14 USGA Events
U.S. Junior Amateur Qualifying Results & National Championship Participants
24 Player of the Year Points
Check the POY Standings after the first month of play
Metropolitan Amateur Golf Association
4 walk away Champions at the
31 Foundation ED
Meet the Metropolitan Golf Foundation Executive
WHAT WE DO:
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
ILLINOIS CHAMPIONSHIPS
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
Halfway! 2025 is half over...we say it every year, but unbelievable how fast the year and golf season flies once we get started! I am writing about May or June...see I lose track of time that fast???
June was a great month, starting with one of our biggest fields ever in the Metropolitan Junior Amateur at Oak Brook Golf Club! Our first visit to the Edwardsville club was fantastic and the Suhre family opened their arms and course to hosting the area’s best juniors for our championship.
The highlight of the month was the 20th Metropolitan Open Championship as we returned to Lake Forest Country Club! Huge thank you to Brian Hogan and Hogan Transportation for supporting the championship as our presenting sponsor this year. Their support allowed us to again provide a $100,000 purse to a very talented field. We had a tremendous finish with a 4-man playoff to decide the title and who would take home the $25,000 first prize. Conner Godsey ultimately prevailed in the playoff, which went 4 holes!
Lake Forest, I cannot thank you enough for embracing the return of the Open! The club support with volunteers, housing several players during the week and out watching these talented players was awesome! And the players are seriously excited to return in 2026 with the completion of the bunker renovation and added length on the horizon. It will make for a wonderful 2026 Open!
Thank you for taking the time to read The Metropolitan, July is another busy month with our Women’s Championship, some USGA Qualifiers and the 35th Metropolitan Amateur Championship kicks off July 31st! Keep in the short grass!
By The Numbers
11
- The number of years between major championships for Rory McIlroy, who completed the career Grand Slam by winning the Masters in April. Many predicted completing the slam would unleash McIlroy to add to his collection of five majors, but the results have been less than spectacular since. McIlroy wasn’t a factor in either the PGA Championship, where he tied for 47th, or the recent U.S.Open, where he tied for 19th. But with the British Open at Royal Portrush in his native Ireland, he expects the letdown to be lifted. ““Look, I climbed my Everest in April, and I think after you do something like that, you’ve got to make your way back down, and you’ve got to look for another mountain to climb,” he said. “An Open at Portrush is certainly one of those.” That said, McIlroy missed the cut at Portrush when it hosted the Open in 2019.
118
- The number of years Westwood Country Club has existed, the site of the 2025 MAGA Amateur Championship on July 31-Aug. 2. The club was founded in 1907 in Glendale but moved to its present location in 1927. Originally designed by Herb Paddock, the golf course has undergone several renovations over the years, and was the site of the 1938 and 1952 Western Opens, as well as the 1939 Women’s Western Open - back when the Western Opens were high profile championships in amateur golf. The Amateur last visited Westwood in 2014 and produced a memorable finish. Teddy Jones shot a 4-under-par 67 to come from six shots back in the final round and win the title.
190
- The number of players on the PGA Tour in 2024 that earned less for the year than what Scottie Scheffler averaged in earnings per tournament. That is, when you dive deep into the $62,228,357 Scheffler made in official on-course earnings from the 2024 PGA Tour season, his average earnings per event he participated in was
$3,275,176.68. To play it out further, Scheffler earned $818,794.11per tournament round, or $12,039.32 per shot in 2024. Nice work if you can get it, ay?
14
- The astounding number of top-5 finishes Skip Berkmeyer has posted in the MAGA Amateur Championship. Berkmeyer won the championship in 2009 at Bellerive Country Club. He also has had five second-place finishes, most recently in 2018. Of course, when you are the MAGA Player of the Year 13 times, you do those kinds of things.
114
- This number represents the longest bogey-free streak in professional golf. The run was achieved by the LPGA’s Jin Young Ko, who accomplished the feat over three tournaments in 2019. In doing so, she surpassed the previous record of 110 holes set by Tiger Woods in 2000.
80
- In keeping with the previous number, this is the record for the most wins in succession on the women’s side. The five-pack was first accomplished by Se Ri Pak in 2001 and was equalled by Nelly Korda in 2024, or 23 years later.
5
- In keeping with the previous number, this is the record for the most wins in succession on the women’s side. The five-pack was first accomplished by Se Ri Pak in 2001 and was equalled by Nelly Korda in 2024, or 23 years later.
The Final Round of the 26th Metropolitan Junior Amateur Championship at Oak Brook Golf Club was a wet one. For much of the day, golfers were faced with rain that would continually come and go, placing an added layer to the fold of the day’s action. Following Round 2, Cole Hendrix led the charge at five-under (-5) par for the boys, while Eva Brown led the girls at eight-over (+8) par. Though both held a decent lead, anything was possible.
