406golf Newsletter - February 15, 2024

OLD WORKS GOLF COURSE Anaconda, MT

ON THE FIRST TEE...

With Nick Dietzen

T

he active season for handicapping in Montana begins April 1st and ends on Halloween. The active season refers to score posting for handicap purposes. With seven months of score-posting season available, we may have five months of good weather or perhaps nine.

While golf is being played around the state, the golf business is bustling with our lengthy sun-filled days into the evening, our passionate golfers recreate and those in the business keep things rolling.

The Montana State Golf Association conducts numerous competitions from juniors to seniors. The Treasure State geography is vast with five regional qualifiers for junior golfers of all ages, a state tournament and multiple traveling team competitions. We not only provide competition opportunities, but also fund junior programs throughout the state through our junior grant program.

Our competition schedule begins with the Senior Tour, which includes a dozen events this year, not to mention seven championship events from June through September. All the while, our incredible collection of volunteer team of course raters traverse the state to rate courses and maintain a schedule to keep courses in compliance for handicapping -purposes.

These are a few of the noteworthy activities going on during the “golf season,” but I am often asked around this time every year, “What do you do in the off-season?”

I’m glad you asked! Emily and Ian Hulsey traveled the state this fall conducting World Handicapping System (WHS) seminars to prepare for the release of 2024 WHS Updated Guidelines, much like the updated Rules of Golf that occur every four years. Emily is our Director of Membership Operations and Ian guides our membership services as the two met with representatives from handicap committees at all clubs to educate, share and prepare.

Jim Opitz volunteers in the scoring area at the 2023 State Junior Championships, played at Bill Roberts Golf Course in Helena.

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Tim Bakker, our Tournament Director, just returned from a USGA Rules of Golf Workshop and excelled in the classroom – in addition to preparing our tournament schedule and continually looking for ways to expand our opportunities to compete around the state.

Ty Sparing, our Communications Coordinator has been contributing stories for the newsletter, researching, and compiling historical data related to our association’s rich history and updating course history and information for our future release of an updated tournament calendar.

Michael Williams, our new Operations Manager, is getting us organized, updating our policies, preparing for our events as we hit the road from West to East this season. Additionally, Michael is connecting with clubs and helping expand our connections in all focus areas as we look to provide additional support to growing the game for juniors, women, and beginners of all ages.

Our Boatwright Intern, Katie Fagg, has been continually delivering great content for our refreshed newsletter, 406golf, our website and social media. In the coming months we will be adding new Boatwright Interns to the team, reviewing, and awarding scholarships to graduating seniors around the state.

In April, we are convening a group of Montana golf industry professionals and volunteers to discuss statewide topics at our Montana Golf Community Meeting in April.

MSGA

ABOUT US BOARD OF DIRECTORS - OFFICERS PRESIDENT................................. Mary Bryson VICE PRESIDENT....................... Peter Benson TREASURER..................................... Bill Dunn PAST PRESIDENT........................... Carla Berg WOMEN’S CHAIR...................... Teresa Brown BOARD OF DIRECTORS Russ Cravens, Bill Dunn, Ron Ramsbacher, Brett Bennyhoff, Teresa Brown, Rod Stirling, Mary Bryson, Sparkey McLean, Tracy Paine, Karen Rice, Joe Rossman, Peter Benson, Lisa Forsberg, Marcia Hafner, Carla Berg, Cheri Ellis MSGA STAFF Executive Director.............................. Nick Dietzen Tournament Director........................... Tim Bakker Communcations Coordinator............... Ty Sparing Operations Manager................... Michael Williams Membership Operations Director.... Emily Hulsey Online Support....................................... Ian Hulsey USGA Boatwright Intern....................... Katie Fagg PARTNERSHIPS Nick Dietzen .......... 1 (800) 628-3752, ext. 2 406GOLF STAFF Editor in Chief................................ Nick Dietzen Consulting Editor......................... David Bataller Staff Writer......................................... Ty Sparing Graphic Designer................................ Katie Fagg

This offseason has been anything but quiet. Our volunteer Board of Directors are continually meeting to discuss our philanthropic programs, competitions and most recently our Strategic Planning work as we look ahead to the next 3-5 years of association goals and chart a path forward.

