Minnesota Golfer - Spring 2022 - 36

BACK
A Game for
a Lifetime
* BY MIKE MALONE *
By the time this issue hits your
mailbox, a new season will be upon us. As the leaves
emerge, the grass turns green, and optimism abounds, my mantra
has always been " Golf is an outdoor game. " It does not matter
where we play the game: The fresh air, the scenery and the
company are all uplifting. Winter is merely a memory (just like
that last 3-putt!). Let's play golf.
There are countless reasons we love the game. Every year I
expand my list of what makes golf such a great game. Number
one is that " Golf is a game for a lifetime. " The World Handicap
System enables players of differing skills to play equitably
together. Golf teaches us patience. It requires concentration.
It rewards us. It demands that we remain humble. It fosters
friendships. Golf wills us to dream big. Golfers are adaptable.
Our playing conditions are constantly changing: Wind, rain,
and soft or hard turf are just some of the variables we encounter.
Golfers look forward to that new technology which promises to
add 20 yards to our drives as we pursue a nearly perfect round.
We look to televised golf for inspiration. The talents of the
LPGA, PGA and Champions tour players are phenomenal.
The PNC Championship in Orlando last December illustrates
a quality unique to golf. This tournament showcased different
generations of a family playing together as a team. Team Daly,
John Daly and son, John II, were victorious over Team Woods,
Tiger and young son, Charlie. The pride and connection of all
the PNC participants was evident throughout the four days of
play. It is not uncommon to see two or three generations teeing
off together. Unforgettable memories are made. I heartily agree
with Daly's comment at the conclusion of the tournament.
" Give me a round with my son any day of the week and
that's winning. "
I can attest that my Sunday afternoon rounds with my daughter,
Moira, are among my most cherished golf memories.
This spring issue of Minnesota Golfer is a valuable resource
for the reader. Between the covers is the annual calendar of
tournaments, offering charity events, club events, junior programs,
men's, senior and women's tournaments. A preview
of the high school golf season written by Nick Hunter is also
36
PRESIDENT'S
DESK
" Every year I expand my
list of what makes golf
such a great game. "
included. The talent of our Minnesota youth is on display at
each meet. Section meets are always full of exciting emotion.
(edtior's note: Ridges at Sand Creek, located in Jordan, Minn., is
site of the annual class AA state high school golf championship,
which Mike Malone has hosted for 13 years).
Each spring season presents our golf course superintendents
with challenges. Winter precipitation, extreme cold and ice on
putting greens are variables that effect golf courses. In addition,
the many domestic and foreign events of the past year are added
infl uences. What's more, supply chain issues and price increases
for inputs such as fuel, fertilizer, labor and parts for turf equipment
complicate an already-challenging job. Embrace your
superintendent and his or her crew as you enjoy spring golf.
Wishing you a safe and healthy 2022 golf season.
MINNESOTAGOLFER Spring 2022
mngolf.org
http://www.mngolf.org
Minnesota Golfer - Spring 2022

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