ON THE FIRST TEE...
With Nick Dietzen
Happy Anniversary to 406golf!
Ambitious would be the term to describe the MSGA’s efforts to put forth a new online publication this time last year. Thanks to a dedicated, creative and – obviously ‒ ambitious group we celebrate one year of 406golf, the twice-a-month digital magazine delivered to Members’ inboxes every 1st and 15th of the year.
How are we celebrating? I for one am looking forward to never missing a putt again, adding 30-yards to my tee shot and never missing a fairway again. I never knew
that it was as easy as a few clicks and subscriptions through my social media accounts to make my game tour ready. Watch out!
Of course, it’s never as easy as the descriptions presented, or the marketing videos promise us and that’s true of our communications efforts. It hasn’t come together seamlessly or without hard work. It’s taken lots of repetitions, trial and error and countless attempts at follow up work for content that we hope you our Member and reader look forward to.
I began contributing with the MSGA in
Join us in celebrating one year of 406golf, the official digital magazine of the Montana State Golf Association!
2013 by working with Jim Opitz (Executive Director for over 20 years) and Emily Hulsey (current Membership Operations Director) on the newsletter. At the time it was six issues during the active season, and it included some rules contributions, news from around the area and a cartoon. I told Emily that I thought we could do 12 issues – a theme that has continued and grown.
Last January, I reached out to David Bataller, who brought in his publication and journalism expertise and a like-minded desire to be a little too ambitious to the team. David and I discussed how to produce a new communication source to reach our dedicated Montana golfers, and he said, “I think we can do two-a-month.”
Ty Sparing, who’s continued to grow as a talented writer and steward of the magazine through his updates on events from all corners of the state and all levels of amateur golf. He’s lent his penchant for good historical deep dives and brought some unknown stories to our readership.
Katie Fagg has continued to evolve as a gifted graphic designer and curate some of the best photography (thanks to all who have lent their photography) to showcase our beautiful golf courses.
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
Tim Bakker has been generous in his contributions to adding rules content and a perspective from the championship side, Jess Miller has provided thoughtful pieces and assisted with social media to help remind readers that among the mass email marketing that some good stuff can be found if you know to look on the 1st and 15th.
Emily and Ian Hulsey push out our magazine to our 21,000+ Members and archive the magazines to our website past issues can be found here. It takes a dedicated team to continue to inform and entertain our readership and we’re thankful that you’ve joined us on this journey over the past year.
In the coming year, we are dedicated to serving and connecting the Montana Golf Community through many programs including our communications and delivery of 406golf. We will partner with businesses we believe will add value to your Member-
ship, grow our content and these partnerships will allow us to continually grow and provide what we hope will be a must-read part of your inbox.
We can’t wait for year two and if you’d like to be a part of our journey with story ideas (ty@msgagolf.org), photography (katie@msgagolf.org), advertising support (jess@msgagolf.org) or to help me find that 30-yards off the tee – drop us a line.
Cheers to the year that was and thank you to all who have dropped us a line and appreciated the work of this dedicated team!
If you or someone you know might be interested in applying for one of our positions, please share this information and encourage them to apply.
1. Who introduced you to golf?
Not sure exactly who got me started but I started playing in high school. No one in our family played so probably it was friends.
It wasn’t a very serious attempt because I wasn’t good right away (maybe never will be) and it was frustrating. I wasn’t very patient, I guess. Sneaking on the University Course with friends made it affordable.
2. Who influenced you the most in your golf life?
I think my earliest serious golfing partner would be Paul Caruso. We played a few tournaments together. It was my first meaningful golfing experience.
I liked it and it was competitive which made it feel more like the team sports I was accustomed to playing.
3. What brought you to the MSGA in the first place?
Not to be repetitive but I was made aware of the MSGA by Paul Caruso who introduced me to Fraser MacDonald. We became friends and he asked me to be a Boatwright intern one summer to help with tournaments. I was hooked.
I loved being involved with tournament golf and the players. When Fraser was planning to retire he asked me if I wanted to follow him. I couldn’t wait to begin.
4. What’s your favorite memory as Executive Director of the MSGA?
So many memories of tournaments and the players along the way. I guess if I have to choose just one, it would be the 100th anniversary of the MSGA dinner in Missoula. It was a beautiful July evening, we had bag piping, the US Open trophy, great meal, USGA officials and several former State Champions in attendance.
