406golf Newsletter - March 15, 2024

©ROB PERRY PHOTOGRAPHY

ON THE FIRST TEE...

With Nick Dietzen

What does amateur mean to you? As a golf association, our membership is not exclusive to amateurs as we count numerous professionals among our membership. To some, amateur means someone not terribly competent at something. For many of us, our heads might be nodding as our golf games may resemble the phrase “not terribly competent.”

Instead, I prefer a different definition – the earliest historical sense suggests: “one that has a marked fondness, liking or “taste”). If we trace back the root etymology of the word coming to English from the French amateur, which as all the romance languages pull from – Latin word for “lover” (amator).

This brings the fact that amateur athletes are playing for the love of the game, more than the professional or financial benefits that continue to increase. While many of us would be interested if our abilities were significant enough to consider golf as a profession, it’s a much bigger tent for those of us counted among the amateur ranks!

The MSGA’s membership was 20,000+ strong last year. The group ranged from single-digit-aged juniors to 93 years young. From “plus” handicap players competing in our most prestigious championships, to

54 handicaps who were learning the game for their first season of playing reguarly.

One of the most discussed topics in golf association world is the misconception about memberships and golfers thinking they aren’t “good enough” for a handicap. I like to compare golf to all those who are avid joggers and runners and how they work with various resources to track their runs. Of course, some road warriors are logging incredible mileage and working towards their best times, but some of us just want to generally keep track and see how we are progressing – even with no end goal, race or tournament in mind.

I mostly like to think about running rather than doing it, but I digress. A USGA® handicap

Amateur players tend to show off beautiful smiles during rounds ‒ even when the elements have provided an unexpected layer hail to make putting just a touch more difficult.

is the key benefit to an MSGA Membership, but we are continually looking to add value to our memberships beyond the handicap. The GHIN mobile app, which has a wealth of functionality that we will continue to promote throughout the season is incredible. This year, members began receiving the physical copy of Pacific Northwest Golfer magazine in their mailbox earlier this month. This member benefit is an example of the MSGA’s commitment to increasing value and appreciation for our membership.

As we quickly approach April 1st and the “active season” for handicapping purposes, it’s a great time to start your golf season as a continued member and better yet, would you encourage a friend to join as well? An MSGA membership is not just for serious, avid, or diehard golfers. It’s supporting the game we love, those who work in the industry, our future golfers and makes the Montana Golf Community stronger.

Thank you for being a member and hopefully, for bringing another member into our tent – step inside, the weather will be great, and the company can’t be beat. After all, we have one thing in common we can all appreciate together – the game we love – GOLF! And of course, those who play it.

P.S. Please let us know what you love about the game and please share your thoughts, photos, stories, questions and anything that is important to you – submissions@msgagolf.org we are eager to hear from you.

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

Montana State Golf Association

P.O. Box 4306

Helena, MT 59604

1 (800) 628-3752

www.msgagolf.org

1. Who introduced you to golf?

My first memories of playing golf are using my grandmothers’ clubs and hitting golf balls into a cornfield from their yard. I got a season pass to play golf with friends a few times as a junior but spent most of my time on a tennis court.

2. Who influenced you the most in your golf life?

There are many people in the golf industry who gave me opportunities and taught me about the game. Chris Anderson at UM Golf Course hired me to work in the golf shop with minimum golf knowledge, there at UMGC I also met Bob Veroulis. Bob helped me learn the game and I saw the path of teaching in the golf business.

Bill Galiher helped me become a PGA Member during my 12 years at Larchmont. He helped me grow as a golf instructor and Professional as I went on to become a Head Professional and into my role now as Tournament Director.

3. What MSGA program are you most passionate about and why?

As Tournament Director it is our Tournament Programs. In my time working as an Assistant and Head Professional, my favorite times were operating golf tournaments for Members and Guests.

As an Instructor and Coach, I loved working with students to reach their goals and

compete. Now I get to work with the MSGA and provide these experiences for players. Every event in 2023 was so enjoyable to be at, I am looking forward to creating more Championship memories and events in 2024.

