ON THE FIRST TEE...
With Nick Dietzen
Year after year I pen some version of the “this is the end of active season in Montana” article. For the most part, educationally it is important to relay that score posting for handicap purposes closes after Halloween (10/31). Should you be fortunate enough to travel with your clubs to a state that is in “active season” you can certainly post to your scoring record via the GHIN® app on your phone or device of choice.
While this information is important, informative and we will remind you all in the next newsletter, I’d like to turn my attention to golf travel. September was a fantastic month weather wise, and October has the potential to give us many good golf days remaining. I’m occasionally looking for a photo to communicate a message and as I sift through golf photos, I
inevitably run into personal ones with friends from years past.
I was able to play with a couple friends recently. The last time the three of us played together was five or so years ago. One of the friends, it was our first-time meeting, and the other was a close friend who I play with at least once or twice a year as our schedule allows (we live in different towns). During our round the conversation struck me that not only did we reference the previous golf outing multiple times, but the specificity of that round for everyone was both unique and impressive memory recall.
One of my favorite qualities of golf as an activity is that while it can be time-consuming and challenging to arrange, the time spent together feels more intimate than a random
Left to right: Jess Miller, Michael Williams, Connie Griffith and Nick Dietzen ‒ Relationships built through golf are extremely special.
lunch, coffee or phone call. Each round is a bit of an adventure, someone might have a memorable shot. Another might learn a tip that they carry with them forever.
Golf getaways are becoming more popular and as the coming years progress, the MSGA is working towards having more “play days” as well as offerings for those who might have the ability to travel either in the offseason or during the season. Keep an eye out for these opportunities as they might create a lifelong friendship, a lasting memory or create a new annual trip.
I hope to get at least one golf-related trip during the off-season, I know it won’t be easy to schedule, but it will be worth it. I know that not everyone will have the ability to get out of state in the winter, but maybe a trip to visit a friend you haven’t seen in a while is worth scheduling now so you make it happen. Chances are you’ll be glad you did and in the coming years, hopefully you can play in a non-competitive event so we can help foster more memories, friendships and photos on your phone from different places than your home course.
Good luck and I hope your October includes lots of golf!
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
Graphic Design & Content Coordinator......... Katie Fagg
USGA Boatwright Intern............................... Josh Austin
USGA Boatwright Intern................................. Jess Miller
USGA Boatwright Intern.......................... Cora Rosanova
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?
I started playing golf in the spring of my freshman year of high school after a significant meniscus tear during volleyball season. With my doctor’s advice, I switched to golf since it would be less stressful on my knee. I taught myself golf throughout high school and was incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue my golf career at MSU.
2. Who influenced you the most in your golf life?
When I first started playing golf, my parents were my biggest supporters. Coming from the sport I loved most, the transition to golf was really tough for me. They were always there to encourage me, believing in me even when I struggled.
I just want to thank them for continuing to push me to this day. I couldn’t have done it without their consistent love and support.
3. What’s your favorite memory as a golfer for Montana State University?
One of my favorite memories is either from the Big Sky Conference Championship my freshman year where I placed 4th individually and 2nd as a team or from the most recent tournament at Circling Raven where I won individually. I shot 66 (-6) the last round to come out with the win.
I also broke the Montana State school record that round. The course that I won at
is my all-time favorite golf course, the one where I spent countless hours playing when I was first learning to play.
4. What is your favorite course in Montana and why?
My favorite golf course in Montana is probably Rock Creek Cattle Company. I had the chance to play there this summer and was blown away by the stunning views and how perfectly maintained the course was.
5. What is a dream golf course you’d like to play once?
A dream golf course I’d love to play one day would be Augusta National. The history, prestige, and challenging design of the course make it one of the most iconic courses in the world. Playing there would be an unforgettable experience.
6. What is your dream celebrity foursome (living or deceased)? Why would you choose them?
My dream celebrity foursome would have to be Viktor Hovland, Donald Trump, and Nelly Korda. Viktor just seems like a hilarious guy to play a causal round with. I’d love to evaluate Trump’s putting stroke and figure out how in the world he gets the ball in the hole. And as for Nelly, I’m just hoping her swing could somehow transfer to me by the end of the round.