Eva Brown of Tapawingo National Golf Club sat comfortably at the top of the girls leaderboard coming into the final day. She had a four stroke lead over Reese Kite. Unfortunately, Kite had to withdraw from the competition due to an injury. This increased Brown’s lead to nine strokes over the competition. Brown started out strong with a birdie on Hole 3 and no bogies until Hole 7. She made the turn even for the day. The back nine did not prove easy, but she was able to finish out strong with a birdie at the 16th followed by two pars. Brown’s score for the day was oneover (+1) par, bringing her 54-hole total to nine-over (+9) par. Miley Kennard of the SIGA eClub moved into second place upon Kite’s withdrawal. Kennard began the day at seventeen-over par. She started the round off well with two birdies in the first three holes and made the turn at even for the day. Kennard lost some steam on the back nine, but was able to hold off the competition to finish as the runner-up at twenty-four-over (+24) par. Brown securely clenched the 26th Metropolitan Girls’ Junior Amateur title by fifteen strokes.
Cole Hendrix of Whitmoor Country Club had a four-shot lead at the start of the round. Ben Gelven of Glen Echo Country Club and Hudson Shy of Bogey Hills Country Club sat behind Hendrix in a tie for second. Hendrix and Gelven both made birdie on the first hole, which would get Hendrix to six-under par and maintain his lead. For much of the front nine, there were some small movements at the top of the leaderboard. Cole Packingham of WingHaven Country Club made what would prove to be an important move by making birdie on Hole 6. This would place Packingham at a total of one-under par. Konnor Kueper of Carlyle Lake Golf Club made a jump by shooting his way to four-under par through six holes, pulling into the race with a total of even par. By the turn, Kueper was back to one-over par total, but not out of it.
As the lead groups were nearing the turn, the heaviest of the day’s rain came pouring down. Gelven and Shy slowly began to drop back, opening the door for
Packingham and Kueper to make their mark with a good back nine. Kueper had rougher back nine, which left him moving in the wrong direction. He did however close out strong with back-to-back birdies on the final holes to finish the week at two-over (+2) par. Hendrix came up the ninth hole with a four shot lead over Packingham. A ball in the water on nine left Hendrix with a double bogey and to make the turn at three-under par. With plenty of golf to play and a two stroke difference at the top, the back nine became a clash of the Coles. Hendrix found a birdie on Hole 11 to increase his lead, but this was soon undone by back-to-back bogies on the next two holes. Suddenly, Hendrix sat at two-under par, and Packingham was on his heels at one-under par.
Packingham held steady on the back nine, and nearly came out with a bogeyfree round. A lip out on the 18th ruined this and left Packingham to finish the day at even par. Packingham showed fight and consistency by completing the week with three consecutive rounds of even (E) par. Hendrix had set himself up for a look at eagle on Hole 17 as Packingham was making his way up the 18th. Unable to convert, Hendrix settled for a birdie, which would once again increase his lead. Hendrix then made his way down the final hole and would close out the competition strong with a par. This brought his total score to three-under (-3) par and three strokes above the competition. Packingham leaves the week as the runner-up for the second year in a row. Showing he is a true competitor with the skills it takes to win, Hendrix secured the title Metropolitan Junior Amateur Champion.
At the conclusion of the championship, Eva Brown walks away with the Barbara A. Berkmeyer trophy, alongside Cole Hendrix who leaves with the James M. Holtgrieve trophy. Both players have been working hard and are glad to see it paying off. Brown stated about her win, “It feels pretty good; taking it shot by shot and seeing the results.” When asked about his win, Hendrix said, “It feels really good to finally see some results ‘cause the work is there, and this is nice.”
The 20th Metropolitan Open Presented by Hogan began three days ago with 133 players representing 25 states and 2 countries outside of the United States. Forty-six golfers made the cut following the second round with scores of even (E) par or better. The final round did not disappoint, with a stacked leaderboard that continued to change as the day went on. Michael Brennan sat on top after both the first and second rounds, and entered the third with the hopes of closing it out. At the beginning of the day, eleven players were within six strokes of the lead, ready to strike. Play began at Lake Forest Country Club at 7:00am with the final pairing teeing off at 10:40am.
Carr Vernon of Poplar Bluff, MO entered the final round in a tie for tenth at five-under par. Giving it his best shot, Vernon carded the lowest round of the week with a score of eight-under (-8) par. Vernon’s bogey-free round catapulted him up the leaderboard and into the lead at thirteen-under (-13) par. Ryan Cole of Glen Allen, VA was just a few groups behind Vernon and made a run for it today. Though he was always just shy of eclipsing his competitors, Cole’s four-under final round pushed him up the board as a threat as the day went on. Cole ended the day tied for fifth at eleven-under (-1) par. Mac McClear of Hinsdale, IL started off sitting just one back of the lead at ten-under. McClear had a strong start with a bogey-free front nine, including three birdies. There were a few missteps on the back nine, but McClear kept it together to add a three-under par round to his total. This had McClear join Vernon at the top of the leaderboard, and the pair to face a potential playoff.