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

I am lucky to have played many of the great courses across Montana. We have great private clubs that provide a unique experience and I have enjoyed the opportunity to play a few of those in Western Montana. My favorite Public Course to play is Canyon River Golf Club here in Missoula.

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

Cypress Point. According to Google Maps it takes 19 hours and 30 minutes from my house to the course. Give me that much notice for a tee time and I will be there.

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

My favorite foursome is my wife and two boys. I enjoy taking the day off and watching/caddying for my dad, wife, and two boys. If I am going to go with a celebrity foursome, Tiger, Jack, Wayne Gretzky and myself.

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

Has to be getting my first hole in one. Hole 11 at Mission Mountain. Sun was in my eyes after I hit it. I told my playing partners, “I hit that as well as I could, and it looked like it was online.”

As we got to the green and a quick search around the edge of the green did not yield a ball, we found it in the bottom of the cup.

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

Carts. Players should walk more, especially juniors. I see so many kids getting in cart

because it is “fun.” I think there is an enjoyable side to walking to and experiencing the nature side of a golf course.

9. What brought you to the MSGA? What do you hope to accomplish as a staff member?

Providing more playing opportunities. Some opportunities will be competitive, and some will be a great time playing in new places and meeting new friends.

Bonus: Lay up or go for it?

Go for it. Trust your short game.

Tim Bakker

ARE YOU READY TO REGISTER FOR AN MSGA CHAMPIONSHIP?

BY TIM BAKKER MSGA Tournament Director

As your Tournament Director, I am looking forward to a great season of tournament golf across Montana. Registration for many of Montana’s championships and events will open on April 1st at 9:00 a.m. Soon you will find the event information online on our website at msgagolf.org.

The eligibility for each of our events may be slightly different, when looking to register for an event be sure to look for the maximum handicap, age limit for amateur and senior divisions. All our events do have a maximum field size, so be sure to get your entry in early. We expect many of our events to fill this year.

A couple of key steps to register can be completed prior to then. First, make sure your GHIN handicap and Montana State Golf Association Membership is active. All participants of a MSGA event must have an active MSGA membership and GHIN handicap.

Second, prior to event registration, you will need to be a part of our MSGA Tournament Directory. The Tournament Directory will

track and save your player profile making registration for multiple and future events easy.

As you select an event to play in, the registration process will collect essential information to help us communicate with you prior to and during the event. A cell phone number is important, as it is the quickest way for us to contact multiple players through text messages. We will often text pairings and starting times, or during the round in case of weather delays, so please include your cell number.

As you conclude your registration, be sure to check your email for your confirmation email. This will ensure registration has been completed. Be sure to watch for additional emails for valuable information like practice round opportunities and tournament information. Following the event, the MSGA will often send surveys. We want to hear back about your experience!

We look forward to seeing you in 2024. As always, our support team is available to assist you with any questions you may have during the registration process. Please contact support@msgagolf.org by email or by phone at 800-628-3752 ext. 1.

WHAT SUPERINTENDENTS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT COURSE RATING AND THE HANDICAP SYSTEM

BY CORY ISOM USGA Agronomist - West Region

An unnamed acquaintance once told me, “Never make a putt if you don’t have to.” This was his not-so-veiled way of explaining how he managed his Handicap Index®. “Management strategies” like this one are frowned on by most golfers and certainly not endorsed by those of us working at the USGA.

Golfers of any skill level can compete against each other fairly when they have a Handicap Index and are playing on a rated course. This is part of why golf is such a great game. Because the handicap system is such an important part of setting a level playing field – especially in competitive events – it’s good for superintendents to have a basic understanding of how course design, maintenance and setup can affect Course Rating™ and a golfer’s Handicap Index.

Course ratings are performed by your local Allied Golf Association (AGA). AGA course raters are dedicated to travelling around their respective regions to evaluate and reevaluate

golf courses based on a long list of criteria that include design and maintenance factors. The Course Rating is determined by assessing the effective playing length of the golf course and the obstacles and challenges that face scratch players in and around the landing zones and greens on the course. The Course Rating represents the score a scratch player, essentially a Handicap Index of 0.0, should achieve when playing well on a golf course under normal course and weather conditions. For example, a Course Rating of 71.8 would equate to a scratch player’s expected score of 72 for a good round.