7. What’s your most memorable moment on a golf course?
My most memorable moment was walking up to the 18th hole at Butte Country Club during the final round of the 2024 Women’s State Amateur Championship and sticking my shot to 4 feet. Seeing both my coaches there and some of my teammates there made it truly special.
Having my boyfriend on the bag was the best part. His support helped keep me calm
and focused throughout the tournament, which was a huge factor in the outcome.
8. If you could change one thing about the game of golf what would it be?
The rule I would change if I could would be to make divots in the fairway ground under repair. It’s so frustrating when you hit a perfect drive and you end up having to hit out of a super deep divot in the middle of the fairway.
9. What advice would you give to beginner golfers?
My advice to beginners would be to really focus on the basics – things like grip, alignment, and posture. Mastering this early will set you up in the long run. Golf is a game of patience, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t see improvement right away, stick with it.
I’d also recommend dedicating a lot of your time to short game, especially putting and chipping. Those two will shave off strokes if you can dial them in.
Lastly, don’t forget to have fun! Enjoy the journey, celebrate small victories, and learn from every round.
Bonus: Lay up or go for it?
100% go for it. I don’t remember the last time I layed up for a par 5 unless I had more than 260 out.
UNLOCKING THE SECRETS OF GOLF: A GUIDE TO MASTERING THE RULES
BY JESS MILLER
USGA PJ Boatwright, Jr., Intern
Golf enthusiasts know that understanding the rules of the game can make all the difference between a smooth round and a frustrating one. Fortunately, a range of resources is available to help players of all levels get a firm grip on golf’s regulations, from quick video guides to in-depth workshops. Here’s a breakdown of the best ways to expand your golf rule knowledge.
USGA Rules Workshops: A Deep Dive into the Game (Advanced/Intermediate)
If you’re serious about elevating your golf expertise, the USGA offers comprehensive workshops that delve into the intricacies of the game’s rules. These sessions require both a financial investment and a commitment of time, but for those looking to teach others or simply gain a deeper understanding, it's a resource well worth considering.
• Explore More: USGA Rules Workshops
YouTube Rules of Golf Playlist: BiteSized Learning (Beginner to Advanced)
For those who prefer learning at their own pace, the USGA’s YouTube Rules of Golf Playlist is a must-watch. Spanning 12 videos, this
playlist covers everything from the basics to more advanced topics in short, easily digestible segments.
• Why It Matters: The videos offer something for everyone, whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned player. Plus, it’s entirely free.
• Watch Here: YouTube Rules of Golf Playlist
Test Your Knowledge: USGA Rules Quizzes (Advanced)
For golfers who want to put their knowledge to the test, the USGA’s rules quizzes provide a chance to challenge yourself. Even the “basic” level quiz can be tough, making this an ideal option for those ready to tackle the game’s finer details.
• Learn More: USGA Rules Quizzes
Facebook Group: The Social Approach to Learning (All Levels) Golfers who enjoy a more interactive and social approach should consider joining the Rules of Golf Facebook Group. This vibrant online community offers a platform where members can engage in discussions, ask questions, and share experiences, making it a dynamic way to enhance your understanding.
Best For: Those who appreciate learning from real-world scenarios and enjoy engaging with fellow golfers.
• Join Here: Rules of Golf Facebook Group
Free Public Seminars: A Chance to Learn from the Pros (Intermediate)
For those interested in diving deeper into the rules, the USGA has made several seminars available online. Covering topics such as “Areas of the Course” and “Free and Penalty Relief Procedures,” these webinars offer a structured, in-depth look at essential rules.
• Webinar #1: Areas of the Course/Play the Course As You Find It - April 9th, 2024
• Webinar #2: Free and Penalty Relief Procedures - April 16th, 2024
The Bottom Line: Whether you're a casual weekend player or a dedicated golfer looking to elevate your game, these resources provide an excellent starting point. Understanding the rules is about more than just playing by them; it's about enhancing your appreciation for the game and ensuring you’re ready for anything the course throws your way.
