MAGA - April 2019

The

Metropolitan Creve Coeur GC - Par 3 - 9th hole - 176 yards

Vol. 6 No. 2

WHAT’S INSIDE...

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Youth On Course Update

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Augusta National

Curt’s Corner 2 Rules Article 3 MAGA’s New Offices 5 Augusta National’s Press Center 6 Masters Trivia 8 Youth on Course 9 St. Louis Golf History -Sara Guth 10 Schedule of Events 11 On The Greens - The Augusta Syndrome 14 Ladies National GA teams with MAGA 16 Tech Integrated Golf Bag - MNML Golf 18 Amateur Series Event #1 20

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Algonquin’s Finest

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LNGA Teams with MAGA

MAGA’s New Offices

Metropolitan Amateur Golf Association • 11724 Lackland Industrial Drive • St. Louis, Missouri 63146 314.567.MAGA • Fax: 314.261.9250 • info@metga.org

The Metropolitan

MAGA STAFF Executive Director Curt Rohe - curt@metga.org Director, Operations Maggie Smith - maggie@metga.org Manager, SIGA Programs & Championships Adrian Brown P.J. Boatwright Interns Corey Vanek Kaylee Heggemann Tyler Bealke METROPOLITAN CHAMPIONSHIPS Old Warson Cup Amateur Championship Match Play Championship Open Championship Women’s Amateur Championship Junior Amateur Championship Senior Amateur Championship Nine-Hole Championship Thomas O. Sobbe Cup Matches Four-Ball Championship Mid-America Junior Cup USGA QUALIFYING ROUNDS US Open (Local and Sectional) US Senior Open US Amateur US Mid-Amateur US Women’s Mid-Amateur US Junior Amateur US Girls’ Junior Amateur US Senior Amateur US Senior Women’s Amateur US Amateur Four-Ball US Women’s Amateur Four-Ball ADVISORY COMMITTEE Scott Thomas, Chairman Tom Barry Skip Berkmeyer Jim Dunn Curt Rohe METROPOLITAN EDITOR Jim Healey

March - April 2019

Curt’s Comments Welcome back and I hope everyone is golfing again! It is great to be back in tournament season and the hustle and bustle of getting out to conduct MAGA championships. Really excited to kick things off this weekend with the 2019 Old Warson Cup, our official start to the tournament season.

Curt Rohe

USGA qualifying begins Monday May 6th Executive Director as well, as 82 hopefuls will take on Fox Run Golf Club in hopes of securing one of five (5) available qualifying spots on the #RoadtoPebbleBeach. Fox Run will play to around 7272 yards, par 71, and provide a good test in identifying the eventual qualifiers. Those qualifiers will move on to Sectional Qualifying the first Monday in June.

We have hired three interns for the summer and are ready for them to come aboard to assist in our programming. Kaylee Heggemann, Corey Vanek and Tyler Bealke will be joining MAGA over the next month and, as always, are an integral part of our services and tournament operation each summer.

As most know by now, we moved our offices on April 2, due to the accident(s) at our previous home over the past six seasons on Clayton Road. Our new office is located in Maryland Heights at 11724 Lackland Industrial Drive, 64146. We have a lot more space and warehouse space, which is wonderful to be fully operational from one location.

Over the last couple months, MAGA has collaborated with the Ladies National Golf Association (formerly Ladies Trans-Mississippi Golf Association) to provide them USGA Tournament Management to assist them in conducting their two (2) championships. For more details on the LNGA, please visit ladiesnationalgolf.org/ for more information.

We look forward to bringing you our four (4) monthly METROPOLITAN issues through the busy tournament calendar fromMay to August. Another full season of championships and playing opportunities for everyone. Do not forget to check out the 2019 Schedule of Events on page 11 or visit metga.org!

See you down the fairway!

Curt

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Rules Corner New Rules, Different Terminology Learning the new Rules means adapting to some different terminology as well. Feel sorry for the TV announcers at golf tournaments who instinctively say hazard instead of penalty area. It doesn’t help that penalty area has six syllables versus just two for hazard.

The term hazard has long referred to both a bunker and a water hazard, as they had nearly the same restrictions under the Rules. Today, the word hazard is nowhere to be found in the new Rules. Bunkers are still called bunkers, but the former water hazards and lateral water hazards are now called yellow and red penalty areas, respectively, part of a new expanded category which may include stretches of desert, woods, tall native grass, lava fields, etc. The Committee defines these areas and relief is allowed with a one-stroke penalty. Under the new Rules, bunkers and penalty areas are separate entities with significantly different permissions (e.g., the player may ground his or her club directly in front of or behind the ball in a penalty area, but not in a bunker).

