The Mountain State of Golf
Volume 3, Issue 1, 2023

The West Virginia Golf Association (WVGA) is in a state of transition. The departure of Brad Ullman, the consummate organizer and the one who was dedicated to every detail essential to making the WVGA one of the best state golf associations in America, leaves a large void that must be filled. This is not an easy task. The WVGA Executive Committee has embarked on a process that hopefully leads to identification of a candidate to replace Brad. Given the depth and diversity of the talents Brad developed over his tenure with the WVGA in multiple roles and given those people in his career that helped him model his leadership style, beginning as a young man working for Larry Martin, somewhat the Godfather of junior golf in WV, Brad took the best from others and created his own comprehensive style of leadership and management.
Nevertheless, that is behind us. The Executive Committee has a fiduciary duty to the WVGA membership to seek out and employ the best possible person we can identify and who is willing to take on the substantial task of assuming the position of our Executive Director. To do that, a search and transition management committee consisting of myself, Vice President Tim McNeely, Secretary David McCormick and Treasurer Andrew Jordon, along with immediate past president Ed McCall, set upon the task of posting the job opening announcement with numerous golf industry outlets nationwide and even with international reach.
The timing of Brad’s departure, just after the first of the year, likely
led to a less than a robust number of applicants. It has been concluded that the season for persons interested in state golf association jobs to be looking for new horizons typically do so following the golf season in the November time frame. Regardless, we did get applications, and more than one, that can fulfill most of what the search and transition committee is looking for in an Executive Director. The committee will be making a recommendation to the WVGA Executive Committee in the near future.
Moreover, the time spent by the committee, which has been quite substantial, has been productive in more ways than one. It has given the WVGA officers a meaningful interlude within which to evaluate the organizational structure of the organization in terms of job functions and who does what among the staff. It also has opened discussions of how to maximize the relative talents of each for the ultimate success of the future of the organization and filling the void left by Brad Ullman’s departure.
Finally, it has given the current WVGA officers time to assess where the organization is at this time, ponder what can be done to enhance our value to the membership we now serve and what we can recommend to the WVGA Executive Committee for consideration of what we can do to grow our membership and enhance the services the WVGA can provide to our members. For now it is up to the leadership of the WVGA to marshal its collective wisdom, make a decision on the future of the organization, while committing the resources and energy it takes to succeed in maintaining the high level of proficiency with which services are delivered to the golfing community in our state.
The cool breeze, morning dew and ‘kushhhhh’ of that first cold beverage on the first tee. Golf enthusiasts know this setting all too well and yearn for it all winter. Long before you set out on the first 18 holes of the season, there are a few things you can do to prevent season-ending injuries.
We’ll start at the foot first. Common injuries, especially for walkers, include plantar fasciitis and metatarsalgia. Both injuries can be difficult to recover from mid-round and many may stop all together. Plantar fasciitis is a painful heel pain that can develop into a chronic issue if not treated early. It commonly presents as a stab-
bing pain in the bottom of the foot that can radiate into the forefoot or even toes. New shoes can be a culprit that causes initial irritation and continues to worsen symptoms if unchanged. It usually presents with a change in activity or shoe wear, and both are typical in early season golfers. NSAIDs can help to decrease inflammation but typically a stretching routine and PT can help eliminate it. The stair stretch is a very effective and inexpensive way for patients to treat PF. You would first start by hanging your heel off the end of a stair and using your body weight to initiate a calf stretch. This needs to be held for at least 5-minute intervals and repeat 3-4 times a day. Metatarsalgia is also related to tight calf muscles and can overload the metatarsal heads causing pain. Typically it is a dull achy pain at the metatarsal heads that are worse when walking barefoot. More immediate treatment can include padded orthotics, a hapad or shoe adjustment.
Moving on to the hindfoot, we have more Achilles issues. This is the popular “pump bump.” This is mostly an increase in osteophyte formation at the Achilles insertion. Many times it is a chronic issue that can get inflamed, again, brought on by an increase in activity. It can also be irritated by shoes that tend to rub more on the hindfoot. Eccentric strengthening of the calf muscles is the proven conservative treatment. If you are prone to this during the season, strengthening early prior to season start will potentially prevent any inflammation. NSAIDs or potentially a short course of steroids could help to decrease acute inflammation.
