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ON THE FIRST TEE...

With Nick Dietzen

March started with a trip to North Carolina for the United States Golf Association’s (USGA) Annual Meeting. It was the first trip for me to the Tar Heel State. The USGA’s headquarters are in Far Hills, New Jersey, but the annual meeting rotates around the country and this time to what is known as an “Anchor Site” for USGA Championships. Not only has the USGA moved several of its operations to Golf House Pinehurst, like equipment testing and research and Green Section Team, but also, Pinehurst will be an anchor site conducting myriad national championships over the next decade plus.

It was both educational and special as a golf fan to visit the World Golf Hall of Fame, for-

merly in St. Augustine, Florida, with hundreds of lockers filled with personal artifacts of golfers from the 1800’s until present day. From hickory shafted irons and the sand wedge (and accompanying coke-can-sized grip) Bryson DeChambeau hit his iconic 60-yard bunker shot en route to victory last year at Pinehurst in the U.S. Open.

There are 57 Allied Golf Associations (AGAs) and representing Montana as one of 44 in attendance was a unique opportunity to share ideas, work experience and national trends in the work we do as golf associations in partnership with the USGA.

The past year saw many notable achievements at the USGA level and several of

Golf House Pinehurst in North Carolina hosted the 2025 USGA Annual Meeting, attended by Executive Director Nick Dietzen.

which filter through to the statewide and even local levels as we work together to strengthen golf nationwide. We were able to learn firsthand from junior competitors who are part of the U.S. National Development Program about their experiences as well as the mission of the program, which is to help talented players move up the ranks of the game without regard to their family’s economic standing. The program, which has been piloted in several states will be coming to the Treasure State before long and we can’t wait to add more opportunities to our existing Team Montana competitors who represented us in the Girls and Boys Junior Americas Cups as well as in the Montana/ Alberta Junior Ryder Cup.

The USGA supports us (and the nation) with grant funding of the P.J. Boatwright Jr. Internships (150+ nationwide). We are excited to bring a few talented members to the team this season in service of the game in Montana. We are proud to have half our staff as alumni of this great program to introduce interested individuals to golf administration.

Golf is healthy, with the National Golf Foundation’s research suggesting 47 million Americans participated in golf in 2024, 10 million more than five years ago. More remarkably, the gains have come from growth segments of juniors, women and people of color.

The USGA quietly innovates and invests

MSGA ABOUT US

BOARD OF DIRECTORS - OFFICERS

PRESIDENT................................................... Peter Benson

VICE PRESIDENT.................................. Ron Ramsbacher

TREASURER....................................................... Bill Dunn

PAST PRESIDENT............................................. Carla Berg

WOMEN’S CHAIR........................................ Mary Bryson

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Brett Bennyhoff, Peter Benson, Carla Berg, Mary Bryson, Bill Dunn, Cheri Ellis, Lisa Forsberg, Marcia Hafner, Ron Ramsbacher, Karen Rice, Joe Rossman, Rod Stirling

MSGA STAFF

Executive Director......................................... Nick Dietzen

Tournament Director...................................... Tim Bakker

Membership Operations Director............... Emily Hulsey

Member Services Coordinator......................... Ian Hulsey

Communications & Tournament Manager.... Katie Fagg

Communcations Coordinator.......................... Ty Sparing

Partnerships & Business Development.......... Jess Miller

PARTNERSHIPS

Jess Miller.................................. 1 (800) 628-3752, ext. 5

406GOLF STAFF

Editor in Chief............................................... Nick Dietzen

Consulting Editor........................................ David Bataller

Senior Writer..................................................... Ty Sparing

Graphic Designer............................................... Katie Fagg

Montana State Golf Association P.O. Box 4306

Helena, MT 59604

1 (800) 628-3752 www.msgagolf.org

heavily in agronomy. Technology advances and practices to reduce water usage will be instrumental in the future success of the game as are the investments in the Greenskeeper Apprentice Program. The MSGA also supports our greenskeepers through financial support at our local GCSAA Chapter, Peaks & Prairies.