Tall Native Grass Defined As Red Penalty Area There are five areas of the course in the new Rules. Four areas are specific: 1] the teeing area of the hole being played (no longer called teeing ground), 2] penalty areas (no longer just water hazards), 3] the putting green of the hole being played, and 4] bunkers. The fifth area is called the general area, which is the entire course other than the four specific areas (no longer referred to as through the green).

There are other examples of newly defined terms. Club-length is the length of the longest club in a player’s bag other than the putter (used to measure a relief area). A no play zone is an area defined as an abnormal course condition or penalty area from which the Committee has prohibited play (e.g., flower bed or environmentally sensitive area). The relief area is the area where the player must drop or place a ball when taking relief under a Rule.

Temporary Water Some terms have only been tweaked. Temporary water replaces the term casual water (casual water didn’t translate well in many languages). The nearest point of complete relief replaces the nearest point of relief (emphasis on complete).

Animal hole (hole dug by any animal except insects or the like) replaces burrowing animal hole. Outside influence replaces outside agency. Abnormal course condition now combines immovable obstructions with the conditions of ground under repair, an animal hole, and temporary water (formerly known as abnormal ground conditions). Player and another player replace the terms competitor and fellow competitor in stroke play competitions.

Alas, we bid a fond farewell to several other traditional terms that have been eliminated. These include “rub of the green” (ball accidently deflected or stopped by an outside agency), “dormie” (when side was up by as many holes as there were holes remaining in a match), addressing the ball (grounding club in front or behind ball), and line of putt (line of play on putting green).

John Thorman, MAGA Rules Committee

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March - April 2019

Old Warson Cup Matches - May 4 & 5

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MAGA Moves to New Offices Greetings!

As most know, our office on Clayton Road was struck by an automobile (a second time in 4 months) 5 weeks ago this Friday. The accident caused major damage to the building and MAGA has not been in the space since. Maggie and I have been working out of our houses for the most part while looking, and now finding new office space.

We will officially be moving next week. Please make note and change our new address for future mailings and for location purposes should need to come see us.

11724 LACKLAND INDUSTRIAL DRIVE ST. LOUIS, MO 63146 Phone number will remain the same at (314) 567-MAGA (6242).

Thank you for your patience if we have not responded to you as timely as we normally like, but we are looking forward to getting settled in our new space as we embark on the 2019 season!

MAGA moved into its new offices in early April. With a much larger space, plus a large storage area for all of the items needed to operate the organization’s events, the new offfices will enable MAGA to provide even better support to area golfers.

Located just south of the intersection of Page and Schuetz, you are welcome to stop by and see what’s new.

Curt and Maggie settling in at the new office space

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The Masters Press Center With the Augusta National Women’s Amateur an overwhelming success and the Masters Tournament providing its usual thrilling finish, it seemed appropriate to provide a glimpse of an area of the Augusta grounds that few have access to: the Press Center.

The Old Press center was located next to the Merchandise center toward the first hole. Walking out the back door, you were at the upslope, very near the towering scoreboard on the first hole.

The main entrance to the new Press Center. Completed in just under 10 months, it is rumored to have cost $100 million. Besides the press area, there is also a museum arera and restaurant within the building.

The interview room. With the main area overlooking the spacious practice grounds, nothing has been overlooked to make those fortunate enough to have Media Credentials feel most welcome at the Masters. Located at the end of the short game area, near the water tower, it is quite a bit further from the course than the old Press Center.

The main press arena. Many oldtimers spend much of their time in this room, following play on the large screens, just as though watching from home.

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Augusta national Views

The clubhouse in 1933 Aerial from the 1930s

The photo every visitor to Augusta wants, standing at the foot of Magnolia Lane looking at the Clubhouse.

Construction at the 9th, 10th and 1st tee

View of the course in the summer months.

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Masters Records and Trivia For some of you, these are a no-brainer; that is, if you’ve been following the Masters for years. For our more youthful readers, this is an opportunity to realize how great the history of the Masters really is.

First, just a little preliminary history. In 1929, Bobby Jones was eliminated in the first round at the U.S. Amateur, being played at Pebble Beach. Having nothing to do, he reached out to Marion Hollins, winner of the 1921 Women’s Amateur, to play some of the area’s other courses, especially the recently completed Cypress Point, which Hollins had spearheaded. (She also had a hand in the creation of Pasatiempo). Both of these were designed by Alister Mackenzie.