A course’s Slope Rating™ represents the relative difficulty for players who are not scratch players compared to those who are. Increased playing length and difficulty of obstacles impact higher-handicap players more than lower-handicap players. Therefore, a higher Slope Rating means the course is relatively more difficult for higher-handicap players than for lower-handicap players. For reference, Slope Rating can range from 55 to 155 and a course of standard difficulty has a Slope Rating of 113.

Will removing this tree in the landing area affect the Course Rating or a golfer’s Handicap Index? It’s always a good idea to ask your Allied Golf Association about the impact of any design or maintenance changes.

The key terms for superintendents to focus on in the definitions of Course Rating and Slope Rating are length, obstacles and challenges. Let’s look at how each of these items can affect the Ratings and ultimately a player’s Handicap Index.

Length

Once Course Ratings are determined by your local AGA, it is important to consistently set up the golf course within 100 yards of the overall rated length each day. I’m not suggesting that this is something to obsess over, but it should be part of your daily course setup considerations. If some holes have tees moved forward on a particular day, moving the tees back on other holes can keep the course close to its rated yardage. The challenge for superintendents is finding a balance between dispersing traffic around the course and staying relatively close to rated length. Keep in mind that the effective length of a golf course has the most impact on Course Rating. If you’re going to change the length of the course or add features that may change the effective length or how the hole is played, it is important to contact the AGA to determine if a re-rating is necessary.

Obstacles

The location of trees, bunkers, water features, forced carries and other obstacles in or near landing areas for scratch and bogey players impact the Course Rating and/or Slope Rating. If you’re planning on adding, removing or pruning trees that are significantly in play, consulting with the AGA may be a good idea to evaluate the potential implications. The same goes for work on bunkers, water features or other obstacles on the course.

If you make significant changes to normal rough height or green speed, it’s worth asking your local AGA if that will affect the rating of the course.

Challenges

How fast are your greens? How tall is the maintained rough? How deep are the bunkers? Is there tall grass around the edges of the bunkers? How narrow are your fairways and approaches? These are questions course raters must answer as they evaluate the challenges golfers will face when playing your course. The AGA will typically send a questionnaire to ask what normal conditions are – e.g., green speeds and heights of cut – prior to the rating team coming out. If you change how the course is normally maintained, ratings may need to be adjusted.

What if you’re doing a project and the course will be altered for an extended period of time? Temporary teeing areas or temporary greens are often used during major course renovations. This will obviously change the effective length, obstacles and challenges faced by golfers. If you let your local AGA know, they can make short-term adjustments to your Course Rating and Slope Ratings based on the temporary features that are in play during a project.

If there are changes to course design or maintenance that could have an impact on scoring in the short or long term, it is always a good idea to consult with your local AGA. Their well-trained staff and course raters are equipped to handle any questions or issues that may arise. This is the kind of “handicap management” that we fully endorse.

TIGER WOODS NAMED USGA’S 2024 BOB JONES AWARD RECIPIENT

LIBERTY CORNER, N.J. (USGA)

– The United States Golf Association has selected Tiger Woods as the recipient of this year’s Bob Jones Award, the USGA’s highest honor, in recognition of his commitment to sportsmanship and respect for golf’s time-honored traditions.

Woods, a 15-time major champion and nine-time USGA champion, has redefined the game of golf in the modern era, overcoming

physical and personal challenges by displaying the characteristics of tenacity, mental strength and perseverance.

“This award goes beyond playing performance, recognizing the lasting impact of one person’s journey that has forever changed the image and growth of golf,” said Mike Whan, CEO of the USGA. “There are very few who stand alongside Tiger Woods in terms of oncourse accomplishments, and he is in a class of his own when it comes to the impact he has made on the game and future generations who will play it.”

