-lover stage, It has made adjustments, raised purses, bolstered its financial situation, boosted the compensation for its players and is doing just fine, thank you very much. It’s the other guys who perhaps should be concerned whether a deal can be struck.
On top of all that, you also get Scheffler best when you ask him a question. You’ll get an honest answer, straight to the point. For instance, reporters at the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club asked Scheffler some questions about when golf is going to see a merger between the PGA Tour and LIV, when he might reunite with some of the players who accepted big paychecks to leave the PGA.
Scheffler handled the inquiries like he handles everythingright down the fairway, perfect position.
All that said, Scheffler knows the players and he still competes with them when they show up at the major championships. So, in advance of the U.S. Open this month at historic Oakmont, Scheffler was asked about the LIV, and if he thinks he’d be as successful as he’s been in recent years if the likes of Rahm, DeChambeau and Koepka had never left.
“Who knows?,” Scheffler said. “I only get to compete against those guys four times a year. That was their choice not mine. At the end of the day I’m here competing, doing the best I can - that kind of stuff, what’s the point in me thinking about?”
Scheffler then was asked if any progress was being made to merge the two tours - as if he should be concerned about that issue. He qualified his answer by saying those things were better left to the “higher-ups,” but then essentially flipped the script.
“I definitely miss the competition,” Scheffler, back in April. “They got some pretty good players on their tour. I still think the PGA Tour has by far the best players in the world. The depth of our fields and the competition that we have is still hands down the best competition that there is in the game of golf.”
“That’s why I’m still playing on the Tour. I love the competition. I wish some of those guys had stayed, but at the end of the day, they made their choice. They knew the consequences of that decision, and I’m not here to change their minds …
“They made their choice. If we want to figure out why the game of golf is not back together, go ask those guys.”
And there you have it. You always get the best of Scottie Scheffler.
During the week of May 19, two of our interns, Taitt Borucki and Drew Soetaert, traveled to Liberty Corner, New Jersey, to attend the annual P.J. Boatwright Intern Summit. This two-day event served as a comprehensive introduction to the USGA, offering a deep dive into the many departments that collaborate to conduct championships and grow the game of golf.
The summit kicked off with a tour of the USGA Golf Museum—the oldest sports museum in the United States—accompanied by snacks and refreshments. The museum featured multiple rooms dedicated to golf legends such as Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus, and Arnold Palmer. Interactive exhibits showcased the evolution of the sport, from its origins through the golden age and into the modern era. Following the tour, attendees enjoyed a welcome dinner and keynote address from P.J. Boatwright III, who shared heartfelt stories about his father and the namesake of the internship program, P.J. Boatwright Jr.
The first full day began with a presentation by Tyler Riggin, Southeast Regional Affairs Director, who spoke about the mission of the Regional Affairs Department. He emphasized its role in advocating for and communicating with grassroots golf communities to foster growth and ensure a positive experience for all players. Bill Moore, Executive Director of the New York State Golf Association and a Boatwright program alumnus, followed with insights into his career path and how the internship helped shape his professional journey. Interns then explored key USGA departments, including Handicapping and Course Rating, and gained an overview of the GHIN handicap system. After lunch, they split into breakout groups rotating through four interactive stations: Social Media, Greens, Rules, and Championship Administration.
At the Social Media station, interns created TikTok videos about their summit experience, with the winning video selected to be featured on the USGA’s official TikTok account. The Greens station focused on sustainable course maintenance practices and introduced interns to agronomy tools such as the stimpmeter, moisture reader, and the GS3 ball, which they had the chance to use. The Rules station offered a collaborative quiz on the Rules of Golf, while the Championship Administration station combined a presentation with a fun putting contest qualifier held on the USGA’s own putting course. The day concluded with dinner and yard games on the patio, providing a relaxed setting for interns to network and connect with peers from other Allied Golf Associations (AGAs).
Day two began with an inspiring talk by USGA CEO Mike Whan, who shared stories from his diverse career path and offered advice to interns about pursuing their passions. A panel of Boatwright alumni currently working at the USGA followed, including Thomas Pagel (Chief Governance Officer), Victoria Clawson (Program
Manager, Championship Administration), Charlie Capasso (Director of Operations, U.S. National Development Program), and Colton Dean (Manager, U.S. Adaptive Open). The Player Relations team also gave a presentation, highlighting the rewarding and dynamic nature of working with players and their families.
