Minnesota Golfer - Fall 2020 - 26

BACK
PRESIDENT'S
DESK
Thriving Against All Odds
* BY TOM SMITH *
T
o say this has been an unprecedented year is a
huge understatement. Who would have believed
in March or early April, when golf courses were
closed by the governor's Emergency Executive
Order, that by the beginning of September, we
would see record-breaking golf participation across the state?
We have always played golf for the social comradery in the
past, but never before for the social distancing. Who knew?
Well here we are, grateful that our game has fl ourished in a
time of a public health crisis.
I am thankful to our " golf alliance, " a group of stakeholders
and industry leaders, who worked together with state offi cials
to allow golf to open in mid-April. The major role that the
MGA played in this initiative cannot be overstated. Golfers,
golf facilities and all those who work in the game have been
the benefi ciaries of these efforts.
The MGA tournament staff are to be commended for doing
a great job in conducting nearly all of our championships this
summer. In many cases, championships and qualifi ers
had to be rescheduled or relocated to accommodate
the foreshortened season. Congratulations and our
thanks to this hard-working group for a job well
done.
Edina Country Club graciously hosted the 117th
MGA Amateur in mid-July. Hats off to the
outstanding play by many in the fi eld,
and in particular, to champion Frankie
Capan, who captured the title with
a record score of 12-under par.
Stillwater Country Club was home
to a very successful 3rd MGA
Women's Amateur Championship,
which saw a nice bump in participation,
and an impressive 1-under
par fi nish by the 2017 champ,
Kate Smith. Turn to pages 32-41
in this issue for a list of all tournament
winners. Thanks to all who
participated and a big thanks
to MGA volunteers who make
these events possible by being at each and every one of the
tournament venues.
This year, Minnesota Youth on Course has really taken off.
While so many other youth activities were curtailed this summer,
MNYOC, which offers golf for $5 or less to kids ages
6-18, has grown to more than 11,000 participants. Through
August, MNYOC rounds have nearly reached the 50,000
mark-a record among YOC programs across the country.
These young golfers are the future of the game and the MGA
is really excited and happy to see this take place.
Because of our concerns over health and wellness, most of
the social events had to be cancelled over the course of the
season. This has been a great disappointment to me and I
hope that 2021 will bring a return to many of these gatherings
again. One initiative I regret we weren't able to pursue
as I had hoped is the advancement and funding of the MGA
Foundation. The growth of the Foundation is key going forward
for our ability to fund scholarships for young women,
help fund MNYOC and undertake other programs for
the betterment of our game. Please consider making a
donation this year to the Foundation directed to the
MGA offi ce, or the website, at mngolf.org/foundation.
I
hope you enjoy this issue of the magazine. As
always, there are many interesting articles that
highlight the past and present of this wonderful
game of golf in our state. It has been
a real pleasure and privilege to serve as
President of the Association over the past
two years. Where has the time gone? I
have enjoyed meeting new friends and
working with many I have known for
some time. I know we will be in good
hands under the leadership of incoming
President Mike Malone. My wish
is that golf will continue to grow and
be enjoyed throughout Minnesota
for generations to come. Make it fun and
friendly-after all, it is the greatest game on
Earth.
26
MINNESOTAGOLFER Fall 2020
mngolf.org
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Minnesota Golfer - Fall 2020

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