Actually, Hollins originally had sought out Seth Raynor, but he died in 1926, so she opted for Mackenzie instead as the designer.

Jones met with Hollins and they played Cypress Point. Walking with Jones and Hollins was Mackenzie. Having spent several years working with Harry Colt and Charles Allison before venturing out onto his own, Mackenzie had completed over forty courses, including Royal Melbourne in Australia, with dozens more in England. It was this meeting, and playing Cypress Point, that convinced Jones to hire Mackenzie to design his course in Augusta. In 1931, Jones acquired the former nursery and by 1933, Mackenzie had completed his work at Augusta National. Sadly, Mackenzie died in early 1934, just months before the first Masters was held. Had Jones not been eliminated early at the Amateur, and met with Hollins and Mackenzie, the design of Augusta National might well have been much different.

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The Masters was named that beginning with the first championship in 1934, The first winner of the Masters, Horton Smith, was from Springfield, MO. The first left-handed winner of the Masters was Phil Mickelson.

The green jacket to the winner began at the second Masters in 1935.

The first 4-time winner of the Masters was Arnold Palmer.

Gary Player was the first non-American to win the Masters.

When Bob Goalby won the Masters, his playing partner in the final round was Ray Floyd.

The first player to win consecutive Masters was Ben Hogan.

True False True False True False True False True False True False True False

True False 9. Tiger Woods was the first low amateur (1995) to go on to also win as a professional. True False 10. Until 1983, all players were required to use Augusta National caddies.

True False 11. Jordan Spieth’s win in 2015 made him the youngest Masters winner.

True False 12. The first Australian to win the Masters was Greg Norman?

True False 13. Mike Weir became the first Canadian to win the Masters with his 2003 victory.

True False 14. Charl Schwartzl’s 4 birdies on the final 4-holes in 2011 had never been done before. True False 15. From 1934 to 1948, Bobby Jones played in the Masters.

True False 16. Sandy Lyle is the only player from Scotland to win the Masters.

True False 17. Hogan and Nicklaus are the only players to finish 2nd four times.

True False 18. The most recent player to win after finishing 2nd the previous year was Jordan Spieth. True False 19. Tiger Woods and Jordan Spieth both hold the record for lowest score vs. par at -18.

True False 20. There have been 11 sudden death playoffs since 1979, none going beyond 2 holes.

True False 21. BONUS: The first African-American to play in the Masters was Charlie Sifford.

True False Answers at the bottom of page 19

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Youth On Course

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St. Louis Golf History - Sara Louise Guth Costigan Few women burst onto the scene as quickly as Sara Guth, the talented youngster from Algonquin Golf Club. While the 1920s and early 1930s saw the dominance of Virginia Pepp and Audrey Faust Wallace, it would be Guth who would dominate the mid-1930s.

Living directly across the street from the club on Berry Road, Sara picked up the game early from the Harrison Brothers who staffed the golf shop in those days; and did just about everything else at the club.

In 1932, she enrolled in the freshman class at Washington University.

In 1933, she transferred to Knox School in Cooperstown, NY, before returning to Washington University the following year.

Though she was only in her third year playing golf, she entered the Women’s District at Westwood in 1934, where hardly a mention was made of her in the pre-tournament reports. Mrs. Rossmore Kohn of Norwood, the defending champion, was a heavy favorite, as was Mrs. Wallace, the 1932 champion. Guth was paired with Mrs. I.S. Hynes of Westborough, another former champion from 1929.

While Mrs. Wallace took medalist honors with an 83, Mrs. Hynes was second with an 87, the same as Guth, placing Sara in the championship flight. Sara won her first round match 4 and 3 and her second match 5 and 4, and then downed Mrs. Minton of St. Clair by the same score, reaching the semifinals, where she defeated Mrs. Kohn 4 and 3. Described as a “tall, slender 18-year-old blonde hitting long perfect drives,” she would face Mrs. Hynes in the finals. (Though it was later noted that she was actually 20-years-old) Though in her first year of competition, and the first time she had ever played a 36-hole match, she seemed fearless during the final, going 4-up in the morning round with a medal score of 79. Mrs. Hynes closed the gap during the first five holes in the afternoon round, only to see Guth retake her four-hole advantage. While Mrs. Hynes made it close at the end, Sara - “Sally” to her friends - ended the match with a 2 and 1 victory. Her father, Edwin Guth, was so elated for his only daughter that he made her a gift of a new car for her win.