Working our way up the body, the ankle is next. Ankle instability and ankle arthritis are the more commonly aggravated issues in the early golf season. Many people remember Tony Finau’s celebration of a hole-in-one on the Master’s par 3 contest. He successfully accomplished a hole-in-one and proceeded to run
down the course to the hole, when one emphatic jump caused him to visibly dislocate his ankle. He abruptly maneuvered it back into place on live TV. This is a common issue among weekend athletes. It is not a severe issue for day-today activities but can lead to catastrophic events if left untreated. Severe repeat ankle sprains are the highest risk factor. Inability to traverse sloped grounds can be uncomfortable or not even possible. Treating with an ankle brace is a quick and easy treatment but surgery may be needed in the long run. Ankle arthritis is also common since golf can be enjoyed into your 80’s and 90’s. This is a general wear and tear of the ankle and can commonly be treated with NSAIDs, or injected steroids.
Knee injuries are rare in golf but can be a factor if improper shoe wear is worn. Golf shoes are specifically made for gripping and allowing the player to have a firm foundation. Twisting your knee is a risk in the morning dew grass which is extremely slippery in flat shoes. Injuries can include ACL, LCL or MCL. PCL injuries are less likely in golf. IT band syndrome is another overuse injury for excessive walking or activity not commonly undertaken. Pain usually is located to the outside of the knee. IT band stretching is an excellent way to prevent or even treat. Occasionally formal PT is needed to completely resolve it. Patellar tendonitis is similar in cause but is mostly located at the patellar insertion. Some patients may have suffered from “Osgood Schlatter” disease growing up. Strengthening patellar tendon insertion can be performed to prevent and treat this. NSAIDs are also very well tolerated.
Core and back injuries are more common than hip injuries. Any musculature within the core can be subject to many newtons of force during an aggressive drive. Warming up appropriately is key to preventing any and all muscle strains/ pulls. Many drills can be found to acclimatize yourself on the day prior to the round. Remember, smooth and repetitive motion is better than fast and jerky. Many portable or single use heat pads can be used on the course during the round. Deep tissue massage or a consistent stretching regimen is helpful in preventing core and back issues.
Hand and arm injuries can start with common racket sports injuries. Hook of hamate fracture occurs when a racket is abruptly stopped by a hard object, in this case the club head hitting the ground or creating a large divot. Symptoms are immediately after club contacts the ground. It is a sharp pain associated potentially by a zinging or burning pain in the hand. Diagnosis needs to be made with a hand x-ray or more specifically a carpal tunnel view. Unfortunately this isn’t something you can logically prevent but is helpful to know the symptoms and mechanism.
Shoulder injuries pertain to decreased flexibility in the shoulder gurdle. This can set the golfer up for impingement syndrome or chronic rotator cuff tears. Every golfer’s swing is unique and therefore shoulder injuries can be a direct result of the golfer’s natural swing. Either way a strong shoulder gurdle with appropriate ROM and flexibility is a great way to improve your golf game and prevent injuries.
Golf is already a very difficult sport that is simultaneously aggravating and enjoyable. Take the time to keep your body golf-ready during the off-season. Prevention is the key to many rounds of golf.
Events shown in red are sold out
April 3-4 West Virginia Tri-State PGA Classic
April 15-16 Two Man Scramble Championship
April 15-16 Ladies Scramble Championship
April 29 Junior Match Play Qualifier
May 1-3 Mid Amateur Championship
May 3 104th WV Amateur Qualifier
May
May
May
May
May 15 104th WV Amateur Qualifier
May
May
May 22-24
May
May
June 10-11 Four Ball Championship
June 26-27 Junior Amateur Championship
June 26-27
July
July
July 9-11
July
July
July 17
July
July 20 Women’s Intra State Matches
July 22-23 Parent Child Championship
July 26-28 90th WV Open Championship
July 31 - August 1 Women’s Senior Amateur
August 26-27 Mixed Format Championship
September 8-10 Four Ball Match Play Championship
September 18-19 Senior Four Ball Championship
October 8 Club Team Championship
Springs (Woodhaven)
Resort at Glade Springs-Cobb
DATE EVENT LOCATION
April 24 US Open Qualifying Parkersburg Country Club
June 29 US Amateur Qualifying Edgewood Country Club
July 19 US Senior Amateur Qualifying Bridgeport Country Club
August 16 US Mid Amateur Qualifying Locust Hill
August 30 US Amateur Four Ball Qualifying The Pines Country Club
DATE EVENT LOCATION
April 10 WV Senior Series Resort at Glade Springs (Cobb)
April 19 WV Senior Series The Pines Country Club
April 27 WV Senior Series Woodhaven
May 8 WV Senior Series Sistersville Country Club
May 9 WV Senior Series Wheeling Country Club
May 10 WV Senior Series Oglebay Resort - Palmer Course (9 A.M.)