After dinner I went outside and eavesdropped on a conversation that Gene Cook was having with Mike Barnett. They were talking about particular shots from the last 40 years that were made while competing with each other. They laughed with each other as they reminisced. It was golf at its best. Two great champions sharing a beer and a memory. I smile even now because it was so cool.
I could go on and on because I really liked being involved with golf administration. The people I worked with were so supportive. I am especially grateful for the support of the PGA professionals who helped me through so many events. They knew I was winging it most days, but they always came through in the end. They became friends. I miss them.
I also would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the many volunteers who helped make our events so special. I was supported by an outstanding Board that allowed me to work with the Women’s Association and the Seniors to merge under one roof. It was probably our greatest achievement.
All in all, being involved with the MSGA was a blessing in my life.
5. What is your favorite course in Montana and why?
There are many favorite courses, in fact any course I can play becomes my favorite. If I have to choose one, it would probably be Whitefish because when I was teaching and coaching, before the MSGA, it meant we were on family vacation in the Flathead.
6. What is a dream golf course you’d like to play once?
I guess it would have to be St Andrews.
7. What is your dream celebrity foursome (living or dead)? Why would you choose them?
I will give you my heart foursome first because these three guys played early morning weekends with me for years. Tom Kelly, Carroll College coach, Tom Downs, close friend and Bill Muldowney my father-in-law. They are all deceased and deeply missed.
My son Kevin, because every day on the course with him now is precious time especially since he has matured and doesn’t throw clubs anymore.
Celebrity group - Larry Bird, probably not for conversation so much. Just Celtic stuff (more rings than Lakers). Robert Kennedy - I would want to listen to him speak of his vision for the country. A life for too short.
Jackie Robinson - He would be a quiet one who would be strong, classy and dignified. The kind of man to admire. Walter Cronkite - A newsman who spoke with honesty and integrity. We need his voice.
That was hard!
8. What’s your most memorable moment on a golf course?
I think playing in the three-man scramble at Bill Roberts with my father-in-law Bill and my son Kevin. I think we got third net in the fifth flight of our first tourney as a team. Best day ever!
9. If you could change one thing about the game of golf, what would it be?
I would make golf more affordable so more people could experience how many fantastic people are involved with the game. Also, they could see how great it feels to hit that perfect 7-iron flush on the face.
Bonus: Lay up or go for it?
Before I turned 75, I would go for it every time. Now I lay up because golf balls are expensive, and I am on a fixed income.
Jim Opitz (left) with Paul Caruso in 2017
RYGGS JOHNSTON DEALS WITH INJURY
BY TY SPARING
MSGA Communications Coordinator
Ryggs Johnston is certainly getting some frequent flier miles stacked up these past few months. Europe, Australia, South Africa, Montana, and now he can add the United Arab Emirates to the list. Having retreated back to Libby for a short holiday break after an incredible start to his DP World Tour career, Johnston flew over to Dubai for the first of five tournament stops on a swing through the Middle East.
That was the initial plan at least, as Johnston ended up incurring a neck injury early in the trip, which pulled him out of action.
The first tournament, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, was held January 16-19 at the Emirates Golf Club in Dubai. Johnston managed to make it out of this first event unscathed, but walked away a little disappointed regardless having just missed the cut after rounds of 73 and 75. In a large field of competitors, he ended up tied for 104th place with Viktor Hovland – the 9th ranked golfer in the world.
It was the next week at the Ras Al Khaimah Championship at the Al Hamra Golf Club that Johnston caught the injury bug. Only four holes into the first round he started feeling discomfort in the neck, at which point decided to bow out to prevent further injury.
No word yet on the amount of time John-
ston expects to miss, but we will keep you informed when he is back competing again.
In the meantime, best wishes to Ryggs on a speedy recovery!
For more information on the DP World Tour Schedule, CLICK HERE
Libby-native Ryggs Johnston was forced to withdraw from the Ras Al Khaimah Championship due to discomfort in his neck.
Ryggs Johnston / Instagram
BY TIM BAKKER
MSGA Tournament Director
Ready to grow your USGA Rules of Golf Knowledge?
The MSGA, in partnership with the PNGA, is offering a 6 week, 12 session course on the Rules of Golf. This online course will offer instruction from PNGA Tournament Directors to help you have a better understanding of the rules of golf.
Join us Tuesday & Thursday nights online from 6:30-8:30 MST beginning February 11th. Following the course you will have the option of taking the 80 question USGA rules exam at a TBD location(s).