Mrs. Ignatius Hynes (l) and Sara Guth at the 1934 Women’s District final.

Sara when on to win the Women’s District title in 1935 and again in 1936. She finished second in 1937, losing her bid for four consecutive titles. After finishing second in the Missouri Women’s Amateur in 1936 and 1937 to the fabulous Kansas Citian Opal Hill, in 1938, she won the title, defeating Georgia Dexheimer 12 and 10, the largest margin in the event’s match play history.

When England’s best woman golfer, Joyce Wethered, came to the area for an exhibition, Sara teed it up with her. In 1936, when the Washington University men’s golf team needed a player, Sara stepped up, winning a singles and a four-ball match for the Bears as they defeated St. Louis University. She competed in several more matches for the Bears during the 1936 season, winning nearly all of them.

In 1940, she married Edward J. Costigan Jr. She did not compete in any district or state events following her marriage, though Sara and Ed attended 30 Masters together.

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She died in November 1988, at age 74, leaving three daughters, four sons, and 24 grandchildren to remember her.

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Competition Schedule 2019 MAGA Competitions

Entry Championship Date(s) Deadline Venue The Old Warson Cup May 4-5 Invitational Normandie Amateur May 18-19 May 8 Open Championship June 4-7 May 22 Women’s Amateur Championship June 17-18 May 29 Nine-Hole Championship June 29 June 12 Junior Amateur Championship July 1-2 June 19 East Side Amateur July 13-14 July 3 Amateur Championship August 1-3 July 17 Senior Amateur Championship August 26-27 August 7 Thomas O. Sobbe Jr. Cup “Final Four” September 20 Four-Ball Championship September 22-23 September 11 Mid-America Junior Cup October 19-20

Old Warson Country Club Normandie Golf Club Country Club of St. Albans Gateway National Golf Course Ballwin Golf Course St. Clair Country Club Spencer T. Olin Golf Course Aberdeen Golf Course Annbriar Golf Course Lake Forest Country Club Franklin County Country Club Kansas City

2019 USGA Qualifying Rounds Entry Championship Date(s) Deadline Venue US Open Local Qualifying US Junior Amateur Qualifying US Girls’ Junior Amateur Qualifying US Amateur Qualifying US Senior Amateur Qualifying US Senior Women’s Amateur Qualifying US Mid-Amateur Qualifying US Women’s Mid-Amateur Qualifying US Amateur Four-Ball Qualifying

May 6 June 25 June 25 July 22-23 July 29 July 29 August 12 August 12 October 9

April 24 June 5 June 5 June 26 July 10 July 10 July 31 July 31 August 14

Fox Run Golf Club Quincy Country Club Quincy Country Club Meadowbrook Country Club Aberdeen Golf Course Aberdeen Golf Course WingHaven Country Club WingHavenCountry Club Old Hickory Golf Club

2019 MAGA Amateur Series Schedule Entry Event Date(s) Deadline Venue #1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 Championship

April 29 May 13 June 14 July 19 August 19 September 13 October 5-6

April 19 May 3 June 4 July 9 August 9 Septmber 3 Invitational

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WingHaven Country Club Woods Fort Golf Course Links at Dardenne Golf Course Florissant Golf Club Lake Forest Country Club Sunset Hills Country Club Tapawingo National Golf Club

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MAY 2019 APRIL 28

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4 Old Warson Cup

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6 US Open Local Qualifying

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JUNE 1

MAGA Events in RED | USGA Events in BLUE

JUNE 2019 2

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4 MAGA Open

5 MAGA Open

6 MAGA Open

7 MAGA Open

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14 Amateur Series #3

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25 26 US Junior Boys & Girls Qualifying

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29 MAGA 9-hole Championship

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JULY 1 MAGA Junior Amateur

2 MAGA Junior Amateur

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Please Support our Supporters Allied golf associations and supporters of the

Metropolitan Amateur Golf Association

Resources

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On The Greens...

The Augusta Syndrome Augusta National Golf Club crowned Tiger Woods as their Masters champion a few weeks back. Most everyone who loves the game of golf was watching on their big screen TV’s, cell phones, computers, tablets, or whatever, and marveling at the return of Tiger and the spectacular conditions of the golf course. We saw azaleas blooming, perfectly manicured turf, and greens that were soft, but reading a high number on the stimpmeter. All the time thinking,” This is great! I need to get to get to the course and get a round in.”