CLANCY BROTHERS CLAIM MEN’S FOUR BALL CHAMPIONSHIP IN PLAYOFF; NEWELL SMITH/MACINTYRE WIN MIXED CHAMPIONSHIP
BY NICK DIETZEN MSGA Executive Director
Great Falls, MT (September 21, 2024) – The MSGA Championship season ended with spectacular weather and great golf as 120 golfers competed for the last MSGA championship title of 2024.
It took one playoff hole, but brothers Liam (Laurel) and Sean Clancy (Helena) captured the Men’s Four Ball Championship. The brothers, originally from Laurel, after a first round 70 (-2) they rose to the occasion in posting the round of the championship with an eight-under-par final round 64. Their round included seven birdies, an eagle (Sean on hole 9) with their lone bogey on hole 17. For the championship they were 10-under-par.
Also at 10-under par were Ross Bartell and Ben Kaul of Great Falls. The Electric City duo posted a second-round 66 (-6) to go with their open round of 68 (-4). In third were Helena’s Grady Stinchfield and Nicholas Balcken who shot 72-66, 138 (-6) for the tournament.
The two teams started their sudden-death playoff on hole 18. The picturesque par four saw none of the four players hit the fairway. It
came down to the short game as Sean Clancy was able to get up-and-down from behind the green for a tournament-winning par. Liam, this year’s Montana State Amateur Champion at Laurel Golf Club, caps off a great season with two championship wins to his credit.
The four-ball competition, colloquially known as “best ball” sees two players competing by playing their own ball, with a team score resulting from the better score of the two.
Helena’s Bennett MacIntyre and Darah Newell Smith dominated the Mixed Gross Division as the duo shot 68-69 for a seven-under-par tournament. They were the only mixed team under par for either day and won by 20 strokes over runners up J.L. Henderson and Kelly Bimler. For Newell Smith, she joins Liam Clancy as two-time winners in 2024, having won the women’s Mid-Amateur Championship back in July at the Butte Country Club.
With Newell Smith and MacIntyre winning the Gross Championship, the Net Championship went to Julie and Mike Fauth of Laurel. They posted net rounds of 67-67, 134 (-10).
Requirements for tournament entry included legal residency in Montana, and a current membership with the Montana State Golf Association.
2024 MONTANA STATE FOUR BALL CHAMPIONSHIP
Meadow Lark Country Club
Great Falls | Sept. 20-21,
2024
OPEN DIVISION
Brothers Liam (left) and Sam Clancy won the 2024 Montana State Four Ball in a four-hole playoff over Ben Kaul and Ross Bartell.
T27. Warren / Gundlach 81 75 +12
T27. Dietzen / Benedetti 80 76 +12
T29. Staus / Staus 78 79 +13
T29. Buls / Buls 81 76 +13
T31. Reilly / Kingston 85 73 +14
T31. Zumbusch / Maguire 78 80 +14
T31. Scott / Stadler 79 79 +14
T34. Johnston / Devries 83 77 +16
T34. Dockter / Waylander 82 78 +16
36. Huber / Huber 83 78 +17
37. Schaefer / Carlson 83 80 +19
T38. Shine / Fayden 82 85 +23
T38. Street / Johnston 84 83 +23
T38. Gassaway / Kruse 84 83 +23
T41. Taylor / Kellogg 80 88 +24
T41. Micheletti / Downing 86 82 +24
T41. Henry / Henry 82 86 +24
T44. Robbins / Weisen 83 86 +25
T44. Kreyssler / Noctor 85 84 +25
46. O'Brien / O'Brien 85 87 +28 47. Kelly / Hill 86 88 +30
Wenz / Benn 85
MIXED DIVISION
1. MacIntyre / Newell Smith 68 69 -7
2. Henderson / Bimler 79 78 +13
3. Porcarelli / Costley 78 80 +14
4. Benson / Benson 83 76 +15
5. Heisler / Huber 82 77 +15
6. Kastelitz / Conlon 82 78 +16
7. Fauth / Fauth 81 82 +19
8. Field / Bertino 82 83 +21
9. Nelson / Sylva 86 83 +25
10. Hansen / Hansen 87 82 +25
11. Turner / Noctor 90 88 +34
12. Cheney / Vansickle 95 84 +35
Helena’s Bennett MacIntyre (left) and Darah Newell Smith were the only mixed team under par for either day, winning by 20 shots.