His journey, from junior phenomenon to young star, achiever to ambassador, player to mentor and golf innovator to entrepreneur, is marked by a rich and deep story defined not just by trophies, but by triumphing over near-impossible obstacles and emerging stronger beyond them. Always rising to the occasion, Woods continues to play the game without compromising his drive or his respect for it.

His dedication to fair play and longstanding commitment to excellence are among the traits embodied by the award’s namesake, Robert Tyre Jones Jr., one of golf’s greats, a fellow ninetime USGA champion and one of the most respected players in the game’s history.

“Bob Jones was a pillar of our game because of the integrity with which he played it, and I’m truly humbled to receive the award that bears his name and join the many who have received it before me who continue his legacy,” said Woods. “It’s especially fitting to

Tiger Woods celebrates a birdie putt on the 72nd hole of the 2008 U.S. Open, tying Rocco Mediate and forcing an 18-hole playoff the following day.

USGA

receive this honor from the USGA, which has meant so much to my career and the entire game of golf.”

Woods’ charitable endeavors and significant impact off the golf course are integral to his living legacy. Founded in 1996 with his father, Earl, the TGR Foundation provides opportunities to help change the trajectories of students’ lives through access to collegeand career-preparation resources, along with STEM-based experiential learning via the TGR Learning Lab.

A transcendent talent and one of the most accomplished players in history, Woods is credited with inspiring a generation of golfers to take up the game through his decades of dominance at every level of the sport. His nine USGA titles, matched only by Jones, include three consecutive U.S. Junior Amateurs (19911993), followed by three straight U.S. Amateurs (1994-1996) and an overall USGA matchplay record of 42-3. His record 15-stroke victory at Pebble Beach in the 2000 U.S. Open

and his captivating playoff win on a broken leg at Torrey Pines to claim the 2008 U.S. Open are among the most memorable performances in the championship’s history.

“Throughout his playing career and along with his incredible work outside the ropes, Tiger Woods has quite literally changed the game, and he has done it while embodying the characteristics recognized by this award and shared by others who have received it,” said Fred Perpall, USGA president. “His impact on the game is incalculable, and there is no doubt that golf would not be the same without Tiger in it.”

Past recipients of the Bob Jones Award include Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Mickey Wright, Francis Ouimet, Byron Nelson, Nancy Lopez, President George H.W. Bush, Patty Berg and Annika Sorenstam.

Woods will be recognized on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at a ceremony in the Village of Pinehurst during the week of the U.S. Open Championship.

USGA

USGA

Tiger Woods hoists the U.S. Open trophy after beating Rocco Mediate in an 18-hole playoff at Torrey Pines in 2008, good for his 14th career major win. In the playoff, Woods birdied the 18th hole to force a sudden death playoff, where Mediate bogeyed the opening hole.

COLLEGE GOLF ROUNDUP

BY TY SPARING

MSGA Communications Coordinator

MSU-Billings Women’s Golf in Arizona

The MSU-Billings women’s golf team was down in Litchfield Park, Arizona March 4-12 for a series of three Southwest Minnesota State University hosted events – SMSU Spring Invitational, SMSU Challenge, and SMSU Classic. Playing against a host of competitive D2 schools, the Yellowjackets had a lot of golf to play with six rounds between the three events at the Wigwam Resort Golf Course.

MSU-B started off their trip a little slow

but got progressively better and better as the rounds went on. As a team they finished at +111 which put them in 11th place out of twelve teams at the SMSU Spring Invitational. The top placing individuals were clumped together with Meilyn Armstrong in a tie for 49th at +26 and Haylee Adams and Chloe Van Strien who tied each other for 51st place at +27 over two rounds.

At the SMSU Challenge two days later the Yellowjackets finished one spot higher in 10th place with the exact same total score as the previous tournament at +111. The Adam’s sisters led the way in this one with Hannah

MSU-Billings

MSU-Billings sophomore Haylee Adams tied for 51st place individually at the SMSU Spring Invitational at +27 overall.

finishing at +18 putting her in a tie for 27th place, while Haylee finished in a tie for 45th at +28 overall.