May 18 WV Senior Series Little Creek Golf Course
June 5 WV Senior Series Sleepy Hollow Golf Club
June 8 WV Senior Series Mingo Bottom Golf Course
June 13 WV Senior Series Nicholas Memorial Golf Course
June 19 WV Senior Series Pipestem Resort
June 20 WV Senior Series Fincastle Country Club (9 A.M.)
July 5 WV Senior Series Green Hills Country Club (Fairmont)
July 12 WV Senior Series The Raven Golf Club at Snowshoe
July 13 WV Senior Series Canaan Valley Resort (9 A.M.)
July 18 WV Senior Series Grandview Golf Course
August 1 WV Senior Series Tygart Lake Public Golf Course
August 2 WV Senior Series Preston Country Club
August 7 WV Senior Series Berry Hills Country Club
August 17 WV Senior Series Bridgeport Country Club
August 23 WV Senior Series Stonewall Resort
August 28 WV Senior Series Edgewood Country Club
September 5 WV Senior Series Logan Country Club
September 27 WV Senior Series Riverside Golf Course
October 2 WV Senior Series Guyan Golf & Country Club
October 9 WV Senior Series Parkersburg Country Club
October 17 WV Senior Series Finale Williams Country Club
April 8 North South Junior Matches The Resort at Glade Springs (Cobb)
April 22-23 WV-VA Team Matches Spring Creek Golf Club
July 17-18 Virginias-Carolinas Womens
August 5-6 Virginias-Carolinas Boys Boonsboro Country Club
October 13-14 Captain’s Putter Matches
October 14-15 Mid Atlantic Junior Invitational
Cape Fear Country Club
DATE EVENT LOCATION
April 17 Amateur Series Parkersburg Country Club
April 26 Amateur Series Edgewood Country Club
May 17 Amateur Series Riverside Golf Club
June 7 Amateur Series Stonewall Resort
July 21 Amateur Series Woodhaven Golf Course
August 8 Amateur Series (Day 1 of 2) Fincastle Country Club
August 9 Amateur Series (Day 2 of 2) The Resort at Glade Springs- Cobb
DATE EVENT LOCATION
August 3 Tri State Roofing High School Series Bel Meadow Golf Club
August 7 Tri State Roofing High School Series Edgewood Country Club
August 8 Tri State Roofing High School Series Oglebay Resort
August 21 Tri State Roofing High School Series Parkersburg Country Club
DATE EVENT LOCATION
April 30 Callaway Junior Tour Rookie League Sistersvillee Country Club
May 7 Callaway Junior Tour Rookie League Minibel Par 3 Golf Course
May 13 Callaway Junior Tour Rookie League St. Mary’s Golf Club
June 10 Callaway Junior Tour Rookie League Black Knight Country Club
June 24 Callaway Junior Tour Rookie League Big Bend Golf Course
July 8 Callaway Junior Tour Rookie League Coonskin Park
July 16
Callaway Junior Tour Rookie League Tygart Lake Golf Course
July 30 Callaway Junior Tour Rookie League Glenville Golf Club
August 12 Callaway Junior Tour Rookie League Locust Hill Golf Course
August 26 Callaway Junior Tour Rookie League The Woods (Mountainview)
DATE EVENT LOCATION
June 5 Callaway Junior Tour Edgewood Country Club
June 7 Callaway Junior Tour Valley View (Moorefield)
June 8 Callaway Junior Tour Locust Hill Golf Course
June 12 Callaway Junior Tour Sleepy Hollow Golf Club
June 13 Callaway Junior Tour Glade Springs Resort
June 14 Callaway Junior Tour Pipestem Resort
June 19 Callaway Junior Tour Bridgeport Country Club
June 20 Callaway Junior Tour Preston Country Club
June 21 Callaway Junior Tour The Pines Country Club
June 29 Callaway Junior Tour Stonewall Resort
July 6 Callaway Junior Tour Oglebay Resort
July 7 Callaway Junior Tour Wheeling Country Club
July 12 Callaway Junior Tour The Greenbrier (AM)
July 12 Callaway Junior Tour The Greenbrier (PM)
July 13 Callaway Junior Tour Riverside Golf Club
July 14 Callaway Junior Tour Mingo Bottom Golf Course
July 19 Callaway Junior Tour The Raven Golf Club
July 20 Callaway Junior Tour Canaan Valley
July 24 Callaway Junior Tour Parkersburg Country Club
August 10 Callaway Junior Tour Greenbrier Sporting Club
Editor’s note: In order to showcase our ninehole courses across West Virginia, we will be featuring them in each issue of this newsletter.