The final pairing of the day saw Michael Brennan of Leesburg, VA and Conner Godsey of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL reach for the finish line. Michael Brennan began the day on top at eleven-under par. Brennan made par on the first six holes of the day before finding a birdie on the seventh. A bogey on the twelfth hole dropped him back to where he began the day. As his competitors began making moves, the pressure rose to dig deep. With two people already in the clubhouse two strokes ahead as he walked on the 18th green, Brennan rolled his putt in for eagle to work his way into the playoff at thirteen-under (-13) par. Conner Godsey sat at ten-under when the day began. Godsey was bogeyfree through fifteen holes with three birdies. The sixteenth hole almost ruined Godsey’s chances when he made a double bogey, but he finished out strong with back-to-back birdies on the last two holes. The birdie putt on 18 placed Godsey back at thirteen-under (-13) par for the week and into the playoff.
Carr Vernon, Mac McClear. Michael Brennan, and Conner Godsey ended the third round tied at the top of the leaderboard at thirteen-under (-13) par, forcing a playoff to determine a champion. The playoff was a three hole aggregate, where the player with the lowest score after the three holes would win. Holes 16, 17, and 18 were chosen for this. On the sixteenth hole and the first of three playoff holes, Brennan, Vernon, and McClear all made par. Godsey, pushing aside and flipping the script from earlier, rolled a long putt in for birdie to turn the heat on for his competitors. Then, the drivable 17th opened the door for more action. All four players went for the green, but only Vernon’s ball landed and held on. Vernon narrowly missed his putt and settled for a birdie. McClear hit from just off the green and followed it up by making his putt for birdie. Brennan and Godsey made par.
Entering the final aggregate playoff hole, Godsey, McClear and Vernon were all one-under. The four made their way up the 18th. Tensions were high as they walked onto the green, each knowing what was on the line. Vernon, McClear, and Godsey all made par. Brennan had a putt for eagle that was left just short and left him with a tap-in for birdie. All players were one-under at the conclusion of the aggregate playoff and were now faced with a sudden death playoff. They returned to the 18th tee to play it again and see who could close it out. Godsey watched as his competitors missed their chances at birdie. He then stepped up to his ball and rolled it in for birdie to claim the title after 58 holes of golf.
36 amateurs joined the field this year to see if they could hang with the pros. Only two survived the cut. Corey Choate of Eureka, MO started the day at one-under par. A tough third round, left Choate to finish at one-over (+1) par. Ryan Sullivan of Imperial, MO began the day at even par after submitting two rounds of 72. Sullivan fought for it today, as he experienced highs and lows. He endured bogeys, a double bogey, pars, birdies, and an eagle today for a full golf day’s work. Sullivan pulled out his first round under par of the week to finish at one-under (-1) par and take home the Low Amateur honors.
After three long days of highly competitive golf, Conner Godsey is the 20th Metropolitan Open Presented by Hogan Champion. Carr Vernon, Mac McClear, and Michael Brennan finish as co-runner-ups and Ryan Sullivan is the Low Amateur.
Full Results
101st SIGACHAMPIONSHIP
The Final Round of the 101st SIGA Championship at Franklin County Country Club is officially complete. The day saw cloudy skies and play was suspended for an hour beginning at 2:00pm due to severe weather in the area. Following the first round, Carsen Hagler led the juniors, Isa Flores led the women, Tom Portner and Buddy Allen led the seniors, and River Stilley led the men.
The junior division went off first. Carsen Hagler of the SIGA eClub entered the last hole with a one-shot lead. Hagler made par and finished the championship at nine-over (+9) par. Zayn Knight of the USGA/MetAmateur GC was just one shot behind going into the final hole and made birdie to tie Hagler at the top at nine-over (+9) par. The pair then entered a playoff. Through the first hole and second hole, Hagler and Knight remained tied. They made their way down the third playoff hole, and Knight holed his chip shot to win. Zayn Knight walks away as the SIGA Junior Champion, leaving Carsen Hagler as runner-up.
The women’s division was next. Isa Flores of Old Hickory Golf Club entered the final round with a nice lead. Flores had an up and down round, but was able to maintain her lead. Carding a round of four-over (+4) par, Flores leaves for the second year in a row as the SIGA Women’s Champion. Frankie Nicholes of the USGA/MetAmateur GC finished the championship as runner-up with a total of ten-over (+10) par.
In the senior division, Tom Porter of Green Hills Golf Club and Buddy Allen of Sugar Creek Golf Course started out tied. A tough back nine for Portner knocked him down the board some. Allen was comfortable on top until a double bogey on the 18th pulled his score back to four-over (+4) par. Brain Hall of Persimmon Woods Golf Club had a better day today by shooting even par on the day. Hall would meet Allen at the top at four-over (+4) par. Allen and Hall then set off for a playoff. They began the playoff, but had to halt their competition when play was suspended due to lightning in the area. After the delay, they resumed the playoff, where Allen would come out triumphant on the 5th hole.