In the coming year, we reiterate our goal to help do our part at the local level to invest and support the continued growth and future of golf. As the warming trend has courses opening this week, we are thrilled for the coming

golf season and we are thankful for your membership, commitment to golf and supporting all that is possible in this great community. We have great momentum, thanks for being part of our success.

Together, We Are Montana Golf!

North Carolina's Golf House Pinehurst, a hub of sorts for the USGA, features an extensive historical memorabilia section.

1. Who introduced you to golf?

My dad introduced me to golf when I was seven years old at Canyon River in Missoula. I fell in love with the game and started going out every day.

2. Who influenced you most in your golf life?

My parents have influenced me the most in my golf career. My Dad has always made the game fun and pushed me to become a better golfer. He was there for every late-night range session and the rounds after school. My mom was always there with a snack bag in one hand and a “you got this” fist pump. My parents have been to every tournament. Without them, I wouldn't be where I am today.

3. What is the best part of your game?

The best part of my golf game is my wedges. If I have a wedge in my hand, it is going to be a fun day around the golf course.

4. What is your favorite course in Montana and why?

My favorite golf course in Montana

is The Ranch Club. I love the course, but more importantly, I love the people. The Ranch Club is home, and there is nothing better than home.

5. What is a dream course you'd like to play once?

I would love to play Augusta National.

6. What is your dream celebrity foursome (living or dead)? Why would you choose them?

Tiger Woods, because he is the greatest of all time and should have some pretty good knowledge of golf. Ludvig Aberg, because he is the new and up-and-coming golfer who knows what it takes to become a professional golfer nowadays. Will Ferrell because he is one of the funniest actors known to man and will add a little humor to the group.

7. What’s your most memorable moment on a golf course?

My Junior State Championship at Sydney Country Club. I was down four after the first day and fought back the second day, shooting a 69 and won the State Championship.

8. If you could change one thing about the game of golf what would it be?

I would add walk up songs. I think it would be fantastic to get the crowd pumped after hearing the golfer's favorite tune.

9. What advice would you give to beginner golfers?

Be patient. Becoming a good golfer does

not happen overnight. It takes grit, drive, and a ton of practice.

Bonus: Lay up or go for it?

GO FOR IT. Layups are for basketball. I didn’t come all this way to layup...

Katie Lewis, 2024 Montna State Junior Girls Champion

BY TY SPARING

MSGA COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

Rocky Mountain College Golf at RMC Intercollegiate at Lake Las Vegas

Rocky Mountain College’s men’s and women’s teams were down in Henderson, Las Vegas in early March hosting the RMC Intercollegiate at Lake Las Vegas. Held at the Reflection Bay Golf Club, it was their first bit of competition of the spring portion of the season.

In a field of nine, the women’s team finished up in sixth place with a final three round score of +139 (1003) overall. All-Conference golfer Grace Metcalf led the way individually with a

12th place finish after scoring +22 (238). Tyla Potgieter joined her in the top half of the field after ending up in 20th place at +29 (245).

On the men’s side the Battlin’ Bears finished in fourth place with a cumulative team score of +30 (894). All-Conference golfer Jake Johnson was the top individual having tied for fourth overall at +4 (220). Following Johnson was Aidan McDonagh who ended up in 10th place with a final score of +8 (224). Kristjan Burkelca was just one stroke behind McDonagh in 11th place, while Jared Smith also remained in the top half of the field, ending his three rounds in a tie for 17th place at +12 (228).

For full results of the RMC Intercollegiate, CLICK HERE.

The Rocky Mountain College Men (4th Place) and Women (6th Place) competed in the RMC Intercollegiate in Las Vegas.

Rocky Mountain Athletics

RMC and Carroll College at the Pacific Invitational

The Rocky Mountain College and Carroll College men’s and women’s golf teams were back in action recently at the Pacific Invitational. Held March 8-9 at the Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club in North Plains, Oregon, the Battlin’ Bears managed to make a clean sweep, winning both men’s and women’s team and individual titles.