The final round of breakout sessions featured hands-on activities such as a behind-the-scenes tour of the USGA broadcast room, a first tee setup competition, a golf hole design challenge, and a photo opportunity with the official U.S. Open trophy. The summit concluded with dinner, arcade games, and more chances for interns to build friendships and further explore the USGA headquarters.
When our interns were asked about their experience at the summit, Taitt shared, “I really enjoyed connecting with fellow interns from across the country and learning more about the USGA and its impact on the golfing world.” Drew added, “This experience was incredibly fulfilling. The Boatwright Summit deepened my knowledge and passion for golf, and I’m excited about the future opportunities it may lead to.”
We extend our sincere thanks to Daniel Magen, Boatwright Program Administrator, and the entire USGA staff for providing our interns with such a valuable and enriching experience within the golf industry at a professional level.
• Loss of posture is defined as a change in your body’s original set up angles during your golf swing.
• Timing, balance and rhythm can be affected by loss of posture.
• The ability to pass the overhead deep squat and toe touch test are very important in being able to perform proper set up position and maintain your posture throughout your swing.
• The ability to separate your upper body from your lower body allows your shoulders to rotate around your spine without changing your original posture.
• Lastly, the ability to stabilize your spine angle during your swing is directly proportional to the strength and stability of the core musculature.
Here are two links that provide exercise videos to help your mobility, strength, and power:
• Golf movement assessments pinpoint areas of the body that are limited in regard to range of motion. Combining mobility assessments, with power and swing assessments, gives medical professionals and teaching professionals a full view on how well a golfer’s body moves.
• Golf movement assessments all medical professionals and personal trainers to create personalized treatment and exercise programs for exactly what you need work on.
• The mobility, stability, power, and swing results are then combined with the golfer’s goals, to create the most personalized program for each and every golfer.
• Golf movements assessments allows golfers to train most effectively while keeping engaged with the PGA Teaching Instructors.
Dr. Zach Cutler, DC Owner of Golf and Training Institute; Sports Chiropractor; Titleist Performance
a property that was brand new, and we didn’t really have any drainage issues. 25 years later the same property had installed miles of drainage, and there was a miles-long list of other areas that could use more.
I recently embarked on a new career path, leaving my position as a golf course superintendent to try my hand in golf course construction. This spring, as my colleagues were dodging rain drops trying to finish some last-minute winter projects or looking for a dry window to make countless spring applications, I found myself traveling around the Midwest exploring the world of golf construction. This has allowed me to view the golf world from a different perspective, and I thought I would outline a few random thoughts here.
Winter traffic affects all properties. Every divot or pass of a golf cart erodes the protective cushion that the blade of grass was providing the crown of the plant, directly affecting turf quality during spring green up. I have also noticed a common theme of weak turf directly in front of permanent range mats. To point out the obvious, this turf is being damaged by people who step forward to “hit just a few” off of real turf. Decisions to restrict carts or close the property entirely don’t always yield happy outcomes, but turf management teams are constantly seeking a balance between golfer satisfaction and agronomic excellence.
Moisture management programs don’t always get the respect they deserve either, probably because all the infrastructure driving moisture management lives underground. If you rank all the moving parts that go into golf course maintenance, moisture management is most important. Of course, fertility and pesticide programs, mowing, and personnel management are all important, but water management tops them all!
It’s obvious that irrigation pipes deliver the water and drains provide the exit path. One thing that is easily taken for granted though is the need for adjustment as properties age, which is something I witnessed first-hand. I started my career as a kid at
A person could easily find the need for irrigation improvements over time as well. Even if your irrigation system is still in relatively good shape, there is still probably room for improvement. Tree removal, changes in bunkering, evolving traffic patterns or cart path additions could cause a change in water requirements in certain areas. Improvements in moisture monitoring equipment, such as soil moisture probes or infrared technology on maintenance equipment, have provided a much better understanding of moisture needs in specific areas. Inconsistencies in turf quality could possibly be traced back to moisture retention in the same areas. The maps that are produced by this technology are really eye opening. Any fairway can consist of multiple wet areas, dry areas, and “perfect” areas all at the same time.
I could ramble on forever about the benefits of these boring topics, and I could talk turf for even longer. At the risk of losing the readers who haven’t zoned out yet, I’ll leave it at this for now. But as you are planning the next move wherever you play, don’t forget about the importance of these “less sexy” items. You can’t call irrigation or drainage improvements revenue generators. And they definitely don’t look nearly as cool as that gigantic clock you may be considering installing near the first tee. But the value they bring to your property is immeasurable. Thank you for reading, and please remember to FIX YOUR BALLMARKS.
