Minnesota Golfer - Fall 2019 - 25

BACK
PRESIDENT'S
DESK
Success on the
Green and Beyond
* BY TOM SMITH *
H
appily, the game of golf is alive and well in the great
state of Minnesota. What a wonderful summer it
was, playing and enjoying our favorite game. Our
association successfully conducted its schedule of tournaments
with strong participation, great volunteers and dedicated
MGA staff. Many thanks to all who got involved.
Congratulations to all of our 2019 tournament winners.
Your level of play was outstanding, and the competition was
strong and best of all, friendly. A special shoutout to Clay
Kucera and Kathryn VanArragon, our MGA State Men's and
Women's Amateur Champions. Held at Somerby Golf Club
and Town and Country Club respectively, Clay and Kathryn
were both fi rst-time winners of an MGA championship, and
both had strong fi nal rounds to hold off stiff competition.
The shot-making I witnessed at both events was really amazing.
See the Scorecard section (p. 28) for a recap of the tournament
season.
Golf rounds throughout the state are up this year, as
reported by Golf Datatech. One area of tremendous growth
has come from the MGA Youth on Course. YOC offers
golf for $5 or less to kids under age 18, and the program is
funded through sales from Minnesota Golf License Plates in
addition to donations. We now have 4,500 active YOC members
who have played more than 15,000 rounds of golf this
summer. The future of the game rests well in the hands of
these young girls and boys.
This past summer, the LPGA and PGA Tours took place in
Minnesota, bringing excitement to the local golf scene. The
KPMG Women's PGA Championship-an LPGA major-
was successfully hosted by Hazeltine National, and the 3M
Open brought the return of the PGA Tour to Minnesota
and the TPC Twin Cities for the fi rst time in 50 years.
Congratulations to both events and their organizers for
showcasing the highest level of competitive golf in our state.
As the fi rst year of my term as president passes, I want to
recognize our great team of men and women on staff at the
MGA. Their experience, hard work and enthusiasm make our
events special. I know I speak for our staff by expressing a big
thank you to our tournament volunteers who really make it all
" I believe this foundation is
the key to fueling continued
efforts to grow and support
golf. "
possible. Giving your time to the MGA is really appreciated.
There are many things to look forward to in the years
ahead. Our goal to complete the reorganization of the
Minnesota Golf Association Foundation remains a primary
focus. I believe this foundation is the key to fueling continued
efforts to grow and support golf, and to providing funds
for new initiatives for the best game on earth. Stay tuned-
hopefully there will be more to report in the near future.
Have a good fall and winter.
mngolf.org
Fall 2019 MINNESOTAGOLFER
25
http://www.mngolf.org
Minnesota Golfer - Fall 2019

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