On the men’s side RMC was coming in ranked ninth in the nation and they showcased that talent with a 21-stroke victory over second place Willammette. The Battlin’ Bears finished their two rounds at +6 (574) and placed four golfers in the top ten. For Carroll College it was their first tournament of the spring season after a long winter break. They finished in 10th place as a team at +102 (670).

Individually it was the Battlin’ Bears 18th ranked Kristjan Burkelca that came away with the victory. Sitting at -2 (140) after two rounds, Burkelca came away with his third

individual title of the season. The other RMC men’s golfers in the top ten included Nathan Piers in sixth place at +2 (144), Aidan McDonagh finished in a tie for seventh place at +4 (146) and Jake Johnson ended up in ninth place at +5 (147).

JT Slivinski was tops for Carroll, finishing in 48th place at +22 (164). He was followed by Jackson Hammond who ended up two strokes back in a tie for 50th place at +24 (166).

On the women’s side of things the 22nd ranked Battlin’ Bears won their team event by fourteen strokes with a final score of +77 (645), while Carroll College finished in seventh place at +155 (723).

Like the RMC men’s team, the women placed four golfers in the top ten as well. Tyla Potgieter had a fantastic second round of +3 (74) and took home the individual title with a final score of +13 (155). Potgieter was followed by Kadence Fischer who tied for third place at +15 (157), Isabella Downing landed in ninth place at +24 (166), and Grace Metcalf tied for

Carroll Athletics

Carroll College's Jackson Hammond fired the team's low round (81) during the final round of the Pacific Invitational in Oregon.

tenth place with a two-round score of +25 (167).

Carroll College’s Celi Chapman led the Saints with a 21st place finish at +31 (173). Freshman Ellie Stastny joined Chapman in the top half of the field with a 26th place finish at +35 (177).

For full results of the Pacific Invitational, CLICK HERE.

Montana State University at the SUU Pizza Hut Lady Thunderbird

After an exciting finish at the GCU Invitational in which Lauren Greeny won her second individual title of the season, Montana State University was back at it in St. George, Utah

for the SUU Pizza Hut Lady Thunderbird. Held March 7-9, the Bobcats had three rounds of competition at the Sunbrook Golf Course.

In a field of twelve MSU once again ended up in the top third as a team, this time with a fourth-place finish at +14 (878). It was the fourth-best 54-hole tournament score in program history, while the third round of 287 was the ninth-best single round in MSU history. After the last few years, it’s hard to imagine there’s many records left unbroken by this group of players.

Individually the Bobcats were led by Scarlet Weidig who finished in a tie for third place after a stellar final round of -4 (68) shot her up the leaderboard by thirteen spots. The twotime Montana State Match Play Champion Weidig got her final day started with an eagle

Scarlet Weidig's final round -4 (68) propelled her to a third place individual finish at the SUU Pizza Hut Lady Thunderbird - the best individual round of the tournament and a main piece to MSU's fourth place finish as a team.

MSU Athletics

on the par five second hole, and followed that up with four birdies on the back nine (holes 11, 14, 15, 18). Weidig’s third round score was the lowest of the entire field throughout the tournament, and the twelfth best in program history.

Following Weidig was Becca Tschetter, who continues to impress in her first year with the Bobcats after achieving another top ten performance. Helped in part by eagles recorded in rounds one and two, the graduate transfer Tschetter finished tied for tenth place at +4 (220).

The rest of the squad finished at least in the top half of the field. Sophomore Hannah Boraas notched her first top twenty finish of the season after tying for 15th place at +5 (221). Lauren Greeny followed Boraas with a 25th place finish at +8 (224). Eva Heinz tied for 29th at +9 (225) and Maddie Montoya ended up in 32nd place after three rounds with a final score of +10 (226).

Northern Arizona won the team event at +7

(871), while the Lumberjacks Lizzie Neale won the individual side of things with a final score of -3 (213).