The men wrapped up the competition. River Stilley of the SIGA eClub began the day with a one stroke lead over Bryce Doughty of Benton Country Club. Throughout the day, the name on top continued to change. Aiden McFadden of the SIGA eClub had a moment on top after an eagle on Hole 10, but fell back down. A clutch birdie on 18 had McFadden finish at one-under (-1) par. Drew Wielgus of the Metropolitan eClub shot even par today to finish the championship at one-under (-1) par, which put him in the running. In the final few holes, it came down to Stilley and Doughty. Back to back bogeys on 16 and 17, dropped Stilley back two strokes behind Doughty. Stilley ends the championship at one-under (-1) par. As for Doughty, he made birdie on Holes 15 and 17 to jump ahead to three-under par. A rough final hole bumped Doughty back two strokes to finish at one-under (-1) par.
Drew Wielgus, River Stilley, Aiden McFadden, and Bryce Doughty all end the day at one-under (-1) par, tied at the top and forcing a playoff. The four went back to play Hole 18 again. As things progressed down the hole, the result was left to the final putt. Stilley sunk his putt for par after the rest settled for bogey, making him the 101st SIGA Champion.
Half way through the Amateur Series 2025! Players have gone from rainy days in the first event of the year to blazing hot in the third event at Spencer T. Olin. There are three chances left for players to earn points to get into the Series Championship.
Amateur Series Standings
Wofford
Wooters
Blandina
U.S. Junior Amateur Qualifier
The U.S. Junior Amateur and U.S. Girls’ Junior Amateur Qualifiers have been completed at Crescent Farms Golf Club. The day started with light showers, but then turned into a beautiful afternoon. Competition was hot for both the boys and girls as they tried to earn a place in a USGA Championship. One girl and three boys spots were up for grabs.
The U.S. Girls’ Junior Amateur Qualifying happened first. Keeping the scores close, many of the girls set themselves up for a shot claiming the ticket to the championship. Xingtong Chen of Singapore kept her game steady. With three bogeys and three birdies to offset, Chen finished the day at even (E) par. There were five groups behind her, so Chen had to wait to see if her clubhouse lead score would hold out. Luckily, this was enough for Chen to earn Medalist honors and claim her ticket to the U.S. Girls’ Junior Amateur. Just one shot back, Xiaowen Lisa Zhang of St. Louis, MO and Eva Brown of St. Louis, MO sat tied at one-over (+1) par. The pair had to go into a playoff to determine who gets the first alternate place and the second alternate place. By the end of the playoff, Brown had claimed the first alternate position, leaving Zhang as the second alternate.
The boys took to the course hoping to be holding a ticket to the U.S. Junior Amateur at the end of the day. From the start, it was clear this would be some stiff competition as we watched the leaderboard quickly stack up. Samuel Ottwell of Alton, IL flew to the top on the back nine. Making the turn at one-under par, Ottwell carded an eagle on Hole 11 and coupled it with two more birdies on holes 14 and 17. Ottwell soared to the top of the leaderboard and securely earned his place in the U.S. Junior Amateur as the qualifying Medalist with a
came into the clubhouse with the second lowest round of the day. A bogey-free back nine and two birdies put Homsey at two-under (-2) par. There were a few people who had gotten to two-under during their round, but were unable to hold on. This allowed Homsey to claim the second qualifying spot.
One-under par was a popular position today as numerous players reached that score at some point in their round. Four golfers finished their day here: Harper Ackermann of Webster Groves, MO, Cole Packingham Lake St. Louis, MO, Dawson Schneiders Jefferson City, MO, and Beau Eftink of Quincy, IL. With only one qualifying spot left, the four set off into a playoff starting on Hole 18, followed by 10 if not completed, and then circling back if needed. Dawson Schneiders lost out on the first playoff hole, narrowing the competition down to three. They made their way down Hole 10 and soon we were looking at putts for par. Eftink and Packingham both skirted their putts by, leaving Ackermann to make a move. Ackermann faced a harrowing two-foot putt and was able to seal the deal by sinking the putt for par. Ackermann walked away with the final qualifying spot. Packingham and Eftink then had to play 18 one more time to decide the alternates. With a solid final hole Packingham took the first alternate position and Eftink settled as the second alternate.
five-under (-5)
Homsey of Park,
Xingtong Chen of Singapore will play in the U.S. Girls’ Junior Amateur at Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek, GA on July 14-19. Eva Brown waits in the wings as the first alternate followed by Xiaowen Lisa Zhang as second alternate. Samuel Ottwell of Alton, IL, Hank Homsey of Overland Park, KS, and Harper Ackermann of Webster Groves, MO will make their way to Trinity Forest Golf Club in Dallas, TX to compete July 21-26 in the U.S. Junior Amateur.
Cole Packingham waits as the first alternate with Beau Eftink following suit as second alternate.
x The Bogeyman
Dynamically,
the U.S. Open always has been a war between two worlds.
Found a Way and Prevailed
The United States Golf Association aspires to identify the best player in the world, at least for that week. It intends to protect the integrity of par. It means to challenge players in every way, both physically and mentally. And it makes no apologies for that philosophy. They are virtuous, honorable goals.