So, you get to the course, and it’s not Augusta National. Not as green, putting greens seeming to be a little slow, and the bunkers may not be white sand or even raked that day. How is this possible?

Augusta! looks awesome on TV, my course should look like that!

“The Augusta Syndrome.” A condition experienced by golfers, generally occurring the weeks following the Masters tournament. Symptoms include: blaming your golf clubs, blaming the golf course, and blaming the superintendent for not having the course as good as Augusta. Only known cure is to shoot a round of even par or better. You won’t find this condition in any medical journals, but I can assure you it exists. I “Googled” it and the phrase is out on the web for everyone to see!

But seriously, when you get to the course and discover conditions might not be as good as Augusta, keep in mind that what you see on TV or if you’re lucky, in person, is a result of an endless number of volunteers and lots of capital. Our area is blessed with very talented superintendents who do a fantastic job preparing the courses for the season. Working within the parameters of their resources and, as we’ve seen this year, dealing with some crazy weather. We hold ourselves and our crews to the highest standards and strive to provide perfect conditions for players.

So, when you’re at the course and you feel the symptoms coming on, focus on making a solid par or perhaps a spectacular birdie, and the next thing you know, the symptoms have gone and you may even find yourself complimenting the superintendent on his work.

John Briggs Golf Course Superintendent Fox Run Golf Club

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MAGA History...

Looking for a Little Help From Our Friends!

While MAGA is very proud of our history and how it has been documented, we have, unfortunately, not been able to locate the complete match play records for two years of the Taylor Cup. The years are 2000 and 2001.

We’re looking to see how the memory of players who competed in those events might be.

Here is what we do have for 2000.

In the first round, here are the players we have. We know that Tim Riley and Scott Fann lost as they were in the finals of the consolation match. We also know some of the winners since the Post-Dispatch did list semifinals and finals results. However, we do not know who was the remaining first round winners were, who lost in the second round. Also, we are not certain who was paired against who in the matches where they are not shown. If you are one of those players who remembers every match and the score, that would certainly make our day.

First Round Brian Kennedy def. Jay Story Don Bliss def. Tom Barry def.

Tim Riley def.

Scott Fann Barry Yehling def.

David Estes def. def.

Roger Null

def.

Second Round Brian Kennedy David Estes Barry Yehling Don Bliss Semi-Finals Don Bliss Brian Kennedy Final Don Bliss

def. def. def. def. def. def.

David Estes 2&1 Barry Yehling 3&2

def.

Brian Kennedy 19-holes

Here is what we have for 2001.

Same situation for 2001. The Post-Dispatch recorded the semifinals and finals, but not other results.

First Round Skip Berkmeyer Roger Null Richard Jarrett Don Bliss Brian Kennedy

Second Round Skip Berkmeyer Roger Null Brian Kennedy Don Bliss Semi-Finals Skip Berkmeyer Don Bliss Final Skip Berkmeyer

def. Dustin Ashby 5&4 def. def. def. def. def. def. def.

def. Richard Jarrett def. def. def. def. Roger Null 2&1 def. Brian Kennedy 7&5 def. Don Bliss

2&1

Here are the players who played in the 1999 Taylor Cup, and who may have played in 2000 or 2001 events.

Here are those who played in 2002 and may have played in the earlier matches.

Roger Null, Skip Berkmeyer, Craig Carringer, Scott Edwards, David Estes, Bob Beckmann, Richard Jarrett, Scott Thomas, Janszen Ringo, Doug Diemer, Tim Riley, Phil Caravia , David Suggs, Brian Kennedy, Tom Barry, Jim Dunn

Skip Berkmeyer, Jack Eisenbeis, Doug Kreitner, Tim Riley, Scott Thomas, David Johnson, Don Bliss, David Lucks, Jeremy Reidelberger, Jim Dunn, Brian Kennedy, Justin Bliss, Dan Emrick, Scott Fann, David Estes, Tom Barry

If you believe you can assist us in completing these two results, please contact the MAGA Office or email Jim Healey at jimhealey24@aol.com. Thanks for your assistance.

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MAGA Interns for 2019

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MAGA teams with Ladies National Golf Association MAGA was recently approached by tye USGA to assist the Ladies National Golf Association, formerly the Women’s Trans-National Golf Association, to provide scoring assistance in the form of MAGA’s software. The new relationahip with extend MAGA’s reach further across the country and it will be dealing with LNGA’s staff, located throughout the United States.

The LNGA runs two events annually, the Amateur, dating back to 1927, and its Ladies’ Senior Four-Ball, held each year since 1992.