For full results of the Pizza Hut Lady Thunderbird, CLICK HERE.

MSU-Billings Men’s Golf at NNU Nighthawk Invitational

The MSU-Billings Men’s golf team was down in Pleasanton, Calif., for the NNU Nighthawk Invitational. Held March 6-7 at the Callippe Preserve Golf Course, the Yellowjackets had their hands full against six other competitive teams, several of whom came in nationally ranked.

Playing three rounds MSU-B finished in seventh place as a team, ending up with a final score of +80 (944). Freshman Ryan Badger once again led the way for the Yellowjackets, finishing in 32nd place at +15 (231). He was followed by Pete Netrnilweerachot in 34th place at +18 (234), Hayato Ito in 41st with a

Freshman Ryan Badger led the way for MSU-Billings at the NNU Nighthawk Invitational, posting a 32nd place finish at +15 overall.

MSUB Athletics

final three rounds at +24 (240), and Quinn Haigwood who ended up in 47th place at +31 (247).

12th ranked Cal State East Bay won the team event at +18 (882), and also produced the individual winner in Easton Hether, who was the only player under par at -2 (214).

For full results of the NNU Nighthawk Invitational, CLICK HERE.

MSU-Billings Women at the Southwest Minnesota State Spring Invitational

The MSU-Billings women’s golf team was back breaking records at the Southwest Minnesota State Spring Invitational earlier this month. Held March 10-11 at the Wigwam Resort in Litchfield Park, Ariz., the event saw the Yellowjacket women post their best 36-hole score in nearly a decade.

As a team MSU-B finished in fourth place at +37 (613). Along with their phenomenal total score, the second round of 302 was also the

best single round performance since the 20152016 season.

The Yellowjackets were once again led by Orraya Tipasathien, who is putting together one of the best single seasons of golf in MSU-Billings history. After a first round that saw her sitting at +2 (74), she entered the second day with a little bit of catching up to do. And that she did, carding a round of -2 (70), which propelled her up the leaderboard by ten spots, landing her in a tie for second place overall. Her two-day total of 144 beat her previous 36hole personal best by five strokes.

Joining Tipasathien in the top thirteen was Ella Tannenberger, who also set a personal 36hole record at +6 (150).

Sixth ranked Grand Valley State won the team event at +1 (577) and provided the individual winner in Olivia Stoll who was the only player under par for the tournament with a final score of -3 (141).

For full results of the SMSU Spring Invite, CLICK HERE.

Orraya Tipasathien's second-round -2 (70) helped her to a tie for second place overall at the SMSU Spring Invitational. Her two-day total of 144 beat her previous 36-hole personal best by five strokes.

MSUB Athletics

2023 RULES OF GOLF: 5 KEY CHANGES

The R&A and the USGA have released the most recent edition of the Rules of Golf, effective January 2023

HERE ARE 5 KEY CHANGES

New Rule — Modifications for Players with Disabilities

These modifications are now part of the Rules and are in effect for all competitions and all players who fall under the categories covered in new Rule 25.

Replacing Damaged Clubs

If your club is damaged during a round (except in cases of abuse) you may replace it, repair it or continue to use it.

Ball Moved by Natural Forces

When your ball is at rest after taking relief and then rolls into another area of the course due to natural causes, there is no penalty, and you must replace it.

Simplified Back-onthe-Line Relief

When using this relief option, you are required to drop your ball on the line, and it may roll up to one club-length in any direction.

Handicap on Scorecard (Stroke Play Only)

You are not required to put your handicap on your scorecard and there is no penalty if you return your scorecard in a competition with an incorrect handicap, as this is now the Committee’s responsibility.

This change is consistent with other penalty reductions, such as reducing the penalty for playing an incorrectly substituted ball from the general penalty to one stroke.

For more information on the Rules of Golf, please visit usga.org or randa.org.