MSU-B saved their best for last on their trip to Litchfield as they finished off the SMSU Classic in 8th place at +86. Once again the Adam’s sisters were the top finishers for the Yellowjackets as Hannah posted a personal collegiate best single round of 76 on the second day of the tournament, finishing in a tie for 28th at +19. Haylee meanwhile finished in a tie for 31st, just one stroke back of Hannah at +20. Adessa Lundberg also finished in the top half of the field, finishing in a tie for 35th at +21.

For full results of the three SMSU tournaments click HERE, HERE, and HERE

MSU-Billings improved in each of the three tournaments played in Arizona, finishing 11th, 10th and 8th as a team at Wigwam GC.

Rocky Mountain College Teams Host the RMC Intercollegiate

The Rocky Mountain men’s golf team was happy to be back at Reflection Bay Golf Club in Henderson, Nev. - the site where they won their sixth conference crown in a row last year, with five players finishing in the top seven individually.

The Battlin’ Bears had their hands full this time at the RMC Intercollegiate, with six out of the nine teams coming in ranked in the top 35 nationally, two of whom – Ottawa University and British Columbia – were ranked in the top five. A stacked field to say the least.

The 32nd ranked Battlin’ Bears came in confident and showed that they can play with the top teams in the nation, finishing in third place at +11 just three strokes behind British Columbia and Ottawa University who tied for first. With Rocky Mountain facing such a competitive lineup, it certainly helped having three players finish in the top ten.

Jared Smith once again led the way for RMC, finishing in third place at -2. He was joined in the top ten by teammates Jacob Johnson who finished tied for sixth place at +2, and Daniel Sigurjonsson finished in ninth place at +4.

Next up for the RMC men’s team will be March 25-26 in Laughlin, Nevada for three rounds at The Battle.

For full results CLICK HERE

The Rocky Mountain College golf teams hosted their respective RMC Intercollegiates Place at +11 overall (three shots back of the leaders), and the Women finishing in 4th

Women’s Team

After a strong start to the season at the Claud Jacobs Invitational down in Texas, the Rocky Mountain College golfs teams were back in Henderson, Nev., March 5-6, serving as hosts to seven other schools for the RMC Intercollegiate at the Reflection Bay Golf Club.

The last time the Battlin’ Bears were at Reflection Bay was at the Frontier Conference Championships last spring in which they won the team title for the fifth time in six years, while individually they went 1-2-3, as Valentina Zuleta notched her second conference title in a row. Previous experience on the course certainly couldn’t hurt considering six of the other seven teams at the RMC Intercollegiate

came in ranked in the top 50, including University of British Columbia, ranked first in the nation and the defending national champions.

Univesity of Montana

Individually it was another strong performance for Zuleta, as she came in second place at +2 over three rounds. She was in the lead by one stroke after two rounds, but couldn’t quite hold off British Columbia’s Bo Brown who won the event at even par. Also finishing in the top half of the field was Grace Metcalf who finished in 15th place at +24, while Kadence Fischer finished in 18th place at +30.

Next up for Rocky Mountain College golfers will be the Music City Classic in Old Hickory, Tennessee.

For full results CLICK HERE

Intercollegiates at Reflection Bay Golf Club in Henderson, Nev., with the Men finishing in 3rd 4th Place at +84 overall.

Brandon Stinson

University of Montana at the Lady Thunderbird Invitational

The University of Montana golf team had three rounds in St. George, Utah, March 7-9, at the Lady Thunderbird Invitational. Hosted by Southern Utah, thirteen teams showed up to compete at the Sunbrook Golf Club.

Southern Utah, by the way, happens to be coached by Tara Green Oglesby, a former UM golf standout who still owns the school record for best career scoring average (76.85).

The Grizzlies struggled a bit in the first round after putting up a team score of 323, which was tied for highest round of the whole tournament. The team bounced back the next two rounds however, as they scored back-toback 309s which helped them climb out of last place and into eleventh where they finished up at +77 for the three rounds.