BY TY SPARING
MSGA Communications Coordinator
It’s already been an eventful high school golf season as players start to gear up for the divisional and state championships. There are a few names we’ve seen littered atop the leaderboards before, and a few new faces making their presence known. It’s certainly been a competitive Class A and Class AA season for both boys and girls, and there are many names that could realistically take home the state crowns.
CLASS AA
The Kalispell Invite and the Bozeman Invitational were the last two tournaments of the season before players move on to divisional and state championships.
In Kalispell golfers had rounds at each the Village Greens Golf Course and Buffalo Hill Golf Course for the second day of play.
On the boys side it was a competitive leaderboard with three players shooting under par. Playing on his home turf Flathead’s Dylan Morris had a scorching second round of 67 to put him at -3 (138) which was good for the win by one stroke. Morris had five birdies over the first eight holes (2, 3, 5, 7, 8) and added two more on the back nine to keep himself ahead of second place finisher’s John Gilbert and Sam Engellant.
Glacier won the team event at +23 overall. It was the defending champs third victory of the season and they continue to be one of the top teams in the state.
On the girls side Great Falls High’s Hanna Boyd won her fourth event of the season with a final score of +10 (153), which was ten strokes ahead of second place. She started the second round out with an eagle on the
Flathead's Dylan Morris won the Kalispell Invite by one shot.
Great Falls High's Hanna Boyd won her fourth event of the season.
Casey Kreider / Daily Inter Lake
Casey Kreider / Daily Inter Lake
par-5 hole one and tacked on two birdies after that en route to the tournament win. Boyd is playing as well as ever going into the state meet.
The Glacier girls team joined the boys in victory as they beat out second place Whitefish by four total strokes. Glacier finished at +141 (713) over the two rounds.
At the Bozeman Invitational Bozeman High’s Cooper Bourret secured his second win of the season with a score of -3 (138). His second round consisted of five birdies and twelve pars, putting him at -6 (66) and gave him the win by four strokes over Butte’s Chase Choquette.
Billings Senior’s Becca Washington won her second meet of the season with a finish at +13 (154), beating out crosstown rival Billings West’s Mielle Kavran by three strokes. Washington had five birdies over the two rounds.
Bozeman High’s boys team finished in first place at +33 (597), while the Gallatin girls team took the top spot with a final two round score at +125 (689).
CLASS A
Class A had three more tournaments before divisionals, the Billings Central Invite, the Laurel High School Invite, and the Hamilton Invite.
At the Billings Central Invite, the host school won the girls team event with a score of +55 and also the boys individual event, as Caleb Fornshell had a one-under 70 during the one day event. Laurel won the boys’ team event at +13 while Livingston’s Anna Lende won the girls at +6.
At the Laurel Invite one day later it was déjà vu for Lende, the Billings Central girls team, and the Laurel boys team, all taking home another victory. Lende finished at +10 (82), while Billings Central ended up at +55 and Laurel finished at +6. Sam Norman won his second Invite of the season on his home turf with a score of -3 (69).
At the Hamilton Invite Polson’s Max Milton won his third tournament with a final one round score of -2 (70), while Frenchtown’s star golfer Katie Lewis won her fourth tournament with at +4 (76). Hamilton’s boys team won at +35 while the Frenchtown girls secured the victory at +83.
Polson's Max Milton won the Hamilton Invite for his third win.
Casey Kreider / Daily Inter Lake
Frenchtown star Katie Lewis (+4) won her fourth tournament.