As for me, I’m just trying to stay out of the way. After all, it’s the offseason ;)

Montana State Golf Association P.O. Box 4306 Helena, MT 59604 1 (800) 628-3752 www.msgagolf.org

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RULES OF GOLF

BY TIM BAKKER

MSGA Tournament Director Earlier this month, I spent three and a half days in the Seattle Area at a USGA Rules of Golf Workshop with other Tournament Directors, Rules Officials, and golfers interested in learning more about the rules of golf. We spent time each day exploring details of the 25 Rules in the USGA Rules of Golf. On day four, we took our 50-question closed-book exam and 50 question open-book exam.

This workshop is a deep dive into golf rules.

As a tournament director, being knowledgeable about the rules is part of my job. But, what if you are new to the game of golf? Or you want to make sure you and your friends are playing by the same rules? Maybe you are looking to brush up on your knowledge before your first MSGA Championship this summer?

The Rules of Golf are broken into 25 Rules, 1-25, each rule can have multiple parts. The definition section helps define so many terms such as a stroke or loose impediments. The clarification book will help answer many unique situations on the golf course, such as Rule 15.1a/1 which will explain why you can move those loose impediments prior to dropping or placing a ball in a relief area.

The USGA has several resources to help you learn the Rules of Golf. Let’s explore how you can expand your knowledge about the rules:

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The first for everyone is the USGA Rules of Golf App. This free mobile app has the complete rules & clarifications, USGA rule videos, and frequently asked questions like “How do I take relief from a Penalty Area?”

Rules 101 is a free 5-hour course covering many additional topics, such as playing the course as you find it, penalty relief areas and when you can mark and lift your golf ball.

Additionally, there are USGA Workshops on the Rules for those interested to attend in person or online. These options include the opportunity to take the 100-question exam or the 80-question exam.

Rules Quizes can be found online or within the USGA Rules of Golf App. These quizzes are customizable. You can select 10, 18, or 25 questions with beginner, intermediate or advanced level questions. These quizzes were a great resource to self-check my knowledge as I prepared for the exam.

I have been in the golf business for over

20 years and felt comfortable with the rules.

Over the past year these resources have helped me expand my knowledge and apply the rules during our MSGA events.

When scoring these exams, the USGA recognizes a score of 90 and above to be Expert Level. This past exam I scored an 87. I am looking forward to encountering new rules questions and learning on the golf course this coming year.

If you are interested in becoming a rules official or volunteering at a MSGA event please contact me by email at tim@msgagolf.org.

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2024 MSGA BOATWRIGHT INTERNSHIPS –

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN

BY NICK DIETZEN

MSGA Executive Director In 1991, the United States Golf Association (USGA) established the P.J. Boatwright Jr. Internship Program. 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.

The Montana State Golf Association (MSGA) has three Boatwright Internship Opportunities available for this year. Interns have focus areas but will receive a well-rounded experience and learning opportunities in many areas of golf administration. 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, hard work, and the opportunity to make new friends.

Playing ability is not considered and the MSGA encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds, anyone 18 and over is eligible to apply. A prospective intern should demonstrate strong managerial potential and a sufficient interest in golf. Additionally, an interest in learning about the game, it’s traditions and positively promoting golf throughout the state.

Not eligible for hire are golf professionals; USGA employees or their relatives; USGA committee members or their relatives; as well as association and organization employees and officials or their relatives.

The current MSGA Staff includes two Boatwright Alumni: Nick Dietzen (Minnesota 2012), Tyler Sparing (Montana - 2022-23) and Katie Fagg (2023-24) who is returning to the MSGA during the springtime.

Ty commented on his time as a Boatwright Intern:

For those looking to advance their career in the world of sports, the P.J. Boatwright Internship is one of the best professional training programs in the nation. Open to people of all ages, the Boatwright Program pays a reasonable wage and offers a diverse range of experience that provides a strong foundation of administrative skills.