The 2019 Amateur will be played at the Golf Club of Tennessee in late July, with the Four Ball in late April at the CasaBlanca GC in Mesquite, Nevada.

The list of past champions is quite impressive. It includes Nancy Lopez, Carol Semple Thompson, Pearl Sinn, Vicki Goetze, Grace Park, Kellee Booth, Paige Mackenzie and Belleville’s Ashley Freeman, who claimed the 2008 title at Bent Tree CC in Dallas.

The Ladies Amateur was first held in St. Louis in 1931 at St. Louis Country Club, with Mrs. Opal Hill claiming the title. Also at that event, Mrs. I.S. Hynes of Greenbriar finished as runner-up to Mrs. Hill.

The Championship returned in 1940 to Glen Echo where two future LPGA Hall of Famers - and Founders of the LPGA - battled, Betty Jameson and Patty Berg, with Jameson downing Berg 3 and 2.

At the 1967 Amateur in Rochester, Minnesota, Marcella Rose finished second to Jane Bastanchury.

The Association’s 1994 Championship was historic for one area player, Ellen Port, as it was at Del Rio CC in California, where she claimed her first National Championship, marking the beginning of what would be seven additional USGA Championships for one of the best women golfers of this era. Finally, in 2016, Lake Forest CC was host for the championship, with Bethany Wu taking the crown, with O’Fallon, Missouri’s Amanda Kim as runner-up. Ellen Port took both the Senior and Mid-Am Medalist honors with her rounds of 77-75.

Pat Will of Weldon Springs, a long-time supporter of area Women’s Golf, is a past president of the LNGA, as was Carol Fromuth, both within the past 20-years. Looking further back into the LNGA’s history, Mrs. Holbrook Ashton served as president in 1939-1940.

With a long and storied past, and significant ties to the area and our Women players, this new association between the Metropolitan and LNGA will only strengthen those in the years ahead.

For more information on the Ladies National Golf Association and details on upcoming events and historical records, visit their website at http://ladiesnationalgolf.org/

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MNML - Area Golf Pro Forms New Bag Company Former Washington, MO golf pro, Sam Goulden - a familiar name to many - saw something he believed he could improve. Judging from the initial success, he may be right!

It’s the one thing that every golfer needs - a bag. But how they have changed through the years. Remember the old Staff Bags? They were the answer to why players stopped walking and began riding carts. We all recall images of the caddies of 30-40-years ago, struggling with those very heavy bags. At many clubs, the Staff bags were the ruin of caddy programs!

Today, with so many players preferring to walk, lightweight bags, with plenty of pockets to hold everything, continue to be in strong demand. In steps Sam Goulden with his “Tech Integrated” bag concept, and a company formed with just that in mind: MNML Golf Co, located today in Manhattan Beach, California.

Goulden grew up in Washington, MO, learning the game at an early age. However, one of his early passions was skateboarding, Sam Goulden for which he often drove 100 miles a week into Webster Groves to practice. Sam worked as an instructor at Glen Echo CC, working alongside Nash Haxel for a few years, where he developed a friendship with many players in the area and among his fellow professionals in the Gateway Section.

While Sam loved coaching players, he also had a goal: play and win the U.S. Open. After leaving Glen Echo, for the next nine years he worked toward that goal, traveling across the country, playing tournaments, of which he won two mini-events, and meeting thousands of players, many of whom are now friends. But alas, he realized that his passion was really more about helping others - more than his own game - coaching players achieve their goals of being better players. It was then that he focused more on instruction, coaching players to improve and enjoy the game more. In the years since, he’s written books, published hundreds of videos and taught hundreds more to play the game. Sam is so happy he chose his current path in golf.

MNML showroom in Manhattan Beach, CA

It was during one of his coaching sessions where he had his AHA moment; when he envisioned the concept of a minimalistic golf bag.

He envisioned a bag that was superior to the typical walking bag.

One that was a step up from a “Sunday bag” and one that would appeal to today’s younger, modern golfer. From this was born the MNML or Minimalistic “Tech Integrated” golf bag.

Why “Tech Integrated”? When playing the mini circuit, Sam was astounded at how many pros listed to music when they practiced. Not something he would have done in his youth, but it was something today’s younger generation has not only grown up with but incorporated intensely into their daily lives. So, why not also on the golf course?

