ON THE FIRST TEE...
With Nick Dietzen
Can you believe we’re two weeks into the new annum? 2025 is firmly here and the MSGA Staff is hard at work laying the groundwork for what will shape up to be an exciting season of golf in Montana. This coming year, we’re growing our championship slate to eight (2025 Women’s State Senior and Mid-Amateur Championship), creating new playing opportunities for golfers of all abilities and ages and strengthening our partnerships to help deliver more member benefits and grow our Montana Golf Community.
I’m eager to announce that the MSGA team is growing. We’re thrilled that two past P.J. Boatwright Jr. Interns, Katie Fagg (2023-24) and Jess Miller (’24) are remaining with the association.
Katie, originally from Missoula, contributes
her design and artistic skills to 406golf is also an accomplished golfer and working towards becoming a PGA member and lending her talents to our competitions.
Jess, came to the MSGA from Louisville, Kentucky and has quickly established himself as an avid Montana Golfer and advocate for the associations work. Jess dove into the work of the MSGA in too many areas to count but will be focusing on further development of our business development operations, partnerships and growing our volunteer base.
Ty Sparing (’22-23) and your truly (Minnesota ’12) also have served as Boatwright Interns in the past and continued serving golfers in our careers. With a new year having arrived, we are once again advertising opportunities for those curious about careers in golf administration.
Cora Rosanova (left)m Josh Austin (center) and Jess Miller (right) served as the MSGA's USGA P.J. Boatwright, Jr., Interns in 2024.
So, what makes this opportunity so great – besides all the opportunities to sample the best club sandwiches and chicken tenders from around the state? A couple of our teammates have offered their thoughts:
My experiences as a MSGA Boatwright Intern were nothing short of amazing. This internship offered me many new opportunities including graphic design, tournament preparation and operations, and meeting many new faces within the Montana Golf Community.
Overall, I think that the Boatwright Internship program has been set up in a manner that creates such a well-rounded experience for all of us that get selected to participate. In addition to ensuring that I was exposed to all aspects of the association, the MSGA staff has allowed me to focus on some of the things that I really enjoy, especially graphic design.
I am grateful the MSGA allowed me to explore my creativity through many of the projects that I have gotten the chance to work on as a Boatwright Intern.
-Katie Fagg
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 opportu-
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
Bill Dunn, Ron Ramsbacher, Brett Bennyhoff, Rod Stirling, Mary Bryson, 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
Membership Operations Director............... Emily Hulsey
Member Services Coordinator......................... Ian Hulsey
Graphic Design & Content Coordinator......... Katie Fagg
USGA Boatwright Intern................................. Jess Miller
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
Montana State Golf Association P.O. Box 4306
Helena, MT 59604
1 (800) 628-3752 www.msgagolf.org
nities for advancement as numerous Boatwright Interns now work for the home office in New Jersey, and over a third of all Allied Golf Associations around the country are staffed by former Boatwright Alumni.
-Ty Sparing
For nearly 35 yeas, this Internship has served golf in America. 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.
This year we have two Boatwright Internship Opportunities available. 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, and the opportunity to make new friends and learn a ruling or two. The communications and marketing realm will allow for creativity, social
media acumen and writing to express all the fun that comes with the golf season – our panoramic views, colorful characters and amplify all the stories our readers enjoy.
Playing ability is not considered and the MSGA encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. 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 comes in handy as we’re all about golf as you might imagine.
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.
Note: 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.
1. Who introduced you to golf?
My Mom and Dad. My Dad was a golf course Superintendent. My mom thought she should learn the game. We started the same time. I was six years old.
2. Who influenced you the most in your golf life?
My Mom, Dad and husband. I played golf until I was 12 years old then had to quit because of being gifted in another sport. I was an alpine ski racer and was on the US Ski team in 1978 and 1979. I skied for the University of Vermont and then Montana State.
I began working on the greens crew at Valley View in Bozeman in between my sophomore and junior year of college. The crew would play golf after work and I started playing a bit then. It was not until I turned 50yrs old and my husband and I wanted to have a sport to play together. We chose golf!!
3. What’s the best part of your golf game?
I hit the ball straight.
4. What is your favorite course in Montana and why?
I love my home course Meadowlark. I think the greens are stellar and unequaled in Montana.
5. What is a dream golf course you’d like to play once?
I would like to play Pebble Beach.
6. What is your dream celebrity foursome (living or deceased)? Why would you choose them?
I would play with Anika Sorenstam, Nelly Korda, and Helen Tremper. I think the first two speak for themselves but in my opinion, Helen Tremper was the person who laid the foundation for great women’s golf in Montana. She was such a tough competitor.
7. What’s your most memorable moment on a golf course?
I had a good three day stretch of golf to win the 2023 Montana State Senior Women’s Championship by quite a few shots. It was pretty fun.
8. If you could change one thing about the game of golf what would it be?
Not sure. Would it make a difference if you could ground your club in a bunker?
9. What advice would you give to beginner golfers?
Play for fun. Golf is hard.
Bonus: Lay up or go for it?
Lay up. My short game is pretty good most days.
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.
LIBBY HONORS JOHNSTON AFTER SOUTH AFRICA TRIP
BY TY SPARING
MSGA
Communications Coordinator
After a thrilling win at the Australian Open in just his second career DP World Tour event, Ryggs Johnston had only a brief moment of celebration before flying over to South Africa for two more tournaments.