What’s a unique fact or feature about your course?
“We host night golf events in the summer and host scholarship events.”
What do you brag about? According to Melissa Bartlett, “We are the easiest nine-hole walking course in the area.”
How to book tee times: Walk-ins
Course name: Polish Pines Golf Course
Address: 158 Polish Pines Loop Keyser, WV 26726
General Manager: Melissa Bartlett
Superintendent: Charles Bartlett
Ownership structure: Public course
Year opened: 1975
Designer: Unknown
Season dates: March 15-December 15
Rates:
9 holes: $23 with cart
18 holes: $29.50 with cart
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/ top?q=polish%20pines%20golf%20 course%20llc
Course name: Nicholas Memorial Golf Course
Address:
19 Memorial Park Road Summersville, WV 26651
Ownership structure:
We offer memberships, but also have non members playing in various formats, including military, first responders, as well as, All Day Play and VIP discounts. Public course
Year opened:
Established with the WV Secretary of State’s office on 3/30/1955 1975
Designer:
Course was designed by a group of local men in Summersville led by Herb Sunstrom, William Campbell, Al Stevens, Wally Henderson, John Fidler and Robert Wharton.
Season dates:
The course is open all year, carts restricted when rain or temperatures fall below 40 degrees. Walkers play in all conditions.
Rates:
Weekdays:
9 holes: $15 or $30 with cart
18 holes: $20 or $40 with cart
Weekends/Holidays:
9 holes: $20 or $35 with cart
18 holes: $25 or $45 with cart
What’s a unique fact or feature about your course?
Board Treasurer Randy Meadows said, “The course was the idea of the local Jaycees Club where they raised $8,500 and initially opened with only 3 golf holes. It later was
expanded to 9 holes. The original design was a par 34 with 1 par 5, 3 par 3’s and 5 par 4’s. Today, the par is 35, with 1 par 5, 2 par 3’s and 6 par 4’s.”
What separates you from other 9-hole courses?
Besides offering a great product at a reasonable price, we are operated as a non profit by a total 7-member volunteer board of directors. We are located on US Route 19 which is a major artery of travel to and from Canada and Florida. We often have travelers from Canada stop and play our course.
What do you brag about?
We provide a healthy recreational option for our community along with supporting high school golf teams and recently have initiated the First Tee Program in the county school system. We offer several tournaments during the prime golf season which provide fundraising opportunities for local interests.
How to book tee times:
We don’t take tee times. Usually, there is no problem teeing off within a half hour of arriving at the course.
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/ people/Nicholas-Memorial-Golf-Course/100057597962890/
In 1991, the USGA established the P.J. Boatwright Jr. Internship Program, in which the WVGA has been participating for many years. This program is designed to give experience to individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in golf administration, while assisting state and regional golf associations in the promotion of amateur golf, on a short-term, entry level basis.
Each internship is different, since the needs vary from association to association. An intern may help conduct tournaments, junior golf programs, membership services, and other general activities that promote the best interests of golf.