The Ports twins led the way for the Griz, with Hannah finishing up tied for 32nd place at +16, while Raina finishing in a tie for 35th at +17. Also finishing in the top half of the field for UM was freshman Elle Higgins who finished tied for 41st at +18.

Boise State won the team event at +30, while the individual title was a tie between Boise’s Leia Chung and University of Wyoming’s Jadan Gonzalez.

For full results CLICK HERE

Next up for the Griz is a trip to Sedona, Ariz., for the Red Rocks Invitational, hosted by Northern Arizona University and played at Oakcreek Country Club..

Freshman Elle Higgins claimed sole possession of first place after a first round -1 (70) at the Bowling Green Intercollegiate.

Univesity

USGA MUSEUM AND LIBRARY RECEIVES DONATION OF DR. CHARLIE SIFFORD MEMORABILIA

LIBERTY

CORNER, N.J. (USGA) – The USGA recently announced that it has received a donation of memorabilia related to Dr. Charlie Sifford, a pioneer of the game who was the first Black player to compete on the PGA Tour and the first Black member inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. As part of the USGA’s commitment to preserve and celebrate this critical part of golf history, Dr. Sifford’s artifacts will be on display at the USGA Museum and Library in Liberty Corner, N.J., and at the World Golf Hall of Fame in Pinehurst, N.C.

Dr. Sifford, who died in 2015 at the age of 92, is often compared to baseball’s Jackie Robinson thanks to his relentless pursuit of civil rights on the golf course and around the country. Dr. Sifford’s desire to play the game and to continue to pave the way for future Black golfers, despite enduring tireless vitriol, hatred and discrimination during the mid-to-late 20th century, continues to inspire future generations. The preservation of his story is imperative to the USGA’s mission of chronicling the history of golf and sharing it with generations to come.

The collection of more than 200 artifacts related to Dr. Sifford’s professional career and personal life includes correspondence, photographs, clothing, medals, awards, golf clubs and personal effects. The collection will be housed at the USGA Golf Museum and Library in Liberty Corner, N.J. Select items from the acquisition will be on display in Charlie Sifford’s locker at the new World Golf Hall of Fame, which will open on the USGA’s campus in Pinehurst, N.C., later this spring.

USGA

to our work is to preserve the story of each legend of the game in a multi-dimensional way, speaking to the breadth and depth of an individual’s life, character and impact. Sifford fought tirelessly to desegregate professional golf and paved the way for the future of equity in the sport. This acquisition and partnership with the Sifford family ensures that future generations will appreciate him as a pillar for the game’s history and the history of African American advancement in this country.”

In addition to his impact outside the ropes, Dr. Sifford saw success on the golf course for many years. He owns two PGA Tour victories: the 1967 Greater Hartford Open Invitational, which was won by one stroke over Steve Oppermann, and the 1969 Los Angeles Open, which was won in a playoff. From 1952-1975, he won 12 non-PGA Tour events, including the 1957 Long Beach Open and 1963 Puerto Rico Open. He also competed in 12 U.S. Opens from 1959 to 1978, missing the cut just three times and earning a career best T21 finish in 1972 at Pebble Beach. Dr. Sifford went on to compete in seven U.S. U.S. Senior Opens as well. His best performance came in his event debut in 1980, when he finished fourth at the inaugural U.S. Senior Open at Winged Foot Golf Club in New York. President Barack Obama awarded Sifford with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014.

Since its founding, the USGA Golf Museum and Library has been a trusted repository for players, families and donors who want to ensure their legacies are preserved for generations to come. With this acquisition, the USGA has solidified the collection as the world’s greatest related to Sifford’s career in golf. As a centralized repository for artifacts related to Dr. Sifford’s legacy, the USGA Golf Museum and Library can now share memorabilia with other institutions committed to sharing his story.