Casey Kreider / Daily Inter Lake
BY TY SPARING
MSGA Communications Coordinator
The Rocky Mountain College, Montana Tech, Carroll College, University of Providence, and MSU-Northern Men’s and Women’s golf teams were at the Marias Valley Golf & Country Club in Shelby this past September 22-24. It was an early season interconference test to see how the teams will measure up against each other this year.
Women
The Montana Tech women’s team made perhaps the biggest statement of the event with a one-stroke victory over Rocky Mountain College, finishing at +49 (625). Their first-round total of 307 was a school record, and gave them just enough of a lead in the second round to secure the win. RMC women have won six of the last seven Frontier Conference titles and came into this season ranked 22nd nationally, but with plenty of talent and depth, the Ore-
Argo Sizzler ‒ Women
Marias Valley Golf & Country Club Shelby, MT September 22-24, 2024
Grace Metcalf
Casha Corder
A. Brocklebank
Ellie Stastny
L. Paladichuk
Laila Jalil
T13. Catalina Garcia
T13. Franchi Ceartin
Brandon Stinson
Kadence Fischer (left) and Aidan McDonagh posted individual wins at the Argo Zizzler for Rocky Mountain College.
diggers are legitimate contenders to take the crown from RMC.
The top ten was crowded with five Montana Tech golfers. Kodie Hoagland led the way with a second-place finish at +2 (76-70). Following Hoagland was Emma Woods in third at +9 (74-79), Sami Benson tied for fourth at +13 (77-80), Casha Corder ended up in eighth place at +15 (78-81) and Annika Brocklebank finished in ninth place over the two rounds at +17 (78-83).
Rocky Mountain’s Kadence Fischer had five birdies over a fantastic second round of 2-under and won the individual event by seven strokes at +2 (76-70) overall. One of the Frontier Conference’s best golfers, Fischer is on the shortlist of player of the year candidates coming into this season. Also in the top ten for the Battlin’ Bears was Grace Metcalf who tied for fourth place at +13, and Isabella Downing who finished in seventh at +14.
Carroll College had two players crack the top ten, Celi Chapman who joined Metcalf and Benson in a tie for fourth place, along with Ellie Stastny who tied with Brocklebank for
Argo Sizzler ‒ Men
Marias Valley Golf & Country Club
Shelby, MT September 22-24, 2024
1. Aidan McDonagh
T2. Kristjan Burkelca
T2. Jared Smith
4. Tyler Avery
5. Adam Hyde-Lay
Gabe Witham
Christian Lund Tech
8. Jake Johnson
T9. Colin Wade Tech
T9. Nathan Piers RMC
ninth place.
For full women’s results, CLICK HERE
Men
On the men’s side of things, it was a three round event and a familiar sight as Rocky Mountain ended up in first place as a team at +12 overall with four players in the top five.
Aidan McDonagh was the title winner at even par 216 (70-73-73) over three rounds. Teammates Kristjan Burkelca and Jared Smith tied for second place at +3 (218) while Adam Hyde-Lay finished in fifth place at +6 (222).
RMC’s Jake Johnson and Nathan Piers made it six Battlin’ Bears in the top ten, with Johnson in eighth place and Piers in ninth with scores of +10 (226) and +11 (227) respectively.
Montana Tech was the only other team with players in the top ten, as they finished second behind RMC. Tyler Avery led the Orediggers with a fourth-place finish at +3 (70-77-72).
Gabe Witham and Christian Lund tied for sixth at +9 (225) and Colin Wade ended up with a ninth place finish at +11 (227).
For full men’s results, CLICK HERE
Montana Tech's Kodie Hoagland finished second at the Argo Sizzler.
Brandon Stinson
Ports (+8) tied for 10th at the Kelsey Chugg Invitational.
Kelsey Chugg Invitational
The University of Montana and Montana State University golf teams got their season underway September 16-17 at the Kelsey Chugg Invitational, hosted by Weber State. Eleven teams (six of whom from the Big Sky Conference) competed at the Wolf Creek Golf Course in Eden, Utah in what was supposed to be a 54-hole event, but due to rainy conditions it was shortened to 36.