In early December Johnston played in the Nedbank Golf Challenge at the Gary Player
Country Club in Sun City, South Africa. Battling sickness, the first two rounds saw Johnston start a little slow with scores of 75 and 77. In a field of 66 golfers, he was in 59th after round two.
But as we know, Johnston can get hot in an instant and over the next two rounds he flew up the leaderboard with scores of 71 and 68, which landed him in 24th place when all was
The City of Libby held a parade to celebrate hometown hero Ryggs Johnston's victory at the Australian Open.
Cora Rosanova
said and done. His fourth round of 68 was tied for the third lowest round of the tournament.
A week later the Libby native was on to Malelane, South Africa for the Alfred Dunhill Championship at the Leopard Creek Country Club. Playing in a larger field of 156, Johnston got the ball rolling early with a first-round score of 68, which was highlighted by five birdies and an eagle on the 18th hole. With his strong first round and a second round of 73, Johnston easily made the cut and followed it up with two more solid rounds at even par 72, which put him in a tie for 36th place.
For his efforts in South Africa, Johnston earned roughly $81,000, and heads into 2025 as the fourth ranked golfer on the DP World Tour's Race to Dubai standings. He even fit in a little time for a safari while in Africa.
With a short break in the action, Johnston came back to Montana for a spell, hitting
simulator shots and staying ready for his next tournament in Dubai that’ll take place in late January. There was even a parade held in Libby to celebrate the hometown hero’s recent victory at the Australian Open. It’s a proud community that has watched Johnston develop from a prodigious young talent, into an All-American at Arizona State, and now a DP World Tour professional with a big win already under his belt and more momentous occasions like the British Open still yet in his future. Naturally the parade route started and ended at Cabinet View, Johnston’s home course.
Next up is the Hero Dubai Desert Classic at the Emirates Golf Club, where Johnston will be golfing against the likes of Rory Mcllroy, Victor Hovland, Jon Rahm, Tommy Fleetwood and many other top names. We look forward to following along!
To view the DP World Tour Schedule, and Johnston’s results, CLICK HERE
Ryggs Johnston waves to the crowd gathered at a parade in his honor, thrown by the City of Libby to celebrate Johntson's victory at the Australian Open. Johnston entered the 2025 calendar year ranked fourth in the DP World Tour's Race to Dubai standings.
Cora Rosanova
COLLEGE GOLF SIGNINGS
BY TY SPARING
MSGA Communications Coordinator
Montana Tech
The Montana Tech Orediggers recently added two more talented in-state golfers to their men’s and women’s golf teams.
Joining the women’s squad is Bigfork’s Keni Wade who was a four-time All State recipient at both the Class B and Class A level. She won the Class B individual title in 2023 and most recently finished in fourth place at the 2024 Class State Tournament.
On the men’s side is Butte High’s All-State golfer Brenner Booth who decided to stay in his hometown and join a competitive Orediggers team. Booth most recently won the Junior City Championship last summer in Butte.
Brenner Booth (buttesports.com)
Keni Wade
A LITTLE OFF THE BOTTOM
BY BRIAN GIETKA USGA AGRONOMIST, EAST REGION
As we enter winter, frozen or saturated soils can create challenging conditions for maintenance tasks and offseason projects, but hand pruning trees is almost always an option. Many tree management conversations focus on increasing sunlight and air movement by completely removing trees. However, pruning trees from the ground can have very positive impacts without the controversy that comes with complete removal.
Thorough crown cleaning is best performed by certified arborists, but with minimal training and a few hand and pole saws, improvements to tree health, turf health and playability can be quickly realized.
During a tree’s lifecycle, it is typical for the lower branches to die back first, so removing dead or declining branches will give the tree a clean look, reduce safety concerns and provide a few other benefits. Taller canopies will allow more sunlight to reach the turf and they allow for better air movement.
Playability also improves with higher canopies because golfers can find and play wayward shots more easily. As trees grow taller, their branches grow wider and may encroach into playing corridors. Branches that grow over fairways or make a par 3 into a dogleg should be identified for removal. The entire canopy may not have to be pruned back to achieve the desired result, removing a few of the lower branches might do the trick and it’s an easy place to start.
Using hand and pole saws from the ground can make quick work of low branches to improve playability and increase sunlight and air movement to the surrounding turf.
Pruning younger, smaller trees for form and structure is another relatively easy task that will serve the golf course well in the long term. Newly planted trees need as much canopy as possible but as they establish, removing lower branches and promoting strong crotches will grow strong, resilient trees. Keep in mind, some flowering trees should not be pruned during the winter as this can remove next season’s blooms, which is one of many benefits trees provide to the golfer experience. It won’t hurt to wait until after the tree
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.
flowers to get a few of those lower branches.
Winter is a great time for in-house tree pruning, so consider training staff on reduction cuts and the three-cut method for proper tree branch pruning. Investing in powered pole saws can make pruning more efficient and I promise these tools will be useful for as long as you have trees on your course. Sending a team out to walk the golf course and hand-prune trees is minimally invasive and can make life easier for your turf and the golfers at your course.
Investing time and money during winter to remove dead wood and prune trees will pay dividends when high winds sweep across the course during the playing season.
USGA