Next, the smartphone. Everyone has one, so why not make it also part of the bag. Needs power, right? So he conceived the idea

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The Latest in Social & Casual Golf for the Modern Golfer MNML Golf Co. Announces Launch of Kickstarter Campaign for new “tech integrated” golf bag of a solar-powered option. However, unlike earlier approaches, Sam was able to patent his wiring approach within the bag. Really cool!

What about pockets and zippers? Sam found that when practicing or playing every day the typical zippers wore out within 2-3 months.

So his team came up with pockets held together with magnets instead of zippers. Addressing the need for pockets, Sam also took a unique approach. The bag has only three main pockets, left, middle and right. However, there are also pockets within pockets, for a total of six conveniently located to hold just about everything you might need during a round. There is also a slot specifically designed to hold your phone, conveniently located near the top of the bag, allowing a player to easily film their swing with just a press of the button. With a built-in stand, it has it all.

Here’s the kicker, made with a micro-suede material, it’s not only light - at just under 4 pounds - but also waterproof. A reviewer of the bag recently told Sam that his Minimalistic, Tech Integrated bag is the first real innovation in golf bags since the back strap was added years ago.

The goal of the Kickstarter program is to raise sufficient funds in order to place a larger initial order to satisfy the current demand. Of course, getting the bags into the hands of players - and perhaps a few pros - would be ideal, but Sam also realizes that starting small and growing is how many very successful companies got their start.

The Metropolitan encourages you to check out MNML’s bag to see if it might be right for you. Supporting a former St. Louis area native as he creates one of the newest and unique concepts in golf in decades is just an added bonus!

The Kickstarter Campaign MNML Golf Co, founded in early 2019, has launched a Kickstarter campaign for their new golf bag with technology integration. Their patented “portal system” allows for solar charging of a phone and wireless speaker. The lightweight, 3.5lb bag is made from waterproof micro-suede and includes a phone pocket for recording your golf swing, a thermal cooler pocket, single-dual strap configuration, retractable stand, and magnetic (zipperless) closures. The “version one” bag will come in black or white and be available with or without the “tech kit” (speaker, solar charger, cables).

Along with Sam Goulden, the MNML Golf team consists of Ali Esterly (Chief Creative), Bobby Wolfe (Relationship Officer), and Andy Gilkison (Head of Product).

The Kickstarter campaign is live until May 6 with a funding goal of $50,000. As of now the campaign is over 69% funded with over 100 backers. Upon completion of the Kickstarter campaign, an initial bag order will be placed and units ship within 90 days. Also: samgouldengolf.com.

1. False, began 1939 2. True 3. False, Mike Weir 4. False, 1949 5. True

6. True 7. True 8. False, Jack Nicklaus, 1965 & 1966 9. False, Cary Middlecoff

10. True 11. False, Tiger Woods 12. False, Adam Scott 13. True 14. True

19

15. True 20. True 16. True 21. False, Lee Elder 1975 17. False, + Tom Weiskopf 18. True 19. True

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The Metropolitan

March - April 2019

Amateur Series - Event #1 - April 29 - WingHaven CC SENIOR OPEN

OPEN Name

Affiliation.

1 Brett Newton MAGA eClub 2 Dan Silva Woods Fort GC 3 Joe Christian MAGA eClub T4 Erick Lawing Winghaven CC T4 Bryan Thayer MAGA eClub 6 Alek Stojanovic Annbriar GC T7 Steven Rommerskirchen Greenville CC T7 John Remley Highlands Golf 9 Patrick Ryan MAGA eClub 10 Shawn Wallingsford Aberdeen GC T11 Thomas Rafferty Ballwin GC T11 Matthew Croghan MAGA eClub T11 James Freeman Aberdeen GC T11 Tyler Bean Aberdeen GC T11 Chris Canfield Whitmoor CC

Points 100 90 80 65 65 50 35 35 20 10 5 5 5 5 5

1 2 3

Affiliation.

Brandon Jasper MAGA eClub John Davis MAGA eClub Kenton McWilliams MAGA eClub

Affiliation.

Points

T1 Glen Hall T1 Steven McFadden T1 Ollie Crow 4 James Storey 5 Tina Jones 6 David Rudd T7 Kurt Schlogl T7 David Tucker T7 Gary Rauvola T10 Daniel Beckman

WingHaven CC WingHaven CC MAGA eClub Glen Echo CC Aberdeen GC CC of St Albans Old Hickory GC Raintree GC MAGA eClub Creve Coeur GC

90 90 90 70 60 50 30 30 30 7.5

T10 Tim Leonberger Stonewolf GC T12 Mike Quesenberry Lake Forest G&CC T12 Daniel Grothaus MAGA eClub T12 Ronald Polillo Cardinal Creek GC T12 Schooner Fitzgerald The Prairies GC T12 J Oden Thompson Prairies GC T12 Michael Mervis MAGA eClub T12 Donald Walker Aberdeen GC

OPEN NET Name

Name

Points 100 90 80

SUPER SENIOR NET Name T1 T1 3 4 5

SENIOR NET Name

Affiliation.