In Head Coach Jimmy Mee’s first full season at the helm of the UM golf team, the Griz had a solid first tournament of the year finishing in fourth place as a team at +4, which also put them second among the attending Big Sky teams. It was the best season opener for the UM squad since the 20132014 season.
Last year’s All-Conference golfer Raina Ports led the way with a third career top ten finish, ending tied for 10th at +8 (77-75). After a strong summer of golf that saw Ports finish with a win at the 4th of July tournament in Whitefish, she is likely to add more
Kelsey Chugg Invitational (Women)
Wolf Creek Golf Club
Eden, UT
September 16-17, 2024
top ten’s to her collection this year.
Just one stroke back of Ports was sophomore Kendall Hayward who had her best collegiate finish, having tied for 13th with an overall score of +9 (77-76). Joining them in the top half of the field was Hannah Ports and Elle Higgins who tied each other for 22nd place at +12.
The Montana State team meanwhile finished in seventh place at +47 overall. They were led by the reigning Montana State Match Play champion, Scarlet Weidig, who tied with Raina Ports for 10th place at +10 (76-76).
Following Weidig in the top half of the field was Maddie Montoya and Hannah Boraas who tied for 35th at +14.
The namesake of the Invitational, Kelsey Chugg, is a former standout golfer for Weber State and a six-time Utah Women’s State Amateur champion.
For full results of the Kelsey Chugg Invitational, CLICK HERE .
Raina
Torrey A. Vail
5.
6.
Eagle Invitational (Women)
Circling Raven Golf Club
Worley, ID
September 22-23, 2024
Team
Eagle Invitational
Both teams were back in action September 22-23 at the Eagle Invitational, held at the Circling Raven Golf Course in Worley, Idaho. This time around it was MSU that had the big finish, including Lauren Greeny’s record-breaking performance that resulted in her first collegiate tournament victory.
As a team the Bobcats entered day two in seventh place, but they came back strong and shot the fifth-best individual round in program history (-2, 286) on their way to a fourth-place finish at +9 overall. They were also the top finisher among Big Sky Conference teams.
The highlight of the tournament was Lauren Greeny. At an even par 72 after round one, the two-time Montana State Amateur champion saw herself off the lead by three strokes going into the second day but after a scorching second round finish of -6 (66) she claimed her very first collegiate title. Along with the victory, Greeny now sits alone atop
RMC's Jared Smith finished third individually at even par overall.
the record books for best individual round in school history, breaking the previous record of 67 that she held with multiple others. It was particularly special for the Pullman native, as the Circling Raven course was a familiar stop in her youth, as it is only 60 miles from where Greeny grew up.
Junior Maddie Montoya joined Greeny in the top ten, having tied for 10th at +2 overall (71-74).
After a solid fourth place team finish at the Kelsey Chugg Invitational the Griz came in a little slow during the first round of the Eagle Invitational with a cumulative score of +13 (301), but shaved nine strokes off in the second round to finish in 9th place.
Once again Raina Ports led the way, having tied for 14th at +2 (71-74). Following her was Elle Higgins and Bella Johnson who tied for 27th at +5.
For full results of the Eagle Invitational, CLICK HERE .
Jack Power
Hardrocker Fall Invite | The Golf Club at Red Rocks | Rapid City, SD | Sept. 16-17, 2024
Noah Syverson
Women
Pos. Team
1. Montana State-Billings 321 307 +52
2. Augustana (SD) 322 323 +69
3. SD Sch of Mines & Tech 331 320 +75
4. Bellevue University 335 320 +79
1. Montana State-Billings 308 303 +35
2. SD Sch of Mines & Tech 321 301 +46
3. Dordt University 313 311 +48
4. Dakota Wesleyan 335 317 +76
Hardrocker Fall Invite
The MSU-Billings men’s and women’s golf teams started this fall season off with some early victories, as both squads swept the team and individual awards at the Hardrocker Fall Invite at The Golf Club at Red Rocks in Rapid City, South Dakota. Held September 16-17, golfers had two rounds of play.