SIDNEY COUNTRY CLUB, A COURSE SPOTLIGHT

BY TY SPARING & CARLA BERG MSGA Communications Coordinator & MSGA Board Member

In 1916 the Sidney Herald noted that citizens “hereabouts have the golf bee in their bonnets” and after a decade of clamoring for a proper course, the people of Richland County in eastern Montana were finally able to get out and play some golf at the Sidney Country Club. One of the oldest golf clubs in the state, the Sidney Country Club was chartered in 1925 and the ensuing construction of the original 9-holes was directed by North Dakota’s “Father of Golf,” John Reuter Jr. out of Dickinson.

From the beginning, the Sidney Country Club has existed to serve the community, with very strong involvement from its members. Through member-work days, it transitioned from the original sand greens to grass in 1962, along with planting trees and other course developments. A few years ago when the course suffered from a tornado, it was the member volunteers that cleaned up and helped make the course playable within two days.

In 1999 the Sidney Country Club added a back nine, making it the only 18-hole golf course east of the Pryor Creek Golf Course in Huntley – a little under four hours’ drive away. Over the years it has developed an outstanding

shape, with well-grown trees lining the bluegrass fairways. In eastern Montana, if the land is flat it is farmed, therefore the course offers an abundance of natural hills and a panoramic scenic view of the Yellowstone River Valley.

Having hosted the 2023 High School Class A State Tournament, along with a variety of other large events, the Sidney Country Club is a high-caliber golf course that will test a players skill set. Due to changing wind directions and unpredictable weather patterns, the course is constantly offering challenges. Holes #2, 5 and 15 in particular offer regular proof of these playing conditions that are unique to eastern Montana (Hole 5 in fact was in the news in 2019 after getting struck by lightning). Visiting coaches regularly express their enthusiasm for the layout and the challenge that it offers their players.

Being a community driven organization, the Sidney Country Club offers a lot of bonus stuff that’s not on the golf course as well. They have the excellent Fringe Restaurant on-site which is a full-service kitchen and bar (see 406Foodies). Weddings, class reunions, business meetings, Christmas parties, you name it the Sid-

Along with helping design the original Sidney Country Club, John Reuter Jr. was instrumental in the formation of the North Dakota Golf Association in 1915 and went on to win four straight North Dakota State Amateurs before going pro in 1920. Later in his career Reuter developed the famous “Bulls-Eye” putter in 1949.

ney Country Club loves to host.

Of course, for those looking to prevent their golf clubs from developing frost, there are a number of simulator leagues and tournaments that take place during the frigid winter months. During the summer months the club even hosts an impressive junior program that garnered over 130 participants in 2024.

With 100 years under its belt, the Sidney Country Club is poised for another century of offering a top-notch golfing experience. As the friendly representatives of the club say “come

play, we have a reasonable cost, warm inviting atmosphere and a helpful and well stocked pro shop. We love to show off our club.”

Thanks to all those who continue to work on making the Sidney Country Club a special place in Montana. For those who haven’t been to eastern Montana in a while, it’s time to start planning your road trip!

Year Built: 1925 Architect(s): John Reuter Jr; Carl Theusen

Sidney Country Club

THE FRINGE AT SIDNEY COUNTRY CLUB

#406FOODIES

As the golf season approaches and you start planning your trips to courses around the state, perhaps this year consider going east. There are numerous golfing opportunities in eastern Montana, and one of the perks is that many of those destinations have fantastic food options on site.

The Fringe at the Sidney Country Club is one luch place. After playing on the only 18-hole course east of Billings, golfers have

the opportunity to dine at what might be the best restaurant in Sidney. Offering an array of delicious options for lunch and dinner, The Fringe is a family friendly establishment that has a little bit for everyone. If you’re in the area make sure to check it out!

Visit their Facebook page for more information!

DON'T BE THIS GOLFER

BY GEORGE WATERS

ASST. DIRECTOR, GREEN SECTION EDUCATION

I have seen some very foolish behavior from golfers over the years. I’ve seen carts in bunkers, clubs thrown in the water, clubs thrown in trees and I’ve seen some things I wouldn’t write about in the Green Section Record – but I have never seen someone take a divot out of a green. Unfortunately, superintendents are posting images of this type of damage more frequently, and I can’t help but wonder why.

