BACK PRESIDENT'S DESK A Season of Opportunity * BY TOM SMITH * S ummer is here and the swinging is easy (well, at least it should be). I hope you're all enjoying these beautiful long days by getting your share of golf. This great game is always full of surprises and opportunities. Take Tiger Woods-few would have foreseen his rise to another major championship. His comeback is a great example of making the most of an opportunity. How many " Tigers " do we have in Minnesota who will seize an opportunity? There's no telling with so many of our talented junior golfers participating in the MGA Youth on Course Program ($5 green fee at participating courses). Now there's an opportunity worth seizing! With the MGA tournament schedule in full swing, I want to thank the member clubs that host our events and tournaments throughout the summer. The MGA conducts 49 championships and qualifi ers throughout the season, as well as 16 USGA qualifi ers and 10 high school and collegiate events. Our member facilities' commitment to provide their courses is not only generous-it's vital to our ability to fulfi ll the MGA mission. Participation in our tournaments is healthy and, as those who participate know, the golf is great and the comradery is priceless. Let's remember our wonderful cadre of volunteers who make our tournaments possible. Thank you one and all. Here's to another group that deserves our appreciation: the thousands of people who care for the 440 member facilities across our state. From superintendents to temporary summer workers who mow and manicure the courses we play, they make our game possible and beautiful. This year the job has been made more challenging due to the brutal winter's effect on the grass. Thanks to all who have worked through these tough times. This issue of Minnesota Golfer features a number of courses located in the Cloquet, Hinckley and Moose Lake areas. Take the opportunity to stop and play our outstate member facilities. And congratulations to Fairmont's lnterlaken Golf Club on its century celebration-now there's a fun place to play! " Many MGA Foundation programs could use funding beyond what we raise from membership dues alone. " I'm excited to announce that the MGA board of directors is discussing the reformation of the MGA Foundation. Many programs and future initiatives could use funding beyond what we raise from membership dues alone. It's my belief that many golfers like me would like the opportunity to donate to a foundation that will help preserve and advance the game in Minnesota. Stay tuned for more information as we move forward. As always, golf is the best game on earth. mngolf.org Summer 2019 MINNESOTAGOLFER 29http://www.mngolf.org