Sincerely,
Brent Rockwell
FormerGolfCourseSuperintendent
I think we can all agree it has been a rather wet spring so far this year. The PGA Tour players got to experience it first hand at the PGA Championship in North Carolina this month. Many players, including world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, expressed their discontent with the PGA of America’s decision to play the ball down. For these professional players, they are used to the PGA Tour allowing preferred lies when the course gets wet, but roughly four times a year, this luxury is taken away. It is not uncommon at the Majors for the championship committee to say tough luck, play it down - it’s why they are the Majors. They are meant to test the abilities of these players and truly showcase who the best in the world are, regardless of the weather conditions.
There are always two sides to the preferred lies argument. Some will always plead the case of why they should play preferred lies, while others don’t see a reason that the ball should be moved because of a little moisture on the ground. It can be hard to get one side of this debate to understand the other, which is why it can be a contentious topic. For a casual rund with your friends on the weekend, go ahead, play the ball up. Nobody will really argue there. But when it comes to competition, that’s when things get tricky...
We have had such a wet spring in the Metropolitan that this is an issue that has arisen. There are a few things to consider when you are playing in a competition and the rain starts coming down. For a championship committee, it can be difficult to make a call on preferred lies. First, has the play for the day already begun? If it has, suddenly switching mid-round to preferred lies is not the best choice as it can cause issues - including how to get the word out to the players. Once a round has started, all players should continue to play under the same rules they began with. Secondly, they have to consider the course conditions on a multi-level tier. They know what condition the course began the day in, i.e. how wet it was. They then have to consider the amount of rain that has proceeded to dump during play. And finally, they factor in the course’s ability to drain. Every course is different and therefore some have systems that drain faster than others. Committees often communicate with the course grounds crew on these details.
I know what you are thinking right now: Yea BUT IT’S WET AND MUDDY! We get it; no one likes a mud ball. Different spots on the course are going to drain and absorb water faster than others, and that includes in the fairway. There is no way for a committee to know exactly how every single shot from every single player is going to land and react on every blade of grass on the golf course. They can do their best to make the right decision, but there is no definitive to know what will happen after you hit the ball. In the chance that the course is extremely wet, especially when the accumulation has occurred during a round, the Rules of Golf have stipulations to help you: embedded ball relief and temporary water relief. Unfortunately no these don’t allow you to clean a regular ole mud ball, but they do help in extreme rain and course conditions. It’s why they are there in the first place. Many courses are also prepared with squeegees to help move water away on greens during play.
As said, there is always two sides to the argument, and it is hard to see the other’s point of view once you have chosen your stance. When it comes to the professional golfers, of course, you want to see them play a fair game, but shouldn’t we want to also see them tested? If conditions were bad enough, embedded ball and temporary water relief would come into play - or the committee would stop play if it is unplayable. The committee is always evaluating the conditions in these championships. At the PGA Championship, maybe they should or maybe they shouldn’t have played preferred lies... After all it is a major and meant to be difficult. No matter which side of this debate you are on, there is one question we should be asking ourselves: If there is anybody in this world that should know how to play a mud ball and be able to handle the added pressure of wet conditions, is it not the best professional golfers in the world?
So, how do you know when you get temporary water relief?
Dear John: The course was wet after an overnight rain. I had a shot from a very saturated area. My ball wasn’t sitting in water, but I raised water with my feet when I initially took my stance, after which it subsided. I figured that didn’t count as temporary water and suspected that mud would fly when I made my stroke. Sure enough, I played the shot and mud splattered everywhere. Does a player really have to see water on the ground for it to be temporary water?
Dear BizBag: Many players relate to your frustration. Firm and dry conditions promote well-executed crisp shots. Mushy and wet conditions require skill to avoid mishit “fat” shots.
Question: How does one measure whether there is temporary water? Answer: With the naked eye.
Muddy, mushy, or saturated ground is not sufficient. Water must be visible on the surface of the ground outside of a penalty area to be temporary water. Momentary water around the player’s feet is not sufficient. When taking one’s stance, “water must remain present before or after stance is taken” (definition of TEMPORARY WATER). That means after holding the stance, not while bouncing or jumping to raise water. At Rules Workshops, the presenters are fond of saying, “It’s the stance, not the dance.” Free relief is available (Rule 16.1) if visible water persists around the player’s feet.