The common thread running through the internship is exposure to tournament preparations, administration and post-tournament business. The nature of tournament administration will test one’s patience, initiative and decision-making abilities, as well as one’s ability to endure long hours and hard work.
A prospective intern should demonstrate strong managerial potential and a sufficient interest in golf. Golf associations that participate in the Internship Program will provide an appropriate level of orientation and ongoing training and attention. Each intern becomes an employee of the golf association, which will have primary responsibility for recruitment, and sole responsibility for compensation and supervision. Upon completion of the program, the USGA receives evaluations from both the association and the intern.
We asked our 2023 intern to share her insights into the internship and we learned a great deal from this outstanding young woman.
Our seven-month intern is Kaitlin Persinger. She is a graduate of Buffalo High School and WVU and is currently attending Louisiana State University (LSU) online majoring in sports management. After receiving her undergraduate degree in sports journalism from WVU, Kaitlin wanted to continue working in the business
of sport, and when a friend told her about the WVGA opportunity, she jumped at it. Kaitlin said her favorite parts about her internship are the good work she’s doing to help build a positive competitive network of athletes across the state, and the community atmosphere of her job. She was less enthused about the “long and painful” 40-minute commute through the construction on I-64 from Putnam, but assured this interviewer that it was more than worth the effort.
When asked about what lessons she has learned so far through her work, Kaitlin said she’s been reminded of the importance of thoroughness, making sure to always swing completely through on a project, if you will. Kaitlin’s advice for future Boatwright interns is, “Pitch in with others as much as you can, and don’t be worried about asking for help when you need it.” And of course, her most important piece of advice, “Always listen to Danielle!”
As other interns have said before, Kaitlin said it was an unbelievable experience and she wanted to thank each of the staff members and committee volunteers for the opportunity and for helping her along the way.
2023 Internship Opportunities
Interns for both three- and seven-months positions are currently being sought. Please send completed application with resume and cover letter to DMonk@wvga.org Job Application
• 7 Month Internship – Golf Administration| Marketing & Communications Department Job Description
• 3 Month Internship – Tournaments and Championship Department Job Description
The West Virginia VIP Card makes a great gift for birthdays, anniversaries...or any day at all! Plus, it’s one of the many benefits of becoming a member of the West Virginia Golf Association (WVGA).
VIP Card Holders have access to 65 West Virginia private, public and resort courses at EXCLUSIVE VIP rates. They also receive an official Handicap Index for score posting and each golfer has a specific, private number assigned to them. When you purchase a $50 VIP Card, you are a member of the WVGA and are eligible to participate in WVGA events.
2023 WV VIP Card
Rules & Regulations:
• 2023 West Virginia VIP Cardholder is entitled to the round(s) of golf listed from 1/1/2023 through 12/31/2023.
• Some clubs may limit daily VIP play at their discretion. Please call ahead for tee times.
• Fee includes motorized cart, unless otherwise noted.
• Please call 24 hours in advance of requesting a tee time, you must ID yourself as a West Virginia VIP cardholder.
• VIP Cards may not be used for tournaments or special events.
• Cardholder must present their VIP Card before playing. ID may be requested, VIP Cards are non-transferrable.
• Cardholder must abide by dress code and other regulations of the VIP course.
• Members 17 and younger must play with an adult.
• Replacement VIP Cards are $15, payable to the WVGA.
• VIP Card holders have access to 65 West Virginia private, public and resort courses at discounted rates.
Click here for more details or to purchase a card.
As you start planning for upcoming golf season, start by shopping First Tee-West Virginia’s online shop
This shop features clothing and accessories for women, men, girls and boys. Other items are available exclusively in our Charleston Town Center location.
There are a variety of styles, colors and sizes in: blankets, casual tees, cinch packs, headwear, hoodies, outerwear, pants, performance tees, polos, pullovers, shorts, spectator scarves, stadium seats and more.
There are long-sleeved and short-sleeved tops. Depending on styles, you can find a rainbow of colors including black, light, navy or royal blue, light or dark gray, forest or kelly green, pink, purple, red, white or yellow.
Your purchases can benefit First Tee-West Virginia, which means you’ll be helping students throughout the state in both classroom-based and green-grass programs.
Let us make your shopping more convenient, while helping the children of our state!
