Minnesota Golfer - Directory 2018 - 4

INSIDE
THE MG A
What is MGA
Membership?
A Happy Year Ahead
* BY TOM RYAN *
Golfers are optimistic by nature-and
we have plenty to smile about in 2018.
W
e have many
reasons to be
optimistic.
For
starters, the game as we know
it has been around for more
than 500 years;
it's healthy
and in a good place. Golf is
truly an international game,
appealing to cultures all over
the world. It's a game enjoyed
by the competitive person
and the recreational or social
player; by the nature lover
and the fi tness enthusiast; by
those with physical impairments;
and by all generations.
It is one of the only games
that can be called a game for
a lifetime.
We're very excited about
a new MGA program called
Youth on Course, which will
provide junior golfers the
opportunity to play participating
courses at a reduced
fee of just $5 per round. This
program originated in northern
California and is now
being introduced in 20 states
around the country.
Youth on Course is
designed to complement
First Tee and facility-based
instructional programs,
as
well as tournament programs
administered by the MGA
and PGA Section, by encouraging
kids to simply get out
and play with their friends
and family. By removing the
cost obstacle, we believe this
will encourage more kids to
play golf just for the sake of
playing. It's how many of us
grew to love the game and
we believe this program will
help a new generation learn
to love it, too.
I'm optimistic for our 2018
MGA tournament season, as
well. We have a great slate
of venues for our men's and
women's championships,
including the State Amateur
at Hazeltine National and
currently up on our website,
so go check them out.
While the new, modernized
Rules of Golf won't be
implemented until 2019,
we'll get our fi rst look at the
published version this spring.
The changes are the broadest
in decades and should
provide clarity to proper
application of the Rules. Look
for articles in every issue of
Minnesota Golfer this year as
we help prepare you for what
" By removing the cost obstacle,
we believe [our Youth on Course
program] will encourage more kids to
play golf just for the sake of playing. "
the Women's State Amateur
at White Bear Yacht Club.
In the second year of our
merger with the women's
organizations, we are adding
events to the schedule such as
a special Women's Member
Day golf and cruise event at
the Lafayette Club on Lake
Minnetonka.
The MGA Senior Tour
begins its 23rd season and
now includes super senior
and women's divisions, with
a great slate of host facilities
lined up. All of our championships,
Member Days, and
Senior Tour schedules are
to expect next season.
As golfers, we're optimistic
by nature: We minimize bad
weather forecasts; we believe
our next shot's going to be
hit fl ush; we know our next
putt's going in; and we fervently
believe our next round
will be better than the last.
When asked how much
he's able to play golf, Steve
Mona of the World Golf
Foundation is fond of saying,
" I play as often as I can and
can't wait for the next time I
get to play. "
See you on the course.
It's your
invitation to
play some of
the fi nest golf
courses around,
through participation
in MGA Associate
Members' Days or
the MGA Senior
Tour. * It's your USGA
Handicap Index, now
updated twice every
month, year-round. *
It's your subscription
to Minnesota Golfer
magazine, delivered to
your home. * It's your
support of programs
and services that
make the game better.
2017 Tournament
Season Accounting
The MGA annual
tournament season
accounting -or
contributions to MGA
member clubs for
hosting association
championships, qualifi
ers, Member Days
and the Senior Tour-
grew by more than
12 percent year over
year. This growth can
be attributed to the
merger of the women's
golf associations with
the MGA, effective
with the 2017 season.
$168,505
Green Fees
$97,948
Food &
Beverages
$
$76,568
Prizes
$31,065
Range
$13,325
Honorariums
480,298
TOTAL
4
MINNESOTAGOLFER Directory 2018
mngolf.org
http://www.mngolf.org
Minnesota Golfer - Directory 2018

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