Fresh off a Spalding Cup victory over crosstown rivals Rocky Mountain College, the MSU-B women’s team continued their winning ways in South Dakota, finishing in first at +52, seventeen strokes ahead of second place. It certainly helped having four golfers land in the top ten, including Orray Tipasathien who came out the overall victor. Tipasathien shot rounds of 78 and 77 to finish at +11 when all was said and done.
Just one stroke back of Tipasathien was
new teammate Pygmy Kompoj who tied for second place at +12 (80-76) in her very first collegiate tournament. In fifth place was Haylee Adams at +14 (78-80) and just one stroke back of Adams was Ella Tannenberger who tied for sixth place at +15 (85-74).
For women’s results CLICK HERE
It was a similar story on the men’s side of things as the Yellowjackets finished with the top three individual spots and at +35 won the team event by eleven strokes.
In first place was Graedon Woodward who was the only competitor to finish under par over the two-rounds. With rounds of 70 and 72, Woodward finished at -2 and was five strokes ahead of teammate Hayato Ito who ended up in second place at +3 (75-72). Logan Connolly carded a +6 (78-72) over the two days to snag the third-place spot.
Both the MSU-Billings Women's and Men's golf teams registered respective victories at the Hardrocker Invitational in South Dakota.
MSU-Billings
MSU-Billings
Orraya Tipasathien won her second straight event in South Dakota.
For men’s results CLICK HERE.
Black Hills State Classic
The MSU-B women’s team continued their early season hot streak a week later (September 23-24) at the Black Hills State Classic in Spearfish, South Dakota. Playing two rounds against six other teams at the Spearfish Canyon Country Club, the Yellowjackets once again dominated as a team, and Orraya Tipasathien brought home her second titleist medal in a row.
MSU-Billings got themselves a ninestroke lead after the first round but turned on the jets the second day to extend it to a 27-stroke margin, ending up at +71 (647) overall. With the win, they have already tied a program record for most team wins in a year (2017-18) and the season has barely
Black Hills State Classic (Women) Spearfish Canyon Country Club Spearfish, SD September 23-24, 2024
started!
Likewise, sophomore Orraya Tipasathien became just the third player in MSU-B history to claim multiple titles in the same season and may just rewrite the record books considering how early it is in the year still. For the second week in a row she beat a teammate by one stroke for the top spot, finishing at +12 (76-80) overall. She led the field with five birdies over the two days.
Tipasathien wasn’t alone at the top of the leaderboard as three other teammates cracked the top ten. Ella Tannenberger finished in second place at +13 (80-77), Haylee Adams tied for seventh at +23 (86-81), and Pygmy Kompoj ended up tied for ninth place with a final score of +25 (86-83).
For full results of the Black Hills State Classic, CLICK HERE.
MEADOW LARK COUNTRY CLUB – A BRIEF HISTORY
BY TY SPARING MSGA Communications Coordinator
The MSGA recently hosted the Montana State Four-Ball Championship at the historic Meadow Lark Country Club in Great Falls. It was a beautiful fall weekend and the course and the club were in exceptional shape. There was some pretty good golf being played as well at the 105-year-old club, one of Mon-
tana’s “original six.” It’s a marvel at how well Meadow Lark has withstood the tests of time and still offers a fantastic experience for tournament golfers.
Originally formed in 1919 as a nine-hole course, the tract of land that Meadow Lark Country Club sits on was once a dairy farm owned by the city's founder and first mayor, Paris Gibson. It was called Meadow Lark Dairy, and when Gibson sold the land to the country club’s developers, which included the great Charlie M. Russell, he did so under the condition that the “Meadow Lark” name remain in place.
(As of now I haven’t found any evidence of C.M. Russell’s golfing abilities, but he did like to host card parties with his wife at Meadow Lark in the final years of his life.)
The famous English golf professional Harry Vardon spent
two days in Great Falls helping designer J.W. Fries lay out the original course. One of three trips he made to the United States in his life, on this particular occasion Vardon was there not only to lay out the Meadow Lark Country Club, but also to participate in the U.S. Open, of which he finished in second place. Along with his playing abilities he’s famous for the “Vardon grip,” which is what most golfers use today.