Reflecting an organizational commitment to identify and develop the next generation of people seeking careers in golf, the USGA has selected 24 students to participate in the Pathways Internship Program during the 125th U.S. Open Championship in June.
The 10-day internship will be held on-site at Oakmont (Pa.) Country Club and throughout Greater Pittsburgh. It is a component of the USGA’s championship community engagement strategy, demonstrating the USGA’s work for the good of the game and ensuring a lasting impact in the regions it serves. Supported by foundational sponsor Deloitte*, interns will be exposed to various career pathways in golf through job shadowing, networking with industry leaders, and professional development sessions.
“As Pathways enters its fourth year, we are not letting up on our commitment to provide opportunities for those interested in working in the game,” said Mike Whan, USGA CEO. “The talent in this year’s Pathways class represents a new generation, with a variety of skills and backgrounds that will help shape the future of the game. It’s our responsibility to ensure these emerging leaders recognize the career opportunities that exist for them in golf.”
This year’s program attracted a record-setting 750 applicants internationally, making for a highly competitive selection process. Hailing from 20 universities and representing 21 areas of study, those selected for the program have been identified as emerging talent and potential leaders that the USGA would like to expose to careers in golf.
Among the class are collegiate athletes and First Tee alumni, as well as individuals who have never been exposed to golf. The 2025 class also includes a visually impaired individual who competed in the 2024 U.S. Adaptive Open, and many inspiring individuals who are making an impact both inside and outside their classrooms. Interns are encouraged to embrace their experiences and perspectives when networking, participating in panel discussions, and engaging in scenario-based challenges.
A top sports event, the U.S. Open will provide an invaluable experience for interns looking to kickstart their sports careers. Through immersion into the operations and management, they will gain exposure to a broad range of job functions, including communications, technology, hospitality, ticketing, corporate partnerships, championship administration, course setup, and community engagement.
We are just one month into the Metropolitan Golf Season. As players hit the course to compete, they have started earning Player of the Year points. Each year, we award the Player of the Year to the top golfer for the Men, Women, Senior Men, SIGA Men, and SIGA Senior Men.
Justin
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*For Full Standings Click the Underlined Heading*
Local women’s golf legend Ellen Port just can’t stop competing and won’t stop winning! Port participated in and won the first National Bluegrass Senior Amateur at the Woodford Club in Versailles, KY. She birdied the first play off hole to edge out Amy Ellertson for the win! She had scores of 74-73-70.
Pictured: Port with owner of The Woodford Club, Randy Clay
Black Desert Championship
Haeran Ryu
Mizuho Americas Open
Jeeno Thitikul
MEXICO Riviera Maya Open at Mayakoba Chisato Iwai
CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Scottie Scheffler
Truist Championship
Sepp Straka
ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic
Ryan Fox
PGA Championship
Scottie Scheffler
Charles Schwab Challenge
Ben Griffin
Aramco Korea Championship
Hyo Joo Kim
Dutch Ladies Open
Mimi Rhodes
Jabra Ladies Open
Sara Kouskova
Tulum Championship at PGA Riviera Maya
Bryson Nimmer
AdventHealth Championship
S.H. Kim
Visit Knoxville Open
Pontus Nyholm
Turkish Airlines Open
Martin Couvra
Soudal Open
Kristoffer Reitan
Insperity Invitational
Stewart Cink
Regions Tradition
Ángel Cabrera
Senior PGA Championship
Ángel Cabrera
Challenge de España
Clement Charmasson
Danish Golf Challenge
Jonathan Gøth-Ramussen
G4D Open: Mens
Brendan Lawlor
G4D Open: Womens
Daphne van Houten
FBC ZIM Open
Luis Carrera
Waterfall City Tournament of Champions
Kieran Vincent
Reliance Matrix Championship
Yana Wilson
Carlisle Arizona Women’s Golf Classic
Sophia Popov
Copper Rock Championship
Gina Kim
Diners Club Peru Open
Hunter Wolcott
Bupa Championship
John Marshall Butler
Inter
Rapidisimo Golf Championship
Davis Lamb
LPGA Legends Championship
Cristie Kerr
As we continue to make strides in the renovation of Normandie Golf Club, we want to keep everyone updated on what is happening. Throughout the renovations, we are taking video and picture footage of the work that is being done. Pictures will be uploaded to Flickr and videos will be posted on Youtube periodically. Click Below to see the videos and pictures. Check back often for visual updates!
“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