“It just puts so much pressure on every single part of your game constantly, whether it’s off the tee, whether it’s putting green, whether it’s around the greens or it’s the iron shots into the green,” Thomas Detry said recently.
The other side of the coin takes entertainment into consideration, an important ingredient of the professional game. It suggests freight-paying fans don’t necessarily enjoy watching the best professionals in the world clunk it around like co-workers at an office scramble. That thought also seems valid, for galleries and television audiences if not competitors.
Over the years, the USGA has straddled these worlds well. It has made concessions to today’s longer game, made fairways a bit wider, made rough a tad more merciful and emphasized creativity around the greens over severity forfeiture.
Toss in a stout U.S. Open treatment and you have a lurking monster, brandishing fast and pitched greens, thick and gnarly rough and treacherous bunkers.
Oakmont is a place where par feels safe and secure. In the hands of the USGA, it doesn’t need any help when it comes to pushing every fiber of a player’s soul. But earlier this month, U.S. Open Sunday, it got it anyway.
As crunch time was arriving on Sunday, as the contenders were making the final-round turn, Western Pennsylvania was soaked with a heavy rainstorm. The brutal test at Oakmont suddenly took on a water-logged character.
not control the weather. And once the weather influences the proceedings and changes the profile, postponements or suspensions are on the table. And things become complicated.
There are factors like television contracts and schedules, player schedules, fans and parking situations, transportation contracts, club considerations … a lot of things to juggle as you consider the proper course of action. And the USGA, for all the cold capital letters, is an association of human beings. One of them, maybe a few of them, must weigh all the factors and decide how to proceed.
Fallibility is part of the deal, but you live with the consequences. Calling the signals after the fact is an easy way to quarterback.
The set-up at Oakmont Country Club last month was a nod to the penal past. A large part of that posture had to do with the golf course. Oakmont has a well-earned reputation as a bully, a difficult playing field that - under everyday conditions - beats down even the best challengers. This time around, it didn’t disappoint.
Players who were atop the leaderboard - like Sam Burns and Adam Scott - tumbled down. Others found a way to adapt and ascended. In the end, J.J. Spaun, who had a 5-over-par 40 on the front side - before the rain - closed with a 3-under 32 rush. Spaun birdied both 17 and 18 coming home, the latter with a 65-foot mic drop, and won the U.S. Open by two strokes.
There was the usual moaning and groaning in some corners, as individual players and fans alike suggested the conditions had become unfair.
Understandable. Until that Sunday, no one had ever heard of Spaun, whose victory was his first major championship and only his second PGA Tour win. On the contrary, everybody has heard of Scott, who was gunning for his second major and first since winning the 2013 Masters. A U.S. Open title for Scott, at the age of 44, would have been quite the story. Fans love a good story - that’s entertainment.
But in the end, the U.S. Open at Oakmont was memorable, which every edition should hope to be. In the end, the 2025 national championship had a signature momentSpaun’s bomb on the 72nd green - which every major worth its salt can claim.
And in the end, the question of “fair” kind of goes straight to the point. The USGA designs the test to be difficult, as mentioned, with no apologies. That said, the USGA does
Fair? When has golf ever been “fair.” I doubt anyone who has teed it up could provide an example. And for that matter, when has life ever been fair? As someone once said, “Life is unfair, but that’s no reason to give up on it.”
Spaun didn’t give up on it. He found a way and prevailed. That’s kind of what the U.S. Open is all about.
Why Fitness Matters in Golf?
Golf may not appear physically demanding at first glance, but peak performance on the course demands flexibility, strength, endurance, and balance. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a competitive amateur, golf fitness enhances your swing mechanics, reduces injury risk, and boosts consistency.
Key Benefits of
Golf Fitness:
• Improved Swing Efficiency: A strong core and flexible hips enable a more powerful, repeatable swing.
• Better Balance and Stability: Helps maintain posture and form through the entire motion.
• Reduced Injury Risk: Conditioning the muscles used in golf—especially the lower back, shoulders, and wrists prevents overuse injuries.
• Increased Endurance: Playing 18 holes often takes 4+ hours; stamina ensures focus and energy until the final putt.
For Golf Fitness Exercises and Health
Tips, follow us on our socials as we just reached over 16,000 followers across our platforms!
Essential Fitness Components for Golfers
1. Core Strength
• Example: Tiger Woods’ fitness regimen heavily emphasizes core training. A strong core stabilizes the spine during the swing.
• Exercise: Isometric planks, deadbugs, leg raises
2. Mobility and Flexibility
• Example: Phil Mickelson’s longevity is credited in part to his daily stretching routine.
• Exercise: Dynamic stretches, yoga, T-spine rotation drills.
3. Lower Body Power
• Example: Rory McIlroy generates power through his legs and hips for his explosive drive.
• Exercise: Squats, lunges, box jumps.
4. Cardiovascular Conditioning
• Walking the course (especially with a bag) requires aerobic endurance.
• Exercise: Brisk walking, cycling, interval training.