From the beginning Meadow Lark Country Club has served the golfing community, having hosted a variety of MSGA, MHSA and other quality events over its century plus existence. For instance, out of the 107 Montana State Amateurs, Meadow Lark has hosted it eighteen times, the first year being exactly 100 years ago in 1924 when Butte’s Martin Kall and Missoula’s Grace Barnett took home their respective titles.
Although it took a little while for members of Meadow Lark Country Club to start winning State Amateur events, with the first men’s winner, Joe Boboth winning the title in 1951, and the first MLCC women’s winner
was Jane Hibbard in 1971.
Soon after winning became quite normal for Meadow Lark golfers, particularly on the men’s side as Gene Cook went on to become one of Montana’s greatest golfers, and others like Kelly Gilligan and Scott Anderson won State Amateurs and many other prestigious events around the state and beyond.
The MSGA is two years older than the Meadow Lark Country Club and in many ways, along with a handful of other courses around the state, the organizations have grown together over the decades as leaders within the industry. It’s a great thing to have two century plus old organizations still going strong as seen with the recent Montana State Four-Ball Championship.
Here’s to another one hundred years!
CHAD CARLSON WINS
WESTERN MONTANA CHAPTER PGA CHAMPIONSHIP
BY TY SPARING MSGA Communications Coordinator
Sixty-three Montana PGA Professionals teed it up for two rounds at the Stock Farm Golf Club in Hamilton for the 2024 Western Montana Chapter PGA Championship. Held September 23-24, golfers were competing over a $10,000 dollar purse.
Helena’s Chad Carlson ended up the big winner, finishing his two rounds at -4 (140), just one stroke ahead of Whitefish’s Ryan Oliver. Carlson grabbed an early share of the lead with Oliver after the first round
after notching six birdies on his way to a four under 68. The second round remained a battle between Carlson and Oliver as the lead changed hands multiple times until the final hole where Carlson emerged the victor. For their efforts Carlson earned $1,600 and Oliver earned $1,300.
In third place was Whitefish’s Brandon Dixon who finished at +1 (145). Rounding out the top five was a tie for fourth place at +2 between Hamilton’s Jake Warner and Libby’s Jeffrey Dooley.
For full results, CLICK HERE
BACK-PLANTING TREES
BY ZACH NICOLUDIS USGA DIRECTOR - CENTRAL REGION
Shock and awe are common reactions when tree removal is performed on a golf course. Golfers have many opinions when it comes to what trees are desirable, how many trees are needed and whether tree removal should be performed in the first place. When trees start disappearing, it’s a pretty safe bet that some people are going to be unhappy.
If you want to reduce the shock factor
and set the table for a healthy tree population in the future, one option to consider is “back-planting.” This forward-thinking approach can help reduce the pushback often experienced when tree removals are discussed, planned or performed.
Back-planting is a strategy where you plant a desired tree or trees near planned removals and give them time to grow. As the replacement trees mature, removals can be completed gradually or all at once. With a replacement already in place, the impact on course appearance is lessened –
By back-planting younger trees near older ones, removals can be performed with a replacement already established, minimizing the impact on course appearance.
especially when compared to removing all the trees and then planting relatively small new ones.
When deciding how many trees to backplant, consideration should be given to the impact on turf health and playability as they mature. A few larger trees can usually replace many smaller trees that were crowded together. It should also be noted that back-planting is not always the right approach. There are certainly situations where tree removal without any replacement is best for turf health and playability.
Managing the tree population on a golf course requires careful planning, in-
vesting every year to keep up with routine maintenance, and patience. In reality, most of the decisions around trees – especially plantings – are for the benefit of future golfers. Back-planting where it is necessary can help create a smooth transition to a healthier and more functional tree population that will exist for the next 100 years or more.
The USGA Green Section offers a Tree Evaluation Visit through our Course Consulting Service that can help with this type of long-term planning. If you are interested in learning more about how this visit can be structured for your course, reach out to your regional USGA agronomist
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.
USGA
Trees on a golf course can be difficult to manage without a comprehensive plan.