“We are honored that Charles Sifford Jr. and his family have entrusted Dr. Charles Sifford’s legacy to the USGA,” said Hilary Cronheim, senior director of the USGA Golf Museum and Library. “Fundamental

“The Sifford family is extremely honored to entrust to the USGA Golf Museum memorabilia reflecting the life and legacy of Dr. Charles L. Sifford,” said his son, Charles Sifford Jr. “This collection of artifacts represents the grit and perseverance of an African American man’s struggles and successes during an era of racial tension and segregation. My father challenged racial barriers, changing American history and paving the way for future golfers such as Tiger Woods. We are equally proud that the USGA Golf Museum will use this collection to enable future generations to reflect on the key tenets of social equity and commemorate the significance of my father’s contributions to all mankind.”

Specific highlights from this acquisition include:

• PGA card from March 1960 when Sifford became the first African American to be granted membership on the PGA Tour

• First set of contract clubs used in 1960

• Miniature Presidential Medal of Freedom pin and program from the 2014 Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony

• Contestant badges from the 1969 United Golfers Association Tournament and the 1960 Open Championship

• Qualifying medals from the 1959 and 1962 U.S. Opens

• Contestant badges from the 1965, 1971, 1975 and 1978 U.S. Opens

• Shadowbox with five PGA Tour artifacts, including the medal from the 1967 Greater Hartford Open

• Scorecards from the 1967 Greater Hartford Open

• Seagram Vanguard Trophy given annually to the champion of the United Golfers Association

National Open Championship, given to Sifford permanently following his win in 1955

• 1980 U.S. Senior Open qualifying medal and bag tag

The USGA Golf Museum and Library is the nation’s oldest sports museum and the world’s leading institution for the collection, preservation and dissemination of golf history. It is the most trusted repository for preserving the legacies of the game’s greatest champions.

The USGA Golf Museum and Library is also committed to elevating diverse perspectives. The Museum is particularly dedicated to preserving and celebrating the African American experience in golf by collecting artifacts and library materials, uncovering stories, producing exhibits and symposia, and creating the African American Golf History Archive to thoughtfully chronicle this history.

USGA

JOIN OR RENEW TODAY!

BY EMILY HULSEY MSGA Director of Membership Operations

It’s that time of year again, to renew your MSGA membership for the 2024 season! That way, you’ll be ready to go when the season opens April 1st, or before then, if you’re playing where it is in-season. And, you’ll be set when registration opens for state events - also April 1st!

If you registered online last year and opted for auto-renewal, you’re good to go! You should receive a notice prior to the renewal. Otherwise, go to www.msgagolf.org/join-themsga to renew online. Be sure to have your GHIN# handy. The majority of clubs allow online registration and renewals, but if your home club isn’t listed, you can contact them directly for assistance. Please note: Registering through the GHIN app does not allow you to choose your home club. Please go through the MSGA website instead.

If you have never had an MSGA membership, we encourage you to join our community! An MSGA membership is for more than “just a handicap”! The MSGA is a non-profit advocate to the game you love! It serves as a liaison to the USGA® and an advocate to any course or member needing assistance. It provides valuable services essential to the golfing community in Montana.

MSGA Membership Benefits:

• Handicap Index®, with daily revisions and bi-monthly email revisions

• Access to the Golf Handicap Information Network® (GHIN®)

• Free GHIN smartphone app

• Free stat tracking, charting, GPS/Games features

• Eligible to participate in state and regional tournaments

• Eligible to participate in PNGA events

• Free junior memberships (18 & under)

• MSGA E-Newsletter, 406golf

• Pacific Northwest Golfer magazine

• 20% discount on StrackaLine Yardage Books Free copy of USGA® Rules of Golf, upon request

• Hole-in-one Certificates

Your MSGA Membership also helps to fund: Course rating, junior MSGA memberships and junior golf programs/tournaments, MSGA state tournaments and the Montana Cup, Rules Education and Rules officials for events, World Handicap System™ Education, Peaks & Prairies Education (agronomy, greenskeeping), university & college scholarships, and the MSGA Hall of Fame. Part of your membership fee also goes back to support your local club.

To join or renew your MSGA membership, CLICK HERE. If you need help, please contact us at support@msgagolf.org.