Youtube Instagram
Dr. Zach Cutler, DC Owner of Golf and Training Institute; Sports Chiropractor; Titleist Performance Institute Specialist
Sup’s On:
Mike Leech
MVGCSAA
Wee One STL: A Tradition Begins
not want to pass up on the chance to take part in such a meaningful event.
In the Spring of 2024 former MVGCA Director of Operations, Chuck Gast stated his mission clearly. It was time to give back to the Wee One Foundation in a more meaningful way. Several Valley members had received generous gifts from the Wee One and it was time that we answer the call. Chuck recruited his longtime friend, Rich Carlson of Greens Pro and a committee was formed to host the inaugural Wee One StL Golf Tournament. Through connections with Roger Null, Boone Valley quickly committed to be our host and the ball started rolling.
As some readers might know from personal experience, getting a charity golf outing started from scratch can be a daunting task. Chuck and the committee were dedicated to making the Wee One StL one of the area’s premier charity outings. From the start the goal was to create a charity outing with a country club experience and on a misty May 12th that goal was achieved. The 116 player field flew around the golf course in just over four hours to give us time for our four team, closest to the pin shootout. The team of Gus Gast, Mark Lierman, Bart Bouchien, and Danny Stevens took home the title with a dart into the 18th green by Mark Lierman. Following the shootout everyone was a winner when they were entertained by a decidedly candid fireside chat with Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith and Frank Cusomano.
All told the Wee One StL was a great success and set the bar for future Wee One events around the country. The nine man committee accomplished what they set out to do and exceeded their donation goal by more than they could have imagined. 2026 Planning has already begun so save the date of Monday, May 18th, as you will
Learn more about the Wee One Foundation here
Thank you to the Wee One StL Committee
Co-Chairmen:
Chuck Gast
Rich Carlson
Committee Members:
Rob Kick, St. Louis Country Club
Dave Klinkhammer, Greenbriar Hills Country Club (retired)
Tim Roethler, Old Warson Country Club
Chad Carpenter, Forest Park Golf Course
John Briggs, SiteOne Golf
Mike Leech, Mississippi Valley Golf Course Superintendents
Mike Carron, Meadowbrook Country Club
Rules Center
Distance Measuring Devices Slippery Slope
At the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, the PGA Tour allowed players to use rangefinders - or distance measuring devices - during play of the championship. This is part of the tour’s experimental trial to see if the use of rangefinders will help or hinder play at their championships. During this test run, players are only permitted to use the distance function and nothing else, i.e. the slope/gradient function. Prohibition of the slope function is common practice in competitive golf championships.
Davis Riley was in the field for this event and was taking advantage of this rangefinder allowance. When finishing the second round that had been delayed for weather, Riley pulled out his rangefinder, held it up to his eye, and began to shoot the distance on the 17th hole. Upon looking through the viewfinder, Riley saw a second number - apart from the distance - appear on the screen. He instantly realized the slope function had turned on. He assumed he had accidentally hit something when pulling it out of the bag to use. After finishing the hole, he sought out a Rules Official to discuss the circumstance. Riley was inevitably issued a two-stroke penalty for the usage of slope, resulting in double bogey on the card for that hole.
Riley’s honesty is commendable. Since the slope was turned on by mistake, he was only issued a twostroke penalty, however a second breach would have resulted in a disqualification. Riley stated after the round “It’s a gentleman’s game. When you start out with that, that’s the integrity of the game, knowing guys are going to keep that there.”
As many of us are thinking or have thought about, Riley expressed concern over what could happen in the future regarding the rangefinders. Like many aspects of the game there is the level of integrity and honesty. Relying on players to speak up and inform one another of this type of mistake. There is also the matter of accidentally hitting the button that turns the slope on when they are coming down the stretch. That could make or break a championship result. So, of course players have concern about the penalty for this action.
In most amateur events, rangefinders are allowed, minus the slope function. How do you know when you are not allowed to use them? Check the terms of the competition and notice to players! And when in doubt, ask the Rules Officials or person in charge. It’s better to ask and be prepared than not ask and serve the consequences.
John explains more on Distance Measuring Devices, the history, and competition use -->
Dear John: Many new range finders come with a gradient (slope) measurement function. They work great for shots from elevated tees and for shots to elevated greens. Are they legal in competitions?
--ParSighted
Dear ParSighted: Yet another instance of technology impacting the game of golf. After many years, the Rules of Golf now permit by default the use of electronic distance-measuring devices (DMDs). However, Rule 4.3a (1) provides that the gradient function must be turned off during competitions (i.e., distance measurement only).
DMDs are permitted in some but not all professional events and in some but not all USGA and R&A championships. When not allowed, Model Local Rule G-S is in effect prohibiting the use of DMDs. The PGA Tour, Korn Ferry Tour, and PGA Champions Tour 2024 hard cards allow DMDs in practice rounds and qualifiers but not during tournaments. [PGA Tour began testing the use of DMD in select few events in 2025] The LPGA Tour and Ladies European Tour have allowed DMDs since 2021. The USGA and R&A allow DMDs in qualifiers and amateur championships, but not in their open championships. The Masters tournament does not allow DMDs. The PGA of America has allowed DMDs in its championships since 2021 to improve pace of play. LIV Golf approved the use of DMDs in 2022.