Tournament operations, organizing junior clinics, coordinating marketing activities and even a trip to the USGA headquarters in New Jersey are just a few of the valuable experiences offered to Boatwright interns.

Being a Boatwright Intern in Montana means getting the opportunity to travel around our beautiful state and hang out at some of the top golf courses around. Not only that but an intern will meet a lot of friendly people and have the opportunity to watch the best golfers in Montana.

The MSGA has a welcoming (and growing) staff and is committed to helping Boatwright Interns achieve their goals whatever that may be.

There is a certain flexibility within the role that allows Boatwrights to pursue items of particular interest, while still gaining a broad knowledge of the golf industry. The USGA has many opportunities for advancement as many dozens of former Boatwright Interns now work for the corporate office in New Jersey, and over a third of all Allied Golf Associations around the country are staffed by former Boatwright alumni. In the case of the current MSGA employees that includes myself, Katie Fagg, and our Executive Director Nick Dietzen − who have all gone through the program.

- Ty Sparing, MSGA USGA

P.J. Boatwright, Jr., Interns from across the country gather at USGA Headquarters in Liberty Station, N.J. for a three-day summit each May.

ARIZONA STATE’S RYGGS JOHNSTON BEGINS SPRING GOLF SCHEDULE

BY TY SPARING

MSGA Communications Coordinator COPPER CUP The spring portion of the Pac-12 golf season got underway January 14-15 at the Copper Cup in Maricopa, Arizona. Ryggs Johnston, a fifth-year golfer for Arizona State University from Libby, Montana is looking to cap off an impressive collegiate career with some strong performances in the final months of the season.

Playing at AK-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club, the Copper Cup is a Ryder-Cup style tournament, as each team had eight players in competition. The Sun Devils got off to an early morning lead in their first-round match up with the University of Arizona, but ultimately fell in the afternoon portion of the match.

Johnston and teammate Preston Summerhays of ASU finished the morning Alternate Ball matchup all square against their Arizona opponents, and in the afternoon portion Johnston managed to notch a point in his singles match.

In the consolation match against USC, Johnston once again had a good showing, winning his morning singles match up before going on to finish all square in his afternoon match, as the Sun Devils managed to overtake the Trojans.

For results CLICK HERE. THE NATIONAL INVITATIONAL Ryggs Johnston and Arizona State stayed in state for their second event of the season January 29-30, as they headed over to Tucson for the National Invitational Tournament.

Eighteen teams competed over two days in the

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Libby’s Ryggs Johnston and the Arizona State Sun Devils are expected to make a run at a National Championship in May.

54-hole event which was held in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains at the Omni Tucson National Golf Resort. Eleven of those teams came into the tournament ranked in the top 60 nationally.

The fourth-ranked Sun Devils got off to a hot start in the first round, leading the entire field with a team score of 269, while Johnston similarly had a solid first round of 69, which put him in a tie for 16th place. Arizona State couldn’t quite hold the lead over the ensuing rounds however, finishing in third place as a team with a final line of 815 (269-276-270) just two strokes behind tournament victors New Mexico, and one stroke behind second place Arizona. Johnston ended up in the top half of the field with a final three round score of 211 (69-72-70), which was -5 and put him in a tie for 41st place.

Zac Jones of BYU won the individual title at the National Invitational having finished three rounds at -18. Montana golfers might remember him from last May when he took first place at the US Open Qualifier held at the Missoula Country Club.

For results CLICK HERE.

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NEW: MINI-GOLF COURSE NOW OPEN IN BILLINGS If during these cold months you find yourself wanting to work on your putting and also happen to appreciate facilities that are pirate themed and glow-in-the-dark, then Billings has just the place for you.

Lets Glow Putt is a new mini-golf and arcade center that opened up in January, providing a festive atmosphere and a visual extravaganza for citizens of the Magic City.

For those golfers itching for the season to start back up maybe a little mini-golf can help provide some relief!

To learn more about Let’s Glow Putt, visit them online at LetsGlowPutt.com. ~ Ty Sparing

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