Advertising is available to member s of the West Virginia Golf Association (WVGA) in our quarterly newsletter issues. Please see below for details regarding ad sizes and rates.
Half page (horizontal) 2 columns (7” wide x 4.5” deep)
Quarter page 1 column (4 5/8” wide x 3” deep)
Business card 1 column (4 5/8” wide x 2” deep)
WVGA wants to assure that you get the best quality advertisement in the newsletter for your advertising dollar. To that end, we ask that you submit your color ad electronically in a 300 dpi (dots per inch) resolution JPG or PDF format. Ads saved as Word or Word Perfect documents or Excel spreadsheets will not give you a quality ad in the publication . If there are conversion issues with your file, our designer will contact you directly. Ads must be emailed directly to D anielle Monk : dmonk@wvga.org .
Ads can be run each quarter throughout the year or in any combination of quarters you choose. Please note there is a price break when you commit to a full-year contract. Changes to your ad copy or cancellations can be made during the duration of the contract, but must be submitted 30 days prior to the next publication. (i.e, February 1st for the March issue). Please complete the information requested below and return this page, with payment, to W VGA News letter, WVGA, 1 Frances P. Jordon Way, Charleston, WV 25302 . Ads must be paid in full by check or credit card prior t o publication. Please c ontact D anielle Monk at (304) 391 -5000 or dmonk@wvga.org to discuss these options.
C ompany Name:_______________________________________________________________________
Contact Person:______________________________________
Run my ad as follows: Winter Spring _____ Summer _____ Fall _____ Full Year _____ My ad size (Check One):
Company Name
Contact Name
Address City State Zip
Telephone Email
Oakhurst Sponsor $50,000 (includes exclusive event sponsorship, “presented by” naming, event signage, mentions in all promotions) Contact Brad Ullman to select event.
Family Sponsor $20,000 (includes exclusive event sponsorship and “presented by” naming of Parent/Child Championship, event signage, mentions in all promotions)
Baffie Sponsor $7,500 (includes event sponsorship, signage, mentions in all promotions)
_____ Two-person Scramble Championship _____ Mid-Amateur Championship
_____ Senior Open Championship _____ Four-ball Championship
_____ Womens Amateur Championship
Mashie Sponsor $5,000 (includes event sponsorship, signage, mentions in all promotions)
_____ Junior March Play Championship _____ Womens Senior Amateur Championship
_____ Junior Amateur Championship _____ Senior Amateur Championship _____ Senior Four-ball Championship
_____ Women’s Tourneys (EXCLUDING Amateur Championship)
_____ Junior Tour Events (EXCLUDING Amateur Championship and Finale)
First Tee Sponsor $3,250 (includes event sponsorship, signage, mentions in all promotions)
_____ First Tee Sponsorship at specific school (includes name on banner, promotional mentions)
Niblick Sponsor $3,000 (includes event sponsorship, signage, mentions in all promotions)
_____ Womens Intra-state Matches _____ Club Team Championship
_____ The Mixed Championship
Cleek Sponsor $1,000 (signage at certain events, mentions in newsletter, web site)
_____ Spoon Sponsor $500 (includes mention in newsletter, on web site)
Please return this form to Danielle Monk at WVGA, 1 Frances P. Jordon Way, Charleston, WV 25302. Email a high resolution (300-dpi minimum) version of your company’s color logo to dmonk@wvga.org
1 Frances P. Jordan Way
Charleston, WV 25302
Phone (304) 391-5000
President
Philip Reale
Edgewood County Club
Vice President
Tim McNeely
Pete Dye Golf Club
Secretary
David McCormick
The Pines Country Club
Treasurer
Andrew Jordon
The Greenbrier Sporting Club
Directors
Kimberly Mann
The Village at Glade Springs
Brian McPherson
Parkersburg Country Club
Sam O’Dell
Sleepy Hollow Golf Club
Dave Pope
Edgewood County Club
Lance Woodford
Glenville Golf Club
Lisa Younis
The Club at Cress Creek
Staff
Executive Director
Danielle Monk
Director of Membership and Outreach
Jeff Preast
Director, First Tee
Chris Slack
Director of Rules and Competitions
Lucas Ware
Tournament Manager, Youth
Diane Slaughter
Communications Consultant