The timeline below shows how electronic distance-measuring devices have been phased into the Rules: Pre-2006: The use of any kind of DMD is prohibited, period. The penalty is disqualification.
2006: Decision 14-3/0.5 permits use of DMDs that measure distance only (no wind or gradient capability allowed) - but via a Local Rule. Otherwise, the penalty remains disqualification.
2008: A note added to Rule 14-3 permits DMDs that measure distance only - via a Local Rule. Decision 14-3/0.5 says DMD’s equipped with wind or gradient functions are prohibited even if those functions are turned off. The penalty remains disqualification.
2016: DMDs that measure distance only are still permitted -- via a Local Rule. Decision 14-3/0.5 is further modified such that DMD’s equipped with wind or gradient capability may be used if these functions are turned off. Penalty changed to loss of hole in match play and two strokes in stroke play for first offense, and disqualification for a second offense of Rule 14-3.
2019: DMDs (distance measurement only) are finally permitted by default (Rule 4.3a (1)) unless prohibited via Local Rule G-5. DMDs equipped with wind or gradient capability may be used, but only if these functions are turned of. The penalty remains loss of hole in match play and two strokes in stroke play for the first breach, and disqualification for a second breach of Rule 4.3, separated from the first breach by an intervening event (player makes a stroke or player becomes aware of a breach of a Rule).
Note that a player may use the gradient function of a DMD when play is suspended. For example, after the horn sounds for an immediate suspension of play, the player may, without penalty, measure the distance to the flagstick using the gradient function. This is not during the round.
Player of the Year Standings
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.
Ryan Sullivan
Chad Niezing
Sam Migdal
Justin Bryant
Corey Choate
Harper Ackermann
Skip Berkmeyer
Blake Skornia
Joe Migdal
Bubba Chapman
Tony Gumper
Buddy
Buddy Allen
Brian Hall
Tom Portner
Mike O’Neill
Doug Hardacre
Jeff Green
To see which events are eligible for points, click here. SIGA Senior POY
U.S. Women’s Open presented by Ally
Maja Stark
ShopRite LPGA Classic presented by Ace
Jennifer Kupcho
Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give
Carlota Ciganda
KPMG Women’s PGA Championship
Minjee Lee
Dow Championship
Somi Lee & Jin Hee Im
Tenerife Women’s Open
Sara Kouskova
Hulencourt Women’s Open
Darcey Harry
Tipsport Czech Ladies Open
Casandra Alexander
Amundi German Masters
Shannon Tan
World of Golf
The Memorial Tournament
Scottie Scheffler
RBC Canadian Open
Ryan Fox
U.S. Open
J.J. Spaun
Travelers Championship
Keegan Bradley
Rocket Classic
Aldrich Potgieter
UNC Health Championship
Trace Crowe
BMW Charity Pro-Am
Austin Smotherman
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Wichita Open
Myles Creighton
Memorial Health Championship
Austin Smotherman
FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship
Samantha Wagner
Great Lakes Championship at the Highlands
Riley Smyth
Island Resort Championship
Melanie Green
Otter
Creek Championship
Jillian Hollis
Austrian Alpine Open
Nicolai Von Dellingshausen
KLM Open
Connor Syme
Italian Open
Adrien Saddier
Principal Charity Classic
Miguel Angel Jimenez
American Family Insurance Championship
Thomas Bjørn & Darren Clarke
Kaulig Companies Championship
Miguel Angel Jimenez
U.S. Senior Open Championship
Padraig Harrington
Challenge de Cadiz
Rocco Repetto Taylor
Swiss Challenge
Felix Mory
Raiffeisenbank Golf Challenge
Palmer Jackson
Blot Play9
James Morrison
Le Vaudreuil Golf Challenge
David Horsey
LIV Golf Virginia
Joaquin Niemann
LIV Golf Dallas
Patrick Reed
The Mopani Zambia Open
Samuel Simpson
Woodford Legends Invitational
Catriona Matthew & Becky Morgan
LPGA Legends Weekend
Maria McBride
Keeping Up with the USGA
Bob Jones Award
The USGA will present its highest honor, the Bob Jones Award, to Mike Keiser during U.S. Open Championship week in Pittsburgh this June. Presented annually since 1955, the award recognizes those who personify the character, sportsmanship and respect for the game as its champion namesake.
“What inspires us about Mike is his love for what is pure and good about the game, his investment in golf that’s open to the public, his drive to promote recreational golf and the joy he feels when he plays – and those strong connections have never wavered,” said Mike Whan, CEO of the USGA, who made the announcement at the USGA’s Annual Meeting at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club this weekend. “We’re grateful for the example he’s set, which pushes the entire industry to think bigger.”