Are people losing their temper more easily? Are they filming destructive behavior in the hope of generating online clicks and engagement? The Rules of Golf require you to take free relief if your ball winds up on any green other than the hole you are playing, so there are no legitimate circumstances where a player should be hitting a full shot on a green.

Damaging a green out of anger, or for any other reason, shows an incredible lack of respect for all that goes into preparing that surface. It’s not easy to maintain a smooth and uniform stand of grass at a fraction of an inch, and people wake up early and spend countless hours working to make it happen. Causing damage to a green is not only disrespectful to all that hard work, it also forces someone to drop what they were doing and make an urgent repair, likely with play going on. This is not a situation that any maintenance team should have to deal with.

Taking a divot out of a green obviously creates problems for other golfers as well. They are allowed to repair damage on a green, but fixing a divot is not like repairing a ball mark and golfers may not be able to make an effective repair themselves. They can let someone on the staff know about the problem, but the

repair won’t happen instantly and multiple groups are likely to be affected, especially if the damage is near the hole. Even a high-quality repair will take days or weeks to fully heal.

I recognize that people who intentionally damage a golf course are not really thinking about the maintenance staff or other players when they do it, so I guess it’s up to the rest of

us to set the best example possible. I do think that the more respectful we are of the courses we play, the more likely it is that people around us will treat them with respect as well. And if you honestly get so mad after a missed putt that you might take a chunk out of a green, tap your ankle with your putter instead, I promise you’ll forget all about the putt.

Click Here for more from the USGA Green Section Record ‒including the latest articles and videos on sustainable management practices that produce better playing conditions for better golf.

Taking a divot out of a green should be something no golfer would ever do.

USGA

THREE WAYS A HANDICAP INDEX® CAN ENHANCE YOUR GOLF EXPERIENCE THIS SEASON

BY TERRY BENJAMIN USGA COMMUNICATIONS

Track progress, set goals for your game.

For golfers who play fewer than 15 rounds a year, routinely shoot in the 90s or higher, or prefer to play for fun, a Handicap Index allows you to track your progress and work toward goals individualized to your ability and playing preferences.

Whether you’re looking to improve and lower your number, play more rounds, or try more courses for the first time, a Handicap Index enables you to keep track of your golf experiences.

Rethink success.

For many golfers, shooting par isn’t a realistic goal. With a Handicap Index, golfers can instead set their sights on more achievable scores for their round, and even on specific holes. This can be done in the following ways:

Find your Course Handicap™: the number of strokes you need to play to par from the tees you’re playing. The longer the tees you’re playing from, the higher your Course Handicap will be.

Determine your Target Score: a reasonable goal for your round based on your individual ability and course difficulty, not

the par on the scorecard. It’s calculated by adding your Course Handicap to par.

Dot your Scorecard: the Stroke Index – or “Handicap” row as it’s displayed on a scorecard – generally represents the difficulty of each hole ranked 1 to 18. By knowing your Course Handicap, you can determine the number of strokes it should take to play to your handicap on each hole.

For example, if your Course Handicap is 12, then 1 over par (a bogey) would be considered a good score on holes allocated 1 through 12. On holes allocated 13 through 18, making pars is within reach if you play them well.

Have fun competing.

Competing in golf doesn’t have to mean club championships, member-guest tournaments, or other high-pressure events. For many golfers, a Handicap Index allows you to play and compete with golfers of different abilities in a more fun and relaxed environment where stakes might only involve bragging rights or post-round drinks.

Your Handicap Index can be used in low-pressure formats of play such as fourball match play, four-ball stroke play, 1 or 2 best of 4 games or Stableford, and you can also use it in formats of play that are not acceptable for score-posting purposes but still allow for fun competition – such as foursomes (alternate shot) or scrambles.