Points

1 Ralph Dannegger T2 Don Humphrey

Creve Coeur GC MVGCSA GC

100 85

T2 T4 T4 6 7 8

MAGA GC Greenville CC MAGA eClub MAGA eClub MAGA eClub MAGA eClub

85 65 65 50 40 30

John Epps Doug Fletcher John Wasmuth John Schranck Bill Slantz Perry Smith

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Marvin Frazier Lendell Phelps Leo Hefner Stephen Weinstock Bill Braun1

Affiliation.

Joachim GC Tamarack CC MAGA eClub Westwood CC Greybeard

Points

T6 King Edmonston Franklin County CC T6 Jim Garrett MAGA eClub T6 Bill Wirtz Grey Beard GC 9 Doug Williams Ballwin GC 10 Michael McDermott Tee Masters GC T11 Dick Adkins Greenville CC T11 John Carrington Aberdeen GC T11 Rick Darrow Creve Coeur GC T11 Howard Theisman GC of Wentzville

Next Event May 13 - Woods Fort Page 1

7.5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

20

95 95 80 70 60 40 40 40 20 10 5 5 5 5

The Metropolitan

March - April 2019

2018 Amateur Series Championship Finals OPEN

Clint Hamel

OPEN NET

Cory Mahoney

SENIOR OPEN

Steven McFadden

+3 74 73 147

-7 69 68 137

+6 74 76 150

SENIOR NET Perry Smith

-4 72 68 140

SUPER SENIOR OPEN

Schooner Fitzgerald +7 77 74 151

SUPER SENIOR NET Bill Braun

-5 73 66 139

2018 Player of the Year Results OPEN

Drew Pranger

SENIOR

Buddy Allen

FEMALE

Affiliation Glen Echo CC

Metropolitan GC

Ellen Port Sunset CC

Events Wins Points 7 2 1835

7

3

1877.5

Competed in 4 USGA Championships in 2018, making the cut in each event.

Only the 5th player to accomplish that feat. Ellen has played in 63 USGA Championships.

21

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The Metropolitan

March - April 2019

Southern Illinois Golf Association SIGA 2019 Tentative Featured Events SIGA Junior Golf Tour Callaway Cup Team Qualifier

June 3, 2019 at Franklin County Country Club

JGT-Callaway Cup Invitational

July 6-7, 2019 at the Effingham CC in Effingham, Illinois

95th SIGA Championship

July 20-21, 2019 - Tentative Venue: Rend Lake GC

Bill Koeneman Memorial Players Cup

August 3 or August 10, 2019 at Hickory Ridge Golf Course.

SIGA Junior Players Championship

August 4, or August 11, 2019 at Franklin County Country Club.

Tony Stevens Cup Matches

September 14-15, or September 21-22, 2019

Tentative Venues: Kellers Crossing at Stone Creek and Jackson County CC

On which area course is this hole? Answer on page 24.

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The Metropolitan

March - April 2019

Updated for 2018 - Golfing Before The Arch *** NOW IN FULL COLOR *** Golfing Before The Arch 2018 is all NEW, with full color images dating back to the 1940s! See many players, courses and historic items in color.

Also included: • Results from the 2018 PGA Championship with player images • The USGA Women’s Mid- Amateur, held at Norwood Hills in September 2018 • Updated results of MAGA, District, Missouri Golf, Women’s golf and area titles • Updated course information • Player details on championships and championship qualifying • Listings of Gateway PGA Section Champion from 2018 back to 1938 • Expanded to 608 pages of facts on St. Louis Golf History A perfect gift for anyone interested in the history of area golf.

The book is available for $47.50 at www.LULU.com, a self-publishing site. Upon placing your order, the book will be printed and shipped to you.

You may search for the book by its name, or by the name of the author, Jim Healey.

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The

Metropolitan

Parting Shot...

KEY CONTACT INFORMATION USGA website: www.usga.org MAGA website: www.metga.org GHIN website: www.ghin.org

Answer to golf hole question on page 20 Forest Park - Redbud - #2

24

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