A native of East Aurora, N.Y., Keiser started playing the game at age 9 and served as a caddie through most of his school years. His love for golf grew as a member of the Amherst (Mass.) College golf team and continued through both his service in the U.S. Navy and early career as the founder of Recycled Paper Greetings, an eco-friendly card company.
That passion for playing the game, both in the U.S. and abroad, led to a second career in golf course development, focused on preserving and honoring the natural landscapes that his courses occupy. His first project was The Dunes Club, a nine-hole layout in Michigan that he built to save its pristine lakefront property from condominium and townhouse development in the mid-1980s.
Later, he would build and open Bandon Dunes on the Oregon Coast, expanding that signature property into a worldrenowned destination resort with seven distinct courses. Other golf properties in Wisconsin, Canada, the Caribbean and Australia followed.
Keiser’s indelible mark on the American golf landscape changed the trajectory of modern course design and travel, driven by his love of links golf and a minimalist approach shaped by land, dunes and sea. An innovator, visionary, conservationist and philanthropist, he has channeled his love for golf into a legacy designed for the recreational golfer, intended to inspire and spark new ways of drawing people to the game.
“There’s a need for great but accessible courses,” said Keiser, who partners with golf architects who bring his philosophy to life through golf experiences that are walkable, natural and open. “If you build something pretty special, you want the public to play it.”
Driven by his father’s love of the outdoors and a commitment to leaving it better than he found it, Keiser continues to support organizations dedicated to the southern coast of Oregon. Net proceeds from Bandon Dunes’ short courses are donated to environmental and community programs.
He also created the Judgie Lytle Scholarship for scholar athletes at his high school alma mater, the Nichols School in Buffalo, N.Y., in honor of a close friend and teammate, and is a proud supporter of the Evans Scholars Foundation, which helps high school-age caddies who can earn college scholarships.
Among many accolades, in 2024 Keiser received the Golf Writers Association of America’s William D. Richardson Award, which recognizes an individual who has consistently made an outstanding contribution to golf. He was inducted into the Western Golf Association Caddie Hall of Fame in 2014 and the Greater Buffalo (N.Y.) Sports Hall of Fame in 2017.
Recipients of the USGA’s Bob Jones Award include Francis Ouimet, Margaret Curtis, Richard Tufts, George H.W. Bush, Jack Nicklaus, Annika Sorenstam and Lee Elder. Tiger Woods was the 2024 honoree.
The USGA will honor Keiser on June 10, 2025, in Pittsburgh, Pa., as part of the festivities surrounding the 125th U.S. Open Championship, which will be conducted at Oakmont (Pa.) Country Club from June 9-15.
Up Next for the Metro Deadlines
July
Schedule
Meet the Metropolitan golf Foundation Executive Director
The Metropolitan Golf Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Metropolitan Amateur Golf Association, is thrilled to welcome Walker Hill as its new Executive Director. In this role, Walker will lead the fundraising and programming efforts of the Metropolitan Golf Foundation. He will be dedicated to furthering the core principles of the foundation with focus on the completion of Normandie Reimagined and the future of junior golf programs in the Metropolitan region.
A native of St. Louis—specifically Webster Groves—Walker graduated from Westminster Christian Academy in 1998. His golf journey started on public courses all over St. Louis, leading him to Carson-Newman University on an athletic scholarship, and then to a 14-year career with the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA), where he served as Vice President of Operations and Vice President of Development.
In 2017, Walker returned to St. Louis, dedicating his efforts to underserved communities through leadership roles at Sunshine Ministries and most recently Good Shepherd Children & Family Services. With a passion for golf and a heart for community service, Walker is excited to lead Normandie Reimagined into its next chapter. Walker and his wife Katie have six children and currently reside in Columbia, IL.
Walker looks forward to connecting with the golf community in the area and the difference we can make together through the Metropolitan Golf Foundation. With sights set on the future and the continual growth of the game for generations to come, Walker is ready to lead the Metropolitan Golf Foundation forward.
To contact Walker about the Metropolitan Golf Foundation, its initiatives, and how you can contribute, send an email to walker@metga.org.
The Metropolitan Golf Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, set to promote junior golf and the accessibility of the game for youth in the Metropolitan region. Support is provided to youth focused golf programming throughout the area. At this time, the Metropolitan Golf Foundation leads the Normandie Reimagined project, which will lead to opportunities for youth of the community to get involved in the game at Normandie Golf Club in North St. Louis.
About Normandie Reimagined: The Metropolitan Golf Foundation (MGF), in connection with Beyond Housing, leads the restoration of the Normandie Golf Course into a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, under the personal guidance of Jack Nicklaus and Nicklaus Design. The purpose of this effort is not just about saving a historic golf course, but the retaining and reenergizing of a community asset in North St. Louis County. Moreover, simultaneously and collaboratively, we will be providing service opportunities, jobs, education, and community initiatives… hence the goal to “REIMAGINE” the course, the club, and the region. Normandie Reimagined will be a beacon for progress and
experience, and employment!
Keep Up with Normandie
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 on his involvement in Normandie Reimagined