Cost of the course is $70, which includes:
The Rules of Golf, effective January 2023
This is the full Rules of Golf, the primary Rules resource for officials. It contains all the playing Rules and full definitions of terms used throughout the Rules. It includes numerous explanatory images and diagrams.
The Official Guide to the Rules of Golf, effective January 2023
This is a resource that contains information to support committees and officials that sup-
plement the Rules of Golf. It includes: 1) the Rules of Golf, 2) interpretations that provide guidance in the understanding of terminology and the application of Rules, 3) Committee and administrative procedures, 4) a library of model Local Rules, 5) Information on establishing the terms of the competition, and 6) Modified Rules of Golf for Players with Disabilities.
Discounted registration is available to those who are currently registered or become registered on the MSGA Volunteer Hub for 2025.
USGA Rules Exam
A score of 70 or higher on the exam will achieve an “Advanced” Rules certification from the USGA. This will also make one eligible to begin officiating with the MSGA, OGA, or WA Golf.
Please note that Rules certification is just one of the considerations the MSGA, OGA, and WA Golf uses to determine who is eligible to officiate within either association. Also, a score of less than 70 may still allow an individual to volunteer with the MSGA within a limited Rules capacity. However, an acceptable score on the MSGA created and administered exam must be completed to show enough Rules knowledge before being able to officiate.
COLLEGE GOLF SIGNINGS
BY TY SPARING
MSGA Communications Coordinator
Pacific University ‒ Eugene, Ore.
Mielle Kavran, a standout golfer out of Billings West has recently signed on to play at Pacific University in Eugene, Oregon. Kavran, a multi-sport athlete, was a three-time All-State golfer for the Golden Bears, and this past fall she finished in a tie for fourth place at the Class AA State Tournament.
Kavran carries on a strong family golfing legacy, as her dad Eddie is a longtime pro at the Hilands Golf Club in Billings and the 1998 Montana State Amateur Champion.
Along with her golfing talents, Kavran is a standout in the classroom as well, having earned Academic All-State honors three times as well. She plans on studying pre-med while at Pacific.
MTN Sports
YES IT’S COLD, BUT LET’S LOOK AT THE POSITIVES
BY TOM GOULD USGA AGRONOMIST, CENTRAL REGION
Sure, it’s frigid outside at this time of year, and it’s no fun dealing with a strong polar vortex providing extremely cold conditions seen in the central U.S recently. However, there can be some positives that come with winter weather. Think about these potential benefits the next time you go outside:
Snow cover can provide insulation to the turf and minimize winter injury.
Although snow removal may be burdensome, having adequate snow cover across the course can insulate turfgrass crowns from excessively cold temperatures and limit winter injury. However, prolonged snow cover can lead to snow mold pressure – grey snow mold requires at least 60 days of snow cover – so an
occasional break in snow cover is appreciated.
Cold temperatures can control some pest populations.
Some pest populations may be kept away from your course due to the severe weather. Examples of pests that decline in cold temperatures include:
• Copperhead snakes, that die at temperatures significantly below 32 F.
• Fire ants, that die at 10 F.
• Rhizome populations of dallisgrass that can decline or die from prolonged freezing soil temperatures.
• Some tropical weeds, like tropical signalgrass, die back at freezing temperatures.
Frozen soil limits damage caused by
It hasn’t been the most pleasant winter so far in the central U.S., but it is important to recognize the positives winter weather provides.
equipment.
Frozen soil is better able to resist compaction and potential damage from heavy equipment, so some tasks around the course become far less invasive. There are several tasks that require heavy equipment, and tree maintenance is a frequent one for many courses.
Heavy equipment may be necessary to safely cut down, remove, and grind tree stumps. Necessary tree removals and pruning can be performed with the least amount of disruption to the tree, the turf, and play in the winter months when soils are frozen.
There’s more time for indoor tasks.
There are lots of tasks that need to be completed indoors every winter. Conducting routine maintenance on equipment, refinishing course accessories, reviewing the past year and planning for the future are all tasks that can be done when it’s freezing outside. Escaping the frigid outdoor conditions is a perk, but this time inside can also help remind superintendents how much they enjoy working outside on the course.
Although we’ve had some exceptional cold throughout the central U.S. this winter, remind yourself that the winter can provide some necessary downtime to prepare for the next growing season.
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.
Learn the warning signs of health risks associated with exposure to cold, wet weather.
USGA
